By Ben Strober
Six members of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox were selected to participate in the 2023 Cape League All-Star game yesterday. The positions and skill sets vary, so here’s some information on the talented six.
Hunter Hines, Mississippi State University:
If anyone on Y-D was a definitive lock to be an All-Star, it was Hunter Hines. The numbers speak for themselves. Hines slugged out a league-leading nine homers in his first 27 games of the season. Cotuit’s Cole Mathis sits behind him in second with just six homers. In addition, Hines’ 32 RBIs lead the Cape by a relatively wide margin of eight.
Day in and day out, Hines has done nothing but hit the ball hard and drive in runs for Y-D. You can’t disregard the clutch gene of Hines as well. Hines hit an eighth-inning go-ahead moonshot for Y-D’s first win of the season and has come up with clutch knocks many times since.
Hines is a potential candidate to win the league’s MVP this season, so that’s something to keep an eye on in this final stretch.
Enzo Apodaca, Gonzaga/Portal:
Enzo Apodaca quietly became one of the true leaders of the Red Sox this summer. Apodaca is what many would call a leader by example. Every day, Apodaca shows up to improve, as he observes field manager Scott Pickler’s wisdom.
Apodaca’s bat may not be as talked about as some of the other names on this Y-D team, but his numbers indicate he’s been exceptional at the dish. Throughout his 25 games, Apodaca’s average hovers around the .300 mark while getting on base at an over .400 clip. Apodaca’s got great speed and instincts, which created one of the league’s top outfielders. Anything hit in the outfield is fair game for the former Gonzaga outfielder. Apodaca’s incredible run-saving catches won his squad some games.
RJ Austin, Vanderbilt:
RJ Austin is no stranger to recognition for playing great baseball. Just two months ago, Austin led his Vanderbilt team to an SEC Tournament championship and won the MVP award. Now, the incoming sophomore can add Cape League All-Star to his decorated resume.
Austin’s .304 average currently leads Yarmouth-Dennis. Austin swings it well, but he’s also got great discipline. Austin walked 13 times compared to just ten strikeouts and held an on-base percentage of .459. Austin has battled a minor injury as of late, but his return will be crucial on Y-D’s road into the postseason.
Brady Day, Kansas St/Atlanta Braves:
Recognition keeps on coming for the Y-D middle infielder. A week after his Atlanta Braves selection, Brady Day joins his teammates in the Cape League All-Star game.
All of this comes well deserved for the Kansas State product. Day has been a vital part of the Y-D infield and made some big plays. In addition, his bat sparked the Red Sox’s success, including a game-changing blast against Harwich the same day he was drafted.
Leighton Finley, Georgia:
Yarmouth-Dennis pitching staff holds a league-best 3.50 team ERA, and Leighton Finley’s contributions out of the bullpen are a big reason. In his seven appearances, Finley is yet to allow an earned run. The only two runs he’s surrendered came when he inherited jams in the late innings.
His ability to escape high-pressure situations is why Pickler chooses him in those moments. Finley’s control of the zone is superb, and that creates a monster on the mound. It’s always the goal to have more strikeouts than walks, and for Finley, he’s exceeding that standard. He’s fanned 19 batters while only allowing free passes to four.
Finley is a hero for Y-D in the late innings. His three saves mark the most on the Red Sox and tie him for second on the Cape.
Landon Beidelschies, Ohio State:
You’ve got to be extremely talented to find yourself on the Cape after your freshman season. Landon Beidelschies proved he belonged by dominating the competition. Beidelschies mostly comes out of the bullpen for Y-D. What he’s done in his five outings is exceptional.
The Ohio State left-hander throws hard with control. Along the way, he’s picked up two wins out of the pen while boasting a 2.16 ERA. Beidelschies also became a notable strikeout pitcher, striking out on average 4.8 batters per outing, compared to just seven walks.
Recently, Beidelschies’ flaming fastball received recognition from the league. Beidelschies tossed a 95.67 MPH heater, the fifth fastest pitch thrown the week of July 7th through the 13th. Beidelschies is a guy who’s valuable to bullpen preservation. If Pickler needs someone to go out in the 5th or 6th and finish the game, he’ll do it.
Beidelschies’ signature moment came against Bourne on July 7th when he struck out the side in the 10th inning, preventing the inherited ghost runner from scoring. Shortly after, the Red Sox walked off the Braves to cap off a come-from-behind win.
Honorable Mentions:
With only six guys making it from all teams, not everyone became All-Stars. The recent MLB Draft also played a part in the selection.
Arguments for Smith Pinson, Max Viera, Khal Stephen and Finnegan Wall are all acceptable. The All-Star game occurs at Whitehouse Field in Harwich on Saturday, July 22nd.
Congrats to all of those selected, and as Ben points out, several other are very worthy of All Star status.
Good luck to all on Saturday at Whitehouse Field.
Gary