When a game gets off to a rough start, it can be tough to right the ship. The Gatemen experienced that on Tuesday against the Chatham Anglers after falling behind 9-0 after the first three innings.
Yet, the team did not give in, nor did they quit. For the rest of the game, the offense outscored the Anglers 6-2, yet it was too little, too late, resulting in the Gatemen’s eighth loss of the season.
They have some wrinkles to iron out and will have a chance to do so at home against the Harwich Mariners. It is the third matchup of the season between these teams, with their season series knotted in a 1-1 tie.
The Gatemen won the first meeting 5-2 at Whitehouse Field on June 19 en route to a four-game winning streak. The Mariners got their revenge a few days later at Whitehouse Field in a 3-2 walk-off win to snap said winning streak.
Now, the season series shifts to Spillane Field for the first time this season. The Mariners are coming off a tight 2-2 tie at home against Hyannis and sit at 6-6-2. The Gatemen look to grab a win tonight at home, where they currently have a 2-4 record, and hope to create another win streak heading into Fourth of July Weekend.
Starting Pitchers
Tonight will be a battle of Gators as both teams will throw pitchers from the University of Florida. The Gatemen give right-hander and two-way player, Caden McDonald (Florida), the starting nod.
McDonald has appeared in three games this season, pitching 3.2 innings, allowing 9 hits, 4 earned runs, and a walk while striking out 3 batters. Tonight is his first start of the season for the Gatemen and his college career.
He did not start a game with the Gators during his redshirt freshman season. Look to see how he reacts to a longer outing tonight.
The Mariners will throw right-hander Luke McNeillie (Florida). McNeillie has started two games this season for the Mariners and holds a 0-1 record. In 7 innings, he allowed 3 hits, 1 earned run, and 2 walks while striking out 8 batters.
His last start against the Y-D Red Sox on June 25 went well. He went 4 innings, allowing only 1 walk and punching out 5 batters. His only loss came against the Gatemen on June 19, where he allowed 3 hits, a run, and a walk while getting 3 strikeouts.
The Gatemen have an opportunity to do some damage against a familiar pitcher, so look to see how they attack McNeillie at the plate tonight.
Players to Watch
The Gatemen offense did produce some hits and runs despite an early deficit against the Anglers. Players like Levi Clark (Tennessee), who homered to right field, and the newly activated Andrew Cain (Arizona), who went 2 for 4 with an RBI, helped the Gatemen in the comeback effort. Look for these hitters to continue that tonight.
The Mariners, on the other hand, got a lot of production from Tanner Marsh (Liberty) on Tuesday against the Harbor Hawks. He went 2 for 4, scoring a run, and raised his batting average to .364 for the summer. Look for him to make an impact tonight.
First pitch for tonight’s game is at 6:00 p.m. at Spillane Field in Wareham. You can attend the game for free, or you can tune into the Gatemen’s broadcast with Cory Miller, Josh Richardson, and Rayna Maggelet on the call by clicking HERE.
