Photo credit: Sophia Soropoulos

In their first game back at Eldredge in six days, the Firebirds did their job and secured a 10-8 win over the Falmouth Commodores to remain in the playoff picture.

The win doesn't just keep Orleans in the East Division's fourth spot, it moves them a game back of the third spot, where the struggling Brewster Whitecaps currently sit.

With a trip to the playoffs in sight, the Birds seem willing to do whatever it takes to get over the final hump and continue to make sacrifices for the greater good of the team.

Whether it's Chris Barr (Army) making play after play in the outfield — a spot he hasn't seen any action in since middle school — or Landon Moran (Stetson) battling injuries and getting back onto the diamond as soon as possible, the Birds' commitment to each other becomes more and more evident with every game. A commitment that doesn't go unnoticed by their manager, Kelly Nicholson.

"It speaks to their character. This is a high-character group that wants to win and loves to compete," Nicholson said.

"They were out here doing some early work today, and I think they are starting to realize this is a pretty great opportunity and a special place."

While the early work has clearly begun to pay off for the entirety of the Firebirds roster, no one may have benefited from it in the win more than Dan Bucciero (Fordham).

In the win, Bucciero sent two rockets over the visiting bullpen and out of the park that drove in a total of five runs. The standout performance comes as a result of one of Nicholson's core values: preparation.

"Booch did a great job tonight, that guy sure can hit," Nicholson said.

"He took a crazy BP the other day, and I'm glad to see it pay off in a game tonight."

Another Firebird who sent one out of the park in the win, Landon Moran, has also seen his hard work pay off as he's worked his way back from a thumb injury. Along with his first homer of the summer, Moran stole two more bases, adding to his perfect stolen base percentage (6-for-6). More than anything though, Moran is just happy to be back out on the diamond.

"It feels amazing to be back out there with my guys. I've been fighting injuries throughout the summer, so finally being able to get back feels great," Moran said.

The Birds will get a break in the action Saturday night, as All-Star festivities take place at Falmouth's Guv Fuller Field, and will look to make one final push in the final week of their season.

Barr, who continues to be a key contributor down the stretch of the season, knows the playoffs are all about getting hot at the right time.

"We just want to keep rolling and continue heating up at the right time," Barr said.

"It's a blessing to be out here, so we're just going to keep fighting, keep pushing, and see if we can go squeak in and go on a run. Should be a blast."

The Birds will look to begin a season-defying run on Sunday, as the Cotuit Kettleers come to town for a makeup game from Wednesday.