The Coast Guard HC-130J aircraft wasn't the only thing flying high over Veterans Field.

On First Responders Night in Chatham, the Anglers and the Harbor Hawks fought out a 4-2 Chatham victory after the dense Lower Cape fog invaded the field.

With rain blanketing the field before the game, the skies opened up just in time for the Coast Guard flyover to briefly appear through the clouds.

The rain slowly subsided and the game was set to begin. However, Coast Guard Seaman Henry Prendergast still had a first pitch to throw.

Stationed at Coast Guard Station Chatham, Prendergast was attending his first Chatham Anglers game. Being a “Coastie”, he is accustomed to navigating the Chatham fog, but not to throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

“It was a strike,” Prendergast joked. “It wasn't very good, though. It kind of bounced a little bit.”

Prendergast represented the Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus – Always Ready.

With rain threatening the game before first pitch and fog eventually ending it after six innings, both teams had to remain ready for action at all times.

The contest was defined by short bursts of offense surrounded by quality pitching performances.

In the 4th, Harbor Hawk Caden Miller knocked a two-run blast deep to right field to make it 2-1 for Hyannis.

Chatham answered with a Korbin Reynolds solo homer in the fifth before Connor Shouse delivered an RBI single in the sixth to give the Anglers a 4-2 lead.

With the fog rolling in, time appeared to be running short for Hyannis.

Hyannis rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh, loading the bases and forcing in multiple runs.

The fog only grew thicker, and outfielders on both sides struggled to track fly balls in the deteriorating conditions. The ball began to blend into the thick coastal air around it.

With Hyannis leading 6-4 at the conclusion of the top of the seventh, the umpires called the game as the fog became too much to play through. Since Chatham never had the chance to bat in the bottom of the inning, the Harbor Hawks' four-run frame was wiped away and the score reverted to the end of the sixth, giving the Anglers a 4-2 win.

The bizarre ending left a sour taste in the mouths of both managers, who would have preferred to settle the game over nine innings.

“Of course you always want to play nine, but unfortunately, we dropped two fly balls and both outfielders said they lost the ball in the fog, so it was probably the right call,” Cook said. “I know it stinks for Hyannis, if I were in their shoes, I’d probably say the same thing.”

Chatham’s consistent scoring proved to be the difference-maker. Their .686 OPS is third-best on the Cape and Dennis Cook’s squad has delivered in clutch moments.

“We have left a lot of runners in scoring position in the last few games,” Cook said. “But I’m glad to see us drive in runs.”

The Anglers had seven hits while both teams had trouble in the field and struggled to corral runners.

One Angler, Harlin Hovater, was ready for the game all morning. The Mississippi native recently transferred to Mississippi State and is carrying his momentum on to the Cape.

“Feels really good,” Hovater said. “We’re kind of coming together as a team, swinging the bats, but we’re pitching a whole lot better, and everything is really falling into place for the most part.”

With the Anglers playing six games over the next seven days, Hovater relies on an intricate pregame routine to keep his body prepared. It starts with a pre-game lift and ends with a burrito bowl from local Chatham eatery ‘Corner Store.’

“I got a bowl with steak, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and pico,” Hovater said. “I try to fill myself up before games.”

Hovater is adapting to the busy schedule, but was appreciative to see his family come up for the game.

“It’s a blessing for my family coming up here,” Hovater said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m getting to play baseball and I get to play at my dream school next year. I couldn’t be happier.”

The Anglers have no reason not to be happy as they continue to stack wins in an extremely tight East Division. With the Y-D Red Sox looking nearly unstoppable, Cook's club needs to take advantage of every opportunity it gets.

Whether it comes under clear skies or in a blanket of Chatham fog, a win is a win, and the Anglers will gladly take the win to push on through the summer.