Going Three

Parker Dunshee tossed six shutout innings as Chatham edged Orleans.

Three of the four opening-round playoff series ended in sweeps Tuesday. The one that’s going to three games is not the one you’d expect.

The fourth-seeded Chatham Anglers, who lost seven of their final eight regular-season games and dropped Monday’s opener, knocked off top-seeded Orleans 1-0 Tuesday night to push their East Division semifinal series to a decisive third game.

The Firebirds, with the best record in the league, had been shut out only once all season, in a 5-0 loss to Y-D on July 10. But Chatham’s Parker Dunshee (Wake Forest) and two of his teammates made it two shutouts, right when it counted the most.

Dunshee was as dominant as anybody has been all year against the powerful Firebirds. He allowed two hits, both singles, and struck out eight in six shutout innings. The right-hander was working on an eight-inning scoreless streak heading into the game, but six innings of two-hit baseball against these Firebirds represented a jump to a whole new level. He took a no-hitter into the fifth before Orleans notched a pair of singles, one that didn’t leave the infield.

Brandon Miller (Millersville) and Aaron McGarity (Virginia Tech) picked up where Dunshee left off, combining on three perfect innings to finish off the win.

Orleans starter Eric Lauer (Kent State) was almost as good as Dunshee, striking out nine and giving up four hits in five innings. But Chatham’s fourth-inning tally proved to be enough. Dunshee’s Wake Forest teammate Joey Rodriguez, a mid-season addition who hit just .105 in nine regular-season games, delivered the run-scoring hit. Aaron Barnett (Pepperdine), who had led off the inning with a base hit, scored the run.

The Firebirds never really threatened. The fifth-inning singles were their only hits, and Dunshee had no trouble escaping the mini-jam.

Orleans had won five straight, looking the part of the favorite. Thanks to Chatham and Parker Dunshee, the favorite quickly finds itself in a must-win game.

Y-D 7, Brewster 3

Y-D’s come-from-behind win in game one put Brewster in a tough spot, and not just because the Whitecaps faced elimination. They would also be facing Red Sox ace Ricky Thomas (Fresno State), who has quite literally been unbeatable this year. It proved to be just as tough as expected. Thomas was right on script, tossing six shutout innings with seven strikeouts as the Red Sox eliminated Brewster with a 7-3 victory. Thomas is now 8-0 on the summer. Ryan Noda (Cincinnati) homered to lead the Y-D attack, while Donnie Walton (Oklahoma State) and Chris Hudgins (Cal State Fullerton) chipped in two hits each. Y-D and Brewster both had 11 hits, but the Whitecaps were shut-out for seven innings and could muster only three runs in the eighth as they attempted a comeback. Jack Meggs (Washington) went 3-for-4 to lead Brewster. MVP Nick Senzel – Brewster’s leading hitter and run producer – missed the game with a wrist injury. The loss brings to an end a terrific season for Brewster and first-year manager Jamie Shevchik. The defending champion Red Sox move on.

Hyannis 9, Cotuit 5

Hyannis is now 8-0 against Cotuit this season, and the Kettleers won’t get another chance to change that, as the Harbor Hawks’ victory Tuesday sent them home. The West’s top seed started fast for a second straight night, scoring seven runs in the first three innings after getting six Monday. Ryne Birk (Texas A&M), who had one home run in the regular season, hit his second of the playoffs to make it a 3-0 game in the second inning. No. 9 hitter Tristan Hildebrandt (Cal State Fullerton) went 4-for-5 and knocked in three runs. Corey Bird (Marshall) went 2-for-5 and scored twice. Armed with the early lead, Vance Tatum (Mississippi State) allowed two runs in five innings for the win. Cotuit made some headway against the bullpen but would get no closer than the final four-run margin. Michael Paez (Coastal Carolina) was a bright spot for Cotuit in the loss, going 4-for-5 with two RBI. The loss sent Cotuit to its first opening-round exit since 2012. The Kettleers were league champs in 2013 and West finalists last year.

Bourne 4, Wareham 0

After a 7-1 victory in game one, Bourne pitching was even better in game two, as the Braves shut-out Wareham and punched its ticket to the West finals. Keegan Akin (Western Michigan) went 4.2 innings and struck out four ahead of a dominant relief outing from Kyle Driscoll (Rutgers), who struck out six in 3.1 innings. Austin Conway (Indiana State) pitched a perfect ninth. The co-winner of the league’s top reliever award still hasn’t allowed an earned run this summer. The Bourne offense backed the strong mound work with three runs in the top of the first inning, all on a home run by C.J. Chatham (Florida Atlantic). Wareham starter Brett Hanewich (Stanford) settled in from there, but the damage was done. Chatham added an RBI single in the eighth as the Braves cruised to the victory.

What to Watch

With only one first-round series headed to a third game, everybody gets a day off Wednesday except for the Anglers and Firebirds. Game three of their set is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Eldredge Park. Corbin Burnes (St. Mary’s) was listed as the game three probable for Orleans after the series opener. Ty Damron (Texas Tech) was listed as the Chatham starter.

July 18, 2015July 18, 2015

Second Place Shutouts

Chatham players celebrate during a game earlier this season.

Second place has been a distant second for much of the Cape League season, but with shutouts last night – and losses by first-place Orleans and Hyannis – second place teams Chatham and Bourne made up a bit of ground.

The Anglers cruised past Wareham 8-0 and are now four games back of Orleans, while the Braves tipped Y-D 4-0 to get within two games of Hyannis.

Chatham got five strong innings from Daniel Castano (Baylor), who struck out three and gave up just two hits. Carl Burdick (San Diego), James Mulry (Northeastern) and Andre Scrubb (High Point) finished off the shutout.

Every Chatham pitcher was on the hill with a big lead as the Anglers scored all eight of their runs in the first four innings. It was a good breakout for a team that had scored only five runs in its last five games.

Nine different Anglers had hits. Aaron Barnett (Pepperdine) and Garrett Hampson (Long Beach State) led the way with two RBI apiece. Will Craig (Wake Forest) and Jake Fraley (LSU) each scored two runs. Nate Mondou (Wake Forest) had two hits and an RBI.

Chatham has won two in a row and is now 18-13.

Over at Doran Park, the Braves didn’t have quite as much offense, but the pitching was just as good. Alex Robles (Austin Peay) who had taken a loss in three straight starts, went a long way in securing a victory with six shutout innings. He scattered five hits and struck out two. Cooper Hammond (Miami) and Gavin Pittore (Wesleyan) did the rest.

Pete Alonso (Florida) and Vince Fernandez (UC Riverside) drove in runs to lead the offense. National Freshman of the Year Brendan McKay (Louisville) made his Bourne debut after a Team USA stint and went 1-for-4 with an RBI.

The Braves have won two in a row and are 14-15-2.

Brewster 10, Orleans 6

The Whitecaps scored more runs than anybody has tallied against Orleans all year in a 10-6 victory at Eldredge Park. Corbin Burnes (St. Mary’s) was touched up for three earned runs and the Orleans bullpen didn’t have much better luck, as Brewster racked up 13 hits. Nick Senzel (Tennessee) went 2-for-5 and drove in three runs to bring his league-best RBI total to 22. Cassidy Brown (Loyla Marymount) hit his third home run. Jack Meggs (Washington) went 3-for-4 with two RBI. Robbie Tenerowicz (California) and Kel Johnson (Georgia Tech) added two hits each. For Orleans, Bobby Dalbec (Arizona) hit his league-best sixth home run and Ronnie Dawson (Ohio State) smacked his fourth, but the Whitecaps kept the Firebirds off the board over the final three innings. Starter Jordan Sheffield (Vanderbilt) allowed two earned runs in five innings for the win.

Harwich 6, Hyannis 1

West-leading Hyannis also went down, as Harwich raced to an early lead against Harbor Hawks ace Nick Deeg (Central Michigan) and cruised to a 6-1 win. Sheldon Neuse (Oklahoma) and Preston Palmeiro (NC State) hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the first inning, with Neuse’s going for three runs. Mike Hernandez (Nova Southeastern) hit a solo home run in the second. The Mariners had only four other hits on the day, but the early burst was enough. Cam Vieaux (Michigan State) struck out seven and gave up just one run in seven innings, his second straight very strong start. Joe Ravert (La Salle) pitched the final two innings.

Falmouth 5, Cotuit 2

The Commodores moved into third place in the West with a 5-2 victory over Cotuit and Wareham’s loss. Tate Blackman (Ole Miss) homered in drove in three runs while Heath Quinn (Samford) went 3-for-4 with two RBI. Boomer White (Texas A&M) added two hits. Alex Phillips (San Jacinto) allowed one run in six innings for the win and Stephen Villines (Kansas) tallied his sixth save. Falmouth improved to 13-18 while Cotuit dropped to 11-20.

What to Watch

Orleans’ Mitchell Jordan (Stetson) takes his 5-0 record and 0.00 ERA to Veterans Field for his first meeting of the year with Chatham. The Anglers are slated to give the ball to Ty Damron (Texas Tech), who went six innings without allowing an earned run in his last start.

July 16, 2015July 16, 2015

Four-for-Four

Nick Solak and Bourne improved to 4-0 against Hyannis this summer with a win Wednesday.

For most of the summer, the West Division standings have had Hyannis at the top and nobody else particularly close. The Harbor Hawks are 17-13 right now and no other team is even above .500.

But in that landscape, a funny thing has happened: Bourne has consistently gotten the better of the first-place Harbor Hawks.

With a 3-2 victory Wednesday night at Doran Park, the Braves moved to 4-0 against Hyannis this summer. That’s nearly a third of their 13 total wins on the season. Hyannis still owns a six-point lead on the second-place Braves but it would be a whole lot bigger if not for their head-to-head series.

Wednesday, the Harbor Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning and made it 2-0 in the sixth. Starter Vance Tatum (Mississippi State) was cruising with the lead and took a no-hitter into the fifth.

Even from that beginning, Bourne still found a way.

The Braves scored three runs in the sixth inning, with a double by Jacob Robson (Mississippi State) and a single by Camden Duzenack (Dallas Baptist) setting up RBI for Pete Alonso (Florida), Corey Julks (Houston) and Reid Humphreys (Mississippi State).

Bourne’s Indiana State bullpen tandem then took over. Ryan Keaffaber, who had served up a home run in the top of the sixth, worked a scoreless seventh and college teammate Austin Conway followed with two perfect innings en route to his seventh save.

The Harbor Hawks got two hits from Blake Tiberi (Louisville), who now qualifies for the batting average leaderboard – and vaulted to the top spot with his .380 average. They also got the first home run of the summer from recent arrival Matt Thaiss, who won a national championship with Virginia.

But against Bourne, nothing the Harbor Hawks do has mattered much.

The Braves have their number.

Orleans 12, Harwich 3

Orleans is on its third streak of at least four wins this summer thanks to a 12-3 drubbing of Harwich last night. The Firebirds scored five runs in each of the first two innings as they put the game away quickly. Nick Zammarelli (Elon), who’s quietly been one of the team’s steadiest performers, had a loud night, hitting a three-run homer in the first and knocking in two with a single in the second. He finished 2-for-4 with five RBI. Willie Abreu (Miami) and Alex Call (Ball State) drove in two runs each. Leadoff man Bryan Reynolds (Vanderbilt) scored three runs. Starting pitcher Kyle Serrano (Tennessee) allowed two runs in four innings. Carmen Benedetti (Michigan) got the win in relief.

Y-D 4, Falmouth 3

The Firebirds aren’t the only hot team in the East, as Y-D pushed its win streak to five in dramatic fashion with a 4-3 walk-off victory over Falmouth. With the game tied 3-3 in the ninth, the Red Sox strung together four straight singles, with the fourth one winning the game. Tommy Edman (Stanford) delivered it, plating Joshua Vidales (Houston) with the winning run. Earlier in the at-bat, Edman had failed to get down a squeeze bunt, which caused the runner from third to get tagged out in a rundown. Edman then came through and now has a hit in 10 straight games and ranks fourth in the league in hitting at .341. Vidales and Cole Billingsley (South Alabama) each had three hits. Chad Hockin (Cal State Fullerton) made his first appearance of the summer and got the win with three innings of relief. Y-D improved to 16-14, tied with Brewster for third place in the East.

Brewster 2, Cotuit 1

The Whitecaps stayed hot with a little late drama as well, edging Cotuit for their third straight win. Trailing 1-0 in the ninth, the Whitecaps tied it on a J.C. Escarra (Florida International) RBI single and won it later in the inning when Escarra raced in from third on a wild pitch. Brewster had been shut-out by Jon Woodcock (Virginia Tech) but had managed to stay within a run thanks to a strong pitching performance of its own. Alex Schick (California) gave up one run in 6.1 innings Four relievers teamed up for the final 2.2 innings and allowed just one hit.

Chatham 2, Wareham 1

The Anglers rallied from an early 1-0 deficit to slip past Wareham at Veterans Field. Daulton Jefferies (California) made his return from Team USA for the Gatemen and allowed one run in four innings, but Chatham pushed through against the Gatemen bullpen, plating the go-ahead run in the seventh on an RBI single by Todd Czinege (Villanova). Brandon Miller (Millersville) earned the win with three scoreless innings of relief. Cameron Stone (Stony Brook) and Aaron McGarity (Virginia Tech) finished off the victory. Aaron Barnett (Peppedine) added two hits and an RBI for the Anglers.

What to Watch

Nothing on the schedule today. When games get going again Friday, Orleans will host Brewster in a battle of streaking East teams.

July 4, 2015July 4, 2015

The Tar Heel Ace

The University of North Carolina churns out some of the best pitchers in college baseball, year after year. And many of them summer in Chatham, from Andrew Miller to Alex White to Matt Harvey.

It’s been a few years, but the Anglers may have found another one.

Tar Heel righty Zac Gallen made his third start of the summer Friday night and delivered his best performance yet. The rising junior struck out eight and allowed just two hits in six shutout innings. Both hits were in the first inning, and he cruised from there. He did all of this against East Division leader Orleans and its fearsome lineup. The Firebirds are second in the league in runs scored, and they lead in extra-base hits.

Gallen had no trouble. After giving up the two singles in the first, he struck out Tres Barrera (Texas) and got Willie Abreu (Miami) to ground out. Later, he walked two in the fourth inning but then struck out the side, part of a stretch in which he fanned five in a row. Even the third time through the order, the Firebirds went quietly, as Gallen worked a quiet sixth.

The Chatham offense made Gallen’s big performance count by touching up Orleans standout Kyle Serrano (Tennessee) for two runs in the first inning and tacking on two more in the sixth against the Firebirds bullpen. Trenton Brooks (Nevada), Cory Raley (Texas Tech), Aaron Barnett (Pepperdine) and Zack Short (Sacred Heart) each knocked in a run to lead the balanced attack.

Orleans scored two runs in the eighth, but Aaron McGarity (Virginia Tech) cooled off the rally, going the final 1.1 innings for the save.

Chatham moved one game over .500 at 11-10 and is in second place behind Orleans in the East. One of their standout starters, T.J. Zeuch (Pittsburgh) was just released from the roster after reaching his summer innings limit, but the Anglers have quickly found another ace. Gallen hasn’t allowed an earned run in three starts. The Anglers lost the last time he was on the mound, but he went five shutout innings against Hyannis, the other division leader. Gallen is now third in the league in strikeouts, with 23 in just 15 innings.

Gallen is coming off a spring season in which he had a 2.79 ERA with 74 strikeouts in the UNC weekend rotation.

Like the other Tar Heels that came before, he’s giving Chatham some of the best pitching in the league.

Hyannis 6, Y-D 2

In a rare feat this summer, the Harbor Hawks didn’t have a stolen base. They lead the league the league with 40 but found another way in beating Y-D. Blake Tiberi (Louisville) gave Hyannis the 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a two-run double. He added a two-run single in the seventh, giving him four RBI on the night. Jacob Noll (Florida Gulf Coast) added a hit and an RBI, as did David Martinelli (Dallas Baptist). Errol Robinson (Ole Miss) scored two runs and is now tied for the league lead in runs scored with 15. Mike King (Boston College), who began the summer on a temp contract but has since been signed, was solid in four innings of work, giving up one run. Kevin Roy (Columbia) was credited with the win in relief. Dakota Hudson (Mississippi State), who had pitched as a starter in his last two outings, came out of the pen and surrendered just one run in 3.1 innings. Hyannis moved to 13-8 and has a two-game lead on Wareham for the top spot in the West. The Harbor hawks have won three straight.

Brewster 8, Harwich 1

The Whitecaps won their second straight and pushed their record over .500 at 10-9. After getting shut-out by Hyannis two games ago, the Whitecaps have delivered 28 hits in their last two games. Colin Lyman (Louisville) led the charge Friday, going 3-for-4 and scoring two runs. Toby Handley (Stony Brook) added two hits and two RBI. Jack Meggs (Washington) went 3-for-4, as did Chandler Avant (Alabama). Brewster now leads the league in team batting average. Four pitchers made the big lead stand up, limiting Harwich to five hits. Nick Highberger (Creighton) was credited with the win.

Wareham 7, Bourne 4

The Gatemen won their third straight and remained two games back of Hyannis for first place in the West. Andrew Calica (UC Santa Barbara), the hero of Wednesday’s one-hit win, had a huge night, going 4-for-5 with four RBI. He’s now hitting .524 in seven games since joining the team. Nick Cieri (Maryland) added three hits and two RBI. Starter Evan Hill (Michigan) gave up one run in 4.2 innings. Ryan Olson (Cal Poly Pomona) grabbed his second save. Max McDowell (UConn) homered for Bourne and Jacob Robson (Mississippi State) stretched his hitting streak to seven games.

Cotuit 8, Falmouth 1

The Kettleers broke a 1-1 tie with five runs in the sixth inning and grabbed a win over Falmouth, pulling even with the Commodores in the West standings, in the process. Jonathan King (Georgia Tech) struck out six and gave up one run in five innings of work before four relievers closed the door. Michael Paez (Coastal Carolina), Matt Albanese (Bryant) and Brody Weiss (UCLA) led the offense with two RBI apiece. Kort Peterson (UCLA) had two hits and scored two runs. Both teams are now 7-13.

What to Watch

The Hyannis-Y-D match-up at Red Wilson Field looks like a good one. Devin Smeltzer (Florida Gulf Coast) makes his second start since his no-hitter against Y-D’s Ricky Thomas (Fresno State), who’s 3-0 with a 1.01 ERA.

June 23, 2015June 23, 2015

Streak No. 4

Parker Dunshee went six strong innings to help Chatham take game one of a doubleheader with Hyannis.

Chatham’s eight wins this season have all come in two-win bursts. They won two in a row to start the summer, lost their next game, won two in a row, lost three straight, then won two in a row and lost their next game.

Their latest burst was their most impressive. The Anglers visited West-leading Hyannis Monday at McKeon Park and swept a doubleheader with the Harbor Hawks, winning 3-2 and 3-1.

The victories give Chatham an 8-5 record, which matches Hyannis and is good for second-best in the league to Orleans’ 10-3 mark.

Chatham started the twin bill with a bang Monday night, scoring all three of its runs in the top of the first inning. Will Craig (Wake Forest), Aaron Barnett (Pepperdine) and Zack Short (Sacred Heart) knocked in the runs in consecutive at-bats.

The early lead proved just enough for a pair of Chatham pitchers. Starter Parker Dunshee (Wake Forest) allowed two runs in six-plus innings and struck out three. In the seventh – the final inning in scheduled doubleheader games – Hyannis scored a run off reliever Andre Scrubb (High Point), which was charged to Dunshee, and had the winning run on base before Scrubb retired the final two batters for his third save.

In the second game, it was Hyannis that jumped in front with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Chatham immediately took the lead with two in the second and tacked on insurance in the seventh. Short homered for the Anglers, while Trenton Brooks (Nevada) and Cory Raley (Texas Tech) knocked in one run each.

Ty Damron (Texas Tech) allowed one run in five innings of work for the win. C.J. Burdick (San Diego) and Aaron McGarity (Virginia Tech) pitched a scoreless inning each to finish it off.

The Anglers had two in a row again. They’ll try to stretch a streak to three for the first time all year when they host Brewster tonight.

Harwich 5, Cotuit 3; Harwich 6, Cotuit 1

Harwich also swept its doubleheader, making things interesting at the top of the East standings, where there hasn’t been much of a race to this point. The Mariners are now 7-5-1, just a point back of Chatham for second place. Starting pitching set the course for the Mariners Monday, with each of their starters going five innings and giving up no earned runs. Joe O’Donnell (NC State) did it in the first game before Cotuit took a late lead against the bullpen. Harwich rallied for three runs in the seventh to win it. Saige Jenco (Virginia Tech) had an RBI single to power the rally. Luke Scherzer (Virginia Tech) grabbed his league-best fourth save. Hunter Williams (North Carolina) allowed one unearned run in five innings for the win in game two. Michael Hernandez (Nova Southeastern) powered a 10-hit attack with a three-run homer. Adam Pate (North Carolina) had three hits, while Cavan Biggio (Notre Dame) had two hits and two RBI, bumping his average to .371. Cotuit’s Michael Paez (Coastal Carolina) in the sweep, going 2-for-3 to take over the league batting lead at .400. He’s also second in stolen bases with six.

Y-D 7, Falmouth 6; Y-D 5, Falmouth 1

The defending champs have struggled this season, but they know how to win a doubleheader. The Red Sox topped Falmouth for their second twin bill sweep of the summer, which accounts for four of their five wins on the season. Y-D scored four runs in the top of the seventh to take the opener, with Mike Donadio (St. John’s), Gio Brusa (Washington), Stephen Wrenn (Georgia) and Connor Wong (Houston) driving in the runs. Wrenn finished 2-for-4 with three RBI. Brusa, a standout with Brewster last year, went 1-for-4 in his 2015 debut. Christopher Viall (Stanford) pitched a scoreless bottom of the seventh to finish off the game-one win. The Red Sox stayed hot in game two, smacking nine hits on their way to the sweep. Tommy Edman (Stanford) drove in two runs. Ricky Thomas (Fresno State) turned in his second strong start of the summer, giving up one run in 5.2 innings with seven strikeouts.

Bourne 6, Orleans 3; Orleans 3, Bourne 0

The Braves snapped Orleans’ six-game winning streak in the opener but Orleans got right back on track with a shutout in the second game. Jacob Robson (Mississippi State) had two hits and two RBI to pace a 10-hit Bourne attack in the first game. Mike Garzillo (Lehigh), Corey Julks (Houston) and Ryan Boldt (Nebraska) also had two hits. Bryan Baker (North Florida) turned in his third straight scoreless relief outing, going 3.1 innings and striking out five for the win. Austin Conway (Indiana State) picked up the save. In the second game, Bourne was no match for Mitchell Jordan (Stetson), who dominated again. He went five scoreless innings, just as he did in his first two starts of the summer. He also struck out seven to take over the league lead in that category with 17. Joe Ryan (Cal State Northridge) pitched the final two innings for the save. An error and a two-run single by Austin Miller (Loyola Marymount) in the sixth gave Orleans all the offense it would need. Nick Jensen-Clagg (Kent State) was a bright spot for Bourne in the loss, striking out eight in four scoreless innings. He has 16 strikeouts in 8.1 innings this summer.

Brewster 5, Wareham 4; Wareham 5, Brewster 0

Brewster used a four-run fourth inning to pull away in game one, while two Gatemen pitchers combined on a shutout in game two. The Whitecaps took a 1-0 lead in the first game on a third-inning home run by Toby Handley (Stony Brook). They added four hits in the fourth innings, and three runs came home on passed balls or wild pitches, ahead of an RBI double by Eli White (Clemson). Wareham chipped away but was held scoreless over the final two innings. Thomas Hackimer (St. John’s) went the final 1.1 for the save. Highly-touted lefty Matt Krook (Oregon) started for Wareham, making his first appearance since the 2014 college season, and struck out two in two scoreless innings. In game two, Wareham righted the ship thanks to Evan Hill (Michigan) who allowed three hits in six shutout innings. He had plenty of support, with Logan Sowers (Indiana) and Andrew Knizner (NC State) driving in two runs each.

What to Watch

Orleans has had just one game against its closest competition in the East, but that changes this week. Harwich visits Eldredge Field tonight and Chatham comes to town Thursday.

June 11, 2015June 11, 2015

Second time’s a charm

Nick Deeg, Hyannis, Cape Cod Baseball League

Nick Deeg‘s first Cape Cod Baseball League outing with Hyannis was almost exactly one year ago. The Central Michigan rising junior faced Cotuit and gave up four runs in seven innings.

In a nice bit of symmetry that perfectly reflects the kind of summer Deeg is poised for this year, his first start of 2015 came Wednesday, against Cotuit. This time, the big lefty went eight shutout innings in a 5-0 win for the Harbor Hawks.

It could be a sign of things to come.

Deeg was solid in his first summer on the Cape, putting up a 3.89 ERA while pitching mostly as a starter. It was a season much like his first with Central Michigan, in which he 5-4 with a 4.08 ERA. This past spring, he took the leap with the Chippewas, going 8-5 with a 3.11 ERA, and appears primed for a leap with the Harbor Hawks, too.

Last year, he didn’t strike out more than five batters in any outing. Last night, he struck out eight. Deeg didn’t allow a hit in the first three innings and ended up giving up just two – both singles – in his seven innings of work. HIs performance was probably the best start of the young Cape League season.

Deeg was backed by home runs from Colby Bortles (Ole Miss) and Jake Rogers (Tulane). Corey Bird (Marshall) and Errol Robinson (Ole Miss) added RBI. The Harbor Hawks have put up 21 hits in their first two games, best in the league.

The win moves the Harbor Hawks to 2-0. And Deeg’s performance means they may have found an ace.

Brewster 6, Orleans 4

The Whitecaps won their season opener last year then lost their next game by a 10-0 score. The start’s been better this year, as Brewster is 2-0 and leads the league in runs scored so far. Robbie Tenerowicz (California) went 2-for-4 with a home run to lead the attack Wednesday while Ryan Peurifoy (Georgia Tech) had two RBI. Hunter Martin (Tennessee) started on the hill and went five solid innings before a good effort by the Whitecap bullpen. Pat Ruotolo (Connecticut), who had three saves for Brewster last summer, struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his first of this summer. Orleans got a home run from Kyle Lewis, a late addition to their roster who had an absolutely enormous spring for Mercer, hitting .367 with 17 homers and 19 doubles on his way to Southern Conference Player of the Year honors. He’s a rising junior.

Chatham 3, Bourne 2

Chatham is also 2-0 thanks to a narrow win over the Braves. The Anglers scored an unearned run in the top of the ninth to break a 2-2 tie then got a scoreless bottom half from C.J. Burdick (San Diego). Jim McDade (Millersville) had the win in relief. Zack Short (Sacred Heart) and Aaron Barnett (Pepperdine) had two hits and an RBI each, while ACC Player of the Year Will Craig (Wake Forest) had his first two Cape League hits after an 0-for-3 on opening night. Bourne, which fell to 0-2, got five shutout innings from Andrew Ravel (Kent State).

Wareham 10, Falmouth 1

Duke’s Bailey Clark faced just three over the minimum in a strong start and the Gatemen pounded their way to a 10-1 win over Falmouth. Tanner Kirk (Wichita State) went 3-for-5 with two runs scored at the top of the lineup. Mandy Alvarez (Eastern Kentucky) had two RBI. The Gatemen moved to 1-1 while Falmouth fell to 0-2.

Harwich 4, Y-D 2

The defending champs are 0-2 after a 4-2 loss to Harwich Wednesday. The Mariners picked up a pair of RBI from Johnny Adams (Boston College) and Drew Ellis (The Citadel) chipped in an RBI single. Geoff Bramblett (Alabama) gave up one run and struck out six in six innings of work. Luke Scherzer (Virginia Tech) picked up the save. Stephen Wrenn (Georgia) homered for the Red Sox.

What to Watch

It’s a (very) early battle for first place in the East as Chatham visits Brewster for a 5 p.m. game at Stony Brook Field. Gabe Friese, a solid starter with Kennesaw State this year, is slated to start for the Anglers. Brandon Gold, a standout for Georgia Tech, is the projected starter for the Whitecaps.

June 7, 2015June 7, 2015

Veteran hitters primed to lead Anglers’ resurgence

After a first-place finish in the East two years ago, the Anglers dropped to the bottom of the division last summer. With a talented offense primed to contribute from day one, Chatham would like to ride the rollercoaster right back to the top.

FIVE TO WATCH

1. Will Craig
2. Nate Mondou
3. Zack Burdi
4. Jake Fraley
5. Josh Greene

NOTABLE

Zack Burdi has followed in his brother’s footsteps at Louisville and Chatham – and in his radar gun readings. With Nick now in the Twins organization after being selected in second round of last year’s draft, Zack had the top fastball velocity in the Cape League last summer and assumed closer duties for the Cardinals this spring.

Chatham has had quite a few North Carolina aces in town over the years, and Zac Gallen joins the crew this season. Gallen struck out 74 in his sophomore season.

Thomas Jankins of Quinnipiac was the New England Collegiate Baseball League Pitcher of the Year last summer when he set a new league record in ERA at 0.40.

James Mulry had a tough season with Northeastern but he’s a Cape League veteran, having posted a 3.89 ERA for Harwich last year.

Chatham has the makings of a strong, sophomore-led offense with players on the heels of big seasons. No seasons were bigger than those of a pair of Wake Forest players who will head to Veterans Field. Will Craig earned ACC Player of the Year honors after hitting .382 with 13 homers and teammate Nate Mondou wasn’t far behind, with a .338 average and 10 homers.

LSU’s Jake Fraley hit .265 and stole 11 bases for the Anglers last summer. His potential has drawn praise from LSU coach Paul Mainieri since the start of his career and you would think he’s poised for a big summer.

The list goes on of solid offensive options, but the best news for the Anglers? Just one player – Fraley – is on a College World Series team.

PITCHERS

Zack Burdi – SO – Louisville – Flame-throwing closer, returning Angler, has excelled for Cardinals with 9 SV, 0.69 ERA
C.J. Burdick – FR – San Diego – Solid in swing role, posting 4.24 ERA and 55 K in 57.1 IP
Daniel Castano – FR – Baylor – Big 12 all-freshman pick followed with solid sophomore year as starter, with 3.61 ERA
Ty Damron – SO – Texas Tech – After quiet freshman year, started 11 games as a sophomore and had 3.58 ERA
Dane Dunning – SO – Florida – Moved to rotation after debut in bullpen last year, struck out nearly a batter an inning
Paker Dunshee – SO – Wake Forest – Has posted an ERA under 3 in two years of relief work with Demon Deacons
Gabe Friese – SO – Kennesaw State – Part of weekend rotation for two years running, had 3.57 ERA this year
Zac Gallen – SO – North Carolina – Top starter for Tar Heels went 4-3 with 2.79 ERA and 74 Ks
Jake Godfrey – JR – LSU – Power arm was 21st-round pick last year, has gone 7-1 with 4.70 ERA this year
Thomas Jankins – SO – Quinnipiac – NECBL Pitcher of the Year last summer had 3.20 ERA this spring
Aaron McGarity – SO – Virginia Tech – Pitched in relief and starting role with 4.57 ERA this season
James Mulry – JR – Northeastern – Standout with Harwich last year had up-and-down junior year, finishing with 5.71 ERA
Jeff Paschke – JR – USC – Two-way player honed in on pitching this spring and had ERA over six in 13 appearances
A.J. Puckett – SO – Pepperdine – Moved into weekend rotation as a sophomore and went 7-5 with 4.35 ERA
Cameron Stone – SO – Stony Brook – Saved 8 games as a freshman and added 6 this year with 1.04 ERA
Garrett Williams – SO – Oklahoma State – Highly ranked out of high school, returning Angler had 4.91 ERA out of pen this spring
T.J. Zeuch – SO – Pittsburgh – Grabbed full-time spot in rotation this year and struck out 90 in 88.1 IP

CATCHERS

Aaron Barnett – SO – Pepperdine – Freshman All-American last year hit .303 this season
Nick Sciortino – SO – Boston College – Started 43 games and hit .243 this spring

INFIELDERS

Kyle Brooks – JR – North Florida – Hit .303 and stole nine bases for North Florida this season
Will Craig – SO – Wake Forest – ACC Player of the Year hit .382 with .496 OBP, blasted 13 home runs, 20 doubles and knocked in 58
Garrett Hampson – SO – Long Beach State – Big West Freshman of the Year in 2014 hit .296, stole 17 bases this year
Nate Mondou – SO – Wake Forest – Part of Demon Deacons power-hitting duo with Craig, Mondou hit .338 with 10 homers
Zack Short – SO – Sacred Heart – Followed up all-conference debut with nine homers, .303 average this season

OUTFIELDERS

Trenton Brooks – SO – Nevada – Standout two-way player hit .365 and posted 3.65 ERA in 13 mound appearances
Jake Fraley – SO – LSU – Highly-touted player set to return to Chatham off .314, 2 HR, 22 SB season with Tigers
Josh Greene – SO – High Point – Built on solid freshman year by hitting .355 with 7 HR, 13 SB
Luke Persico – SO – UCLA – Started every game for Bruins and hit .285 with three homers
Bobby Stahel – JR – USC – Took leap this season with .376 average, four homers, 33 RBI on way to first-team all-conference nod