The Chatham Anglers (2-0) pulled out a nail-biter against the Bourne Braves (0-2) at Doran Park in Bourne on Wednesday night. It was the home opener for the Braves.

The game's pivotal play came in the top of the ninth inning. Demonstrating a textbook example of hustle, Kyle Brooks (North Florida) took off from second base on a two-out ground ball. The hard roller gave the Bourne second baseman, Camden Duzenack (Dallas Baptist), trouble, and Brooks motored all the way home.

“Right as soon as it was hit I just took off running,” said Brooks. “It worked out pretty well, and we got the victory.”

Daniel Castano (Baylor) was the starting pitcher for the Anglers. He went 5 innings and surrendered only 1 unearned run on 3 hits and 0 walks, while recording 3 strikeouts.

Zack Short slides home in Bourne Wednessday night. 

“It felt good to get out there,” said Castano. “I was just trying to attack with my fastball and challenge hitters a little bit.”

The only run the Braves stole against Castano came in the bottom of the fifth. C.J. Chatham (Florida Atlantic) led off the inning with a double that snuck just inside of third base, and he came around to score on an error. Minus that, Castano was unsolvable.

“[Castano] had a great start,” said Manager John Schiffner. “It was a real nice job."

Castano left the game with a lead, but Bourne evened the score in the bottom of the sixth. Jim McDade (Millersville) came on to throw the seventh and eighth innings, and he picked up the win in relief without allowing a base runner. 

On the other side of the ball, the biggest offensive inning for the Anglers was the sixth. Will Craig (Wake Forest) got the inning started with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Zack Short (Sacred Heart) doubled Craig in from second, and the next hitter, Aaron Barnett (Pepperdine), singled in Short.

“I was a little bit nervous for the first time out,” said Short. “It turned out well though, and Aaron [Barnett] was right there to bring me in.”

The game was also the first on the Cape for Barnett, who arrived last night.

“I’m just loving it here so far,” said Barnett. “It’s a great group of guys, and it’s going to be a great summer.”

The only cause of concern for the Anglers moving forward is Trenton Brooks (Nevada), who was hit by a pitch leading off the game. Josh Greene (High Point) replaced Brooks after the play. There is no official word on Brooks yet, but the early indication is he will be okay.

The Anglers' next game will be against the Brewster Whitecaps (2-0) at 5 p.m. in Brewster Thursday night.