Caps’ Strong Bullpen Performance Can't Stop the Red-Hot Firebirds in 5-1 Defeat

Pauly Milto was excellent in relief for the Whitecaps, but the Brewster offense mustered just three hits in Orleans (c) Marielle McLoughlin 2017

​By: Maura Sheridan
 
The Whitecaps bullpen allowed zero runs and just one hit over three and two-thirds innings, but Brewster failed to secure a win on the road at Eldredge Park. 
 
The 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Firebirds is the latest in a three-game skid for the Whitecaps (8-9-1).   Meanwhile, the Firebirds (12-6) continued their eight-game winning streak and remain atop the East Division by three points. 
 
Pauly Milto (Indiana) entered the game for Brewster with one out in the fourth inning with his team trailing 5-1. The right-handed hurler tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings while walking just one and striking out two.
 
It was Milto’s third appearance in five days, including back-to-back outings after the righty threw an inning and a third on Saturday.    
 
“I’m just doing what coach told me to do,” said Milto after the game at Eldredge Park.  “He told me he needed me, so I did what I had to.”
 
J.R. McDermott (Colorado-Mesa) followed Milto’s lead, giving up just one hit and no runs in the eighth.
 
Brewster got out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning thanks to a Marty Costes (Maryland) RBI-double that brought home Connor Smith (Western Michigan). 
 
Orleans was quick to respond, however. Firebirds right fielder Niko Decolati (Loyola Marymount) roped a double of his own to bring in leadoff hitter Jimmy Herron (Duke) and knot the game at one after one inning.
 
That tie ended in the bottom of the third, though, as the Orleans bats ignited. Ethan Paul (Vanderbilt) started things off for the Firebirds with an RBI single, followed by a sacrifice fly from Brandon Riley (UNC-Chapel Hill) that made the score 3-1. Jaxx Groshans’ (Kansas) single would bring home Cesar Salazar (Arizona) and Stephen Scott (Vanderbilt) to put the ‘Birds up 5-1.  
 
The damage had been done and Brewster could not find their way back into the game.  The ‘Caps lone hit after the first inning came on a Kyle Datres (UNC-Chapel Hill) triple in the eighth.
 
“We didn’t have a lot of hard hit balls,” said Coach Jaimie Shevchik.   “Guys are going to have to start stepping up.”
 
Davis Daniel (1-1) took the loss for Brewster going 4 1/3 and giving up eight hits, five runs, and walking three with just one strikeout.
 
Orleans lefty Ryan Rolison (2-0) earned the win for his team, recording nine K’s in five innings pitched.
 
After struggling early with his fastball command, Rolison recovered nicely, using a sharp breaking ball and an improved heater to shut down Brewster’s offense.
 
WHAT'S NEXT: The Whitecaps are back against the Orleans Firebirds again Monday this time at Stony Brook Field.   Fans can listen online on the team's YouTube channel.