The Redbirds (50+) came out on top in a tense, hard-fought 4-3 victory over Metroflex on Saturday afternoon at McInnish Sports Complex, thanks to a gutsy complete-game effort from veteran right-hander Jerry Gamez and just enough timely offense to get the job done.
The Redbirds jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Phil Bosco drew a bases-loaded walk, pushing across the game’s first run. After a few quiet innings, the offense came alive again in the fifth. Rich Beller came through with a clutch two-run single, extending the Redbirds’ lead to 3-0. Moments later, John Mahalik added another with an RBI single of his own, making it 4-0 and giving the Redbirds what turned out to be just enough breathing room.
Metroflex made it interesting in the top of the sixth, stringing together hits and capitalizing on their only walk of the day. J Session delivered a two-run single, and R Dick followed with an RBI base hit to cut the lead to 4-3. But Gamez held strong, finishing the frame without further damage and retiring the side in order in the seventh to secure the win.
Gamez was the definition of a workhorse, going the distance and tossing all seven innings. He scattered seven hits and allowed three earned runs while striking out four and walking just one. His ability to stay composed in the sixth when Metroflex surged made the difference in the ballgame.
At the plate, the Redbirds tallied five hits. Beller led the way with a 1-for-3 effort and two RBIs. Mahalik, Gamez, JD Magee, and Bosco each added hits, with Bosco reaching base twice and driving in a run. The offense took advantage of four walks and some smart baserunning to support their pitcher.
With this victory, the Redbirds continue their winning ways, showing they can win not just with firepower, but also with grit, poise, and strong pitching. Player of the Game honors go to Jerry Gamez, who controlled the game on the mound from start to finish, making every pitch count and lifting the Redbirds in a tight contest.
