It was playoff time for the Cotuit Kettleers and the week was filled with excitement, deep disappointment, and the triumphant return of an old friend.

Prior to the series kickoff between Cotuit and Wareham on Tuesday, many noticed a familiar face among the crowd. Peter Gammons was back after suffering a brain aneurysm on June 27 at his Cape home. 

The beloved ESPN baseball analyst and Hall of Fame writer returned to Lowell Park Tuesday for the first time since undergoing surgery and rehabilitation.

Gammons chatted happily with Kettleers coach Mike Roberts before the game. Roberts’ son, Brian, is the Baltimore Orioles’ second baseman and a favorite of Gammons. Prior to the game’s start, Gammons was introduced, receiving a resounding ovation from the sizeable crowd.

While watching several innings of the Cotuit-Wareham match, Gammons recalled former Cape League players and memorable moments with friends, obviously glad to be back in the game.

Also prior to the game, Cotuit Kettleers first baseman Justin Smoak received the League’s MVP award. Coach Roberts was named the Manager of the Year, while Cotuit was presented with the Commissioner’s Cup for franchise management. 

The game officially got under way shortly after 3 p.m. when Cotuit pitcher and MVP James Simmons took the mound, igniting a classic pitcher’s duel between two of the Cape League’s best.

In spite of a few minor mishaps, the game was teriffic, keeping fans riveted until the last. Unfortunately that out came against Cotuit who fell to the Gatemen 1-0, losing the home field advantage should they head to the finals.

Simmons was stellar throughout the game, keeping Wareham’s hits to a bare minimum, with the exception of the Gatemen’s winning run in the fourth. 

In spite of valiant efforts by the Kettleers offense, Wareham pitcher Jeremy Bleich proved a formidable opponent, maintaining an intense focus through more than seven innings. 

Highlights of the intense match included a brilliant throw by the outfield to third to halt two potential scoring runs, an impressive throw by Brett Lilley in the sixth, and a bit of drama when Matt Angle found himself in a pickle that resulted in a moment of tension when words were exchanged between Angle and Bleich after Angle was tagged.

On Wednesday night, facing elimination, the Kettleers traveled to Wareham for game two. From the get-go the game seemed doomed as the Kettleers couldn’t seem to nail down their pitching, running through three pitchers in as many innings, a trend that continued throughout the game.

Cotuit just couldn’t catch a break with batters consistently fanned by solid pitching from Wareham’s Riley Boening, or taken out by super fielding from the defense.

Offensively the Gatemen were in top form, as well, zooming around the bases to put four runs on the board before a lighting malfunction stopped the game for nearly an hour at the top of the fourth. 

A bad call by the first base ump after the game restarted cost Sean Gaston a spot on base, adding to the Kettleers’ struggles. Coach Mike Roberts’ grim expression was symbolic of his team’s frustrations. 

In the end, however, the team can look back on a tremendous season that netted them the top spot in the Western Division, and numerous accolades. And, hey, there 

is always next year.

By Kathleen Szmit Manwaring
kmanwaring@barnstablepatriot.com