A Cinderella Run in the Cape Cod League
The Harwich Mariners capped a thrilling summer by securing the 2026 Cape Cod Baseball League championship, defeating the Bourne Braves 4-2 in the decisive third game of the finals. The win marks the team's seventh title in franchise history, underscoring a legacy of success that dates back to the early 20th century.
Manager Steve Englert guided the club to its fourth championship, cementing his place among the league's most successful skippers. The Mariners finished the regular season third in the East Division with a 21-19 record, but peaked at the perfect moment, rallying from an early series deficit to claim the crown.
The Road to the Title
The championship journey began with a sweep of the Brewster Whitecaps, where the Mariners opened with a 4-0 victory and followed with a dramatic 10-inning walk-off win, 6-5, to close out the series. They then turned the tables on the regular-season champions, the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, dropping the first game 12-9 before rallying to a 7-6 triumph in the next match.
A gentleman's sweep unfolded as the Mariners won two straight games after an opening loss to the Braves, culminating in a 4-2 victory in game three that sealed the series. Throughout the playoffs, the team displayed resilience, clutch hitting and a bullpen that held firm under pressure.
The standout performer was JP Peltier, a standout from Wright State University who earned the 2026 Star of Stars MVP award. Peltier batted .346 with a .393 on-base percentage and a .615 slugging percentage, driving in six runs, hitting two home runs and adding a double. His offensive burst helped tip the balance in several close games.
The championship ceremony was presented by Reader’s Hardwood Supply, a nod to the community partners that help sustain the league's rich tradition. The victory not only adds another chapter to the Mariners' storied history but also reinforces the competitive spirit that defines the Cape Cod Baseball League each summer.