one win away

There’s been so much going on with the playoff races and the sprint to the finish line, it’s hard to believe the finish line might be crossed tonight.

Then again, it’s always hard to believe. The season seems so short.

But I’m sure it’s different for the players. While the season marches on and makes itself seem short, the players are the ones doing the marching. This time of the year, they’re ready to head home.

They’ve just got a little business to take care of first.

By virtue of their blowout win yesterday, the Harwich Mariners are one win away from their first Cape League championship since 1987. Three weeks ago, maybe even two weeks ago, I would not have picked them to be in this spot. They’ve been the streakiest team in the league, but I guess the funny thing about streaks is every once in a while, you hit one at the right time.

The Mariners have done that. They won their last four regular-season games, and thus far, they’ve swept through the playoffs. They haven’t lost since Aug. 3.

When it comes to streaky teams, it’s sometimes tough to say what separates good from bad. That’s the way it is for Harwich. In looking back on this winning streak, there isn’t one trend that stands out.

But that’s kind of what the Mariners have been like all season. Their pitching ranked second in the league, but their offense was in the middle of the pack. It took until the last few weeks of the season for them to separate themselves from the rest of the East contenders.

Through it all, though, manager Steve Englert told anyone who would listen that this team had the best chemistry of any he’d ever coached.

This is what happens when a team with good chemistry gets hot. There’s no one trend because on a given day, anybody can step up. Last night, it was Jason Stidham, who almost matched his season RBI total in one game.

If someone steps up big tonight, he’ll lead Harwich to a championship.

Chris Manno might be the one to do it. He’s been the ace of the staff all season and he’ll get the ball tonight. He seems like the kind of kid who relishes a chance like this.

But don’t expect it to be a cakewalk. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cotuit forces a third game. In this season of ultimate parity, that would be fitting, and if any team can do it, Cotuit can. The Kettleers have fought through injuries and won the division despite being a much different team than the one that started the season so hot. They’ll have Nick Hernandez on the mound tonight, and like Manno, he’s the one you want out there.

We’ll see what happens. My gut feeling tells me Harwich isn’t going to let this slip, but I’ve been wrong many, many times.

Either way, enjoy the game, people. It might be the last one.

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