Loading...
Veterans Field, Chatham, MA

Anglers News


« Back to 2013 News Archives

Anglers Walk Off with a Win against Cotuit

by Chris Jones
Friday, June 14, 2013

Anglers Walk Off with a Win against Cotuit
When Coach John Schiffner sent Sheehan Planas-Arteaga (Barry University) to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth with the winning run at second base, his words of advice were simple.

"Win the game," Schiffner said.

Planas Arteaga sent a 2-0 pitch from Cotuit RHP Ryan Grant into right field, which scored Brandon Sedell (Nova Southeastern) and sent the Anglers (2-0) home with a victory in their first game at Veterans field in 2013.

"I was just glad to get an opportunity to hit," Planas-Arteaga said. "I didnt start but I got a chance to get in the game and help us win."

Box Score

Game 2: Chatham 5, Cotuit 4
The exciting victory was an appropriate ending to opening night at home for the Anglers, and despite his friendship with Cotuit manager Mike Roberts, Schiffner would not have it any other way.

"It's always tough for the losing team in a walk-off, but Im not giving it back," Schiffner said. "The team seems to be getting along really well, and a win like this can only help that."

Chatham had a 4-2 lead going into the 9th inning, but Cotuit put up two runs to tie it against Chad Sobotka (South Carolina- Upstate), who did not allow a hit, but walked two. Despite the shaky outing from Sobotka, Schiffner does not doubt his abilities, and will not be afraid to use him again in the near future.

"He will be fine. He has a great arm but just couldnt locate well tonight," Schiffner said. "He could be in there again tomorrow night."

Despite a rough ninth inning, the pitching staff provided another good night of work. Starter Aaron Garza (Houston) rebounded from giving up a second-inning home run to pitch five solid innings, striking out five and allowing two runs. Schiffner liked what he saw from the right-hander.

Aaron Garza (Houston) pitched five innings
and struck out four.

"Outstanding. He had a great performance tonight," Schiffner said. "I'm pleased with the entire pitching staff right now."

With the Anglers in a jam and Cotuit threatening for a big seventh inning, RHP Joe Goodman (High Point) came in from the bullpen and shut the Kettleers down. Goodman pitched 1.2 scoreless innings and struck out one. Once he got past the jitters, Goodman was ready to go.

"You just settle in. Every night is a battle and each game is a grind," Goodman said. "Once you get into the game you are pretty amped up, but then you settle down and find the strike zone."

Despite the blown save, Goodman thinks it was a good team win for the pitching staff.

"Its tough for guys in the bullpen when theres a blown save, but it was a team builder for us," Goodman said. "Tonight was a big team-win."

On the offensive side, LF Josh Eldridge (Old Dominion) put the Anglers on the board in the third inning on a passed ball, then Richard Prigatano (Long Beach State) put the Anglers up 3-1 with a 2-RBI double. Eldridge had a good night at the plate, going 2-3, scoring two runs and driving in one.

After the exciting victory, Schiffner had some simple words for his team in the post-game huddle.

"I just told them it was a great game," Schiffner said. "We're here to win everyday and every inning, you cant take a night off. Tonight was a perfect example of that."

The Anglers are back in action tonight against the Brewster Whitecaps at Veterans field. First pitch is at 7 p.m. Tune into the Anglers Extra Pregame Show at 6:40 p.m. for live coverage with broadcasters Brandon Liebhaber and Keith Zubrow at TRZ Teamline or call 1-800-846-4700, code 3841.