Chrisman, chemistry key to Catfish’s blazing bats in win over Hoots

The Cape Catfish opened the 2023 season with a close 7-5 win at O’Fallon on May 31. Since then, they have morphed into offensive juggernauts, smashing the ball left and right, and winning by overwhelming margins.

Leftfielder Brody Chrisman highlighted the Catfish’s (5-0) 14-0 offensive onslaught over the Hoots (1-4) on Monday with three hits, including a home run and a double, driving in four runs. It was the first home run of the season for not just Chrisman but for the Catfish as well.

“It felt really good off the bat,” Chrisman said.

Chrisman is batting .487 with a home run and 8 RBIs. He entered Purdue University after capping his high school career with first-team all-state honors at Indiana but didn't play as a freshman this past season.

"I was kind of cooped up after playing so much my senior year of high school," Chrisman said. "I'm really just crazy eager to be out on the field. At the end of the day, it's not up to me how much I play. I just hope my performance resembles my game and I can put out my best. Hopefully, more opportunity opens up."

Catfish outfielder Brody Chrisman slides safely at home plate against the O'Fallon Hoots on Monday at Capaha Field.Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

Eight different Catfish knocked in a hit, including Jackson sluggers Quinton Borders and Caden Bogenophl. Jeff Clarke went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Justin Carinci also collected two runs and two hits as well as an RBI.

The Catfish have four hitters among the top 10 in terms of batting average, including Chrisman at No. 7 on the list. Clarke leads the Prospect League with a .667 average, followed by Chris Hall (.619) and Carinci (.545) as No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

The Catfish have averaged 13 runs per game in the last four games so far in the month of June. They have ended the last three games in seven innings under the Prospect League’s 10-run mercy rule, and have outscored opponents 59-11 this season.

According to Chrisman, the secret to the Catfish’s blazing bats “boils down to enjoying the game.”

“We’ve gotten together real quick,” Chrisman said. “I feel like we’re bonding really well, enjoying the game, making every day better than the last. With that comes a lot of offense.”

Catfish manager Scott Little said after the game that his biggest goal as skipper is to build a clubhouse atmosphere that fosters chemistry among his players. It’s a goal he sets out to do every year of his long minor league managerial career. Yet after just five games, he feels that goal has already been accomplished, thanks to the players themselves.

“The incredible thing is the way they have become a team and the way they get along,” Little said. “It’s just remarkable. I’ve never seen a group get together this quickly and enjoy each other as much as they have in such a short span. It’s mind-boggling.”

The Catfish hit the road on Tuesday, looking to extend the only perfect streak in the Prospect League when they take on the Alton River Dragons at 6:35 p.m. The Catfish will return on Wednesday to host the Danville Dans and Rex Baseball on Thursday.