The Orleans Firebirds took the field at Lowell Park on Tuesday night, a historic diamond tucked amid thick foliage in Massachusetts.
After a brisk start, the Firebirds surged ahead 2-0, capitalizing on a solo homer from Ryan MacDougall that echoed off the park’s old wooden bleachers.
The Cotuit Kettleers answered back, knotting the score before pulling ahead 3-2, a lead they held as darkness settled over the field.
A late rally falls short
Despite a handful of late chances, the Firebirds could not string together the hits needed to retake the lead, and the game was called on account of the encroaching night.
The loss drops Orleans to 3‑8 on the season, a record that reflects a bullpen that has been inconsistent all year, and sets up a highly anticipated showdown with the Falmouth Commodores next week.
Roster notes
A deeper look at the roster reveals a string of names — Dominic Cadiz, Rayner Heinrich, Nate Savoie, Cale Stricklin, Brennan Seiber, Bub Terrell, Tyler Myatt, Ryan MacDougall, Jonathan Adelmann, Jacob Haley, Kelly Nicholson, Jeremy Sheffield, Luca Alagheband, Brady Fox, Grant Garman, Jayden Stroman, Rowan Kelly, Ryan Tyranski, Armani Raygoza, Jonathan Gomez — many of whom are still fighting to find their rhythm at the plate.