Hyannis Fades Late, Falls to Falmouth 6-5 in Extras
By: Ben Pope
With the playoffs on the horizon, a set first round matchup was on display Monday night at Guy Fuller Field. However, the Hyannis Harbor Hawks will look for stronger results in that future matchup, as they fell to the Falmouth Commodores 6-5 in extra innings.
Carrying a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth, Hyannis (24-16-2) was able to grab two quick outs to start the frame. The floodgates began to open right after, as three consecutive walks loaded the bases for Falmouth (23-17-2).
Commodores first baseman Tyler MacGregor ambushed the first pitch he saw, driving an opposite-field single to left and knotting the score up at five. Harbor Hawks reliever JB Middleton struck out the next batter, halting the score there.
With the ghost runner starting the inning at second, Hyannis seemed to be in business with Brandon Eike reaching on an infield single to lead off the tenth. Falmouth reliever Nolan Morr was up for the challenge, proceeding to strike out the next three Harbor Hawks in order to strand the runners there.
Evan Whiteaker took the ball for Hyannis in the bottom half and dealt with control issues throughout. The right-hander walked all three batters he faced, walking in the winning run and sealing the win for the Commodores.
With the tough loss, the Harbor Hawks have now lost three straight and matched their longest losing streak of the season.
Hyannis came out swinging early, scoring two in the first inning on a Brody Donay two-run home run. The homer marked Donay’s fourth of the season, and his first since his two-homer day on July 14.
“[Donay] stayed back on a slider and really crushed it up the middle,” head coach Eric Beattie said. “[It was] nice to grab an early lead there.”
The Harbor Hawks later scored two runs in the fifth and one in the seventh, with help from the five errors from Falmouth fielders.
Hyannis starter Hayden Frank had an abbreviated outing as he prepares for his first playoff start this weekend. The left-hander tossed three innings allowing one unearned run, lowering his season ERA to 2.67.
“[Frank] did what he does,” Beattie said. “Pretty typical outing for him tonight.”
After winning the first four meetings this season, the Harbor Hawks have now dropped their last two games against the Commodores to end the season series. While home field advantage is to be determined over the next two days, Hyannis and Falmouth are set to be heading towards a first round matchup. The Harbor Hawks currently hold a two-point lead over the Commodores for second in the West division.
Hyannis will look to snap its losing streak Tuesday, with a home matchup against the Wareham Gatemen. First pitch at McKeon Park is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Ben Pope can be reached at bpope9202@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter @bope016.
