By: Alec Henden

ORLEANS, Mass. – Through eight innings of play on Thursday night the game looked like it would roll the Orleans Firebirds way.

The pitching staff dominated, the offense kept getting runners on base but fell just short in driving them in. Against an opponent like the Hyannis Harbor Hawks who sit in the cellar of the Cape an opening surely would happen where the Birds could take advantage on their way to a three-game winning streak.

Unfortunately for Orleans, Harbor Hawks designated hitter Hunter Goodman (Memphis) had other ideas. Goodman sent a moon shot into the Orleans night over the new scoreboard in left field and his Hyannis teammates in the visitor’s bullpen.

 The blast put the Harbor Hawks (6-19-1) up for good on their way to a 2-0 victory that will sting for a Firebird team who had numerous opportunities to pull away.

“We had given up only three total hits heading into that last inning when that kid put a charge into the ball, and you just tip your cap,” Orleans assistant coach Brendan Eygabroat said. “Offensively it wasn’t our best game, we had some hits early and sort of went to sleep a little bit. That’s baseball and sometimes you don’t click in all three phases.”

Orleans (13-11-2) received a tremendous outing from starting pitcher Owen Sharts (Nevada) who threw five shutout innings to keep the dominant trend alive. He effectively commanded the strike zone by executing quality pitches after getting roughed up in his previous outing by the Wareham Gatemen.

“I hope that’s the M.O. on me is that I fill the zone up,” Sharts said. “It’s really just about making quality pitches and I felt that was better on my part today that I made my pitches and make them come to me.”

Following Sharts was newly added reliever Angelo Smith (Michigan). The left-hander threw three scoreless innings out of the bullpen showcasing a smooth delivery and a good two-pitch mix.

Smith hadn’t thrown in two weeks following the Wolverines loss in the College World Series final and Smith was happy to be back on the mound getting to work for the Firebirds.

“I felt strong after not throwing in a couple weeks,” Smith said. “It definitely felt good to be back out there and it’s been a pleasure pitching for these guys.”

The Birds will now head back on the road for the second half of the home-and-home with Hyannis at McKeon Park. The forecast for Friday appears dicey, as rainy conditions will surround the Cape throughout the morning and afternoon.

Short Hops:

Thursday night marked the final appearance on the Cape for Sharts as he departs back home for the remainder of the summer. Sharts finished his summer season with a 4.82 ERA in 18 2/3 innings of work and excelled outside of the rough outing against Wareham.

Orleans will send left-hander Jared Shuster to the mound for Friday night’s contest. Shuster has excelled all season and is represented in his 1.00 ERA.