The Redbirds wasted no time seizing control Wednesday night at Lively Park, exploding for nine first-inning runs en route to a convincing 13-5 win over Los Viejos. It was a masterclass in offensive execution, and by the time the dust settled on the opening frame, the Redbirds had sent 14 batters to the plate and left little doubt about the outcome.
Jerry Anderson got the scoring started with a sharp RBI single, and the floodgates opened. Marc Boggio and Jerry Gamez followed with RBI knocks of their own, Jason New laced a two-run single, and Brent Smerczynski delivered a sacrifice fly to keep the momentum rolling. Chris Cec, Juan Mollinedo, and Joe Lowry—who was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded—added to the damage in what became a relentless rally.
On the mound, Brent Smerczynski earned the win with three innings of steady work. He allowed three hits and three runs (two earned), striking out two and walking three. He got help from Jerry Anderson and Boggio in relief, who closed the door with a scoreless fourth and a two-run fifth, respectively.
At the plate, the Redbirds piled up 14 hits. Dustin Harrison, Anderson, Gamez, and Mollinedo each tallied two hits, while Anderson and New both drove in multiple runs. Every part of the lineup contributed in what was one of the club’s most well-rounded offensive performances of the season.
Los Viejos scratched across a pair of early runs, but they couldn’t overcome the avalanche that was the Redbirds’ first inning. Steven Nutt and Jon Jackson each knocked in two runs for the visitors, but the deficit proved too large.
Player of the Game: Jerry Anderson. The Redbirds’ third baseman went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs, scored twice, and added a stolen base. His bat ignited the early outburst, and his presence at the hot corner helped steady the defense.
With the win, the Redbirds improved their momentum heading into next week’s matchup, as they continue to assert themselves as one of the toughest lineups in the league.
