A search for the word “cycle” on this blog yields one result — someone a few years back was a home run away from the cycle.
It seems kind of weird that I’ve never used that word again, but it’s also a pretty good indicator that it’s been a while since someone hit for the cycle in the Cape League. Since I started doing this in 2007, I don’t remember anybody.
That changed last night, when Chatham’s Richie Shaffer (Clemson) did it in a 10-4 Anglers’ victory over Cotuit.
Shaffer just arrive on the Cape. He went 0-for-2 as a pinch hitter in Wednesday’s loss to Brewster. But last night, he hit a single in his first at-bat and was off and running. He tripled the next inning and after reaching on an error in the fifth, he hit a ground-rule double in the seventh. Then in his last at-bat, with one out in the ninth, he hit a two-run homer.
Shaffer finished the game 4-for-5 with three runs scored and three RBI. That’s as good an offensive day as anyone has had this season. Factor in the cycle, and you’re looking at one of the best games anyone is likely to have for the rest of the season.
For Shaffer, the performance is quite a foundation as he tries to build on a strong sophomore season. A 25th-round pick out of high school in 2009, Shaffer hit .313 this year with 13 homers and 55 RBI.
Shaffer’s performance Friday helped Chatham turn in its best offensive performance of the season. The Anglers banged out 13 hits on their way to 10 runs. Dane Phillips (Oklahoma State) hit a home run and drove in three, while Jake Berry (Marist) had three hits and Stephen Perez (Miami) had two. Chatham’s Tim Cooney (Wake Forest) struck out two in seven innings for the win.
For Cotuit, Kyle Wren (Georgia Tech) went 2-for-4 and now has a hit in six of the team’s seven games. Victor Roache (Georgia Southern) went 1-for-4 with his fourth double, which is tied for the league best.
Elsewhere
What to Watch
Game: Falmouth will try again for its first victory when it hosts East leader Y-D at 7 p.m.
Player: Andrew Heaney (Oklahoma State) should give the Commodores a chance. He struck out 10 in seven innings in his first start.