East Central Region Champion Cincinnati Midland Redskins won in convincing fashion Monday night defeating the National Qualifier Arizona Firebirds 10-3. Midland broke the game open in the second inning batting 10 while plating five runs on three singles and a home run by catcher John Clay Reeves. Starting Arizona pitcher Nick Diamond had to leave midway through the inning due to what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
The Redskins scored two more in the third inning on only one single. Firebird pitchers Preston Jamison and Dereck Grey walked two and hit DJ Smith. Both Smith and Andrew Benintendi scored on Dakota Smith’s single to left field.
Arizona made a run in the fifth inning. Drew Stankiewicz singled and scored a single by Jake Peevyhouse. Michael Howard singled and both Howard and Peevyhouse scored on a throwing error by Redskin shortstop Sutton Whiting.
Midland finished their scoring for the night in the top of the sixth when Benintendi walked and right fielder Dakota Smith hit a line drive over the right field fence.
Midland pitcher Dillon Howard picked up the win going five innings while Nick Diamond suffered the loss.
Arizona now drops into the loser side of the bracket and will play Arecibo Puerto Rico Lobos at 5:15 Tuesday Mountain Daylight time.
The Redskins will play the host Farmington Strike Force Cardinals at 7:30 local time. Farmington and Midland are the only two remaining undefeated teams.
