Red Sox tie CCBL single-game errors record in loss to Bourne

By Brian Melanson

The last time a Cape Cod Baseball League team committed six errors in a single game was the Cotuit Kettleers back in 2017. Before tonight’s game, the unceremonious feat had only been achieved five times dating back to 2012. The Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox increased that number to six.

“I’ve never seen it on a scoreboard before,” Red Sox field manager Scott Pickler said of the team’s six total errors. “I gotta make some changes and find some people that can play some defense.”

Coming off their first loss in their last seven games, the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox traveled to play the 2022 Cape Cod Baseball League champions, the Bourne Braves. The contest was a makeup of the original game that was supposed to be played on Saturday, June 17, but was canceled for rain.

 Unfortunately for the Red Sox, consistent errors throughout the game cost them in the end as they fell to Bourne 7-3 at Doran Park on Wednesday night.

“They’ve played in bigger environments. No. There are no excuses,” Pickler said. “I don’t care if they’re brand new, they didn’t catch the ball. Some guys are putting in no effort in on defense.”

Despite coming into the game in last place in the West, the Braves’ offense exceeded early as the errors unfurled. A Hunter Hines error allowed Gage Harrelson to reach first and a Kodey Shojinaga single moved him into scoring position. A Derek Bender single scored Harrelson for the first run of the game for Bourne.

A would-be inning double play was negated when Dub Gleed dropped the toss from pitcher Matt Fernandez, and Shoinaga scored to make it 2-0. With the bases loaded, a 1-2-3 double play prevented further damage.

After a measly two-hit performance Tuesday night, the Red Sox amassed an impressive six hits through the first two frames. Following three consecutive singles that loaded the bases, a Nathan Archer sacrifice fly and a Jacob Jenkins-Cowart RBI single tied the game, 2-2. 

Bourne responded quickly. With two runners on, Jackson Castillo singled home Garrett Michel and moved Bender to third who scored on a Cam Foster sacrifice fly to take back the lead, 4-2. With two outs, Castillo stole second and advanced to third on the overthrow from catcher Ryan Stafford, his first of two errant throws. Despite being left stranded, it was Y-D’s fourth error in just the first three innings.

Back-to-back singles started the bottom of the fourth and ended Fernandez’s outing. Jason Doktorczyk came into relief. 

The errors continued for Y-D after Stafford bounced a throw to second on a steal attempt that skipped into the outfield and allowed Bryce Eblin to score from third, bringing Bourne’s lead to three at 5-2. Doktorczyk settled down afterward, striking out back-to-back Braves to end the inning.

Bourne continued to roll in the fifth. With runners on the corners, Doktorczyk attempted a pickoff at first that bounced off of Hines’ glove and into foul territory. Bender scored from third and the Braves’ lead grew to 6-2. 

After scoring two runs in the second inning, the Red Sox showed few signs of life in terms of runs until the eighth. With Joe Vogatsky the new pitcher in for Bourne, Y-D started things off with a Hines double who moved to third on a groundout. A Zander Darby RBI single brought the game to within three runs at 6-3, but that was all the Red Sox scored for the remainder of the contest.

With Zander and Cook on the corners with two outs, the Red Sox threatened to tie the game. Pickler called Will King to pinch hit, one of Y-D’s most consistent hitters. However, he flew out to end the half-inning as one run was all the Red Sox got.

Unfortunately for Y-D, Bourne responded with an RBI single of their own that brought their lead back to four, 7-3. With their backs against the wall, the Red Sox went down quietly in order to end the game.

Despite out-hitting Bourne with another 10-hit game, the Red Sox could not recover from their miscues, but Pickler only looks to the future. “Playing tomorrow, that’s the only thing I’m worried about.”

With the loss, the Red Sox drop to 5-4-1 on the season. They will be back home at Red Wilson Field on Thursday, June 21 to take on the Wareham Gatemen.