Commodores inch closer to playoffs with a win against the Gatemen

by Zane Moses The Falmouth Commodores won their second straight game 10-3 in the midst of the playoff race against the Wareham Gatemen on Friday.  Despite a considerable losing streak, the Commodores recent up swing has landed them right into the middle of the playoff discussion. The Commodores had a hot start in this game, managing to accrue four runs in the first inning.  First baseman JJ Matijevic (Arizona) continued his hitting streak, now at 19 games, with a lead off single.  A fielders choice, and three singles in a row from the designated hitter Evan Skoug (TCU), right fielder Heath Quinn (Samford) and left fielder Boomer White (Texas A&M) respectively brought home two runs.  One out later a single from third baseman Shane Benes (Mizzou) scored two more giving the Commodores the early 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the third the Commodores continued to score runs.  The first two batters of the inning were hit by pitches and Boomer White hit a single to left to load the bases.  The shortstop Tristan Gray (Rice) hit a double over the center fielder’s head to score two  runs.  The score was  8-0 by the end of the inning when two wild pitches brought home two more runs. The Gatemen got a few runs back in the top of the fourth inning.  With one out, a walk and a single started the Gatemen rally.  A double to left center field drove in two runs and a subsequent double drove in the third run.  After four innings the score was 8-3. The Commodores scored another run in the seventh inning.  A lead off single by catcher Logan Ice (Oregon State) was followed by a single from Evan Skoug, extending the score to 9-3. In the bottom of the eighth inning the Commodores managed another run with interesting circumstances.  With Shane Benes on second base, Evan Skoug knocked a double to  left field, scoring Benes but a child ran on to the field and snagged the ball as it rolled down the foul line.  The umpires conferred and decided to allow the Benes run to count and the score was 10-3. Joseph Camacho (Alabama State) delivered a solid performance as the starting pitcher of the game.  Camacho pitched six and two thirds innings, giving up three runs on eight hits.  Camacho was much more relaxed on the mound with the large lead early in the game. “It is a huge help to pitch with a lead,” Camacho said, “You don’t have to focus on the score you can just focus on getting out there and throwing strikes.” Relief pitchers Cobi Johnson (Florida State) and Stephan Villines (Kansas) each pitched scoreless frames, The Commodores are back in action on the road on Saturday against the Hyannis Harbor Hawks.  For more information about the Falmouth Commodores visit their website at http://www.falmouthcommodores.com.