(06/17/06) Game 1 vs. MBA Gold: The Redbirds came out running the bases aggressively scoring 3 runs in the first with only one base hit. They continued to score by putting up 4 more runs in the second highlighted by Tyler Broders and Matt Grosskopf’s run scoring doubles. The third inning saw more of the same as the Redbirds tallied 5 in the frame after a two out rally sparked by David Hill’s single and Aaron Halligan’s triple. Terrill Clayburne and Connor Lindeman each contributed 2 RBIs. Redbirds nail down the victory in four innings 12-2.

The defense was solid, committing no errors while catcher Anfernee Crompton gunned down a host team runner at third in the first inning. Aaron Halligan and Hayden Franks combined on a 3-hitter, striking out 9 and walking 3. Hayden was especially tough striking out all three of the batters he faced. Aaron helped himself by picking off a runner from second base in the second inning.

(06/17/06) Game 2 vs. Cedar Rapids Reds: The Cedar Rapids Reds battled the Redbirds to a 5-5 tie after 3 ½ innings. In the early innings both teams’ defense took center stage as the Anfernee Crompton’s canon threw out a runner at home trying to score and the Reds defense kept the game close. In the bottom of the fourth the Redbirds brought out the heavy artillery and plated 10 to run rule the Reds to end the game. In the fourth Nick Hirst led off with a single, followed by hits from Drake Vanderpool, David Hill, and Connor Lindeman. A walk followed by Tyler Broders’ run scoring single and Matt Grosskopf’s 2-run double. Hayden Franks drove in the seventh run of the inning with a groundout. Terrill Clayburne continued the barrage with a single, followed by Nick Hirst’s two-hopper to the fence for a run-scoring double. Drake Vanderpool knocked in his second run of the inning with a single and Connor Lindeman’s second hit of the inning plated the 10th run to end the game. Redbirds explode for 1 0 in the fourth to win 15-5.

With the victory the Redbirds were awarded the top seed for championship bracket on Sunday.

(06/18/06) Semifinal Game vs. MBA Purple: On Father’s Day, the Birds put up 6 in the first to put the home team in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. MBA pitching started the game by walking the first two Redbirds, an RBI ground-out and a Hayden Franks double started the scoring. Terrill Clayburne then stroked a single to knock in the third run of the inning. 2 hit batsmen and a number of passed balls later gave the Redbirds the 6-0 lead after one-half inning. The Redbirds added two insurance runs in the second and fourth inning to cruise to victory 8-2.

On the hill, it was all Terrill Clayburne as he pitched a 6 inning CG, scattering 6 hits, striking 2 and walking no one. He only went to 3-ball count on one of the 24 batters he faced. His defense supported him by committing no errors and not allowing MBA to get a big inning started.

(06/18/06) Championship Game vs. Barnstormer Sluggers: The boys, true to form, came out swinging in the Championship game. Aaron Halligan led off with a 2B, followed by Tyler Broders working the Slugger pitcher for a 7 pitch BB. Matt Grosskopf singled to drive in a run, followed by a groundout to plate the third run of the inning. That proved to be all Matt Grosskopf needed as he pitched a 5 inning 1 hit, CG, striking out nine and walking one with no ball finding the outfield grass.

The Birds plated two more runs in the fourth on Anfernee Crompton’s double and a series of wild pitches by the opposing pitcher. In the 5th, the boys finished off the Sluggers by scoring 4 runs with two outs highlighted by 2 hit batsmen, and singles by Franks, Clayburne, and Crompton. Redbirds roll to the championship victory 9-1.

All weekend the boys displayed strong offense and superior defense. In the four games the boys played to take home the First Place finish they only allowed 10 runs against them. Each of the Redbirds players contributed to the success of the team to ensure the wins. Not only did their strong playing reflect on the field but their great sportsmanship as well.

The boys overall record right now is 37-8 and have 3 First Place Finishes, 1 Second, 1 Third and 1 Fourth. Great Job Redbirds!!!!

Here are some quick highlights of each individual player’s contribution to the weekend:

#5 Hayden Franks- Solid pitching, catching and hitting, 6 RBI’s, 1 double and 2 runs scored.

#7 Tyler Broders- Great play all weekend at shortstop, 4 RBI’s, 1 double and 7 runs scored.

#9 David Hill- Great outfield play all weekend with no errors, 2 RBI’s and 3 runs scored.

#10 Drake Vanderpool- 1 Complete game pitched 56 pitches, 3k, 1bb in 20 batters faced. 4 RBI’s and 3 runs scored.

#12 Nick Hirst- Great hitting and fielding, 4 RBI’s, 1 double and 3 runs scored.

#14 Matt Grosskopf- 1 complete game pitched, 9k’s, 1bb and 1 hit. 4 RBI’s, 1 double and 6 runs scored.

#20 Connor Lindaman- Conner is a guest player and did a great job for us. He gave us 3 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.

#21 Terrill Clayburne- 1 complete game pitched, 6 hits, 2 k’s, 0 bb. 2 RBI’s, 1 triple and 4 runs scored.
#23 Aaron Halligan- Solid pitching and fielding, he had no errors in fielding, 2 doubles and 5 runs scored.

#32 Anfernee Crompton- Solid catching and defense, also solid hitting in championship to help secure win, 3 RBI’s, 1 double and 5 runs.