Chatham, Mass. — Tonight the Anglers take on the Orleans Firebirds at Eldredge Park at 7 p.m. In the first of a home-and-home series with the Firebirds, Chatham will look to build off of last night’s energizing win over the Harwich Mariners.

On the first clear night in July, fans from all over packed into Veterans Field to take in Saturday’s game, kicking off the spectacle of Fourth of July weekend on Cape Cod.

“That was an absolutely great crowd,” said manager John Schiffner of last night’s 2556 in attendance. “It’s going to be like that the next couple of nights. . . .it was a lot of fun to be around.”

Chatham (9-10) is riding high after knocking off the first place Mariners, 4-2, last night. The victory came at a crucial time for the Anglers, who had been reeling off of four straight losses entering Saturday night’s contest.

The Firebirds (11-8) enters tonight’s matchup on a four game winning streak, rebounding strongly after dropping their previous four a week earlier. Orleans currently holds sole possession of second place in the East Division and has benefited from six division wins this summer.

Hot Hitting

Clemson’s Chase Pinder currently leads the Anglers offense, sporting a team-high .342 batting average in 13 games. The sophomore outfielder singled three times in four at-bats on Saturday, driving in a run as he pushed his on-base streak to 12 consecutive games.

Stuart Fairchild was arguably the most impactful Angler in Saturday’s contest. The Wake Forest product performed well on both sides of the ball, going 3-for-4 with a triple, a run scored, and the game-winning RBI. Fairchild also made a diving, full extension catch in the eighth inning.

“They’re good baseball players,” said Schiffner. “This is a pretty good team and I think our depth is going to take us through the rest of the season.” 

Orleans has been largely been led by Keegan McGovern in its past four wins. During the Firebirds’ winning streak, the University of Georgia outfielder has cranked two homeruns while going 3-for-7 with three RBIs.

Throwing Heat

Chatham will be starting its 12th different starter this season as Parker Rigler (0-0) takes the mound tonight in Orleans. Rigler, a Kansas State southpaw, has made three appearances for the Anglers this season, giving up one earned run in four total innings of relief. In that stretch, he has struck out four batters while sporting a 2.25 ERA.

Rigler fills in nicely for Chatham after the Anglers were recently informed that an injury to Texas Tech pitcher Erikson Lanning would keep the lefty from playing for Chatham this summer.

Opposing the Anglers offense will be North Carolina’s Jason Morgan (1-1). Morgan has made three starts for Orleans this season, most recently on June 26 in a 4-2 loss to Bourne. Thus far Morgan has crafted a 4.61 ERA while giving up nine earned runs in 13 and two-thirds innings. The sophomore right-hander enters the contest with seven strikeouts and 12 hits allowed. 

On the Horizon

The Anglers will finish up their series with Orleans Monday night in Chatham with a 7 p.m. contest at Veterans Field. Chatham plays host to the Cotuit Kettleers on Tuesday following the end of Fourth of July weekend.

Broadcast Information

Anglers Extra Pregame begins today at 6:40 p.m. Tune in to hear Jake Eisenberg and Evan Stockton take you through the Catch of the Day and the Manager's Show before the first pitch. For the full broadcast of today’s game, go online to the Cape Cod Baseball Network or listen by telephone at 1-800-846-4700, code 3481. Visit Broadcast Central for more details.