The post-game meal is the point at which all responsibilities on the baseball field cease. After hours of intense mental focus and physical exertion, athletes finally have a chance to relax. The way a team acts during this time reveals more about their mentality than at almost any other point.

There are some nights when the meal is accompanied by an array of routines, ranging from gymnastics attempts to stand-up comedy worthy of late-night television. And then there are some nights like last night.

“Crickets,” said Manager John Schiffner in an attempt to break the bleak silence.

But the attempt was futile. The entire team continued to eat their pizza on the curbs outside of the Chatham Community Center in a self-imposed virtual silence.

The thoughts bouncing through each team member’s head likely had less to do with what topping he wanted on the next slice and more to do with the events that transpired in Harwich 30 minutes earlier.

“We gave away a three-run lead. That’s not good,” said Schiffner in a post-game interview. “That hurts—can’t do that in this league. That’s like giving away two points.”

The game wasn’t devoid of impressive individual Angler performances. Zac Gallen (North Carolina) struck out seven batters without giving up an earned run in four innings. Zack Short (Sacred Heart) drove in his team-leading sixth RBI of the year. Trenton Brooks (Nevada) reached base for the seventh time in seven games. But these individuals too ate their pizza in silence.

On nights when the team wins they do backflips. On nights when the team loses they barely do anything. But whatever they do, they do it as a team.

Tonight, the team has the opportunity to beat the same Harwich Mariners they fell to yesterday. Daniel Castano (Baylor), who threw five scoreless innings against Bourne in his first outing, is the probable starting pitcher for Chatham. The Harwich starter is yet to be determined.

First pitch is 7 p.m. at Veterans Field in Chatham. The live broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Anglers Extra Pregame Show and can be viewed/heard on TRZ Teamline or heard toll-free at 1-800-846-4700, code 3841.