The talented Rock Round Express, in third place with a 4-3 record, were looking to improve to 5-3 and gain a game on the second place Diamond Jaxx, who dropped a close one to the Mudcats earlier Monday morning.
But they would have to get past starting pitcher Eric and his red-hot Red Wings first. After a leadoff single, it was smooth sailing for Eric in the top of the first. He struck out the next two and got the third to fly out to center field, where Micah made a nice grab on the run to end the inning.
The Wings could not get anything going in the bottom half. No score after one.
In the second, Eric struck out one and got some excellent defensive support for the other two. The second batter of the inning hit a long single and tried to stretch it to two. The runner on second, however, did not move to third, so he had to retreat to first. Seeing this develop, Noah, the quick-thinking catcher, after backing up the throw to the mound, fired to first for the out. This was just smart baseball. The final out of the inning was a fly ball to Parker at shortstop. He was screened by the runner moving to third, so he had to move out of position and then back underneath to make the catch. Not an easy play, but Parker managed to haul it in. The Express got one in, though, and were up 1-0 after one and a half.
That lead would not last as the Wings put together a very productive second inning. Jack cranked a leadoff double. Parker knocked him in with a double of his own. Tie game. But the Wings were hungry for more. Alex would make it back-to-back-to-back doubles with a shot up the middle that scored Parker, and the Wings would take a 2-1 lead. Alejandro and Drew both worked two-out walks to keep the line moving and put runners on first and second. Alejandro's walk would prove costly for the Express when Noah launched a deep single to left. Showing some blazing speed on the basepaths, Alejandro scored from second to make it 3-1, Wings.
But the Express would claw their way back in it, putting up two runs in their half of the third. After three, it was all tied up at 3 runs apiece. Eric did his job well tonight, eating up innings and putting the Wings in a good position to win. The Wings' starter struck out five and scattered three hits over three innings.
The Wings would regain control of the game in the bottom of the third. Eric, Tom, and Will put together three consecutive walks to load the bases for Sam. Yes "Grand" Sam, Sammy Whammy, The Big Bang--whatever you want to call him. He hit a rocket to deep left, a 2-RBI double, and with one swing of the bat the Wings were back on top 5-3. Jack would join the party next and single in Sam. 6-3, Wings. Parker would send another bomb to deep left field for a double and bring in Jack. In all, this Wings' rally produced 4 runs and gave the Wings a 7-3 lead.
Noah came out to pitch the top of the fourth and he was throwing bullets. He struck out one and benefited from a play you'll see on Sports Center for weeks to come. Third baseman Eric ran down a shallow infield fly, made the catch, then immediately turned and sprinted for the bag. Great instincts. The runner had indeed left third but was only a few steps toward home. Eric turned on the jets and beat the runner back to third for the unassisted double play. It's impressive enough to have the presence of mind to look back to third after running down the shallow pop-up. But Eric also had the speed to cover the check his brain had written. Brilliant baseball!
Micah made some noise in the bottom of the fourth with an infield single and a great hustle up the line. Unfortunately he would be stranded there. Still 7-3, Wings after four.
Will would come out of the bullpen for the fifth. The Express are still wondering what hit them. He attacked the zone from the first pitch, striking out their clean-up hitter in dramatic fashion. After filling the count, he watched strike three, a blazing fastball about knee-high. Will got the next one looking and then fanned another to bring the Wings an inning closer to victory.
Sam launched a gargantuan triple to deep left center in the fifth. It was a beauty. But, unfortunately that was all the Red Wings could muster, and Sam was stranded at third.
Top of the sixth. 7-3, Wings. It was up to closer Jack to put this one in the books. It would take him only 12 pitches to retire the side--in order, three Ks, two backwards. This is the definition of "lights out." He was supported by some excellent work behind the plate by Josh who offered a steady target for two innings (catching for Will as well) and putting his glove on nearly every pitch.
7-3 was the final. This was classic Red Wings baseball: pitching, defense, and clutch hitting. Speaking of clutch hitting, tonight's game ball went to Sam, whose 2-RBI double in the third put the Wings on top for good. The Habit Award went to second baseman Tom for being down for every pitch.
Tomorrow night, the Knights come to Newman. Beware! They are a much better team than their 1-8 record indicates. These guys will be tough.
