The Redbirds came out swinging under the lights at The Parks at Texas Star on Wednesday, building what looked like a commanding 6-0 lead after just two and a half innings. But in a gut-wrenching turnaround, the Tigers stormed back with a six-run third inning and eventually pushed across the go-ahead run in the sixth to deal the Redbirds a 7-6 loss.
The Redbirds offense looked unstoppable early. In the first inning, Jerry Gamez grounded out to bring home a run, followed by Marc Boggio’s RBI double to give the Redbirds a 2-0 lead. In the third, they exploded for four more runs. An error plated one, Gamez came through again with a two-run single, and Travis Hitzeman added an RBI single to push the lead to 6-0.
Gamez was the standout performer at the plate, driving in three runs and going 1-for-3 in the heart of the order. Joe Lowry also continued his scorching season with a 2-for-3 night and a stolen base, while Jerry Anderson reached three times and scored twice.
But the tide turned sharply in the bottom of the third. The Tigers strung together five hits, highlighted by Nick Bird’s three-run single, as they roared back to tie the game. A sixth-inning RBI single from Brandon Williams would ultimately be the dagger.
Starter Troy Key went three innings for the Redbirds, allowing six runs on six hits. Brent Smerczynski was solid in relief, surrendering just one run over the final three frames, but the damage had been done.
Despite outhitting the Tigers 12 to 9, the Redbirds left nine men on base and couldn’t cash in late to reclaim the lead. It was a tough loss for a team that had the early momentum and the offensive firepower to win.
The Redbirds will look to bounce back when they return home next Wednesday to face the Rangers in what promises to be another hard-fought match-up.
