Anglers Take on Harwich, Look to Clinch Playoff Spot

by Chris Jones, 07-22-2013

The Chatham Anglers are currently the hottest team in the Cape League. They have won the last four games, eight of their last ten, hold a league-best 23-9-1 record, and now sit on the precipice of clinching a playoff spot.

The Anglers will look to continue their hot streak as they return home to face the division rival Harwich Mariners (17-15-1).

During the Anglers four-game winning streak, and during that streak, the offense has stolen the show. Over the past four games, the offense has scored 39 total runs.

The Anglers have three guys hitting over .300, led by Dante Flores (USC), who is batting for a .363 average. Connor Joe (San Diego) and J.D Davis (Cal State Fullerton) are hitting .316 and .315 respectively.

Over the past week, Chatham has five batters hitting better than .360. Brandon Sedell (Nova Southeastern) has come on of late, collecting five hits and seven RBI in the past two games. Jimmy Pickens (Michigan State) and Mitchell Gunsolus (Gonzaga) have been mashing the ball as of late as well, hitting .385 and .368 respectively.

"We just have good hitters," Manager John Schiffner. "A lot of guys are hot right now, and there does not seem to be a weak spot in our lineup."

Chatham's last loss came to Harwich, who shutout the Anglers 3-0 on July 16.

Against the Mariners, the Anglers will look for another masterful start from right-hander Tommy Lawrence (Maine). In his last start, Lawrence threw six shutout innings against Brewster, only allowing four hits and striking out five.

Lawrence has only allowed two runs all season, and both came from a two-run game-tying home run by Y-D's D.J Stewart (Florida State) on June 25. Since then, Lawrence has yet to allow a run, has struck out 14, and has only walked one in 14.1 innings pitched.

He leads the Anglers starting rotation with a 1.03 earned run average, and opposing batters only hold a .121 average against him.

Trying to contain the hot-hitting Anglers offense will be Harwich left-hander Dillon Peters (Texas). On the season, Peters holds a 1-1 record with a 1.92 ERA in three appearances (two starts), and has struck out 13 while only walking two batters in 14 innings pitched.

Peters was dominant in his last start, shutting down the Cotuit Kettleers over seven innings, only allowing two hits and striking out five.

The Mariners' offense continues to be led by outfielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) who leads the team in batting with a .365 average, 16 RBI, 18 BB, and 12 stolen bases.

Harwich was dealt a blow offensively, as speedster Aaron Barbosa (Northeastern) signed with the Seattle Mariners. Barbosa had a .344 average with nine RBI and 19 stolen bases.

The Anglers are one more win, or one more Brewster loss, from clinching a spot in the in the 2013 Cape League playoffs. For starter Matt Gage (Siena) it has been unbelievable season, and securing a playoff spot would just add to that.

"This is a great team, and it has been a great summer," Gage said. "To be able to clinch a playoff spot, and to do it so early, just proves how good we are."

First pitch at 7 p.m. Tune into the Anglers Extra Pregame Show at 6:40 p.m. for live coverage with broadcasters Brandon Liebhaber and Keith Zubrow at TRZ Teamline or call 1-800-846-4700, code 3841.



Chris Jones is the Beat Writer and Social Media Manager for the Chatham Anglers. Follow him on twitter at @Chrisjones_UO, and follow the Chatham Anglers at @ChathamAnglers.

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