Margin for error is slim in latest Catfish L

Cape Catfish reliever Walker Brodt throws in a recent game at Capaha Field. He gave up the game-winning hits in a 2-0 loss at Springfield on Sunday.

Tony Capobianco ~ Tcapobianco@semoball.com

The margin for error within the Prospect League is smaller than it ever has been, as the league has continued to develop into one of the premiere summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country.

That was evident on Sunday, as the Cape Catfish played a very solid game, but a couple of pitches was all that Springfield needed to earn a 2-0 home win.

“I would say the professionalism of it,” first-year Cape assistant coach Nolan Davenport said of his impression, thus far, of the Prospect League. “Everywhere that we have been, and every team that we have played, has been professional in the way that they go about things. Whether that is showing up and having (batting practice) or having the trainers available, and the talent in the league.”

On Sunday, the Lucky Horseshoes (7-14) took advantage of a double and a home run off of Catfish reliever Walker Brodt in the eighth inning to snap a 0-0 tie and create the final margin.

That dismissed a great outing from Catfish starter Jorge Romero, who worked six innings, allowed no runs or walks, just three hits, and struck out three.

Of Romero’s 74 pitches, 56 were for strikes.

Offensively, Cape (10-13), which lost a pair of games in its three-game road trip over the weekend, got just two hits, but one was a double from former Cooter High standout Hayden Nazerenus.

Corbin Mallott added a hit in the loss while Nazerenus drew a walk, as did Carson McCaleb.

“It’s a really talented league,” Davenport said. “Simple as that. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The Catfish come home on Tuesday with a game at Capaha Field at 6:35 p.m. against Burlington (5-18).

Tuesday’s at Capaha Field are sponsored by SKYVIEW Animal Clinic as it is “Bark in the Park” night. Fans can bring their dogs to the park for a fun-filled night.