Feeding Frenzy in the Fifth: Sharks Devour SteepleCats 9-2 for Fourth Straight Win
A six-run fifth inning and seven shutout innings from the bullpen powered Martha's Vineyard past North Adams as the Sharks' winning streak hit four games.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 2 |
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0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | X | 9 | 7 | 1 |
The Shark Tank — Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA
Under cloudy skies and comfortable mid-60s temperatures on a calm island evening, the Martha's Vineyard Sharks rolled to their fourth consecutive victory of the 2026 season, dispatching the North Adams SteepleCats 9-2 in front of the home crowd at The Shark Tank.
The game turned in the bottom of the fifth, when the Sharks sent the order around and plated six runs to break open what had been a 2-2 ballgame. Jackson Roper reached on an error to bring home two unearned runs, Ryan Thompson followed with a two-run single, Austin Pierzynski ripped an RBI double, and Jailen Watkins capped the rally with a run-scoring single. By the time the dust settled, Martha's Vineyard led 8-2 and never looked back.
Bryan Sornas provided the exclamation point in the eighth, launching a solo home run for the Sharks' final tally.
Leadoff man Kevin Hall set the tone all night, going 2-for-5 with an RBI and two stolen bases out of the top spot. Pierzynski and Thompson each added a hit and combined for three RBIs, while Carter Bentley reached base three times and swiped two bags of his own as the Sharks ran wild, stealing seven bases on the night.
On the mound, the Sharks' staff was nearly untouchable. Starter Callen Powers struck out five over three scoreless innings, and after James Beasley surrendered two runs (one earned) in the middle frames, Ethan Santerre slammed the door with three shutout innings and three strikeouts. Ryan Renfroe worked a clean ninth to finish it off. All told, Sharks pitchers struck out 11, walked just two, and allowed only one earned run while throwing strikes at a 65 percent clip.
North Adams managed seven hits but went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and committed two costly errors at first base that fueled the Sharks' big fifth.
With the win, red-hot Martha's Vineyard pushes its streak to four straight as the early-season momentum continues to build on the island.
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.