by Aaron Diaz
Here is Jimmy Ernst as Player of the game for the Firebird’s. Ernst went 3-4 with multiple RBI in today’s game against Chaminade. pic.twitter.com/YatiqhkkZH
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 18, 2024
The Kellenberg Firebirds beat the Chaminade Flyers in a 13-3 game on Wednesday, April 17 in a rainy day slugfest for the Firebirds. The Firebird’s relentless offense stopped the game in the bottom of the sixth with the mercy rule in effect.
Catcher Jimmy Ernst propelled Kellenberg from behind the plate and from the batter’s box going 3-4 with four RBIs in the game.
“Everything was working,” Ernst said. “The Pitchers were hot and the bats were hot. We put the ball over the plate and hit the ball to move guys over.”
Even though Kellenberg would get the best of Chaminade, the first inning for the Firebirds did not look that way. Chaminade put runners on base with a couple of walks and Sean Sweeney took advantage taking off for home with a passed ball taking a quick 1-0 lead.
Kellenberg wasted no time taking the lead back for good, however. In the bottom half of the first, Ernst gained his first RBI with his first double tying the game at 1 then a passed ball this time by the Flyers gave the Firebirds the lead 2-1.
Chaminade pitcher Jake Settani could not catch a grip on the ball in the rain with another wild pitch, Kellenberg extending their lead 3-1. Brian Cadieux ripped an RBI single helping Kellenberg put up a four spot in the first inning, 4-1.
Cadieux also pitched in this game coming in relief for Jack Durso. He was able to keep the Flyers at bay while the Firebirds continued to score runs.
“Brian is a great pitcher,” Ernst said. “He just committed to Albany and he came in and shut it down when we needed him too. He’s our go-to guy.”
In the second, Chaminade cut the lead in half with Sweeney lifting a bases-loaded sac fly into right field now down 4-2.
In the middle innings, another error by Jake Settani throwing over to first and another double by Ernst put Kellenberg up 7-2.
Coming into the bottom of the sixth, the Firebirds added the exclamation point to the game scoring six runs in the last inning including a Kevin McGrory three-run home run calling the game at 13-3.
“This is a huge game for the standings and us,” Ernst said. “We all play travel ball with all these kids, so know we have some bragging rights.”
This game put Kellenberg at a 5-2 record and on a five-game winning streak. Chaminade now stands at a 3-5 record on the season after the loss.
