The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks’ first season in the NECBL came to a close last night, with the Keene Swamp Bats defeating the boys in purple 4-2 to take home the league championship. The game finished out a 30-win season for the Sharks, who ended the regular season with the best record in the league and a playoff series victory against the Newport Gulls.
On Thursday, however, a two-hour and 19-minute rain and lightning delay greeted the Sharks upon their arrival in Keene, N.H. When the skies cleared, the Sharks jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a bases-loaded walk from Wheaton College catcher Nick Raposo. Third-baseman from Catawba College, Jackson Raper, then did the same thing, increasing the lead to 2-0.
The lead didn’t last long as the Swamp Bats came alive with a four-run third inning. They didn’t look back, holding on to a 4-2 victory and the NECBL title.
The Sharks forced 13 walks in the game but could only muster two hits, unable to capitalize on the bevy of baserunners. Announcer Keith Chatinover, who called his last game on Thursday, said it was a frustrating way to close out an otherwise excellent summer.
After starting the season 3-8, the Sharks went on an 11-game win streak. General manager Russ Curran said it was a testament to the coaching staff and returning players that the team was able to come together despite early-season adversity.
“It’s key to bring guys back from the year before, especially when you’re on an Island,” Mr. Curran said. “They know the dynamics. They know the attitude. We’re a winning team. And then we came together and went on a run. We gelled.”
Mr. Curran was proud of his team’s effort, even though they fell two wins short of a championship.
“We’re the second-best team in the second-best league in the country,” Mr. Curran said. “In our first year in the league. . . that’s not an easy task.”
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