The Mets' lineup was responsible for 32 runs during the first week of the season, and they looked poised to add to that impressive total when they strolled down the hill to the Newman diamond.
But Wings starter Will showed some swagger of his own in the first inning, retiring three of five batters faced--two on three-pitch Ks and the third on a fly ball to first base, which Jack hauled in to put a quick end to the inning.
Leading off the Wings' half of the first, Eric worked a walk. He would move to third on a single by Jack, and Sam drove him in on a monster double to right. Will cleared the bases with a rocket to deep center for a triple, and the Wings found themselves on top 3-0 with one out. Josh drove in Will with a single, and Noah moved Josh to third with another single. The Mets got out of the inning with a double play, though, and the Wings would be held at 4.
Will continued to throw heat and command well in the second. He struck out one, stabbed a chopper up the middle and gunned the runner down at first for another, and got the third to fly out to first baseman Jack.
The Wings were unable to get much going in the bottom of the second and the score would stay 4-0, Wings, after two.
Will retired three of four batters in the third, capping a gem of a start: 3 innings pitched, 0 runs, 4 K, 0 BB. He displayed good consistent mechanics, got himself into a nice groove, and put the Wings in good position to come out with a win. Noah, as usual, was rock-solid behind the plate, offering a steady target and stopping just about everything.
The Wings added three more in the bottom of the third. Tom led off with a double to left and scored on Jack's single to right. 5-0, Wings. Will, Josh, and Noah then hit consecutive singles that brought in two more runs. 7-0, Wings.
Micah took the mound in the fourth and commanded his fastball. He struck out one, and got two to ground out--one to first unassisted and one to Eric at second base who made a nice play to scoop it and fire over to Will at first. Every pitcher appreciates a reliable infield, and the Wings were making everything on the ground look routine.
The Wings would enjoy another big inning in the bottom half of the fourth. "J.D." Drew got things going with a full-count leadoff walk. This kid has a great feel for the strike zone. He just doesn't swing at bad pitches. Period. Parker worked a walk next, and then Alex would load the bases with the third straight walk. Tom singled and drove in two. Will launched one into right field for a double and drove in another two. Josh hit the third of his three singles on the night and brought Will in. Josh has a a bit of a hitting streak brewing, having hit safely in every game we have played so far.
The Wings entered the fifth up 13-0 and sent Tom to the hill. Tom had a smokin' fastball and commanded it, striking out two and benefiting from some excellent defensive support at second by Eric, who put his glove on a screamer and threw to first for the out.
Micah smashed a single to right center in the fifth, but the Wings were unable build on that and the score would remain 13-0.
Wings closer Parker took the mound to nail it down in the sixth. It would not be easy. He had to contend with a Mets' rally that produced two runs and loaded up the bases for more. He was cool as ice, though, and just focused on making his pitches. He got the next batter to ground softly to the mound. Parker scooped it and flipped it to Ken who got the force at home. A heads-up play by both Parker and Ken to save the run.
From there, Parker got the next batter to ground softly to first and then struck out another to close out the game. Final score: Wings 13, Mets 2.
The game ball went to Will, who pitched three scoreless frames and nearly hit for the cycle. He finished with a single, double, and triple in three at-bats. Not a bad day's work for the young slugger. Alex earned the Habit Award for being down and ready for every pitch during his two innings at third base.
Another phenomenal team effort for the Red Wings. We were productive at the plate, putting up 13 runs on 14 hits, we made some excellent plays in the field, and we pitched effectively through all six innings. Good baseball all around!
