The Redbirds (50+) continued their scorching offensive form with a commanding 11-4 win over the Diablos on Saturday at McInnish Sports Complex, thanks in large part to a relentless performance from right fielder Daron Wilkinson. The veteran slugger turned in a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a stolen base, sparking the Redbirds to another statement win.
The Diablos struck first in the bottom of the opening frame, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead behind a two-RBI single from Todd Arnold. But that would be the extent of their momentum. The Redbirds responded in the top of the third with four runs on a string of clutch hits. Rich Beller got the rally started with an RBI single, followed by key knocks from John Mahalik and Jerry Gamez, each driving in a run. Wilkinson capped the surge with his first RBI single of the day.
While the bats kept rolling, Redbirds starter Troy Key settled in and worked through six innings of tough, contact-heavy baseball. Key allowed eight hits and four runs—only two earned—while striking out four and walking three. His poise on the mound, even when traffic was on the bases, proved vital. Steve Stone closed the door in the seventh with a clean inning of relief to preserve the win.
The Redbirds put the game away with three runs in the sixth and four more in the seventh, fueled by hits from Wilkinson, Beller, and a timely two-run knock from Key himself. Mahalik was a menace on the basepaths, scoring three times and adding a hit, walk, and stolen base. The Redbirds offense walked six times in total and collected 12 hits, displaying impressive patience and discipline at the plate.
Defensively, the Redbirds were sharp, turning a key double play and committing no errors, continuing a trend of clean, efficient defense that’s become a trademark this season.
For his complete performance—three hits, two RBIs, a stolen base, and steady presence in the outfield—Daron Wilkinson earns Player of the Game honors. His veteran leadership and consistency at the plate continue to be invaluable assets as the Redbirds march forward in the 2025 campaign.
