Hampstead Reds

The Reds’ bats were on fire against the Hampstead A’s on Tuesday, May 22nd at Holiday Lane Field, as they added their 7th mark in the win column against two losses, with a score of 16 to 2. Steve Clark damaged the Sears siding on the concession stand as he blasted a two-run first inning homer that was still climbing when it made contact with the two-story structure behind the fence in left field. He had two hits on the night, as did Mike Carace, Mike Keenan, Matt McLaughlin and Matt Willey. Other hitters were Matt Murrell, and Matt Novak. Yes, all the Matt’s hit. Mike Keenan threw three strong innings striking out four, and Steve Clark finished the game with seven strikeouts. The pitching pair allowed only four hits, a fraction of the 12 hits produced by the Reds. On Thursday, May 24th the Reds have a chance to even the score with the Fremont Marlins in Fremont at 5:45.

The Fremont Marlins extended their record to 8 and 1 with a win over the Reds on Sunday, May 20th in Hampstead. The game lead switched hands several times through six innings with a combined 20 hits, 11 for the Reds and 9 for the Marlins. A few fielding errors for both teams added to the surprise twist and turns of the game, ultimately with the Marlins taking the win away in the 6th inning. Fremont blasted three home runs, two that hit the concession stand and one over right field. The Reds had one of their best days at the plate with hot bats from Mike Carace, Mike Keenan and Matt Willey, each with two hits, and hits from Matt Novak, Matt Murrell, Scott Randal, Jay Reimitis, and Jason Carace. Matt Willey was the starting pitcher striking out three Marlins, Mike Keenan struck out three, and Jon Fahadian had two K’s in his debut major league pitching performance. The Reds will shake this one off and set their sights on Tuesday’s game, May 22nd, against the A’s at Holiday Lane at 5:45.

The Reds got back on their winning track with a 4-3 nail-biter victory over the BlueJay at Holiday Lane on Saturday, May 19th. Mike Keenan and Steve Clark delivered fine pitching performances, giving up only 5 hits and striking out 10 Blue Jays; 4 K’s for Mike and 6 K’s for Steve. The Reds made the most of their 5 hits from Steve Clark (2), Mike Carace, Jay Reimitis, and Matt Willey who belted the game-winning 3-bagger deep into right field. Saturday’s victory gives the Reds a 6 and 1 record. The Reds meet up with the Fremont Marlins for the first time this season at 11:00am on Sunday, May 20th at Holiday Lane. The Marlins are 7 and 1.

The Hampstead Reds suffered their first loss of the season against the Chester White Sox on Tuesday, May 15th, in rainy/windy/cold Chester. Mike Carace threw for 4 innings and Matt Willey for 2 innings, letting up only 6 hits between them. The White Sox were able to capitalize on a few walks and some fielding errors to convert the 6 hits into 9 runs. Steven Clark made a stellar play early in the game, gunning down a would-be home run hitter at the plate from the cut-off position in the outfield. Mike Keenan skillfully blocked the plate while applying the tag after catching Steve's bomb on the fly from left center field. The Reds outhit the White Sox with 8 hits but stranded 3 too many runners to win the game. Mike Keenan and Mike Carace each had two hits, each with a double, Steve Clark had two hits, and Matt Willey belted a solo homerun drive into left center which kept the fenceless White Sox outfielders on their horses. The Reds have Thursday off in preparation for their outing with the Blue Jays whom the Reds host on Saturday, May 19th at 10:00am at Holiday Lane Field in Hampstead.

The Reds defeated the Brentwood Brewers 5-2 on Saturday, May 12th at Holiday Lane Field. Mike Carace went the distance giving up only 6 hits. Jason Carace belted a line drive over the shortstop and into left center to start a Reds rally. Today's hitters club also included Matt Murrell, Matt Willey and Mike Keenan who lined one off the center field fence, as the Reds captured their 5th victory of the season against no loses. The fenceless Chester White Sox will host the Reds for game 6 on Tuesday, May 15th. Bring your running shoes, outfielders!