Island Coast Holds On Against Fort Myers Senior

Freshman starter Chase Chatman celebrates with first baseman Matt Steele after striking out the final batter of the game.

The Island Coast Gators defeated the Fort Myers Senior Green Wave 2-1 at home in a close game on Thursday night. The Gators advance their record to 9-5, as the Green Wave falls to 3-11. Starters for both teams pitched complete games.

Gators’ freshman left-handed pitcher Chase Chatman struck out five and gave up one run in the victory. The bats were on and off for both teams, but Island Coast was able to score first, and after Fort Myers tied the game in the fourth, the Gators answered back in the fifth with the deciding run.

“Our pitching gave us a shot to win,” said Gators manager Clint Montgomery. “We play Ida Baker tomorrow and we can’t get caught sleeping against our rivals.”

Chatman struck out two in the first and was able to get through the inning unharmed. The Gators’ leadoff hitter Anthony Churlin reached base on a walk, after two outs he stole second and was brought home on a single from Miguel Vidal.  

In the third Churlin walked again, and after a sacrifice bunt and a passed ball, reached third. However, this time Green Wave starter Jason Schumbacker was able to get three outs before the run scored.

“My mentality was to throw strikes, attack batters, and get ahead. My curveball was really getting the job done tonight,” Chatman said.

Jason Schumbacker had the Green Wave’s only RBI and also pitched the complete game.

In the fourth some errors allowed the Green Wave to get on the board. With two outs left-fielder Jake Moorhead singled and a throwing error advanced him to second. The next at-bat Schumbacker singled, causing a play at the plate as Moorhead tried to score. The ball got past the catcher allowing the run to score and Schumbacker to advance to third. Chatman was able to  get his third out in the next at-bat, allowing his first and only run.

Other than a double by center fielder Gabe Trank in the sixth, that was the end of Fort Myers’ offense.

In the fifth Chatman singled and Churlin doubled, putting runners on second and third. A hit batter loaded the bases for Felix Camacho, who hit a ground-ball. It was almost turned into a double play but Camacho was able to beat out the throw, allowing the run to score. The Gators held onto the lead the rest of the way.

“We’re trying to keep our heads up,” said Green Wave manager Brooks Breisner. “We have a lot of young guys that need experience. Our pitching was great, but some errors were made tonight.”

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