The Redbirds (40+) exploded for eight runs in the fourth inning to pull away from the 40+ Chihuahuas and claim an emphatic 11–3 win Wednesday night at The Parks at Texas Star. It was a classic statement game for a Redbirds team that seems to be clicking on all cylinders as summer approaches.
Shortstop Jerry Anderson was the offensive catalyst, going 3-for-4 with a double, two singles, and two RBIs. His leadoff double in the first set the tone for a lineup that would pound out 14 hits on the night. Anderson’s two-run single in the fourth punctuated a massive rally that put the game out of reach.
The Redbirds initially jumped ahead in the first inning when Jerry Gamez singled home a run. The Chihuahuas answered in the bottom of the second with two runs of their own to momentarily take the lead. But from there, it was all Redbirds.
In the pivotal fourth, Brent Smerczynski ripped a triple to deep right to drive in two, Kevin Fought followed with a two-run single, and Jason New and Troy Key each added RBIs. Joe Lowry, who finished with two walks and a single, drove in a run as well. Juan Mollinedo added another RBI single to cap the surge.
On the mound, it was a steady trio of arms that kept the Chihuahuas at bay. Troy Key started and struck out four in two innings despite allowing a pair of unearned runs. Smerczynski came on in relief and was electric, fanning three in two shutout innings to earn the win. Dustin Harrison closed it down with two innings of one-run ball.
Smerczynski, who also went 2-for-3 at the plate with a triple and two RBIs, earns Player of the Game honors for his work on both sides of the ball. The Redbirds ran wild as well, stealing three bases and playing clean, error-free defense—an effort that included turning a key double play.
The Redbirds improve to 6–3 on the season and will now hit the road to take on the Bisons next Wednesday, looking to keep their momentum rolling.
