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Braves Devastate Firebirds in Game 1
Aug 9, 2009
Author: Kristen Balboni, Bourne Braves Intern
Normally, I take a somewhat chronological approach to postgame write-ups. But Game 1 of the Playoffs was anything but normal.
Here is the bottom line: The Braves were 0-4 against Orleans in the regular season. Tonight in the ninth inning, Orleans led 2-0 and was poised to beat us yet again on our home field. To add to the humiliation, the Firebirds' starting pitcher Jorge Reyes was still on the mound.
And then in the bottom of the ninth with one out, the Braves delivered a showstopping performance that reminded fans at Doran Park why they love the game of baseball.
Without a doubt, Scott Woodward's one-out single was the catalyst for the team. Everyone was still cheering the hit when fan favorite Pierre LePage went up to bat. He craftily threw off Reyes' breakneck rhythm, stepping out of the batter's box and being judicious with his swings despite the pressure from the crowd. LePage advanced to first on a walk.
With LePage and Woodward on base, Cape League MVP Kyle Roller stepped to the plate. Everyone knew something big was about to happen.
But Before Roller could hit, Orleans took their ace Reyes out of the game. Many Bourne fans booed because Reyes was just beginning to show signs of weakness and fatigue. They didn't realize that Orleans did not have a reliever warmed up, apparently confident with their 2-0 lead in the ninth.
After just a few pitches in the bullpen, Orleans reliever Brett Weibley went into the game to face Roller.
Roller's deep single scored the Braves' first run of the game. Woodward scored from second with the incredible speed that is his trademark. When DH Rob Segedin came to bat, Weibly let loose a wild pitch that sent LePage in to score from third. Segedin was then walked, and Stefen Romero came up to bat with the game tied at 2 and one out.
Romero hit a sacrifice fly to the right fielder. Roller tagged up at third, then hurled himself toward home plate to beat out the throw. The game ended with the Braves winning 3-2 over the Firebirds.
Romero's walkoff caused mass pandemonium among the players, fans, and staff at Doran Park. Bourne finally beat Orleans, and beat them so badly that Firebirds fans and players could do nothing but stand there, stunned.
The win was a testament to teamwork. Bourne's pitchers, starter Bryan Morgado and relievers Logan Billbrough and Trevor Knight, remained solid and consistent against an intimidating Orleans lineup.
The Braves look forward to travelling to Orleans tomorrow for Game 2. The game will begin at 4 p.m.
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