HYANNIS/FALMOUTH – It’s rare to have a Cape League game that’s played at noon. It’s rarer to have two games be played at two separate locations. But the rarest thing to happen is one win and one tie in a two park doubleheader to clinch the West Division.
Well, the Commodores did exactly that as they won game one and tied game two in a two park doubleheader against the Hyannis Harbor Hawks.
Game One:
In game one, the Commodores power came out as the ‘Dores took an early 8-0 advantage against the Harbor Hawks. Falmouth ended up winning, 9-5.
Shortstop Kevin Kendall was one of two Commodores to hit home runs against Hyannis. The infielder from UCLA finished two-for-three.
“I started off slower but now I’m picking up the pace,” Kendall said. “I’m just swinging at strikes, taking balls and getting on base for these guys.”
Center fielder Blake Dunn was the other ‘Dore to hit a home run in game one. The outfielder from Western Michigan hit a grand slam in the top of the second inning extending Falmouth’s lead to five.
Left fielder Austin Langworthy secured two RBIs and scored twice in game one.
Commodores reliever Christian Edwards received the victory tossing the final two scoreless innings and only allowing one hit.
‘Dores starter Sam Weatherly threw three shutout inning setting the tone for the team.
Click here for Game One’s Box Score.
Game Two:
The Commodores had the win in the bag. On a high fly ball by Steven Moretto with a men on second and third, Troy Claunch tagged up and headed to home plate.
Third base umpire John DiGirolamo said Claunch left early and was ruled out. DiGirolamo was wrong.
For a second night, the Commodores were affected by another bad umpiring decision as the ‘Dores tied the Hyannis Harbor Hawks, 5-5.
“In my eyes, I watched the ball into his glove and then I took off,” Claunch said. “I don’t think I left early and I think he just missed it. It’s just how it goes sometimes. You aren’t always going to get the calls in your favor.”
While the Commodores didn’t win the game, they did end up clinching the West Division title for the third time in the past four seasons.
“It’s huge for our guys,” assistant coach Ryan Ihle said celebrating both the West Division championship and his 25th birthday. “It’s been a crazy summer with all the rainouts and how many games we had to remake, but it’s a really hard-earned win of the division.”
Second baseman Tim Tawa and left fielder Austin Masel led the charge for Falmouth tallying two RBIs each.
Commodores catcher Troy Claunch also had a hot game going two-for-three with an RBI.
“I’m just trying to see pitches,” Claunch said. “I feel that these last couple of weeks, I’ve been very antsy and I’m just staying back, seeing pitches and trying to hit it up the middle.”
Hyannis (7-32-3) and Falmouth (25-13-2) both finished with the same stat line: five runs, seven hits and one error.
Click here for tonight’s box score.
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Click here for the 2019 Falmouth Commodores Schedule.
Maxwell Trink can be reached at mht42@miami.edu. Follow him on twitter @MaxwellTrink.
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