On Tuesday, Cape League fans wallowed in chagrin when the rain pushed four games to a later date. But today, in a curious coincidence of scheduling, weather, and luck, one of the most notable rivalries in the league will take center stage; The Chatham Anglers (8-5) and Orleans Firebirds (10-3) will clash at Eldredge Park for the day’s lone East Division contest.

The showdown will be the first meeting between the two squads this summer, and solid starts have both vying for the President’s Trophy. The Anglers last took the coveted prize back to Chatham in 2013, while the Firebirds most recently claimed it in 2011.

The Cape League is known for phenomenal pitching, and these two squads have out thrown all others through the first quarter of the season. Orleans and Chatham are first and second in team ERA throughout the entire league, giving up 2.14 and 2.31 runs per nine innings respectively. Chatham pitchers have issued the fewest walks per nine innings (2.39) and faced the fewest batters per frame (4.02), while Orleans hurlers have the lowest opponent batting average (.178) and recorded the most shutouts (4).

The probable starter for Chatham is T.J Zeuch (Pittsburg). The towering 6’7” right-hander has had his way with opponents so far this year. Zeuch is 2-0 with a spotless ERA of 0.00 through his first two go-rounds. He has recorded eight strikeouts to two walks in 10.2 innings.

“I’m just thinking about doing what got me here,” said Zeuch.

Orleans is expected to throw Eric Lauer (Kent State). Like Zeuch, Lauer also sports a perfect 2-0 record through his first two dances. He has an ERA of 1.80 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 9-5.

In addition to spectacular pitching, each squad also claims a batter whose average (.333) has him tied for second in the division. The Chatham batter is two-way player, Trenton Brooks (Nevada). His counterpart from Orleans is Kyle Lewis (Mercer).

Dominic Cotroneo and Jonny Wincott have call live, starting with the Anglers Extra Pregame Show at 6:40 p.m. It can be viewed/heard on TRZ Teamline or heard toll-free at 1-800-846-4700, code 3841.