Christmas? In July? Presents for Hyannis and coal for Harwich as Harbor Hawks defeat Mariners 5-3

By: Jason Boué

A 21-12-2 record. A four-game winning streak. Unbeaten since July 12. Second place in the West Division. Three points behind the Cotuit Kettleers.

Not a bad spot to be in heading into the All-Star Break.

On a night where McKeon Park felt more like the North Pole, the Hyannis Harbor Hawks continued to be hot, taking down the Harwich Mariners 5-3. There was nothing flashy about the win over the Mariners (15-19-1), especially after a 15-run performance the night before, but there didn’t need to be.

Hyannis fell behind 2-0 early, but the offense employed some clinical hitting to stay within striking distance and eventually take the lead for good.

“The offense answered again,” head coach Eric Beattie said. “They seem to do that in a lot of games.”

After letting up two runs in the second, starter Zachary Voelker likely asked Santa for some run support, and his Christmas wish was granted. Following instructions from ol’ Kris Kringle, Trey Lipsey got the scoring started by knocking in Jon Jon Gazdar in the second.

Cam Smith followed suit in the third, scoring on an error to tie the game. Smith remained a part of the action in the fourth, scoring Eric Snow on a single to put Hyannis in front. Zach Yorke extended the lead with a fielder’s choice that sent Lipsey across the plate.

This 4-2 lead after four innings allowed Voelker —who, according to Beattie, struggled with his off-speed pitches— to exit comfortably, placing the so-called “megapen” in a good spot. Snow gave the bullpen one run of insurance in the fifth with an RBI single to knock in Will Taylor, and Hyannis’ relievers never looked back.

Cade Obermueller took the fifth and the sixth, allowing one unearned run. Newcomer Tony Robie out of Texas State made it through the seventh unblemished, setting the stage for Dennis Colleran to go 1-2-3 in the eighth.

Flamethrower JB Middleton was called on to make the save, and he delivered, fanning two in the top of the ninth. This quartet did well to continue Hyannis’ pitching dominance, something that will come in handy over the coming weeks.

None of Hyannis’ 10 hits went for extra bases Friday night, a testament to how the team can find different ways to win. It’s that sort of versatility that will help the Harbor Hawks find success in the playoffs.

Over their nine-game unbeaten streak, the Harbor Hawks are averaging 7.56 runs and 11 hits per game, while allowing only 3.56 runs per game. It’s no wonder they’re the hottest team on the Cape right now.

“It’s hard to win, especially up here, so we’re not going to take it for granted,” Beattie said. “We’re going keep trying to do what we’re doing.”

Most of the Harbor Hawks will have the next couple of days off, but seven of them will be representing Hyannis at the All-Star Game, which takes place July 22 in Harwich.

Jamie Arnold, Brody Donay, Elijah Hainline, Ethan Lanthier, Lipsey, Nick Mitchell and Smith will suit up for the West Division, ready to show the rest of the league what the Harbor Hawks are all about. Donay and Smith will also be participating in the Home Run Hitting Contest to show off their power.

The entire Hawks roster will be back in action Monday, July 24 in Falmouth, looking to continue their hot streak in the final stretch before the postseason.

Jason Boué can usually be found with a backwards hat and a toothpick. You can reach him at jason.boue@icloud.com or follow him on Twitter @JasonBoue

Tonight’s Box Score:

Winning Pitcher: Cade Obermueller (2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO)

Losing Pitcher: Reid Easterly (4.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO)