By Jonah Karp

PLYMOUTH, MA—After scooting by Mystic in the play-in game on Friday, the Waves found themselves in the Southern Divisional Finals for the second straight year. Just like last season, Ocean State (2-0) took down Plymouth (0-1) in Game One 8-5 on Sunday.

The momentum swung in the Waves’ favor early on. Casey Dana, Garrett Hodges, and Sonny Ulliana each singled to begin the top of the second. With the bases loaded, Dave Chabut walked up to the dish. After fouling the first pitch back, the shortstop got a hold of the second one, and launched it for his first long ball of the season, giving Ocean State a 4-0 advantage.

With nobody out, the scoring would continue. Daren Wood walked, and Liam McArthur singled before Grant English doubled both home. The third baseman promptly scored himself on an errant throw from Colton Parrish as he attempted to steal third. That 7-0 lead for the Waves would be short-lived but would be more than enough to seal the victory.

The Pilgrims got three back in the bottom of the frame and would scratch out a run in both the third and fourth. Meanwhile, the Waves offense was held in check until the sixth, when McArthur slapped his third single of the night to plate Jake Partridge.

Tommy Miller tossed three innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits. The Waves pitching staff fanned 14 Pilgrims, with Peyton Deats, Corey Sawyer, and Michael Gutierrez keeping Plymouth off the scoreboard for the final five innings.

Ocean State is back home to host Plymouth on Monday. If the Waves win, they would head to the NECBL Finals for the second straight year.