HYANNIS, Mass. – The Falmouth Commodores received some timely hits on Thursday night, helping the club edge out the Hyannis Harbor Hawks 3–2 at McKeon Park.
The Commodores’ got the job done at the plate, scoring three runs on six hits. Catcher Josiah Cromwick helped lead the way, as he went 2-for-4 and drove in a run. Center fielder Andrew Pinckney also had a solid game, going 1-for-5 with two runs scored.
Falmouth’s pitching also impressed, holding the opposition to just two runs on six hits. Drew Sommers gave the ’Dores a solid start, striking out four batters in four scoreless innings of work. Luke Malone made his season debut with the club, allowing just one run during two frames on the mound. Josh Stewart then allowed a run in 1.1 innings, giving up just one hit. Levi Wells closed out the contest, striking out three batters without allowing an earned run in the final 1.2 frames of the game.
Manager Jeff Trundy said he was impressed by how the team competed on both sides of the ball, leading to the team recording its first win in four games.
“I thought we did a lot of good stuff,” Trundy said. “Drew [Sommers] threw the ball exceptionally well once again. … We also did a couple little things at the plate. [Josiah Cromwick] getting the bunt down was huge. And, then [Cromwick] coming up with that two-out hit. So, he had a really good night and it was just a good overall effort.”
This one was a pitcher’s duel early on, as neither club scored until the bottom of the fifth inning. Sommers allowed just three hits and one walk while blanking Hyannis through four frames. Harbor Hawks’ hurler Zachary Voelker also impressed, striking out three batters and allowing just two hits through the fifth.
Hyannis opened the scoring by right fielder Rocco Peppi driving a solo homer over the left field wall. The blast prompted Falmouth to trail 1–0, as the game entered the sixth inning.
The Commodores responded with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth, taking a 2–1 lead over the Harbor Hawks. Right fielder Drew Brutcher blooped an RBI single into shallow left field, plating Pinckney. Designated hitter Corey Collins then drove home Jacob Walsh with a sacrifice fly to left field, as Hyannis left fielder Christian Moore made a diving catch to prevent the ball from dropping for a hit.
Trundy said he has been impressed by the club’s approach at the plate as of late, as the ’Dores have been working to return to the win column.
“I thought our guys battled and I think they’ve kept battling,” Trundy said. “Some nights you’re going to have success and other nights you’re not. But as long as they keep competing … I think good things will happen.”
Falmouth tacked on a run in the top of the seventh inning, extending its lead to 3–1. Cromwick lined an RBI single to right field, scoring Pinckney. The catcher said he has been working to improve at the plate and he was happy to come through with a key hit for the club.
“[I’ve] just been seeing the ball a little bit better,” Cromwick said. “[I] made a few adjustments this past week and so far, it’s been playing out well.”
Hyannis got a run back in the bottom of the eighth, making it a 3–2 ballgame. Designated hitter Michael Sirota hit an RBI single to shallow right field, allowing Rikuu Nishida to cross the plate.
This would ultimately hold as the final score, as Wells would secure the victory for the ’Dores by throwing a scoreless ninth inning.
The win improves Falmouth’s record to 11–16–2 on the season. The Commodores will return to action at 6 p.m. July 15, as the club will host the Bourne Braves at Arnie Allen Diamond at Guv Fuller Field.
Note: Featured image by Joe Cavanaugh.
Click here for Thursday night’s box score.
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Tommy Mumau can be reached at tmumau@ithaca.edu. Follow him on Twitter @tommymumau13.
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