Orleans Firebirds

Gaynor Cruises, Firebirds Win

July 10, 2009

By Tyler Maland

Orleans, Mass. – Casey Gaynor (Rutgers) has been nothing but consistent thus far for the Orleans Firebirds, and put forth his fourth quality start of the season Friday night to lead his team to a 5-2 victory over the Harwich Mariners.

Gaynor allowed just two hits and one earned run in six innings, and Orleans scored a run in each of the first three innings to jump to an early lead that they would not relinquish. Gaynor has now allowed just four runs in 24 innings, and improves to 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in four starts. The right-handed rising junior started off a bit shaky, giving up two hits in the first inning and a leadoff walk in the second. But from that point on he became nearly unhittable, retiring 12 straight Harwich batters.

The Firebirds were able to take early advantage of Harwich starter Brett Bruening’s (LSU) lack of command. Bruening lasted just three and a third innings, giving up three runs on three hits and a season-high six walks. Orleans’s first three runs were each scored by a player who reached base on a four-pitch walk.

The Firebirds were not just there to walk, however, and were aggressive both at the plate and on the base paths. With runners on first and third in the second inning, Hampton Tignor (Florida) attempted to steal second and draw a throw from Harwich. Tignor was caught in a rundown and eventually tagged out, but not before Steve Selsky (Arizona) snuck in the back door for the second Orleans run.

Jaren Matthews (Rutgers) and Alex Hassan (Duke), two of the top five RBI leaders in the league, were again solid for Orleans. Matthews was 2-for-3 with a double, and Hassan was 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and two runs scored. Gary Brown (CS Fullerton), who entered the game batting .317, was again a catalyst at the top of the Orleans lineup. Brown was 1-for-3, but reached base three times including a bunt single, and scored two runs.

Daniel Ottone (W Carolina) pitched a perfect seventh for Orleans. Matt Packer (Virginia) pitched the eighth and gave up his first earned run of the season on one hit and one walk, while Hassan threw the ninth and walked two but struck out two to shut down the Mariners and earn his second save of the season.

Orleans moves to 11-9, and is back in action at home Saturday at 7:00 pm against the Brewster Whitecaps. Harwich is now 9-12, and will travel to Wareham for a 7:00 pm contest Saturday night.

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Home Firebirds News Game Day Central Roster Statistics Coaching Staff Sounds of the Game Clinics Volunteer Alumni Contact	Gaynor Cruises, Firebirds Win July 10, 2009 By Tyler Maland Orleans, Mass. – Casey Gaynor (Rutgers) has been nothing but consistent thus far for the Orleans Firebirds, and put forth his fourth quality start of the season Friday night to lead his team to a 5-2 victory over the Harwich Mariners. Gaynor allowed just two hits and one earned run in six innings, and Orleans scored a run in each of the first three innings to jump to an early lead that they would not relinquish. Gaynor has now allowed just four runs in 24 innings, and improves to 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in four starts. The right-handed rising junior started off a bit shaky, giving up two hits in the first inning and a leadoff walk in the second. But from that point on he became nearly unhittable, retiring 12 straight Harwich batters. The Firebirds were able to take early advantage of Harwich starter Brett Bruening’s (LSU) lack of command. Bruening lasted just three and a third innings, giving up three runs on three hits and a season-high six walks. Orleans’s first three runs were each scored by a player who reached base on a four-pitch walk. The Firebirds were not just there to walk, however, and were aggressive both at the plate and on the base paths. With runners on first and third in the second inning, Hampton Tignor (Florida) attempted to steal second and draw a throw from Harwich. Tignor was caught in a rundown and eventually tagged out, but not before Steve Selsky (Arizona) snuck in the back door for the second Orleans run. Jaren Matthews (Rutgers) and Alex Hassan (Duke), two of the top five RBI leaders in the league, were again solid for Orleans. Matthews was 2-for-3 with a double, and Hassan was 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and two runs scored. Gary Brown (CS Fullerton), who entered the game batting .317, was again a catalyst at the top of the Orleans lineup. Brown was 1-for-3, but reached base three times including a bunt single, and scored two runs. Daniel Ottone (W Carolina) pitched a perfect seventh for Orleans. Matt Packer (Virginia) pitched the eighth and gave up his first earned run of the season on one hit and one walk, while Hassan threw the ninth and walked two but struck out two to shut down the Mariners and earn his second save of the season. Orleans moves to 11-9, and is back in action at home Saturday at 7:00 pm against the Brewster Whitecaps. Harwich is now 9-12, and will travel to Wareham for a 7:00 pm contest Saturday night. (Unofficial Box Score)