Orleans Firebirds

Big First Inning Boosts Orleans

July 11, 2009

By Tyler Maland

Orleans, Mass. – There’s nothing like a little run support. Orleans starter Rob Rasmussen (UCLA) got that and much more Saturday night, as the Orleans Firebirds scored seven runs in the first inning en route to a 9-4 win over the Brewster Whitecaps at Eldridge Park.

Orleans amassed 13 hits on the night, and the 9 runs tied a season high. Every Firebirds starter scored a run, all but one had a hit, and all but three had an RBI on the day.

Five of those seven first inning runs were scored with two outs. Orleans compiled seven hits in the frame, including a double by centerfielder Kevin Muno (San Diego) and a two-run home run by left fielder Jeremy Gould (Duke), his second of the season.

Orleans was once again led by its leadoff hitter, Gary Brown (CS Fullerton). Brown went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI, and singled in his first three at-bats including twice in the first inning. Muno, Michael Olt (Connecticut) and Ross Heffley (Western Carolina) each had two hits for Orleans. Gould led the team with three RBI’s, adding a second inning sacrifice fly to his two-fun home run.

Sean Bierman (Vanderbilt) was the starting pitcher for Brewster, and the loss moved him to 1-2. Bierman lasted just two innings, giving up eight hits and eight earned runs while walking one and striking out two.

Rasmussen pitched more than well enough to get the win, and is now 2-0. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs – his first three of the year – while striking out nine without walking a batter. The lefthander’s control has been impeccable all year; he now has 26 strikeouts and just three walks.

Although Orleans’s early lead proved insurmountable, the Brewster bullpen was quite efficient. Danny Sandbrink (Stanford) came in in the third and pitched four innings, allowing just four hits and one run. Nathan Baker (Mississippi) pitched a perfect seventh, and Tyler Thornburg (Charleston So.) struck out the side for a perfect eighth.

The Orleans bullpen was equally effective. Brett Weibley (Kent State) pitched 1.1 innings and allowed just one hit, Matt Hiserman (San Francisco) threw a perfect eighth, and Brock Stassi (Nevada) pitched the ninth, allowing one hit and one earned run.

Orleans improves to 12-9 on the season, and has won three of four. The Firebirds will travel to Falmouth for a 5:30 pm game on Sunday. Brewster is now 8-10-3, and will host Bourne Sunday at 5:00 pm.

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Home Firebirds News Game Day Central Roster Statistics Coaching Staff Sounds of the Game Clinics Volunteer Alumni Contact	Big First Inning Boosts Orleans July 11, 2009 By Tyler Maland Orleans, Mass. – There’s nothing like a little run support. Orleans starter Rob Rasmussen (UCLA) got that and much more Saturday night, as the Orleans Firebirds scored seven runs in the first inning en route to a 9-4 win over the Brewster Whitecaps at Eldridge Park. Orleans amassed 13 hits on the night, and the 9 runs tied a season high. Every Firebirds starter scored a run, all but one had a hit, and all but three had an RBI on the day. Five of those seven first inning runs were scored with two outs. Orleans compiled seven hits in the frame, including a double by centerfielder Kevin Muno (San Diego) and a two-run home run by left fielder Jeremy Gould (Duke), his second of the season. Orleans was once again led by its leadoff hitter, Gary Brown (CS Fullerton). Brown went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI, and singled in his first three at-bats including twice in the first inning. Muno, Michael Olt (Connecticut) and Ross Heffley (Western Carolina) each had two hits for Orleans. Gould led the team with three RBI’s, adding a second inning sacrifice fly to his two-fun home run. Sean Bierman (Vanderbilt) was the starting pitcher for Brewster, and the loss moved him to 1-2. Bierman lasted just two innings, giving up eight hits and eight earned runs while walking one and striking out two. Rasmussen pitched more than well enough to get the win, and is now 2-0. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs – his first three of the year – while striking out nine without walking a batter. The lefthander’s control has been impeccable all year; he now has 26 strikeouts and just three walks. Although Orleans’s early lead proved insurmountable, the Brewster bullpen was quite efficient. Danny Sandbrink (Stanford) came in in the third and pitched four innings, allowing just four hits and one run. Nathan Baker (Mississippi) pitched a perfect seventh, and Tyler Thornburg (Charleston So.) struck out the side for a perfect eighth. The Orleans bullpen was equally effective. Brett Weibley (Kent State) pitched 1.1 innings and allowed just one hit, Matt Hiserman (San Francisco) threw a perfect eighth, and Brock Stassi (Nevada) pitched the ninth, allowing one hit and one earned run. Orleans improves to 12-9 on the season, and has won three of four. The Firebirds will travel to Falmouth for a 5:30 pm game on Sunday. Brewster is now 8-10-3, and will host Bourne Sunday at 5:00 pm. (Box Score)