Aiden Cabral is likely to get the mound nod for Game 1 Monday of the FCBL semifinals for the Nashua Silver Knights. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – Cabral will get the call.

At least right now, that’s the word from Nashua Silver Knights manager Kyle Jackson, as he said Thursday the plan is to start righthander Aiven Cabral in Game 1 of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League semifinals, no matter who the opponent is.

Right now it looks like it will be New Britain, and Game 1 of the best-of-three series would likely be on the road for Nashua after Thursday night’s 12-1 mercy rule (seven innings) no-show at the hands of the Pittsfield Suns before 1,054 at steamy Holman Stadium.

That left Nashua at 32-28 while New Britain edged Norwich, 4-3, to move to 35-25 and basically take second place with three game lead on Nashua with three to play. The Silver Knights still have a three game lead on Westfield (29-31), which lost to Brockton 7-3 last night, for the No. 3 seed.

As for Cabral, he has been steadier with just about each start in July, as he is 3-1, 3.10. He last pitched in Tuesday’s doubleheader loss at Pittsfield in which he didn’t get a decision.

Cabral has allowed 33 hits in 29 innings, but has struck out 33 and walked only eight. He’s headed to Northeastern in the fall as a freshman as he graduated from St. Mary’s in Lynn, Mass. where he was part of two state title teams.

“I think for right now, he gives us the best (chance),” Jackson said. “On our staff right now he’s our best starter. I want to go out there and get that first win so there’s less pressure and more pressure on the other team.”

Cabral embraces the role.

“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I just want to help my team get as far as we can and hopefully take it all.”

Cabral’s only loss ironically was the first game of a doubleheader vs. Worcester back on June 28 that ended up being the turning point of the season. He’s been solid since.

“It’s a different game, switching from high school to college hitters,” he said. “So I just tried to get a feel for it, and I think after my first couple of starts I real got a feel for it.”

What did he do differently?

“Be myself, really,” Cabral said. “I felt I was trying to do too much, work around (the hitters).”

Cabral is ready to go. “I love this time of year,” he said.

PITTSFIELD PASTING

The Suns not only outhit the Knights 11-5, they stole eight bases – six in a three-run second. It got so bad that Jackson in the fourth inning had Brendan Martin coach third while he went down to the bullpen and had from the looks of from a distance a frank, one-sided discussion.

“It was about controlling the running game,” Jackson said. “The catcher’s (Nico Galeazzi) having a hard time, help out. At that point, you have to. Yeah, our catcher’s having a hard time, but pitchers have to make an adjustment to help them. Maybe a change in times, a slide step, pick over, something. Make them stop their feet. Every game’s a learning (experience).”

Silver Knights infielder Brady O’Brien tries to keep Pittsfield’s Jack Ryan from stealing second duirng Thursday night’s FCBL game at Holman Stadium. (AP photo)

The Knights learned the hard way as the Suns got homers from Anton Latzis and Cole McGonigal and scored in every inning but the first and third. And while Nashua starter Brock Pare, who may get a playoff start, pitched only two innings (three runs on two hits, two walks but a pickoff). “The running game got to him, he fell behind in the count,” Jackson said. “Left a lot of balls belt high down the middle. He knows that.”

Pittsfield is 26-34, a playoff longshot yet still got a complete game, 10 strikeout performance out of starter Ryan LaPierre.

“I thought they didn’t want to be here,” Jackson said of his players. “No energy, nothing. I just let them know that if this is how they’re going to play, there’s no momentum going in the playoffs.”

“Basically there was no energy,” Knights DH Ray Velazquez said. “We just clinched playoffs, and were satisfied with the season. Coach just gave it to us. Tomorrow (at Norwich tonight, 6:30) should be a good day.”

Jackson had rested a few of his regulars and will likely insert them back in over the weekend.

“We’re going to get some starters back in there,” Jackson said. “They needed a day off. Like I said at the beginning, take every opportunity you have.”

One who did was newcomer Brady O’Brien, who impressed at shortstop and went 2 for 3, scoring the Knights’ only run.

DOYLE TO RETURN, OTHER NOTES

Nashua pitcher Liam Doyle is returning to the area Saturday from orientation at Coastal Carolina, and Jackson isn’t sure how he’ll use him, depending on whether he’s been throwing at all.

“I have no idea, I have no idea if he’s been throwing, I sent him a text so we’ll see,” he said. “Relieve or start, we’ll see.”….

Silver Knights first baseman/DH Kyle Wolff didn’t play in the postseason clincher Wednesday or last night’s debacle. Why? He had his wisdome teeth out. Jackson said he should be back sometime over the weekend…

After Norwich, Nashua sees the nasty Suns one more time on Satuday night, then wraps up the regular season Sunday at 3 p.m. at Holman vs. the Worcester Bravehearts. Worcester (26-34) will likely miss the postseason for the first time in their history…

Former Nashua resident Al St. Louis sang the national anthem last night, and will do so on Sunday, which will be his 5,000th rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.