With the East Division playoff race reaching a boiling point over the past few days, there are multiple scenarios that if fulfilled, would secure Orleans a playoff spot. Heading into Saturday's doubleheader with Bourne, however, the Birds only had one of those possible scenarios on their mind: win and you're in.
In a rare noon start from Eldredge, they looked to put the playoff-clinching win behind them early in game one of their doubleheader. Amongst the humid conditions, seven Michael Foltz Jr (George Washington) strikeouts were overshadowed by six free passes handed out by the Birds and an offense that couldn't find the barrel, as groundouts quickly became the theme.
After game one in less-than-ideal conditions in which the Birds couldn't string any momentum together resulted in their first shutout loss of the summer, they quickly ate, recharged, and hit the road to Bourne for game two with the same goal and mind: win.
Heading into game two, many Firebirds mentioned it didn't even feel like they'd played a game just hours prior, which can only serve as beneficial when trying to put losses behind them before their next matchup.
In contrast to their first meeting of the day with the Braves, Orleans put themselves on the board early thanks to an Austin Smith (San Diego) sac fly, providing Matthew Dalquist (UC San Diego) with the early run support that was missing for Foltz Jr in game one.
Following the Birds early score, the Braves promptly made Smith's run support history, putting a run on the board in the first two innings and a five-spot on Dalquist and the Birds defense in the third.
Three straight hits, including an Ian Daugherty RBI single, put an end to Bourne's seven unanswered runs, but the offense continued to strand runners on base, and the Braves hot start proved too much for Orleans to overcome.
After the 7-4 loss, the Birds now find themselves in control of their destiny. A win over the Anglers Sunday night, and they punch their ticket to the Cape Cod Baseball League Playoffs.
A Birds loss still keeps the door open for a playoff berth, however, as a Brewster loss combined with an Orleans loss would spell playoffs for the Birds.
Manager Kelly Nicholson isn't interested in letting anyone decide their fate but themselves, as he had a simple message for his team after breaking their postgame huddle.
"Win, and we're in."
