Following an off day Tuesday, Chatham (15-12) meets the Firebirds (16-11) for the third time this season. Orleans won July 3, 5-4, with a ninth-inning comeback, and Chatham answered July 4 with a 5-1 victory at Eldredge Park. The Firebirds are currently in a three-way tie with Harwich and Yarmouth-Dennis for first place in the Eastern Divison, with Chatham just two points (one win) off the pace.
Its a lot of fun in the East right now, said manager
John Schiffner. Every game is really important. We like the position that were in and we want to stay there.
The As saw their four game winning streak end Monday against Wareham, as the Gatemen came back from deficits of 4-0 and 6-5, eventually topping the As 10-6. North Carolina southpaw
Tate Parrish (1-3, 4.15 ERA) suffered the loss in relief (2.1IP, 2ER, 2H, 4K) while Chatham batters left 10 men on base despite six hits.
Virginia Tech catcher
Chad Morgan and Maine infielder
Alex Calbick were Chathams two biggest bright spots Monday and combined for all six of the teams runs batted in. In the first inning Morgan roped a solo, opposite-field home run over the right field fence and then Calbick hit a three-run double, later adding a two-run single in the fifth. Morgan has an RBI in each of his last three starts and is hitting .400 in July (8-for-20).
Chad has taken Pat McGees hitting philosophy to another level, said Schiffner. Hes really transformed himself from a dead-pull hitter to a guy who is constantly going to the opposite field. Its a really great story about hard work.
Meanwhile, the Anglers have had to release the contracts of infielder
Chad Pinder (Virginia Tech), LHP
Brian McIlhenny (Pepperdine) and RHP
Nick Burdi (Louisville) due to injuries.
Were losing three quality individuals and three quality athletes, said Schiffner. Chad is one of the better players in the league and Brian and Nick have done a great job out of the bullpen. Its going to be tough to replace them but if theres ever been a group that could do it, its our team right now.
Boston Colleges
Eric Stevens (1-3, 8.44 ERA) makes his fourth start for Chatham Wednesday. The righy lost to Y-D July 8 (2.2IP, 7ER, 7H).
Orleans counters with Oregon States
Matt Boyd (1-0, 1.86 ERA) making his ninth appearance and first start. The 6-3 southpaw (with 13K and 0 BB overall) earned his first win July 13 vs. Falmouth, tossing one inning of scoreless relief.
For live coverage, tune into the Anglers Extra Pregame Show at 6:40 p.m. with broadcasters Chris Fitzgerald and Brandon Liebhaber at
TRZ Teamline or call 1-800-846-4700, code 3841.