06/25/2023 2:40 PM Article By: Brian Butler
As the Cape League season reaches its quarter-way mark, the standings are beginning to take place. As many players are arriving following their college seasons, be sure to keep an eye on all of the rosters. With Week Two in the books, here are some standout performers from the last seven days.
Bourne Braves: Derek Bender, C/1B, Coastal Carolina
Derek Bender made his debut for the Braves this week and wasted no time getting acclimated to the Cape. Bender played in 5 games for Bourne, picking up 11 hits in 19 at-bats. The Chanticleer’s week was highlighted by hitting for the cycle on Friday night, the first of the Cape League season and the first since fellow Brave Matt Shaw in 2022. Bender’s opening week was one for the ages, and the Doran Park faithful should eagerly anticipate the follow-up.
Brewster Whitecaps: Jaime Ferrer, RF, Florida State
Jaime Ferrer was the highlight of the week for the Whitecaps. The Seminole outfielder slashed an impressive .313/.542/.500 for the ‘Caps this week, adding four bases on balls. Ferrer proved his ability to get on by any means necessary, as he also wore four pitches this week. The Brewster right fielder also boasts one of the most impressive arms on the Cape, which he does not hesitate to show off. Jaime Ferrer should certainly be a name to watch for the rest of the summer.
Chatham Anglers: Mark Shallenberger, OF, Evansville
Mark Shallenberger continued the strong start to his summer this past week. In four games this week, Shallenberger hit .444 while getting on base at a .500 clip. So far in the summer, the Ace outfielder is hitting .412, and three of his seven hits have gone for extra bases, including a home run. The Evansville product has also walked six times in 23 plate appearances and picked up four RBI.
Cotuit Kettleers: Camron Hill, LHP, Georgia Tech
Camron Hill was lights-out this week for the red-hot Kettleers. Hill made two appearances this week, totaling five innings pitched. In those five innings, he struck out 10 opposing hitters while allowing just two to reach base. The Yellow Jacket southpaw has yet to allow a run across his 8.2 innings this summer, allowing just five baserunners while punching out 15. Camron Hill looks poised to be a major part of the Cotuit staff in the coming weeks.
Falmouth Commodores: Rio Britton, RHP, North Carolina State
Rio Britton put together a very strong week for the Commodores. Britton made two appearances for Falmouth, tossing three innings in each of them. Across the two outings, he allowed just two earned runs and struck out six batters in the process. Britton, who is also listed as a switch-hitting center fielder, will be looking to make a big mark at Guv Fuller Field this summer.
Harwich Mariners: Bryan Arendt, C, North Carolina Wilmington
Second-year man Bryan Arendt was a star this week as the Mariners continued their torrid start. The Harwich backstop recorded a hit in each of his appearances this week, highlighted by a huge home run to help in Harwich’s 2-1 win over Orleans Friday night. Bryan Arendt has wasted no time getting reacclimated to the Cape, and will look to continue his strong start.
Hyannis Harbor Hawks: Mike Sirota, OF, Northeastern
Mike Sirota made his heavily-anticipated return to Hyannis this week, and quickly picked up where he left off. The Hawks outfielder has already doubled twice amongst his four hits, and has driven in two runs. Sirota is slashing .333/.529/.500 through his first week, having walked four times already. Mike Sirota is one of the most exciting returners this summer, and the Hyannis fans are certainly excited to see him once again.
Orleans Firebirds: Jo Oyama, 2B/SS, California Irvine
Jo Oyama was a dynamic factor for the Firebirds this week. The Orleans infielder hit .400/.478/.650 this week, picking up eight hits, three of which went for extra bases. The Anteater product’s week was highlighted by a 3-5 performance against Brewster where he hit one of his two triples on the week, scored three times and drove in three runs. Jo Oyama will look to carry on his strong performance to the coming weeks.
Wareham Gatemen: Lucas Mahlstedt, RHP, Wofford
Lucas Mahlstedt made two appearances for the Gatemen this week, and was nearly perfect. Mahlstedt pitched a total of five innings for Wareham, allowing just one hit while he faced the minimum. The Terrier hurler struck out five this week as well. Across three total appearances with the Gatemen, Mahlstedt has allowed just one baserunner, and has yet to walk a batter. Lucas Mahlstedt appears primed to be a big part of the Wareham bullpen this summer.
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox: Blake Aita, RHP, Kennesaw State
Blake Aita has been nails for Y-D so far this season, and that was no different this week. Aita made two appearances for the Red Sox this past week, tossing six total innings while allowing just three hits and striking out seven. The Kennesaw State product has now pitched 7.1 innings on Cape without an earned run, holding opposing hitters to a .160 average. Blake Aita will certainly be a name to watch for Y-D this summer.
