News

 '09 Season Ends With Redbirds Advancing To Title Game

2 August

Dick Jerardi

Baltimore News American 1976-80

For the 4th consecutive day toiling under broiling Brazilian-like heat and dealing with unscheduled interruptions brought about by intermittent, sometimes torrential downpours in this verdent jungle they call Cabin John, your Maryland Redbirds made it all the way to the League Championship game against the powerhouse, Bethesda Choo-Choos, late yesterday afternoon before a packed house at P T Barnum Field.

To get to the Title game and possibly an " if necessary " 2nd Title Game that would have started later in the evening, the Birds were faced with the stupefying proposition of having to play 3 games in one day, an assignment we all thought should have disappeared with that last 12 year old summer tournament these kids played in 8 years ago. Nonetheless, and despite the League's lunacy with mandating such a format, the Birds qualified for Title Game 1 with a October-like win over the 3rd seeded, Herndon Braves, by the score of 1-0. VCU-bound RHP and Wally Bunker clone, Kyle Haynes, tossed a near perfect 1-hitter over 7 quick innings with the winning run coming off the bat of fellow VCU teammate, OF Nick Kime's walk-off single with the bases loaded in the decisive bottom of the 7th.

Title Game 1 proved too much for the bedraggled Birds as the Big Train's plate brilliance and dominance on the hill as evidenced by Southern Miss's Seth Hester twinkling 2 hit gem, clipped the Birds' wings convincingly in obtaining a 7-0, 7-inning final result.

Bird Chirps: Birds finish the season at 26-20, their best season on record dating back to the League's inaugural season in 2005. From the opening of preseason workouts on June 1 and moving right on thru to a very tired ending, nowhere could the word ' disappointment ' be even considered. Throughout the season, the young men provided us with sheer enjoyment in watching them develop at a game that has been cast aside in the rank & files of amateur baseball. We call that game simply ' WOOD BAT BASEBALL ' and salute all those who play and patronize its beauty.

Thank you, loyal and devoted fans of the Redbird Nation, for being so attentive and supportive these past 2 months. Now I must leave to go back to Philadelphia where my regular beat takes me. But for now, we both can revel in the knowledge that some darn good baseball is still being played in the Charm City.

 Birds bounce back, 3-0

31 July

Nick Charles

WJZ-TV Print Media Special

With the thermometer touching 97 yesterday at 4 pm at P T Barnum Field in the green environs of Bethesda's Cabin John Regional Park, your Maryland Redbirds flew their way back into contention for the vaunted Bovello Cup with a 2nd Round win over the Silver Spring Thunderbolts by the score of 3-0.

On the bump for the Birds, RHP Ben White ( jr., Temple U. ) proved masterful going the full 9 in allowing only 6 hits, 3 BBs, while striking out 6. Encountering real difficulty only in the T-bolts' half of the 8th with the bases loaded, White induced T-bolts' power hitter, Devin Rivers, to beat into an inning-ending double play deftly engineered 4-6-3.

And as he has all season long, Freddie Lynn clone, OF Frank Florio ( jr., Stetson U. ) keyed the 9 hit, 6 BB attack with a crisp single to rightfield in the decisive 4th inning plating 2 Birds. For the game, Florio's line shows 3-4 with 2 rbi(s) with compliments from DH Reid Chenworth ( jr., Lubbock Christian, 2-3 ), CRSCBL defensive SS of the year, Alex Frederick ( soph., UNC-Greensboro, 2 hits and 2 sac bunts ) and 1B Josh Winter ( soph., Mt. St. Mary's, 2 BBs, 1 hit, 1 run scored ).

Bird Chirps: Weather looks to be a definite factor for today's potential DH at The Shirley as the CRSCBL playoffs advance to Round 3 with a 2:30 game scheduled to go between the Birds and the Herndon Braves who fell from the Winner's bracket last nite losing to the front-running Choo-Choos of Bethesda, 8-2. Normie is calling for thunderboomers of biblical proportions starting anytime after 12 noon. Should the Birds win the 2:30 contest, action would then shift to tonite at 7:30 vs. the Choo-Choos who are looking to cop their 1st League title outright since the inception of the CRSCBL in 2005.
Talented RHP Kyle Haynes ( Fr., Virginia Commonwealth ) gets this afternoon's start for the 25-19 Birds.

Redbirds scalped, 5-3

 30 July

Clem Florio, Sports Desk
The News-American

On a uncomfortably warm and humid afternoon before 511 devoted fans of both teams yesterday at P T Barnum Field nestled in the verdent confines of Cabin John Regional Park, your 2nd-seeded Maryland Redbirds suffered a 1st Round CRSCBL 2009 playoff loss to the 3rd seed, Herndon Braves, by the final score of 5-3.

Due much to the efforts of Braves' LHP, Jim Guiletti ( soph., SUNY-Binghamton ) holding the Birds to a well-spaced 5 hits, 5 BBs and their 10 hit, 4 BB offensive assault, Maryland was just not able to muster up enough firepower of their own after a 4th inning lead change put Herndon ahead for good, 2-1.

A strong Bird rally in the 7th followed by another potential uprising in the bottom of the 9th produced 2 more runs, but Lady Luck's satin dress was far too wilted for a different result to occur. C Ryan Thomas ( soph. George Washington, 2 hits, 1 rbi ); dazzling SS Alex Frederick ( soph., UNC-Greensboro, 2 BBs, 1 hit, 1 rbi, 1 run ) and 3B Jack Carey ( Fr., Wake Forest, 2 hits incl. a booming 9th inning 2-bagger to left-center and 1 run scored ) led the way for the Birds.

Bird Chirps: RHP Ben White ( jr., Temple U., 2-3 with a club leading 2.76 ERA ) gets the ball in keeping the Birds' season alive past Round 2 today at P T Barnum Field in Bethesda, 2:30 pm - 1st Pitch. Chance of afternoon thunder-clappers continue to plague the area, but at this time of year, the Game of Baseball still gets played, weather regardless.

Redbirds win 23rd, 9-5 

26 July

John Eisenberg, Sports Desk

The Morning SUN

With the arrival of a monstrous thunderboomer brought in by Moses late yesterday afternoon at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the campus of Calvert Hall College, your Maryland Redbirds got a measure of revenge for Friday nite's pasting at the hands of playoff-hungry Silver Spring ( 8-2 ) returning the favor by the score, 9-5, as Bird bats boomed for what amounted to 5 1/3 innings of exciting CRSCBL action.

Headlining the Bird attack which erupted for a total of 12 hits, 1 triple, 2 doubles, 2 BBs, and 3 sac bunts, were RF Frank Florio ( jr., Stetson U. ) 1 triple, 3 rbi(s) and 1 run scored; DH Reid Chenworth ( jr., Lubbock Christian ) 2 doubles, 3 rbi(s); and CF Ben Winter ( soph., Towson U. ) 2-2 with 2 rbi(s).  Pitchers Greg Terry ( soph. LHP, Eastern Kentucky ) and Jackson Geary ( soph., RHP, Coastal Carolina ) combined for the win with Geary picking up his 5th win of the year.

Bird Chirps: Yesterday's season finale at Carlo Crispino Stadium found the turnstiles ' ka-chinging 'as 877 ardent Redbird fans found plenty to cheer about with the club's offensive display. It was also Redbird Alumni Day at the park as a good no. of former Birds stopped by to get a view of the game and the excellent facility we play on. Prior to the game, 3-year wily veteran and captain, OF Nick Wojnowski ( sr., Rider U. ), was presented with a #6 game shirt as a testament to his significant contributions and solid play.

Bird Bite: Bird Bus motors down 29 to Bethesda tonite for a necessary make-up game ( 7:30 pm start ) against the College Park Bombers who are seeking the 4th and final playoff spot for the CRSCBL playoffs which begin Wednesday at P T Barnum Field in the forest-green dominions of Cabin John Regional Park. Your 2nd seeded Maryland Redbirds will be playing in Game 1 with a 2:30 pm start against the 3rd-seeded ballclub, the Herndon Braves. More on that matchup at 11.

Redbirds romp, 9-0

26 July  

Lou Hatter, Sports Desk

The News-American

Still reeling from what was arguably the club's most embarrassing loss this season ( 8-2 ) on Friday nite at the hands of the Silver Spring T-bolts, luck & good fortune in the game of baseball can and does change quickly as witnessed yesterday at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the campus of Calvert Hall College with your Maryland Redbirds putting forth their best offensive show of the 2009 CRSCBL season with a 9-0 bombasting of the hapless, Rockville Express before a delighted crowd of 834 loyal and devoted Redbird supporters.

Leading the Bird calvary charge ( 11 total hits, 4 doubles, 1 HR, 5 walks ) were the League's top defensive SS Alex Frederick ( soph., UNC-Greensboro ) who went 3-4 with 2 doubles, 1 rbi, and 2 runs scored; 1st Team CRSCBL 2B Cory Jensen ( soph., Hillsborough Fla. CC ) 2-5 with a 5th inning HR 363ft. over the left field fence, 3 rbi(s) and 2 runs scored; clean-up hitter and 3B Jack Carey ( Fr., Wake Forest ) 1-3 with 2 walks, 2 rbi(s), and 2 runs scored not to mention two Brooksie-like charges from 3B on slow rollers to throw out runners; and 1B Josh Winter ( soph. Mt. St. Mary's ) 2-2 with 2 walks and a rbi.

Also of note was Bird Pitching, the cornerstone to this year's 22-18 record to date, as a quartet of righthanded pitchers - Ben White ( jr., Temple U. ); Kyle Haynes ( Fr., VCU ); Greg Ross ( jr., Towson U. ); and Zach Furl ( soph., UNC-Greensboro ) all collaborated to shut down the Express on a paltry 2 hits and 4 walks.

Bird Chirps: Today's game marks the close to the 2009 CRSCBL season as the Birds attempt to record their 23rd win of the season and prepare for League playoffs which commence this Wednesday. It will also be REDBIRD alumni day at the park as former Redbird players going as far back as 1894, will be recognized for all their past contributions to the club. 1st pitch for the current Redbirds edition is set for 4 pm.

22 July

Bird Chirp: Hear ye, Hear ye ................. come one, come all. This weekend marks the final weekend of CRSCBL play with your Maryland Redbirds ( 21-17 ) set to finish regular season action on the artificial surface at Calvert Hall's Carlo Crispino Stadium with single games Saturday (1:30 pm) against the Rockville Express and Sunday's (4 pm) close-out against the Silver Spring Thunderbolts.

Special promotions for these ( 2 ) final home games will include free passes in August to Gwynn Oak Amusement Park for the first 300 able to squeeze thru the black wrought-iron gates on Saturday and a free DVD giveaway on Sunday to the first 250 featuring all the great hitting tips from the late Charlie Lau, the hitting guru who made George Brett the hitter he was ( or maybe at least, he supplied the pine tar ? ). This DVD is a must for all Little Leaguers one day hoping to be a Redbird or for any adult over the age of 45 who is thinking of stepping into a cage sometime soon.

Be sure to catch all the exciting action this weekend as the Birds prepare for postseason play on July 29, 30, 31, and Aug. 1 at P T Barnum Park at Cabin John Regional in Bethesda.

Always remember, the Admission is FREE and the play is PRICELESS !

On a night where the rain clouds wanted to challenge this game's completion before 837 fans on SCOTT'S TURF BUILDER nite at the RBC, your Maryland Redbirds ( 21-17 ) could not decipher the lefthanded offerings of one, Dan Moller ( LHP, soph., Temple U. ), as the Cole Hamels look-alike quieted Bird Bats in 8 2/3 innings on 10Ks, 2 BBs, and 6 very scattered hits.

Despite Redbird OF Frank Florio's ( jr., Stetson U. ) going 3-4 with a booming 3-bagger to the gap in right center in the 1st inning, Bird Bats were muzzled often and effectively by the tall, rangy Moller. 1B Josh Winter ( soph., Mt. St. Mary's ) also contributed with 2 hits, but with only 7 runners getting on base, chances to score proved too few for 34 Birds coming to bat last nite.

Bird Chirps: In a rare scheduling snafu, the Birds will not play until the weekend with games against Silver Spring on Friday at Blair Witch Stadium in Montgomery Co. followed by a return match with Rockville and the season finale Sunday against again, Silver Spring. Both Saturday's & Sunday's games will be at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the East Towson's campus of Calvert Hall College. Between now & then, CRSCBL action will be focusing on the mad scramble taking place for the League's final 2 playoff spots as Herndon ( 17-20 ), Silver Spring ( 16-21 ), and Alexandria ( 15-21 ) all vie.

Redbirds, Aces split: 1-5, 3-0

 20 July

Pat O'Malley, Sports Desk

The Morning SUN

On yet another unseasonably pleasant afternoon yesterday at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the campus of Calvert Hall College before a delighted ' Fan Appreciation Day ' gathering of 916 Redbird faithful, your Maryland Redbirds ( 21-16 ) managed a split with the visiting Alexandria Aces ( 15-20 ) as the Old Towners took the opener, 5-1, with the Birds coming back in the nitecap, 3-0.

Outstanding pitching was on display for both sides all afternoon as the Aces' Tom Gray ( jr. RHP, Armstrong Atlantic, Ga. ) bedazzled the home team in Game 1 surrendering only 1 run ( a 2nd inning triple by 1B Reid Chenworth,jr., Lubbock Christian ) on 3 hits to stymie the Birds. In Game 2, cagey lefthander, Mike Thomas ( jr., Rider U. ) matched Gray's 1st game gem with one of his own in taming the Aces' attack with a 10K, 0 BB, 4 hit masterpiece as the Birds gained the split, 3-0. Securing the win for the Birds in the 2-run 2nd inning were rbi singles from gold glove SS Alex Frederick ( soph., UNC-Greensboro ) and C Ryan Thomas ( soph., George Washington U. ) along with an insurance RBI double to left-center in the 6th by 3B Jack Carey ( Fr., Wake Forest ).

Redbirds Take Two, 8-2 & 7-5 

19 July

Gordon Beard

Evening Sun 

On an afternoon at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the campus of Calvert Hall College where September-like breezes kept everyone's thermostat at a most pleasant 72 degrees, your Maryland Redbirds ( 20-15 ) took a big step forward towards qualifying for this year's CRSCBL playoffs with a much-needed DH sweep of the College Park Bombers ( 14-21 ) by the scores, 8-2 & 6-5.

With a rejuventated Bird attack ( 9 hits, 7 walks, and a whopping 18 QABs * ) in evidence in Game 1 and with RF Frank Florio's ( jr. Stetson U. ) opening bell HR over the 365ft. sign in right-center to get the Birds off and winging, the club celebrated its return home from an arduous 7-game road swing

And equal to the task, 6'4 LHP Greg Terry ( soph., Eastern Kentucky ) provided 3 outstanding innings ( 5 Ks, 0 BBs, 0 hits ) in relief of starter Kyle Haynes ( freshman RHP, Virginia Commonwealth )

Bird Chirps: CRSCBL action continues today at Calvert Hall's beautiful Carlo Crispino Stadium with yet another DH in store for the vast Redbird Nation of fans as the Birds play host with a 1 pm 1st Game start to the 6th Place, Alexandria Aces ( 14-19 ) who are battling it out with their Virginia neighbors, the Herndon Braves ( 16-20 ), and the hard-charging Silver Spring Thunderbolts ( 15-20 ) in qualifying for League playoffs beginning July 29th. It will be Fan Appreciation Day at the ballpark today as the first 500 attendees will receive a Redbird ' birdie ' that can fit nicely on any kitchen window sill. Redbird probables for today's Double-Dipper are book-end lefties Jon Jones ( jr., West Virginia U. ) and 2-year Redbird and Mike Thomas ( jr., Rider U. ).

Birds fall again, 4-0

17 July 

Alan Goldstein, Sports Desk

Morning SUN

For the 7th time in the last 8 games, your Maryland Redbirds ( 18-15 ) came up " way short " last nite on a hot July evening at the RBC falling to the 2nd Place, Youse O's, in a blurring 1 hr. and 47 minutes by the score of 4-0.

With an offensive output that has reached near-drought proportions, the Birds could manage only 3 hits, 1 walk, and 6 runners LOB over 9 rapid innings as Youse pitchers, Scott Swinson ( Sr. RHP, Maryland ) and James Moran ( soph., RHP, Catonsville CC ), combined to push the Orioles ( 23-10 ) now 4 games ahead of the Birds with 8 games left on the schedule.

Bird Chirps: Redbird offensive Manifest reveals a .238 BA, .313 slg%, and a .331 OBP. On the flip side, Redbird Pitching has produced an over-all 3.51 ERA and flashy .221 OBA largely accounting for the team's presence still in 3rd Place in the CRSCBL. Club must now re-group if it wishes to maintain its 3rd Place hold as hard-charging Herndon ( 16-17 ) continues to press for a higher playoff seed. Bird loss last nite places the team at 4-8 for the season against the 1st & 2nd Place clubs.

Bird Bite: Important DHs will take shape both tomorrow and Sunday ( 1 pm starts ) at Calvert Hall's Carlo Crispino Stadium. Come out, loan us your favorite wood, and cheer the team on as CRSCBL action girds for what should be a ' hair-raising ' final week of play. Admission is always FREE and the Play is PRICELESS !

 Ripken All-Stars emerge victorious, 2-1

16 July

Neal Eskridge, Sports Desk

News-American

Before an appreciative and entertained crowd last nite of 3,127 at Brooks Robinson's glistening Blue Crab Stadium in Waldorf, your RIPKEN LEAGUE All-Stars bested their counterparts from the historic VALLEY LEAGUE in the inaugural Mid-Summer's Classic by the final score, 2-1.

After 4 innings of scoreless ball, the VALLEY boys drew 1st blood in the top of the 5th on a Blake McDade ( Jr. OF, Middle Tennessee State ) double down the rightfield line scoring speed merchant, Drew Martinez ( Fr. OF, Memphis U. ), all the way from 1st base. The RIPKENS responded quickly in the bottom half with an inning-opening 3-bagger into the caverns of the rightfield corner by Bethesda's Jarrod Parks ( Sr. SS, Mississippi State ) who later tied the game on a RBI groundout from Herndon slugger, Corey Taylor ( Soph. OF, SUNY-Binghamton ).

The pace quickened in the top of the 6th as the VALLEY LEAGUE loaded the bases with no outs only to confront the masterful twirlings of reliever, Nick Cicio ( Jr. LHP, Central Florida ), who proceeded to slam the door on a potentially big outburst from the visitors of the Shenandoah. Taking a cue from Cicio's brilliant efforts, the RIPKENS posted the deciding run in the bottom half as Rockville's, Ian Leisenheimer ( Soph. OF, U. of Maine ) reached via a single to left field later scoring on teammate Chris Wychock's ( Jr. SS, Towson U. ) bloop single to right that was fortuitously misplayed allowing Leisenheimer to motor home all the way from 1st base.

Bird Chirps: Kudos are to go to Bird mgr., Mark Palmerino, who from his 3rd Base box, successfully navigated home the winning run in the 6th. League play resumes tonite at the RBC in Aberdeen as your Maryland Redbirds ( 18-14 ) look to take the season's series ( currently at 3-2 ) vs. the 2nd place Youse Orioles ( 22-10 ). Tonite's contest will mark the first of 9 home games to benefit the Birds as they begin their final push into the 4-team League Playoff set to begin on July 29th. Admission is always FREE and the Play is Priceless. 1st Pitch is set for 7:02 pm.

Bird Bite: Birds set up shop this coming weekend at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the campus of Calvert Hall College for a pair of DHs this Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm starts. Program your GPS to stop by as the Birds wing their way to a higher seed in this year's CRSCBL playoff picture.

 Redbirds derailed, 9-3

14 July

Dan Shaughnessy, Sports Desk

Evening SUN

In league action last nite at Shirley's Field at P T Barnum Park in Bethesda, your Maryland Redbirds ( 18-14 ) lost for the 5th time in 6 games this short season to the Bethesda Big Train ( 25-8 ) by the final score of 9-3.

Like the previous nite against the league-leading Choo-Choos where the scoreboard sat at 2-2 after 5 innings, the home club applied the tourniquet in the bottom of the 6th scoring 3 times on an infield single, a walk, an errant throw to left field by a Redbird pitcher trying to get their lead runner at 3rd allowing 2 runs to scamper across the plate, and a fielder's choice as 873 Big Green fans howled with glee. 2 more runs in the 7th and 1 more in the 8th insured the win as Bird pitching was unable to control a Train offense that stands atop the League in all categories.

Notable Bird performers last nite included DH Frank Florio's ( jr., Stetson U. ) 377 ft. blast ( his 3rd of the season ) over the rightfield fence and followed in the same 5th inning by red hot Reid Chenworth's ( jr., Lubbock Christian ) 398ft heat-seeking missile to right center which landed all of 2ft. away from the shorter side of the outfield fence in being what could have been the club's 2nd Jack of the nite. Mention must also be given to starting RHP Ben White ( jr., Temple U. ) who hurled 5 strong innings for the Birds before the fatal 6th.

Bird Chirps: League sleeps tonite as all clubs rest for the upcoming Mid-Atlantic All-Star Game to be played tomorrow nite at Regency ArmChair & Ottoman Stadium in Waldorf, MD. Game time is set for 7 pm with a HR Derby contest scheduled to begin at 5:30. The Game pits the BEST of the Valley League against the BEST of the CRSCBL and will be expertly televised by MASN. It promises to be a gala event with Redbird participants including OF(s) Ben Winter ( soph., Towson U. ) and Frank Florio; Closer Jeff " Eck " Guthridge ( jr., Hofstra U. ); 2B Cory Jensen ( soph., Hillsborough, Fla. CC ); and RHP Ryan Garton ( soph., Florida Atlantic U. ). Come see the Future Pros as 56 players display their wares before a gallery of MLB scouts.

Redbirds off-tracked, 8-5

13 July

Before a very nice and receptive Sunday evening crowd of 1,324 on " Tumble down the Hill " nite at the RBC, your Maryland Redbirds sustained its 13th loss of the CRSCBL short season at the hands of the league-leading ( 24-8 ) Bethesda Choo-Choos by the final score of 8-5.

Having to face Big Train ace, Cameron Love ( RHP, San Francisco U. ), twice in one week and for the 3rd time this season, Bird opportunities were few and far between as Love permitted only 3 batters in 29 faced to get to a hitter's count in 7 innings of work. Even so, the Redbirds ( 18-13 ) held onto a slim 3-2 lead after 4 innings due to a 4th inning rally which saw a collection of 4 hits prompting 2 runs off RBI singles from 1B Josh Winters ( soph., Mt. St. Mary's ) and CF Ben Winter ( soph., Towson U. ).

Moving into the top half of the 5th, Bethesda then proceeded to rough up Bird starter, Mike Thomas ( LHP, Rider U. ) for 4 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks, and misplayed single to RF and as Cholly would've chimed .............. " that was all she wrote. "

DH Reid Chenworth ( jr., Lubbock Christian ) continued his torrid hitting of late going 3-4 with 1 rbi and 1 run scored. Land surveyors at the RBC are still trying to measure Reid's prodigious foul ball launch down the RF line in the 2nd which was estimated to have traveled some 594 ft. over the tree-tops and onto Hole no. 4 at the Wetlands Golf Course nearby.

Bird Chirps: Bird Bus returns favor with 7:30 game ride down 29 to P T Barnum Park in Bethesda. In commemoration of that storied 1978 White Sox promotional event, Disco Demolition Nite, tonite's game attendees will be treated to a pre-game spin of old disco inferno tunes and Bee Gee's greatest hits sure to make all of us a lot younger and sassier. BBT management also assures that anyone attending in a wide lapel leisure suit with flared bottoms will also get in FREE. Fake sideburns are not permitted.

 Redbirds, Braves split, 8-6 & 6-5

On a warm, gray nite at Braves' Field frequented often by jumbo, trans-Atlantic and transcontinental air traffic out of Dulles, your Maryland Redbirds ( 18-12 ) held onto to take a much-needed GAME 2 win over the home-standing and 4th place, Herndon Braves ( 14-18 ), by the score of 6-5. Quality relief pitching turned in by lefthanders Greg Terry ( soph., Eastern Kentucky U. ) and Tucker Gernhard ( sr., Davenport ( Mich. ) U. ) over 5 2/3 innings provided the Birds with enough ' Stay Power ' to side-step a bottom of the 7th ' bases loaded ' DH sweep attempt by the Braves.

Offensive stars for the Birds included LF Nick Wojnowski ( sr. Rider U. ) with a crushed 2nd inning HR and All-Star CF, Ben Winter ( soph., Towson U. ) with a key 4th inning single to rightfield in plating the decisive 5th & 6th runs.

Despite a solid effort from Bird starter, Jon Jones ( LHP, West Virginia U. ) who went 6 1/3, 4 Ks. 4 BBs, 5 hits, 2 runs ( 1 unearned ) and a 6th inning, 2-run dinger by DH Reid Chenworth ( jr., Lubbock Christian ) to put the Birds up 4-1, Game 1 ended rudely with a homeric hoist 352 ft. over the right-center fence by Braves' catcher, Bobby Taylor, with the ' sacks-full-of-Bravos ' allowing them to walk-off with a hard-earned, 6-4 opening game victory before 2,212 delighted fans on ' Meet the Parents ' nite.

 Redbirds hitless, lose 2-1

11 July

Bob Maisel

Evening Sun

This game of baseball can be cruel as your Maryland Redbirds ( 17-11 ) were no-no'd by the Express from Rockville last nite before 21 street stragglers at Knight Field. Limited to an opening inning volley of 2 walks and an error by their 1st basemen causing 1 run to score, Bird bats continued their silence over the last 3 games only being able to muster a total of 10 hits on 3 runs. Yesterday's no-hitter was the 2nd such occurrence of the 2009 season against the club.

Bird Chirps: The 495 road oddysey continues tonite for a twin-bill against the 4th Place, Herndon Braves ( 13-17 ). Bird swoon of late makes a split here imperative with only 12 League games remaining. Probable starters for the Birds figure to be All-Star selectee, Ryan Garton ( soph. RHP, Florida Atlantic ) and Jon Jones ( jr. LHP, West Virginia ). 1st Game is set for 5 pm.

Bird Bite: It was announced yesterday that the following 5 Redbirds have been selected for the July 15th All-Star Game to be played at Regency Armchair and Ottoman Park in Waldorf, MD featuring the best of the Valley and Ripken Summer Collegiate Leagues. Chosen were: Ryan Garton; Jeff " the Eck " Guthridge ( RHP & closer, jr., Hofstra U. ); Frank Florio ( jr. OF, Stetson U. ); Cory Jensen ( soph., Hillsborough, Fla. CC ); and Ben Winter ( soph., CF, Towson U. ). Let's all have a " big Bird Wing flap " for these young men and their accomplishments to-date.

Redbirds drop late night contest to Big Train, 9-1

8 July

Shirley Povich

Washington Post

The Bethesda Big Train took advantage of 9 free passes from Redbird pitching to deliver back-to-back 4 run innings on their way to the first "receiving end" blowout of the season for the visiting 'birds.  Timely extra base hits from the potent BBT line-up removed any doubt early in the contest.  An 8:45 pm start after arriving at 4:30 pm didn't help matters.

Two hits apiece from CF Ben Winter (Towson) and SS Alex Frederick (UNC Greensboro) at the top of the order wasn't enough to get the Redbirds untracked.  All-Star selection Ryan Garton (Florida Atlantic) pitched two strong innings.  Reid Chenworth (Lubbock Christian)delivered the only run on an rbi single to left center. 

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 Redbirds clipped by Y O's, 3-1

7 July

Buster Olney

Sports Desk, Morning Sun

In a well-pitched game from both the Youse Orioles ( Paul DeVito, Radford U. and reliever Blake Hassebrock, UNC-Greensboro ) and your Maryland Redbirds ( LHP Mike Thomas, Rider U. and RHP reliever Travis Turgeon, Springfield College ), the home Orioles had just enough offensive production ( 3 runs on 8 hits, 7 BBs ) to best the Birds ( 5 hits, 7 BBs, and 8 LOB ) by the final, 3-1, before a satisfied home Glen Burnie crowd of 1,908 last nite at the Bachman Turner OverDrive Complex off of Rte 10 and Ordnance Road. Missed opportunities to score more last nite plagued both teams with the Birds only tally coming on a passed ball. With last nite's tough loss, the Birds and Y O's are now deadlocked for 2nd place with records of 17-9 and only 16 games left on the CRSCBL regular season schedule.

Bird Chirps: As the Bird bus pulled into the BTO parking lot last nite, club was on a ' 9 W in the last 12 games played tear ' for a .750 clip. Tonite's action finds the Birds traveling down to P T Barnum Park at Surley Povich Field in Bethesda to take on the front-running Big Train in yet another ' key ' CRSCBL contest. Game time is 8 pm.

 Redbirds sweep Old Towners, 5-0 & 6-3

6 July

Dick Jerardi

Philadelphia Daily News

The 2nd half to the CRSCBL 2009 season got off on a ' BIG ' right foot last nite in Old Town, Va. as your Maryland Redbirds ( 17-8 ) took 2 from the home-standing Alexandria Aces by the scores of 5-0 and 6-3 to maintain its 2nd place toe hold by a game over the Youse Orioles.

In Game 1, it was all Ben White ( Temple U. ) as the junior righthander limited the Aces to 2 hits, 4 Ks, 3 BBs, and 106 pitches over 7 innings to earn his 2nd win of the summer short season. On the offense, Redbirds Dustin Douglas ( South Carolina-Aiken ), Frank Florio ( Stetson U. ), Jack Carey ( Wake Forest ), and Cory Jensen ( Hillsborough ( Fla. ) CC ) all plated rbi(s) for the Birds to compliment a line of 5 runs, 7 hits, and 3 walks on the day.

Game 2 went 10 innings as the cool nite air brought goose bumps to those few remaining at 4 Mile Run Park as the Old Town clock struck 11. LHP Jon Jones ( jr., West Virginia ) started for the Birds going 5 innings surrendering 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 5 and walking only 1. Bird bats struck first in the 4th benefitting from 2 unearned runs to grab the lead. Fairly enough, Aces came right back in the bottom half to tie it up, 2-2, and then scored a go-ahead run in the 6th to make it, 3-2. Not to be denied, the Redbirds tied it again in the top of the 7th as OF Nick Kime ( fr., VCU ) laced a single to LF to plate  pinch hitter Reid Chenworth ( jr, Lubbock Christian ), who reached on a clutch two out single. Moving into overtime, the Redbirds dodged a major torpedo as the Aces loaded the bases in the bottom of the 8th only to find the door to home plate ' locked ' as Jeff " Eck " Guthridge ( jr. Hofstra U. ) coaxed 2 ground balls and a pop up to quelch the home club's drive to cop a Game 2 victory.

After an uneventful 9th, Bird bats broke the late evening's calm with an inning-opening walk to lead off man, SS Alex Frederick (soph UNC Greensboro), who also added two hits in the nightcap.  After a successful sac bunt from 2B Corey Jensen (soph, Hillsborough CC) moved the runner up 90 feet, Frederick scored when DH Tyler Bennett ( Maryland ) singled to left plating the game winner. Nick Kime followed up with a 2 run double to push the margin to 6-3 and that was all " the Eck " needed in winging the Birds home with a BIG DH win.

Bird Chirps: Action now shifts to a very important game tonite against the 3rd place, Youse Orioles, at Bachman Regional Park off Rte. 10 & Ordnance Road in boo-full Glen Burnie, 1st pitch at 7:03 pm. LHP Mike Thomas ( jr. Rider U. ) gets the start against the O's and it was only 1 short year ago when the stylish lefthander blanked the Jr. Orioles with a masterful 4-hitter.

For the first 4 innings, it was a wide assortment of pinpoint deliveries from the moxy Abramson that kept the Birds at bay with only 3 hits to show to go along with 7 Ks and a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the 5th. And as the Baseball Gods will WILL it ( and often they do ), Abramson abruptly lost command of the strike zone as those same pitches that were piercing the black in the previous 4 innings, started to lose location walking 3 Redbirds to load the bases before giving way to the first of 2 Ace relievers who proceeded to allow a total of 4 runs scattered over the final 4 innings in constituting the final margin of victory for the Birds. Once again, OF Frank Florio ( jr., Stetson U. ) led the Bird attack going 3-4 with 2 rbi, the first of which pushed the home team to a 2-1 lead never relinquished.

 Redbirds comeback to win, 6-5

2 July

Right-handed Closer Jeff " Eck " Guthridge ( jr., Hofstra U. ) secured the season's 14th win for the Birds retiring the last 4 Express batters with 2 Ks, an infield pop up, and ground out to SS for the sidewinder's 5th Save of the season.

Redbirds derail Express, 7-1

1 July

Sam Lacy, Sports Editor

In the 1st of a peculiar mid-week, 2-game series in Rockville to play the 7th place Express ( 5-11 ), your Maryland Redbirds ( 13-8 ) played as well as they have in this always short season of baseball with a convincing 7-1 win yesterday at Knights Field on the campus of Montgomery College before a disappointed, late afternoon matinee home crowd of 2,109.

Spearheading the decisive victory was RHP Steve Visnic ( soph., Temple U. ) who relieved starter Greg Ross ( soph., Essex CC ) in going a solid 5 2/3 innings giving up 1 hit, striking out 4, and walking 1. Offensive contributors were numerous as Bird Bats birped with 9 hits, 3 for extra bases highlighted by RF Nick Kime's ( freshman, VCU ) and doubles by SS Alex Frederick ( soph., UNC-Greensboro ) and 3-year veteran OF Nick Wojnowski ( sr., Rider U. ), his a 2-run shot in the 4th to put the Birds up, 3-0.

Bird Chirps: Last nite's Win caps the 1st half of CRSCBL play as the Birds now nest in a 2nd place tie with the Youse Orioles. CF Ben Winter ( soph., Towson U., .360 BA / .440 slg / .448 OBP ) continues to make a very strong case to be the League's starting CF in the upcoming All-Star extravaganza July 15th against the BEST of the Valley League to be played at Regency Furniture Park in Waldorf, MD. Right behind Winter, OF Frank Florio ( jr., Stetson U. ) is commanding attention as well with a .305 BA, 2 HRs, team-leading 14 rbi, .458 slg., and .414 OBP. Probable starter for this getaway, late afternoon contest for the Birds is Wally Bunker look-alike, RHP Kyle Haynes ( freshman, VCU ) with a record of 1-0 / .193 ERA / and a whopping .104 OBA.

Bird Bite: Club acquired 1B Josh Winters ( soph., Mt. St. Mary's ) in time for yesterday's game in replacing 1B-RHP Ryan Rivers ( jr., UNC-Charlotte ) who will need surgery on his hip to repair a torn labrum. We will miss Ryan and wish him all the best with his scheduled surgery and rehab for the remainder of the summer in getting ready to resume his baseball progress in the Fall for the 49'ers.

Redbirds dis-arm T-bolts, 4-2

27 June

Phil Jackman, Sports Desk

Evening SUN

Once again, early-evening weather conditions wreck havoc on the 1st month of this 5th CRSCBL season with last night's scheduled twin-bill Game 1 being no different as thunderstorm activity at Blair Witch HS in Silver Spring only permitted the playing of Game 1 in this Double-header before a cozy crowd of 3,019.

For your Maryland Redbirds, the final result proved fortuitous for the 11th time this short season as OF Frank Florio ( jr., Stetson U. ) led the way with 3 hits incl. a 3rd inning 2-run double, a walk and all ( 4 ) rbi. Supporting Florio whose batting style eerily reminds the critical eye of former Red Sox and Oriole, Fred Lynn, was SS Cory Jensen ( Hillsborough ( Fla ) CC ) who also went 3-3 with 1 double, 2 singles, 3 runs scored, and a walk.

Redbird pitching, once again, rose to the task as LHP and starter Mike Thomas ( Rider U. ) secured his 2nd win of the season ( 4 2/3, 5K, 2 BB, 6 hits, 2 runs ) with a sterling assist and save from RHP Steve Visnic ( soph. Temple U. ) - 2 1/3, 4 Ks, 1 hit, 0 walks.

Redbirds de-fuse Bombers, 6-2

Before a satisfied, hillside gallery of 914 ardent Redbird fans and friends at the Ripken Baseball Complex last nite, your Maryland Redbirds exploded for 8 hits in the final 2 innings, plating 5 runs to break open an otherwise tight ballgame against the visiting, College Park Bombers ( 7-10 ).

Beginning in the tell-tale 8th inning, CF Ben Winter ( Towson U ) sparked the Bird uprising with an inning-opening single and subsequent stolen base. 2B Cory Jensen ( Hillsborough ( Fla ) CC ) followed with another single to center moving Winter to 3rd where clean-up hitter, Ryan Rivers ( UNC-Charlotte ) further complied with a run-scoring single to rightfield scoring Winter.

Moving to the 9th and with College Park knotting the game at 2 in their half of the 8th, the Redbirds put together 5 hits and 4 more runs highlighted by Jensen's 2 run double down the LF line in making the final score, 6-2, against a stunned Bomber 9. Game kudos go to Ben Winter ( 2 runs, 2 hits, 1 walk ); Cory Jensen ( 2 hits, 1 run, 2 rbi ); RF Frank Florio ( Stetson U. 2 hits, 2 rbi ); and 3B Jack Carey ( Wake Forest ) whose 9th inning single and steal of 2nd triggered the productive 9th.

Bird Bunt: A very important stat finds Redbird pitching continuing to shine one-third of the way into the 2009 short summer season with a team ERA sitting at .334 and an Opponent's BA of .229.

Redbirds hold on, win, 2-1

24 June

Y O's get payback, 9-4 

23 June

Bailey Goss, Sports Desk

The Baltimore News American

In a game that saw a total of 26 hits being sprayed all over Yankee Stadium at Ripken Baseball Complex last nite in Aberdeen, the Youse Orioles sought and attained revenge for its 3 previous 2009 losses to your Maryland Redbirds with the recording of a 9-4 pasting to take over 2nd place in the CRSCBL standings by a mere .10 percentage points.

With the Redbirds jumping out to a 3-0 lead after 3 highlighted by 1B Ryan Rivers' ( UNC Charlotte )towering 402ft. triple to dead center driving in 2 runs, the Y O's turned on the power with 5 runs in the top of the 4th with 3-run homer down the left field line serving as the major blow. Meanwhile, Orioles starter, Paul DeVito ( LHP, Radford U. ), was getting the better of it after a ' bumpy ' 3rd as he effectively quieted Bird Bats in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th innings to earn the ' W. ' With the score still close at 6-4 after 8, the Baby O's from Glen Burnie put their signature on last nite's win with a final 3-run burst in the top of the 9th to quelch the Birds.

Bird Chirps: Tuesday, June 23, will prove a much needed nite off for the tattered Birds who are coming off a 3-game losing streak since Saturday nite's heartbreaker at Bethesda. Recent roster moves welcome Ryan Thomas ( C, George Washington ) and Tucker Gernhard ( LHP, Davenport ( MI ) U. ) to the club as we look to solidify for the soon-to-be 2nd half of the 2009 season. Team Stat Chart finds infielder Cory Jensen ( Hillsborough ( Fla ) CC ) at the top of the leader board with 8 rbi(s). OF Frank Florio is wielding a .500 Slg.% with 2 HRs, 5 rbi(s) while OF Ben Winter ( Towson U. ) continues to sparkle from the leadoff hole with a .393 BA, .536 slg%, and a sterling .500 oba.

Birds return to Yankee Stadium at RBC for a Wednesday nite encounter against the 4th place Rockville Express, 7 pm 1st Pitch. It will be Chris Devlin Bobblehead Doll nite with the 1st 100 fans getting a replica of our 5-year 1st base coach and his bushy black mustache. Hope to see you there. Admission is FREE, the Play is Priceless, and the view from the hillside is Exquisite.

 Redbirds aced, 2-0

21 June

Last nite's League contest in Old Town Alexandria before a Father Day's crowd of 712 found your Maryland Redbirds stymied by the pitching mastery of one, Tom Gray ( RHP Armstrong ( Ga. ) Atlantic ), of the Alexandria Aces ( 6-6 ) as he twirled the home club to a very tidy, 2-0 win .

Striking out 9, walking just 1 in the 8th inning, and surrendering only 3 hits, the stocky Gray was dominant throughout as he retired 23 of the first 25 batters faced, complimented by a stretch of 18 in a row in innings 2 thru 7. On our side, Ben White ( RHP, Temple U. ) was quite efficient as well striking out 9, walking only 2, and yielding just 2 hits over the first 5 2/3.

Once again, a rough 7th inning fueled by a fatal walk to open things up, proved the undoing for the Redbirds ( now 8-4 ) as Ace bats rallied for 3 singles and 2 runs to seal the deal. Jackson Geary ( RHP Coastal Carolina, 3-1 ) took the loss.

Bird Chirps: Action now shifts to the Ripken Aberdeen Complex tonite for yet another ' key ' game against the defending League champs, the Youse Orioles, who are only 1/2 game behind us in 3rd place. If you haven't yet made the short trek up 95 to see us, please do. You'll enjoy the hillside view with plenty of picnic tables and seating available to enhance your pleasures of watching excellent, summer college baseball. Jon Jones ( LHP, West Virginia ) gets the ball tonite for the Birds and will be opposed by their ace, Kevin Brady ( RHP, Clemson ).

Wood bat realities are starting to set in as Redbird bats have cooled with 2 weekend losses for a .261 team BA. Team ERA ( 3.12 ) and OBA ( .213 ) remain ballclub strengths over first 12 games of the 2009 season.

Remember ........ Admission is FREE and the Play is Priceless !

Redbirds relinquish first place, 6-5

Phil Pepe

Sports Desk, New York Daily News

 20 June

In a game that saw your Maryland Redbirds ( 8-3 ) ahead by the scores of 2-0 after 3 1/2 and 5-4 after 6 1/2, it just wasn't " in the cards " last night as the home-standing Bethesda Big Train prevailed 6-5 before a quite satisfied 8,769 adoring Choo-Choo patrons at fun-filled PT Barnum Park.

Scoring 4 times in the 4th on 2 walks, 2 singles, and a heat-seeking double into the RF corner, the Train promptly responded to the Birds' 2 run belch in the top half spiced by RF Frank Florio's ( Stetson U. ) " no-doubt-about-it " HR jacked 377 ft. over the RF fence. Not to be outdone, the Birds dusted themselves off the natural turf at the Cabin John facility by scoring 3 more times in the top of the 5th as CF Ben Winter's ( Towson U. ) 2-bagger, a sac fly from 3B Cory Jensen ( Hillsborough CC, Tampa, Fla. ), and a rbi single from second-sacker, Reid Gragnani ( 26th Round, Boston Red Sox ), sparked the rally.

Upon leaving 3 Redbird runners stranded in the ill-fated top of the 7th, Bethesda ( as good teams always do ) pecked away for 2 more runs in the bottom half as an untimely HBP and passed ball met up with a laced and very timely, 2-run double to the gap in left-center by their 3 year veteran OF, Luke Adkins ( Mississippi State ). It was particularly a tough pill for one of our Baby Birds as hard-throwing Josh Conway ( Coastal Carlina & 41st pick by the Atlanta Braves ) pitched commendably over 4 and 1/3.

Bird Chirps: Action now shifts tonite to a 7 pm encounter at the home of those " wild & wooly " Aces of Alexandria who are knocking on Playoffs' Door to get into the ' upper 4 ' in this League of 8. Ben White ( RHP, Temple U. ) gets the nod tonite. For those of you who can remember, the Aces now reside at the old home of what was years-ago, the Class C, Alexandria Dukes. Its ricketty old ballpark ( 4-mile Run Park ) located on the north side of this quaint, Potomac-sided town and enhanced by the OLD SOUTH cookout tent down the right field line, make this a treat for any Redbird fan looking to enjoy the excitement of major college baseball in your own backyard. Frank Florio's blast last nite puts him at the top for Redbird dingers on the season with 2.

Happy Father's Day everyone !

Redbirds perched in 1st place after third straight over vaunted Y-O's

John Steadman 

Sports Editor  News-American

20 June

For the 5th time in 10 games, your Maryland Redbirds scored the winning run in their last at bat.  In the decisive 9th inning last night at the Ripken Baseball Complex, before 879 howling Redbird faithful, they bested the #19 nationally-ranked Youse Orioles for the third straight time this season --by the final tally of 3-2.

The contest was marked by a sterling pitching duel for 6 innings between Oriole Jed Bradley ( LHP, Georgia Tech ) and our own, Kyle Haynes ( RHP, Virginia Commonwealth ) as only 5 hits were scratched out by both club with no runs surrendered.  

The Redbirds drew 1st blood in the 7th on 2 hits, a walk, an error, and a judicious sac fly to left by Cory Jensen ( 3B, Hillsborough CC ) to go up 2-0. Not to be denied, the visitors came back in the top half of the 8th as Redbird pitching walked the bases loaded.  After reliquishing a passed ball which scored run no. 1, the O's 2nd run was afforded by another 'judicious' sac fly, tying the score at 2.

With closer Jeff " Eck " Guthridge ( RHP, Hofstra U. ) blanking the Orioles in the top of the 9th, Alex Frederick ( SS, UNC-Greensboro ) milked his 2nd walk of the contest off a 3-2 offering to ignite the rally. Reed Gragnani ( 2B, U. of Virginia and recent pick-up who was the 26th draft pick of the Boston Red Sox ) then pushed a sac bunt to the right side moving Frederick to 2nd and bringing to the plate Oriole nemesis, Ben Winter (Towson, 7 hits in 3 gms vs O's), who was intentionally walked. Once again, Cory Jensen proved ' clutch ' as he pounded a 1-0 pitch threw the middle that barely eluded the diving efforts of both middle infielders to score Frederick with the winning run.

Bird Chirps: Weather permitting, Birds wing their way down to #14 nationally-ranked Bethesda for a TITANIC DH in the PT Barnum-like, carnival atmosphere against the 2nd place ( you saw it here 1st ! ) Big Train. With an overflow, sell-out crowd of over 1,100 expected, League officials and fans couldn't ask for a better showdown this early in the season. Redbird hitting ( .279 ba ) & pitching ( .207 oba, 2.85 era ) continue to dominate League postings and like they say ......... you win with pitching & defense. Throw in some timely hitting and a ballclub that just wants to win, and you've got your 8-2 Redbirds .

17 June

Redbirds storm back in 9th to defuse T-bolts, 5-4

Playing in cool conditions reminiscent of a June night at Candlestick Park, your Maryland Redbirds ( 7-2 ) soared from a 4-2 bottom of the 9th deficit to clip the hapless ( 1-6 ) Silver Spring Thunderbolts with a 3-run uprising triggered by 2B Nick Kimes' ( VCU ) ringing 3-bagger down the LF line. Not to be stranded at 3rd, Kime motored home with the winning run on a WP much to the delight of the announced crowd of 10,812 at the Ripken Baseball Complex as the Birds maintained their 2nd place perch in the 2009 Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League play.

CF Ben Winter (Towson) continued his early season assault on league pitching with another 3-hit performance.  AJ Jamison (Eastern Kentucky) added 2 base knocks, including a 2b.

Righthanded reliever, Jackson Geary (Coastal Carolina) got the W, his 3rd of the still young season, with a nifty 2K performance in the top of the 9th to set the table for Kime's heroics in the bottom half.

Bird chirps: Action now shifts to weekend dates with the Youse O's in Aberdeen on Friday night at 7:00 pm  followed by a Saturday evening twin-bill at charming Shirley Povich Park in Cabin John, Md. -- first pitch at 5:02 pm.  Bird Bats are booming as the club currently leads the CRSCBL with a gaudy .308 BA.

 15 June

Redbirds sweep Herdon, vault into first place tie with Big Train

The Redbirds used a bevy of weapons to complete the sweep of the Herdon Braves on a glorious Sunday afternoon at Carlo Crispino Stadium on the campus of Calvert Hall High School. 

Game 1 went to the 'birds, 6-5.   SS Alex Frederick (UNC Greensboro) delivered a single that plated 3B Ryan Garton (Florida Atlantic) and 2B Corey Jensen (Hillsborough CC), who had singled and doubled to start the winning rally.  Ben White (Temple) yielded 5 hits in 5 2/3 to earn the win. 

Steve Visnic (Temple) worked out of a jam in the sixth and Jeff Guthridge (Hofstra) picked up his second save of the weekend with a  1-2-3 ninth after entering the last inning with a man on base.  CF Nick Kime (VCU) had the season's best defensive play so far, with a diving grab of a sinking liner to shut down a Herndon rally.

Game 2 starter Kyle Haynes (VCU) earned the complete game win, striking out 9 Braves batters in the 4-2 victory. RF Frank Florio's (Stetson) two run blast over the right field wall gave the Redbirds the decisive margin in their last at bat. Frederick added 2 hits and reached base 5 of 6 times on the day.  

14 June

Redbirds halt Bethesda win streak, split DH with game 2 victory

A two out rbi single off the bat of John Jones (West Virginia) in the bottom of the sixth scored Ryan Garton (Florida Atlantic) with the game winner.  Behind a gritty effort from starter Greg Ross (Towson) and effective relief from Jackson Geary (Coastal Carolina) and Jeff Guthridge (Hofstra), the Redbirds held on for a 4-3 win. RF Frank Florio (Stetson) went 3-3 with a triple and DH Ryan Rivers (UNC Charlotte) had two hits including a double. 

2B Corey Jensen (Hillsborough CC) was the hitting star of game 1 with a perfect 3-3 and he also had a hit with an rbi in game 2.  Mike Thomas (Rider) gave up just two earned runs in five innings of game 1.

Redbirds deliver another victory over Y-O's

11 June

The Maryland Redbirds unloaded 27 hits (14, 13) in two games against a Youse pitching staff who started the '09 season with three consecutive shutout wins.   

After a 3-3 night with two walks,  CF Ben Winter (Towson) is now 7-7 against the Y-O's.  C Corbin Vickery (Toccoa Fall (Ga) College) had two hits and was terrific behind the plate.  DH Reid Chenworth (Lubbock Christian) had two knocks and LF Nick Wojnowski (Rider) added three hits on the night.  Lefty John Jones (West Virginia Univ) went the first four before giving way to Jackson Geary (Coastal Carolina) who was masterful in his four inning stint.  Ryan Rivers (UNC Charlotte) pitched the ninth for the save.   The Redbird defense turned three double plays to keep the Youse boys at bay. 

The Redbirds host the Herndon Braves on Friday night in Aberdeen for their first home game of the season.  Please join us for the opening night festivities.  Game time is 7:00.

Redbird rally clips Youse O's

8 June 2009

Another strong starting pitching performance, this time from Ben White (Temple), got the 'rbirds tracked as they built a 4-0 lead on the O's through the early innings. The always tough Youse club came back to go ahead 6-4 lead, as they posted crooked numbers in the sixth and eighth.  

Ninth inning heroics from several Redbirds produced a dramatic come from behind win as the Maryland boys plated three runs on double from  CF Ben Winter (Towson) followed by three consecutive two-out rockets from the bats of 1B Ryan Rivers (UNC Charlotte), RF Reid Chenworth (Lubbock Christian), and LF Frank Florio (Stetson).

Lead off hitter Winter set the table with a 4-4 evening at the dish. SS Corey Jensen (Hillsborough CC) led the defense with several fine plays and also contributed two base knocks. Jeff Guthridge (Hofstra) picked up the win with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

The Redbirds host The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts tonight at the Ripken Complex.  Game time is 7:00 pm.

Redbirds win opener at Herndon

6 June 2009

Behind the stellar one hit pitching of Mike Thomas (Rider) and home run blasts from 3B Jack Carey (Wake Forest) and LF Nick Wojnowski (Rider) , the Redbirds begin the 2009  CRSCBL campaign with a 4-0 victory over the Herndon Braves.

Thomas cruised through the first five innings before allowing a base hit and finished with 4 k's in 5 1/3 innings.  Ryan Garton (Florida Atlantic) came on to silence a rally bid by the Braves, shutting the door in the sixth and hurling two additional shutout innings.  Steve Visnic (Temple) preserved the shutout with an uneventful ninth inning.

Carey, fresh from collecting the Maryland High School Gatorade Player of the Year award, also doubled and delivered 2 rbi on the night.  Team Captain Wojo's two-run four-bagger traveled 385 feet to get the offense started.  

The Redbirds visit Bachman Park for a date with Youse's Orioles Monday night.  Game time is 7:00 p.m.