The Redbirds (50+) rode an early offensive surge and a sharp defensive effort to an 11-4 victory over the Yankees on Saturday at McInnish Sports Complex. With a relentless mix of timely hitting, aggressive base running, and steady pitching, the Redbirds made a statement in front of the home crowd.
Three first-inning runs set the tone for the day as Jerry Gamez and Kevin Fought delivered RBI singles, and a defensive miscue by the Yankees pushed across a third run. The Redbirds kept their foot on the gas in the second, adding another run when Steve Smith worked a bases-loaded walk to make it 4-0.
The third inning saw more of the same from the Redbirds’ offense. Fought drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, Aaron Nowels followed with an RBI single, and Chris Cec added one more with another fielder’s choice RBI. In total, the Redbirds scored seven runs in the first three frames and never looked back.
Cec got the start and the win on the mound, pitching four strong innings while allowing five hits and just one earned run. Though he didn’t record a strikeout, he worked around traffic and let his defense do the work. John Mahalik came on in relief and pitched the final two innings, giving up three runs on five hits while throwing 27 efficient pitches.
Offensively, the Redbirds racked up 13 hits. Nowels, Gamez, and Mark Tierney each collected two hits, while Fought, Nowels, and Mahalik led the charge with two RBI’s apiece. Tierney also tripled and scored twice. The Redbirds were electric on the basepaths, swiping six bags, including one each from Mahalik, Cec, Bosco, Tierney, Gamez, and Vidal. On the defensive side, the team was flawless, committing no errors and turning three double plays, with Steve Stone anchoring the infield with seven defensive chances.
Juan Castro led the Yankees offensively, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI’s. Alejandro Gonzalez added two hits and two stolen bases, while Miguel Mendoza and WDdedser also posted multi-hit performances. Still, the Yankees couldn’t overcome the early deficit or slow down the Redbirds’ momentum.
With the victory, the Redbirds (50+) continue their impressive stretch and will look to carry the momentum into next Saturday’s match up against the Freebirds.
