The Harwich Mariners were back in action Thursday afternoon with a scheduled scrimmage with the Y-D Red Sox.

Mariners pitching staff shows promise early

South Carolina's Riley Goodman got the start from Englert and showed off his impressive velocity, topping out at 97 mph with his fastball. He struck out one Red Sox batter on his way to a scoreless inning.

Returning Mariner Bryan Matuschat got the nod to pick up where Goodman left off, showing impressive command on the mound.

Siena pitcher Ryan Taffe got an inning to showcase his strikeout ability, striking out two batters.

Ben Alekson worked the longest outing of the day, pitching two innings, giving up two runs in the top of the 6th. He later bounced back in the 7th, striking out all three batters he faced.

"It comes down to getting ahead on every hitter, working downhill and just attacking the zone," Alekson said.

Mariners field manager Steve Englert was pleased with his pitchers' performance in the scrimmage.

"There were some bright spots there, threw plenty of strikes, which was good. That's what you need down here, just strike throwers," Englert said.

Web gems

Mariners' fans won't have to worry too much about big hits to the outfield as long as Kent State's Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe and Francis Marion's Charlie Bussey continue making plays like they did Thursday.

Offense showing promise

Boston College's Colin Larson reached based on a walk, later scoring after a throwing error on a play at third.

Northeastern's Ryan Gerety mashed a ball to left center for an RBI double, driving in a run in the process.

Opening day is around the corner

Harwich has an off-day Friday. The season opener is Saturday against Y-D. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Red Wilson Field.