Athlete Of The Week: Bryson Bales

HARWICH – In order for the Harwich Mariners to turn their season around, the team needed strong performances from its starting pitchers.

Bryson Bales answered the call Monday night.

The lefty from Division III Hendrix College was at his best against East Division rival Chatham, allowing just two hits and one run (unearned) over five-and-a-third innings. Bales walked three batters and struck out while leading Harwich to a 5-2 victory, its third consecutive win.

“He pitched great,” Harwich manager Steve Englert said. “He’s pitched really well down the stretch here. We moved him out of the bullpen and into the starting role, and he’s kind of embraced that. He’s been pitching great, so hopefully he can keep it going.”

After being in the Mariners’ bullpen, Bales said returning to his starting routine has helped him get into a rhythm on the mound.

“I started all spring, so getting back into that routine has really helped a lot,” said Bales, a Round Rock, Texas native. “I’m starting to settle in and find my routine again. I definitely succeed a lot more when I keep the ball low in the zone.

“If I leave it up, it kind of flattens out, so I’ve been trying to keep it low and get soft contact and stay in the game as long as I can.”

While Bales was thrilled to showcase his talent in front of college and major league scouts, he was also ecstatic to help Harwich extend its win streak.

He said pitchers and position players feed off each other, and that connection will be key for the Mariners as they look to sneak into the East Division playoffs as one of the division’s top four teams in the standings.

“I think when a starter can go out there and throw a couple zeroes, it really gives the hitters confidence, too,” Bales said. “I think that translates to other games as well, so just pulling our team together has really worked.”