By Kathleen Szmit
kszmit@barnstablepatriot.com

On a date that had many folks warily looking out for black cats and broken mirrors, the Kettleers squared off against the Harwich Mariners. For seven innings, the Kettleers ruled the roost with a comfortable lead over the Mariners.

Then Harwich turned the tables with a serious rally that included one run in the seventh, two in the eighth and a game-winning two-out double in the bottom of the ninth to win 5 to 4.

Cotuit suffered another blow on Saturday when the Hyannis Mets claimed Game Four in the race for the Patriot Cup, defeating the Kettleers 6-1. A highlight for the Kettleers in spite of the loss was Robert Stock’s third homer of the year.

On Sunday night the Kettleers were stunned yet again, falling to the Wareham Gatemen 3-0 on the road. 

Cotuit bats remained flat against Wareham pitcher Jeremy Bleich, who emerged the victor in a classic pitcher’s duel with Cotuit’s Bryan Wilson. 

The Kettleers’ losing streak continued Monday night when they were beaten by the Bourne Braves with a little help from Mother Nature. 

Rallying back, the Kettleers brought in five runs in the top of the ninth, tying the score at 9 even. 

Unfortunately for Cotuit, encroaching darkness played a significant role in favor of the Braves. Because Bourne could not come to bat in the ninth due to darkness and the subsequently called game, Cotuit’s late-game rally was in vain as officials called the end of the game at eight innings, leaving Bourne with a 9-4 win.

The dramatic game held several highlights, including Josh Harrison’s inside-the-park homer, as well as a screaming home run from Reese Havens off the Doran Park scoreboard.

After a day off on Tuesday the Kettleers were rained out on Wednesday with their game against the Brewster Whitecaps postponed until July 25 in Cotuit.

At press time the Kettleers were scheduled to play Orleans on the road, with a home game against the Wareham Gatemen today at 5 p.m.

The Kettleers stand in third place in the Western Division with 24 points and a record of 11-15-2.