Daily Fog: A Race Again

Remember last year, when no team really ever pulled away? As recently as last week, it looked like we were headed for a different script this year, at least in the West. The Bourne Braves had surged into the top spot, and they were starting to pull away.

Funny how quickly things can change.

The Braves have lost five straight. They were off last night, and so was Wareham, who had moved into a first-place tie on Wednesday with a doubleheader sweep.

Cotuit did play, and the Kettleers posted an 8-5 victory over Orleans.

All of a sudden, we've got a three-way tie for first in the West. Bourne, Cotuit and Wareham all have 28 points.

The Kettleers are maybe the most surprising part of this equation. They had lost six straight before Sunday, when Chad Bell (Walters State) threw a no-hitter against Chatham. That win started a 4-0-2 stretch for the Kettleers.

Last night, they won in seven innings, with the game getting called due to darkness. Tony Plagman (Georgia Tech) hit a solo home run that broke a 5-5 tie in the sixth inning. Cotuit added an insurance run when Rico Noel (Coastal Carolina) brought home Chris Bisson (Kentucky) with a bunt single.

Ben Rowen (Virginia Tech), who pitched three scoreless innings of relief, was lights-out once he got the lead, facing the minimum in the seventh. Rowen, who's tied for the league lead in appearances, picked up his second win. He has a 2.63 ERA.

The Cotuit offense got good showings from Cory Vaughn (San Diego State) and Jeff Rowland (Georgia Tech), who each had two hits. Both of those guys have had their struggles this summer, but they're now hovering around .250. If they can continue to hit well, they'll provide a big lift for the Kettleers.

For Orleans, Kevin Muno went 4-for-4 with two steals and two runs scored. The Firebirds have lost to Cotuit twice in the last three days.

Elsewhere

In the only other game on the schedule, Hyannis beat Brewster 5-0 for its second shutout in as many days. Tyler Wilson (Virginia) struck out nine and allowed just two hits in seven innings. Kevin Moran (Boston College) and Dallas Gallant (Sam Houston) each tossed a scoreless inning to preserve the shutout. At the plate, the Mets got another big night from Jackie Bradley Jr (South Carolina), who went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and an RBI. Bradley is now six for his last 12, with three extra-base hits and four RBI. He was hitting under .200 before this stretch. The Mets also got two hits from Dustin Harrington (East Carolina) and Johnny Reuttiger (Arizona State). Eddie Rohan (Winthrop) drove in two runs. Hyannis is now just three points out of first place in the West.

What to Watch For Tonight

Bourne will try to get back on track at home against Chatham. The Braves will send Bryan Morgado (Tennessee) to the hill against Patrick Johnson (North Carolina).