The Redbirds (40+) delivered an electrifying performance on Wednesday night, dismantling the Chihuahuas 16-1 at The Parks at Texas Star. Behind a relentless offensive attack and dominant pitching, the Redbirds wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring in each of the first three innings to put the game out of reach early.
The fireworks started in the bottom of the first when Travis Hitzeman grounded into a fielder’s choice to drive in the first run, followed by Dustin Harrison’s RBI single to center, giving the Redbirds a quick 2-0 lead. The second inning saw the floodgates open as the Redbirds erupted for six runs on three hits. An error plated the first run, followed by a bases-loaded walk to Lester Bedford to add another. Jerry Anderson then stepped up and delivered a two-run single, and Hitzeman kept the rally going with an RBI single of his own. Jerry Gamez capped off the frame with another run-scoring single, extending the lead to 8-0.
The third inning was even more explosive, as the Redbirds poured on eight more runs with a barrage of hits. Chris Cec provided the biggest blow, ripping a three-run double to clear the bases. Juan Mollinedo followed with an RBI single before Anderson lifted a sacrifice fly to bring in another. Hitzeman stayed hot, lacing an RBI double, while Harrison and Gamez each chipped in with RBI groundouts to complete the eight-run outburst.
On the mound, Harrison was masterful, tossing three shutout innings while allowing just two hits. He struck out three and walked only one to earn the win. The bullpen was just as sharp, with Anderson and Brent Smerczynski each tossing scoreless frames to slam the door on the Chihuahuas.
The Redbirds’ offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 12 hits. Gamez and Hitzeman led the charge with two hits apiece, while Anderson, Cec, and Hitzeman each drove in three runs. Cec also showed patience at the plate, drawing two walks. The team’s aggressive baserunning added another dimension to their dominance, swiping four stolen bases. Defensively, the Redbirds were flawless, turning three double plays in a complete team effort.
Brandon Mitchell provided the lone bright spot for the Chihuahuas, collecting two of his team’s six hits, but they were unable to mount any kind of threat against the Redbirds’ pitching staff.
With another emphatic victory in the books, the Redbirds (40+) now turn their focus to next Wednesday’s home showdown against the Bisons. After this offensive explosion, they’ll be looking to keep their momentum rolling and continue their dominance on the diamond.
Hitzeman delivered a complete performance, going 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, and a run scored while also making key plays in the field. His all-around impact helped power the Redbirds to another convincing win.
