Bucs Continue Winning Ways

Any win is a welcome one, but those over division rivals are the sweetest. 

A six run fifth inning was the difference in Red Bank Regional's 11-6 victory over Class A Central rival Holmdel Thursday afternoon.  Eight different Bucs scored a run in helping starter Jack Fowler earn his third victory.  Fowler (3-1) pitched into the sixth before giving way to Kevin Zajack. He allowed 6 runs, 3 earned, and struck out 6.

The Hornets put a run on the board in the first before Fowler worked out of an early jam, striking out back to back hitters to diffuse the threat.  The Bucs answered in their half of the inning as Adam Harris led off with a single, later crossing home on a fielder's choice by Ryan Kirkman.

Holmdel scored twice in the second but Red Bank answered with two of their own in the third.  Trevor Baldwin and Ryan Kirkman drew back to back walks, with Baldwin scoring on a Chris Collins ground out.  With two outs, Zach Adams placed a perfect bunt that plated Kirkman to even the score.

Fowler pitched to three hitters in a scoreless fourth, picking off the only Hornets runner.  Tim Wright singled to lead off the frame for the Bucs, coming around to score and giving Red Bank an advantage they would not relinquish.

After a leadoff walk to begin the fifth, Fowler struck out two in keeping Holmdel scoreless for a third straight frame.  

Then the Red Bank bats broke through.  Kirkman drew a leadoff walk and proceded to steal second base.  Collins doubled home the runner and Adams and Ross Gisandi followed with singles.  Blake Brandon singled home a run later in the inning.  The Bucs batted around in the fifth, plating six runs and momentarily distancing themselves from the opposition. 

Staked to a 10-3 lead, Fowler retired the first batter in the sixth.  But an error and three consecutive walks spelled the end of the day for the lefty.  Zajack replaced Fowler but the Bucs defense continued to falter, committing two errors after the pitching change.  Holmdel plated three in the sixth to bring them within four.

Red Bank padded the lead with a run in the sixth before Zajack closed the door in the seventh.  The righthander struck out the first two Hornets en route to a perfect inning of work.

With the win, Red Bank improves to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the Class A Central.  For Holmdel, the loss is their first in divisional play and drops the Hornets to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in the division.

Red Bank Regional looks to make it seven straight on Tuesday when they host divisional foe Saint John Vianney.

Download the movie