All summer, I’ve thought that Orleans could make a run. The lineup has some very talented hitters, and the pitching rotation looks solid enough.
It looks the Firebirds are making that run.
While Y-D has made the most headlines with its surge into first place, Orleans is actually the hottest team in the league. The Firebirds beat Harwich last night 14-3 for their fifth victory in a row. The teams came in tied for third place, but the win moves Orleans into third, just four points back of second-place Brewster. All of a sudden, the Firebirds, at 20-18-1, have the third best record in the league.
Not too long ago, the Firebirds were floundering — but they weren’t getting blown out. Twelve of their 18 losses have been by two runs or fewer. These last few games, the Firebirds have turned that trend around. They won two close games to start the streak and have won the last three a little more easily.
Last night’s game was the easiest yet.
The Firebirds broke open a 1-0 game with eight runs in the fourth inning. They finished with 11 hits, four for extra-bases. Jayce Boyd (Florida State) had a huge night, going 2-for-5 with a home run, a triple and six RBI.
Kolten Wong (Hawaii) was his usual self, going 2-for-2 with two doubles, two runs and two RBI. With that showing, he took over the batting average lead from Drew Martinez. Steve Selsky (Arizona) and Matt Koch (Loyola Marymount) also had two hits.
Orleans used five pitchers to keep the big cushion. Kyle Long (Illinois State) was credited with the win.
The Firebirds will try to stay hot tonight when they host Wareham.
Elsewhere
What to Watch
Austin Wood (St. Petersburg) gets the ball as Cotuit visits rival Hyannis. Wood has a league-best 0.58 ERA.