The Reporters Notebook: Bourne
By: James Middleton | West Chester University
Bourne, MA — The Kettleers traveled to Doran Park to take on the Braves for the second time in a week. The Ketts sent Tucker Novotny (Minnesota) to the hill to face the Braves for his second time this year.
In his first start, the lefty pitched three innings striking out three and only allowing three hits. The second time around, he threw four and two-thirds, striking out six while allowing no hits on the night.
“I just kind of had to find my groove and get a feeling and once I did tonight went really well. And the defense played really well,” said Novotny on tonight’s starts against Bourne.
It was the Golden Gopher show at the plate as Brett Bateman (Minnesota) singled four times in tonight’s contest. Bateman broke the game open in the seventh when he singled for the fourth time bringing in two Kettleers. The left-hander has hit safely in every game so far this season.
“At the end of the day they have to throw it over a 17 inch plate, and yeah the approach has always been the same. Just try and put the ball in play and hope it squeaks through somewhere,” said Bateman
Bateman has been one of the most consistent hitters for the Ketts this early in the season. In his junior season with Minnesota, he slashed for a line of .354/.407/.450. He has continued the school ball success as he is hitting for a .435 batting average in eight games this summer.
With tomorrow night’s game against Hyannis Cotuit will start the quest for the Patriot’s Cup. The Patriot’s Cup is the battle of Barnstable, as Barnstable is the only town in the Cape that boasts two teams. The Kettleers have won two straight and are looking to make it three by the end of the 2023 season