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July 23, 2023 10:22 am | by Amanda Foster
Whitehouse Field in Harwich, Massachusetts was filled with fans, festivities and excitement as the Harwich Mariners’ home field played host to the 2023 Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game. The day was filled with activities for fans and players alike, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a multitude of Wareham Gatemen.
Grant Hussey (West Virginia), Bobby Boser (USF), Nick McLain (Arizona State), Garen Caulfield (Arizona), Jake Faherty (Arkansas) and Will Koger (Louisville) represented the Gatemen in the game itself, while Rene Lastres (Charlotte transfer) wore the Wareham “W” on his chest for the home run hitting contest.
McLain and Caulfield earned the additional honor of starting in the All-Star Game; Caulfield took the reins at second base and McLain patrolled his usual area out in right field. McLain recorded two putouts at once as he snagged a fly ball and gunned down a runner aiming for home plate, demonstrating one of the main skills that led him to be an All-Star. Caulfield held down the fort at second base, making a sliding grab that, despite not resulting in an out, was an All-Star worthy play nonetheless.
The two starters also found success at the plate, each batting 1-for-2. Caulfield’s single was of the unique nature, as he technically earned a single and was thrown out at second base as he tried to squeeze out a double and show off his speed. But if there ever was a time to take a risk, it was the All-Star Game.
McLain’s single drove in one of the West team’s seven runs, four of which were scored before the lineup changed to bring in the reserves. Hussey and Boser played in innings six through nine and continued to show off the talent on the Gatemen roster.
Hussey was one of two batters to record two hits on the night, hitting two singles in his two plate appearances. The only other All-Star to have two hits to his name was Bourne’s Derek Bender (Coastal Carolina), who was named the MVP for the Western Division team. Hussey also recorded three putouts at first base.
Boser replaced McLain in right field, and while he didn’t have an opportunity to record an out and was unable to reach base, he barreled a baseball and he was happy enough with that.
Two Gatemen pitchers also showed out Saturday evening, as Koger and Faherty both pitched scoreless innings. Koger, who pitched in the second inning, faced the minimum to force three putouts from the East Division batters he faced. Faherty got on the bump in the eighth inning, also forcing putouts from the two batters he faced.
Rene Lastres was unable to advance past the first round of the home run hitting contest, but still sent two balls sailing out of the park.
The seven Gatemen players weren’t the only ones to represent on Saturday, however. Manager Ryan Smyth, as well as assistant coaches Gene Bowles and Cody Doyle were present at Whitehouse Field, as Doyle pitched in the home run hitting contest and Smyth and Bowles were a part of the rotation of base coaches for the West.
The Gatemen players and coaching staff joined the rest of the West Division team in recording a dominant 7-1 win which marked the first time the West beat the East since the 2018 All-Star Game.
Nick McLain (Arizona State) and Ryan Smyth meet at first base during the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
Will Koger (Louisville) pitches during the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
Rene Lastres (Charlotte transfer) during the Cape Cod Baseball League home run hitting contest July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
Bobby Boser (USF) in the dugout during the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
Nick McLain (Arizona State) runs to first base during the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
Garen Caulfield (Arizona) runs to second base during the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
Nick McLain (Arizona State) smiles during introductions at the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game July 22, 2023. Photo by Will Bradley.
