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RedHawks rout Mountain Hawks in Game 1

In the first game of their Sunday doubleheader against Lehigh (3-3), the RedHawks (4-4) came out with bats blazing. They scored early and often, taking advantage of four errors, and terrorizing four Lehigh pitchers on their way to a 20-2 drubbing. The 'Hawks scored 9 unearned runs on the day, and 12 of their runs came with two outs.

Leftfielder Bryce Redeker had a five-RBI day, collecting a double and a grand slam while also drawing a walk. Catcher Adam Weisenburger also had a home run, and firstbaseman Kyle Weldon drove in three RBIs. Tyler Melling (3-0) pitched six shutout innings, striking out four while allowing just three hits, walking none.

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The onslaught began right away in the bottom of the first inning. Centerfielder Ryan Brenner led off the game with a walk, then stole second base. He stole third base as well, and was able to score on a throwing error by the catcher. Rightfielder Bryan Beaver was then issued a free pass, and he came around to score on Weldon's double. Redeker followed with a double of his own, and the 'Hawks had a quick 3-0 lead.

There was more to come in the second inning, and it all came after the first two batters were retired. With two outs, the bases were loaded by a single and two walks. Weldon was then awarded first base on a call of catcher's interference which moved up all the runners, scoring Brenner. Redeker then stepped to the plate and unloaded a bomb to left center to empty the bases. Weisenburger followed suit, matching Redeker's homer with one of his own. The Mountain Hawks went to the bullpen to end the inning, but the damage was done. All six runs were unearned.

After taking the third inning off, the 'Hawks started scoring again in the fourth. Beaver led off the inning with a triple and then came home on a sac fly by Weldon. Redeker and Weisenburger both walked, and then designated hitter Kevin Bower reached on a fielder's choice that turned into a two-base error, allowing Redeker to score another unearned run. Shortstop Ryan Kaup then provided another sac fly to score Weisenburger, and Cory Klenke drove in Bower with a double. The 'Hawks now had a comfortable 13-0 lead.

In the fifth inning, the first two batters once again failed to reach base. A pair of singles by pinch hitter Pat Glass and Weisenburger put runners at the corners with two outs. A wild pitch scored Glass and moved Weisenburger into scoring position. He came home on a pinch-hit single by Marcus Makuch to stretch the lead to 15-0.

The scoring continued in the sixth inning as well. A walk and a pair of hit batsmen loaded the bases once more with two outs. Glass was then issued a four-pitch walk to drive in a run, and pinch-hitter John Crummy followed with another base on balls. Makuch singled to drive in a run and Dan Walsh followed him with a two-run single as well to complete a five-run inning.

By the time the Mountain Hawks came to bat in the top of the seventh, they were in a 20-0 hole. Miami went to the bullpen at that point, sending Alex Brown to the mound. Stephen Crea had come on as a defensive replacement in centerfield, but his misplayed ball allowed a pair of runs to score in the inning, ending the shutout bid. But Brown settled in and retired ended the Mountain Hawks' hopes to close out the game. The game ended after the seventh inning, as is customary for doubleheaders. The two teams would take to the diamond again in just a few short hours.

BOX SCORE

, Miami RedHawks Examiner

Vic Brotzman is a Miami alumnus and bleeds Redhawk red. While earning his degree in journalism, he worked at the Goggin Ice Center, where he got his first taste of collegiate hockey. A lifelong sports fan, Vic passionately follows baseball, football, basketball and soccer as well. Contact Victor.

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