Cape League Weekly Preview - Week Eight07/31/2023 11:05 AM Article By: Daniel Curren We are just four days away from the start of the Cape Cod Baseball League playoffs. While the regular season wraps up, it's time to look at what to watch for in the coming days. Battle for the East The Orleans Firebirds (22-19) trail the Y-D Red Sox (23-17-1) by just three points at the top of the East Division. Y-D has consistently led the East throughout the season, but Orleans has been making a run as of late. Orleans is 11-6 in their last 17 and have scored 6.17 runs per game in that span. They have also scored 9.6 runs per game over their last five. However, two of their six losses in this span have come against Y-D. The Red Sox lead the season series against Orleans 3-2. They will match up once more before the end of the regular season in a game that could play a major role in deciding the East division. Playoff Teams Set The eight teams that will be fighting for a Championship in August have all secured their spot in the postseason. The East Division will feature the Y-D Red Sox, Orleans Firebirds, Harwich Mariners, and Brewster Whitecaps. If the season ended today, Y-D would face Brewster and Orleans would face Harwich. In the West, it will be the Cotuit Kettleers, Hyannis Harbor Hawks, Falmouth Commodores, and Bourne Braves. If the playoffs started today, it would be Y-D vs Bourne and Hyannis facing Falmouth.
Matt Halbach (Orleans/UC San Diego): In 128 plate appearances across 29 games played, Halbach has slashed .343/.441/.500 for a .941 OPS. He is one of just five qualified hitters on the Cape to have a .300/.400/.500 slash line. The other four are Jo Oyama, Derek Bender, Cam Smith, and Travis Bazzana. This feat has established Halbach is one of the most underrated bats in the league this year.Halbach has tallied nine extra base hits, 13 RBI, and 10 walks this season. Garrett Coe (Falmouth/UConn): Coe has pitched 19.2 innings for the Commodores this summer, and he has allowed two earned runs, giving him a 0.91 ERA. He has not given up a run in his last 17 innings pitched. Throughout the season, he has struck out 18 batters and allowed only 13 hits. His 0.00 ERA over the last 30 days is the lowest on the Cape. Matchups to watch: Bourne vs Wareham: Monday, July 31 (Worcester): Bourne and Wareham will be facing each other for the final time this season. Wareham leads 3-2. The two will be traveling to Polar Park for their final matchups. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Orleans vs Y-D: Tuesday, August 1: The battle for the Eastern Division will be on display at Red Wilson field on Tuesday. Y-D leads Orleans in the East by three points, and this game will be pivotal for both teams in their mission to win the East. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. |