CHATHAM, Mass.—There are two very distinct Cape Cods—the Cape Cod of July and August and the Cape Cod of the rest of the year. Every summer, a metaphoric switch turns the sparsely-populated peninsula into a bustling escape for two months. Suddenly, Main Street stores multiply their sales, the beaches become covered with tents and towels, and fans pour into Cape Cod Baseball League games. That switch turned this weekend.

The Anglers played in front of a crowd of 2,678 at Veterans Field July 3rd, and they marched a parade path that needed to be extended four blocks to allow ample room for spectators July 4th.

“I think they know that this is serious stuff, and it’s also fun stuff now,” said Manager John Schiffner. “They were talking about the parade on the bus, and [Friday] night was spectacular for us because of the crowd at Veterans Field.”

Schiffner has experienced Cape Cod’s July traditions and transformations since 1974 when he played in the league, but most of the Anglers have never taken part in a Chatham summer.

“I think that guys who are seeing this for the first time said to themselves, ‘Wow, this is pretty cool. These people are great; let’s play ball,” said the 23rd-year Chatham skipper. “We’ve had energy, but I think there’s a little more energy right now.”

The Anglers (11-11) will try to ride that vigor tonight against the Harwich Mariners (10-10) 7 p.m. at Veterans Field.

The probable starter for the Anglers is Parker Dunshee (Wake Forest). The right-hander enters the game with a 2-1 record and 2.20 ERA. He has thrown 76% of his pitches for strikes and walked one batter in 16.1 innings on the Cape. In addition to showcasing his athletic skills at the community center basketball courts and occasional pitchers’ batting practice, he has used them on the mound to accumulate more putouts (6) than any other CCBL pitcher.

Harwich is expected to counter with fellow right-hander, Joe O’Donnell (North Carolina State). The North Carolina native tied for the Wolfpack lead in wins (7) during the college season. He is 0-1 with 10 strikeouts and a 3.76 ERA in 14.1 innings on the summer.

First pitch is 7 p.m. at Veterans Field. Dominic Cotroneo and Jonny Wincott have the call live, starting with the Anglers Extra Pregame Show at 6:40 p.m. on TRZ Teamline and at 1-800-846-4700, code 3841.