The Redbirds (50+) flexed their offensive muscle on Saturday at McInnish Sports Complex, outlasting Laguneros in an 11-8 slugfest. With 14 hits fueling their relentless attack, the Redbirds stormed ahead early and held off multiple comeback attempts to secure another hard-fought victory.
The Redbirds wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard, exploding for five runs in the top of the first inning. Jerry Gamez got things rolling with an RBI single, followed by Mark Tierney’s clutch base hit to bring home another run. Aaron Nowels kept the momentum alive, lacing a single to center to drive in another. The pressure proved too much for Laguneros early on, as a costly defensive miscue allowed two more runs to score, giving the Redbirds a commanding 5-0 lead before Laguneros even stepped up to bat.
After a quiet second inning, the Redbirds’ offense reignited in the middle frames, striking for three more runs in the third and adding another in the fourth. Tierney, proving to be the sparkplug of the lineup, continued his monster day at the plate by driving in two of those runs, while Nowels delivered another RBI to extend the lead.
Despite trailing early, Laguneros refused to go down without a fight. They put up four runs in the third inning and continued chipping away with a pair of late-game rallies. Fueled by nine total hits and aggressive base running, they put pressure on the Redbirds’ pitching staff and cut the lead to just three runs in the final innings. However, the Redbirds’ pitching and defense held strong when it mattered most. Gamez, who took the mound for the first four innings, battled through some adversity, allowing just three earned runs on five hits while keeping the Redbirds in control. Tierney took over in relief, working through traffic but ultimately shutting down Laguneros’ comeback efforts.
The defense played a pivotal role in preserving the win, turning a crucial double play that helped snuff out a Laguneros rally. With their pitching and fielding holding steady, the Redbirds secured their well-earned victory in an intense back-and-forth battle.
The Redbirds’ lineup was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players delivering standout performances at the plate. Aaron Nowels had a perfect day, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, leading the offensive charge. Mark Tierney matched him hit-for-hit, also finishing 3-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs, delivering clutch knocks when the team needed them most. Jerry Gamez stayed hot with a 2-for-3 performance, adding an RBI and a walk. Marcos Vidal and Kevin Fought each contributed key hits and runs scored to fuel the Redbirds’ attack. In total, the Redbirds racked up 14 hits while working five walks and applying relentless pressure to Laguneros’ pitching staff all game long.
With another victory in the books, the Redbirds (50+) continue to showcase their ability to win high-scoring battles while proving they can handle adversity. Their combination of timely hitting, deep lineup production, and solid defensive play makes them a team to watch as the season progresses. Next up, the Redbirds return home for a showdown against the Bisons, where they’ll look to keep their bats hot and extend their winning streak.
Aaron Nowels delivered in every at-bat, finishing 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, setting the tone for the Redbirds’ explosive offense. His consistency at the plate and ability to come through in key moments made him the driving force behind the victory.
