They Caught *a* Shark, Not *the* Shark: Gulls Take Makeup Game 4–1 at the Tank

Oak Bluffs, MA - On a postcard island evening in Oak Bluffs — cloudless skies, temperatures easing from the low 70s at first pitch into the upper 60s by the late innings, and a steady 10-to-12 mph breeze working in off the water from the south — the fourth meeting finally belonged to the Gulls. Playing a makeup of the postponed July 7 contest, Newport (18-11-1) rode Caeden Cloud's big night to a 4–1 win over the Martha's Vineyard Sharks in front of 2,169 at the Tank, the visitors' first victory against the Islanders in four tries this season. The loss was the Sharks' second straight on the heels of their six-game winning streak and moved Martha's Vineyard to 22–7.

Newport wasted no time getting to work. Cloud lined an RBI single to right in the first inning to cash in Colby Wallace, and an inning later Ernie Echevarria pulled a double into left field to score Peter Mershon and stretch the lead to 2–0. Sharks starter Michael Devenney (L, 2-1) battled through three innings, scattering six hits and holding the damage there, but the early runs proved to be all the cushion Newport would need.

Martha's Vineyard answered in the fourth. Nick Rubino lined a single into left field to bring home Kevin Hall and trim the deficit to 2–1 — the only blemish against Newport starter Will Taylor (W, 2-1), who struck out four across his four innings of work.

Cloud pushed the game back to arm's length in the fifth, launching a two-run homer to left-center off Jack Volo that scored Ryan Novak and restored the three-run margin at 4–1. It capped a monster night for Newport's second baseman: 3-for-5 with a single, a triple, and the home run — a double shy of the cycle — while driving in three of the Gulls' four runs.

From there, the Sharks' bullpen gave the offense every chance to claw back. Matthew Heyl was electric across the sixth, seventh, and eighth, striking out six while allowing just two hits, and Angel Cruz fanned two in a spotless ninth. Between them, the final four innings produced two hits, no runs, and eight strikeouts, stranding Newport's lineup — which left 10 men on base for the night — again and again.

The comeback never materialized. Reliever Zane Stahl blanked Martha's Vineyard over the final five innings, scattering five hits, and the Sharks never drew a walk all evening. Rubino and Rylen Stockton collected two hits apiece and Hall's double stood as the Islanders' lone extra-base knock, but Newport's staff struck out seven and worked out of every threat.

The Sharks are right back at the Tank on Tuesday night to host the Valley Blue Sox, then sail for Cardines Field on Wednesday for an immediate rematch with the Gulls.

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.