The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks summer baseball season came to an end Tuesday evening after losing in the first round of the New England Collegiate Baseball League playoffs to the Mystic Schooners.

The Sharks were coming off a stellar season, leading the southern conference of their division with 29 wins and 11 losses, and finishing the season with the best record in the league.

On Tuesday it was win or go home at the Shark Tank. The Schooners won the first game of the three-game playoff series 3-2, and the Sharks then split the series by winning the second game 8-1.

Despite early exit in the playoffs, the regular season was a success. — Tim Johnson

The Schooners jumped out to a quick lead and by the bottom of the third inning the Sharks were already down by four runs.

Cheers from the hometown crowd helped the Sharks find some momentum.

“We started off three spots down in the first,” said pitcher Ryan Renfro. “That’s never good starting three to zero, but we battled back to eventually tie the game.”

The comeback started in the bottom of the third inning when the Sharks scored three runs. Shortstop Wesley Scott hit a line drive double that hugged the left field line. First baseman Nick Rubino clapped a single into right field bringing Scott home. Designated hitter Will Hampton nailed another single for the Sharks, and then with two outs and the bases loaded, left fielder Griffin Crain cracked one into the middle of the center field, sending third baseman Jackson Taylor to second and both Mr. Hampton and Mr. Rubino all the way home.

By the end of the fifth inning, after shortstop Jackson Roper hit a sacrifice fly to bring center fielder Kevin Hall home, the score was tied at five apiece.

“From about the fourth or fifth inning, it was super competitive,” said Mr. Renfro. “It was just cool to see the guys want to be here and want to win. So, it kind of sucks that we didn’t come through.”

Fan participation is a regular activity. — Tim Johnson

The teams then traded runs in the sixth.

“We had to bring our All Star closer in during the fifth inning, just to stop their momentum to give us a chance, and he did,” said Shark’s head coach Payton “Skip” Fuller.

The Schooners scored another run in the seventh inning to win the game 7-6.

Despite the early exit, Mr. Fuller, who is in his second year as coach, said it was a great summer experience.

“I think we had seven guys go to the All-Star game, which was special,” he said. “Ultimately, we’re chasing down the championship, but seeing all of the guys on the roster come in, gel together, and ultimately improve their baseball skills, so when they go back to school they’re in a better place, that’s what this is all about.”