CHATHAM TOPS ‘STANGS FOR SEASON SWEEP
Greg Dedrick
ccSCOOP Sports Editor
04-26-09 - Chatham traveled to Cairo to take on the Mustangs and got off the bus swinging. The Panthers’ first six batters reached base in the top of the first. Parker Niles led off with a double, followed by a walk to Brian Gauthier and four consecutive singles by Joe Cozzolino, Ryen Boehme, Jordan Sirani, and Cole Gleason. By the time the smoke cleared, Chatham had plated 5 runs.
In the top of the second Chatham scored 3 more runs to extend its lead to 8-0. Cairo scored one in the bottom of the second, and Chatham put up two more in the top of the third. Cairo tried to get back in it all day but could never get the gap closer than 6, and at the end of the day, it was 15-6 in favor of Chatham.
The Panthers top six hitters tallied 16 of their 17 hits and scored 14 of the 15 runs. The charge was led by lead-off man Parker Niles, who was perfect on the day going 3 for 3 with a double, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases and 4 runs. Brian Gauthier was 2 for 4 with a walk, a two-run home run, and 3 runs and 2 RBIs. Joe Cozzolino was 3 for 3 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Ryen Boehme was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored.
On the mound for the Panthers, Brian Gauthier went five innings allowing 5 runs (3 earned) with 5 hits and 4 Ks. Chris Williams finished strong by going two innings allowing a run, 2 walks, and a hit, while striking out one.
For the Mustangs, Chris Hernandez had a perfect day going 2 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 runs. Dylan Clapp was 3 for 4 and Jon Halligan was 2 for 4. The pitching was a revolving door for the Mustangs with four different pitchers taking their turn on the hill. The Mustang hurlers combined for 15 runs on 17 hits, 6 walks, and 5 strikeouts.
"It was great to jump on them so quickly. Having our guys come out and reach base with the first six batters took some wind out of their sails, and it is great to get a lead like that when you are on the road facing a good team. We have been playing strong defensively, and we will need that to continue next week when we take on Hudson," said Panther coach Scott Steltz via email.
Chatham improves to 10-1 overall, 8-0 in the Patroon Conference. The Panthers return to action with two monster games next week. On Wednesday they host Columbia County rival Hudson in Chatham before traveling to Hudson on Thursday in two pivotal midseason matchups.
