Chatham, Mass. — The Anglers face the Harwich Mariners (3-5-1) for the first time this season at Veterans Field tonight.

Last night, Chatham fell to Orleans (4-5) at Eldredge Park, Orleans. The Anglers posted a lead of three by the fourth inning, but the Firebirds responded with four runs in the fifth and sixth innings — including a two-run home run from Cesar Salazar (Arizona) — to reclaim the advantage. The contest marked Chatham’s third consecutive loss this week.

Starter Taylor Luciani (Quinnipiac) kept Orleans off the basepaths with no earned runs and one strikeout over 4.0 innings. Nick Silva (Maine), Eli Nabholz (Millersville) and Andre Pallante (California - Irvine) combined for 4.0 innings of relief. Silva took the loss for Chatham, allowing three earned runs over 2.0 innings.

“Tonight was just one of those nights where we didn’t come through every time,” said catcher Shea Langeliers (Baylor). “They came through enough just to come out on top.”

Despite posting five hits in the contest, the Anglers struck out 17 times in total.

“We’ve got to put the ball in play better than that,” said field manager John Schiffner. “We have to cut down strikeouts.”

Right-handed pitcher Jack Perkins (Stetson) will take the mound for the Anglers tonight. Perkins had a successful sophomore season with the Hatters, finishing with an 2.71 ERA and 108 strikeouts over 99.2 innings. He last appeared in Chatham's rained out contest against Cotuit June 16, throwing three consecutive strikeouts over half an inning before the game was suspended due to inclement weather. 

Harwich fell to Bourne (4-2) 3-2 Thursday, after besting Cotuit (4-4) 6-3 Wednesday. The Mariners suffered two losses 10-7 and 4-2 to the Falmouth Commodores (4-5) Monday and Tuesday.

The Anglers host Brewster (4-2-1) at Veterans Field Saturday, before visiting Hyannis (3-4-1) for a doubleheader Sunday.

First pitch against the Mariners is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Anglers’ Extra Pregame Show begins at 6:40 p.m. Listen here: http://bit.ly/ChathamBroadcasts