The Harwich Mariners traveled to Chatham to face the Anglers for the second game of their Saturday double-header. The Mariners defeated the Bourne Braves earlier in the day Saturday in a 5-2 victory. Going into the game, the season series was split 2-2 with Saturday night's matchup being the decider.
Brady Bendik was the starter for the Mariners Saturday night. Bendik is one of the newest arms in the Mariners bullpen, joining the team just a week ago and he has been dominant since first taking the mound. The Patriot League Pitcher of the Year appeared in two games for the Mariners last week and had six innings of work. In those six innings Bendik allowed zero runs and only gave up two hits.
The Mariners struck first in the top of the first inning after a sacrifice fly ball from Cade Kurland. Niko Brini was the Mariner to cross home after drawing the leadoff walk to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead.
An RBI double from Chatham’s Tyler Howe would tie the game in the bottom of the second inning.
Harwich would regain the lead in the top of the fifth inning after Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe launched a ball to deep right field. The deep tracking fly ball would leave Veterans Field and be Kiracofe’s second long ball of the season for the Kent State outfielder and give the Mariners a 2-1 lead.
The Anglers went on to score six unanswered and ultimately take down the Mariners 7-2.
The Mariners had a new pitcher tonight to close the game. Sean O’Leary has been an infielder for the Mariners all season but tonight he had work on the mound. In his lone inning of work, O’Leary only allowed one hit and zero runs.
What’s next?
The Harwich Mariners will host the Brewster Whitecaps for the final game of the regular season. A Harwich win will lock the Mariners into third place in the East division going into the postseason.
First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.
