Kevin Fought put on a clinic at the plate, driving in five runs on two hits as the Redbirds (50+) routed the Freebirds 18-0 on Saturday at McInnish Sports Complex. The bottom of the first inning exploded for ten runs—sparked by a two-run error, an RBI single from Jerry Gamez, and run-producing hits from Daron Wilkinson, Chris Cec, Lester Bedford, Rich Beller, and John Mahalik—putting the game out of reach before the Freebirds ever came to bat.
Fought kept the pressure on in the third, singling in two more runs after laying down an RBI groundout to extend the lead to a staggering 15-0. His clutch hitting fueled a barrage that saw the Redbirds tally 18 hits in total, with Beller leading the way at 3-for-3 and Mahalik chipping in with two hits and four RBIs of his own.
On the mound, Mark Tierney was untouchable over five innings, surrendering just two hits, striking out three, and walking three to earn the win and handcuff the Freebirds. The Redbirds’ defense backed him up flawlessly, turning a double play and committing zero errors.
With their bats scorching hot and their pitching locked in, the Redbirds roared past the Freebirds in a statement victory. Player of the Game honors go to Kevin Fought, whose five RBIs and savvy baserunning set the tone for this unforgettable offensive explosion.
