Sharks' Late Rally Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Mystic
June 5, 2026 - OAK BLUFFS, Mass. - The Martha's Vineyard Sharks out-hit the Mystic Schooners and brought the tying run all the way to third base in the ninth, but a quiet night with runners aboard proved costly in a 3-2 loss at the Shark Tank on Friday.
Despite collecting eight hits to Mystic's six, the Sharks stranded 11 runners and couldn't solve a Schooners staff that racked up 12 strikeouts.
Mystic struck first in the second inning, when Jamie Zee led off with a home run and Troy Reader followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0. The Sharks answered in the bottom half, as Jackson Taylor lined an RBI single to score Kevin Hall and trim the deficit to 2-1.
From there it settled into a pitchers' duel, and the Sharks' bullpen was the story. Behind starter Callen Powers, who took the loss after allowing two earned runs over three innings, the relief corps was outstanding. Ryan Gold was electric, striking out five over two perfect frames, while Ryan Renfroe added two innings with three punchouts and Timmy Virtudes tossed two scoreless. In all, Sharks pitching combined for 12 strikeouts.
The decisive run came in the eighth, and it was unearned: Bryce Detwiler came around to score on a Casey Wensley groundout, pushing Mystic's lead to 3-1.
The Sharks made it interesting in the ninth. Taylor scored on a Jaylen Hernandez RBI groundout to pull within 3-2, and the rally stayed alive with the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at second. But the comeback ended there, leaving Martha's Vineyard just short.
Taylor paced the offense with a 2-for-4 night that included an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Ty Fredo also collected two hits, among them a double, while Hall, Madux Lovinelli, Griffin Crain and James McGee each chipped in a base hit.
In the end, the Sharks couldn't make Mystic pay for four errors, a recurring theme on a night when scoring chances kept slipping away.
About the Martha's Vineyard Sharks
The Martha's Vineyard Sharks are a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), providing top collegiate talent with a platform to develop and entertain fans across the region. The MV Sharks Baseball Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting baseball on Martha's Vineyard. We are currently seeking support to improve our baseball field at The Shark Tank, enhancing facilities for players, fans, and the community. The total estimated cost for these upgrades is $520,000, and as of today, we have secured commitments totaling $200,000. If interested, your donation will help bridge this gap, directly contributing to better playing conditions, safety features, and accessibility, ensuring the Martha's Vineyard Sharks continue to thrive as a beacon of youth development and local pride. Donate here today via our secure online form at mvsharks.com/donate (powered by MxMerchant for seamless, tax-receipted giving), or email/call Russ Curran at russ.curran@mvsharks.com / 508-813-0380. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and qualifies for tax benefits.