The Dallas Redbirds proved once again why they’re the class of the ABA 50+ league, storming through the semifinals against the Strangers before capturing the championship crown in a hard-fought series with the Dallas Spirits. It was a postseason run fueled by clutch hitting, sharp defense, and dominant pitching — with Rich Beller’s bat leading the charge in the semis and Jerry Gamez delivering the knockout blows in the title round.

Semifinals vs. Strangers – Beller’s Big Bat Sends Redbirds to the Finals
The Redbirds opened their playoff run at The Parks at Texas Star with an offensive explosion in Game 1, powered by Rich Beller’s four-RBI day in a 10–1 win. Beller’s second-inning double cleared the bases, and his RBI single in the fourth put the game out of reach. John Mahalik added a pair of early RBIs, while Troy Key was untouchable on the mound, striking out eight in a complete-game gem.

Game 2 was a nail-biter that slipped away in the seventh. Tied at 3–3, the Strangers walked it off after a defensive miscue, evening the series with a 4–3 win despite the Redbirds outhitting them 8–7. Kevin Fought and Daron Wilkinson had two hits each, and Chris Cec and Mark Tierney provided key RBIs, but the late rally by the Strangers forced a decisive Game 3.

On Sunday, the Redbirds left no doubt, jumping on the Strangers early and riding strong pitching and flawless defense to a 5–2 win. Jerry Gamez opened the scoring with an RBI single before Tierney’s two-run triple broke it open in the first inning. Cec, Gamez, and Mahalik all had two hits, while the defense turned a double play and committed no errors. With a combined 5-for-6 performance at the plate, four doubles, and four RBIs across the first two games, Beller was named the Semifinals MVP.

Championship vs. Dallas Spirits – Gamez Delivers the Title
The championship series opened with a setback as the Spirits took Game 1, 6–3, using a five-run third inning to build an early lead the Redbirds couldn’t erase. Lester Bedford went 3-for-3 and Mahalik stole three bases, but the Spirits’ timely hitting held.

Game 2 was a turning point — a slugfest that the Redbirds owned late, pulling away for a 13–5 win. Kevin Fought led the hit parade with a perfect 3-for-3 day, driving in three runs, while Gamez matched him with three RBIs of his own. Shawn Onley sealed the victory with an immaculate inning in the seventh, striking out the side on just nine pitches.

In the decisive Game 3, Gamez took center stage, driving in four runs on a single and a double to power the Redbirds to a 12–4 championship-clinching win. Rich Beller and John Mahalik each had three hits, and Troy Key battled through seven innings to secure the title. For his series-long production and clutch performance in the finale, Gamez was named the Championship Series MVP.

A Title Run to Remember
In back-to-back weekends, the Redbirds proved their championship pedigree — handling business against a gritty Strangers team in the semis before overpowering the Spirits when it mattered most. With Rich Beller’s bat igniting the playoff push and Jerry Gamez delivering in the biggest moments, Dallas once again stands atop the ABA 50+ mountain.