By: Brian Melanson
Looking for a win in the 2023 season opener, the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox traveled to Harwich to take on the Harwich Mariners at Whitehouse Field to kick off the Cape Cod Baseball League’s 100th season. However, an outfield collision, a dropped fly ball, and an errant throw to third were the difference in the game as the Red Sox fell, 4-3.
Down 4-1 in the top of the ninth, the Red Sox attempted to mount a comeback after a leadoff double by Max Viera. A well-placed Nick Mitchell bunt allowed Viera to reach third and Mitchell to reach first and then second on a stolen base.
Up to pinch-hit, Will King lined a single into shallow left field that scored Viera and Mitchell to cut the deficit to 4-3. Unfortunately for Y-D, a double play ended the game.
“I liked the way they rallied back,” field manager Scott Pickler said. “But at least they got comfortable and started swinging the bat at the end there. It was a typical first game for some of these guys, they’re nervous. We’re gonna be okay.”
After a scoreless first inning, Harwich opened the scoring in the bottom of the second. After Matt Scannel doubled and Jackson Hornung walked, Kenny Levari ripped a triple down the right-field line, scoring the pair.
In the next at-bat, left fielder Jimmy Evans and shortstop Max Viera collided on a Ryan Wilson fly ball after neither called for the ball that scored Levari and advanced Wilson to second. The outfield troubles continued for Y-D, as center fielder Enzo Apodaca dropped an ensuing fly ball.
“I called it, but it was a little late,” Evans said. “I wanted to get it, but I called it a little late. He was trying to make an out too and that’s what happens.”
With the bases loaded, Khal Stephen worked out of the jam after third baseman Mitch Voit took in a line-drive for the third out, but the damage was done as Harwich held a 3-0 lead.
With Y-D’s bats virtually nonexistent through four, Harwich once again threatened. After a leadoff double by Levari, Stephen, not wanting to let the lead bloom, struck out the next three batters.
Despite all three of Harwich’s runs not being charged to Stephen, he was pulled in the bottom of the fifth in favor of Jason Doktorczyk. Besides the three runs, it was a solid outing for Stephen, posting four innings with three runs, zero earned, and seven strikeouts.
It was a pitcher’s duel for the majority of the game as both sides were retired in order several times.
The Red Sox finally got on the scoreboard after an Archer single drove in Voit from second and advanced Pappas from first to second, but Y-D once again, left two stranded.
Harwich looked to add some insurance in the bottom of the eighth inning after back-to-back one-out walks and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases. That ended Doktorczyk’s day after an otherwise strong four-inning, no-hit performance, but he was responsible for all three runners on base. Blake Aita entered in relief.
An errant and bewildering throw down to third base was nowhere near the glove of Voit, and another runner scored for Harwich, extending its lead to 4-1. Despite their ninth inning heroics, Y-D was unable to overcome their three erros.
The Red Sox will be at Red Wilson Field for their home opener on Sunday, June 11 to take on the Cotuit Kettleers.
I agree with Pick as I always do, we will be OK ,the guys came back, made a game of it and got more
comfortable at the plate later in the game. We’re all looking forward to todays’ Home Opener at home
and 8 of the next 11 games at Red Wilson, we will thrive on ‘ Home Cooking” the next 2 weeks!!!
Come on over and enjoy the Team as the Season gets started.
Gary
Constructive feedback RE: “A Nick Mitchell bunt was mishandled by the pitcher which allowed Viera to reach third and Mitchell to reach first….”
This incorrectly implies that Viera advanced and Mitchell reached on an error. In fact, the bunt was perfectly executed for a hit, and it was accurately and officially scored as such.
Thanks.