Catfish win ugly, extend season-opening streak to 12

The Cape Catfish extended their season-opening winning streak to 12 with a 7-3 win over the Jackson Rockabillies on Tuesday at Capaha Field, despite being out-hit 11-5.

The Catfish didn't need their bats to drive in runs this time around. With a flurry of walks and wild pitches, the Catfish turned the basepaths into a conga line, scoring four runs in the first inning without recording a single hit.

The Catfish scored two more runs on sacrifice flys by Koltan Poorman and Jeff Clarke to lead 6-1. They scored their final insurance run in the eighth inning on a single by Justin Carinci.

After winning a home game in which nobody stood out, the Catfish handed the "Player of of the Game" green blazer to their closer, Cameron Lewis.

"It's nice for a pitcher to finally be wearing one of these," Lewis said jokingly. "It's about time a pitcher gets some recognition. I'm just glad to be able to wear it for once."

Lewis pitched the final two innings, allowing two hits and zero earned runs with two walks and three strikeouts. He struck out the last batter of the game with two runners on base to preserve the victory.

Lewis, a West Virginia native, pitched three seasons at West Virginia State. He made 19 appearances out of the bullpen this past season for the Yellow Jackets, recording a 1.64 ERA, a .136 opponent batting average, and 12 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched.

In four appearances so far this summer, Lewis has struck out nine batters in 6.2 innings pitched.

"I just recently changed my arm slot," Lewis said. "Everybody tells me I'm a lefty in a right-hander's body."

Catfish starting pitcher Curry Sutherland went two innings, allowing three hits and a home run. Marshal Brown pitched 3.1 innings in relief and qualified for the win, giving up two runs while striking out two and three walks.

Lewis said one of his primary reasons for joining the Catfish was hearing how appreciative the fans have been toward the players. Prospect League games have a reputation for being fan-friendly affairs. On any given game, there's a player handing out flowers to fans, playing a quick round of cornhole, and even dancing to "Cotton-Eye Joe" with the mascot.

"I don't think we could ask for a better set of fans," Catfish outfielder Brody Chrisman said. "I mean every single night, it seems like we look up and see people packed cheering on the Catfish. It's just a great feeling."

The Catfish will complete the homestand on Wednesday with a 2:05 matinee against the O'Fallon Hoots at Capaha Field. The game will include special salutes to veterans, as part of their Flag Day observance.