In a thrilling baseball clash on Opening Day, the Thunderbirds asserted their supremacy, soundly defeating the Expos with an impressive final score of 10-1.

In the second inning, Cory Steininger’s single kickstarted the Thunderbirds’ offensive onslaught. An error by the Expos allowed one run, and another error added two more runs to the Thunderbirds’ tally. The message was clear: Thunderbirds meant business.
The third inning witnessed John Menth’s powerful double, driving in two additional runs for the Thunderbirds.

Marc Boggio, the Thunderbirds’ right-handed pitcher, delivered a masterful performance. Over three innings, he surrendered just one hit and one run while striking out five and walking none. Boggio’s control and focus were instrumental in securing the win. Thunderbirds’ relief pitcher, Bodie Wilson, stepped up when needed. His three innings of zero-run ball allowed just one hit, striking out three and walking one.

Thunderbirds’ Offensive Stars: John Menth’s bat was on fire, driving the middle of the lineup. He contributed two runs batted in (RBIs) and maintained a stellar 2-for-3 performance throughout the day. Jerry Anderson and Brent Smerczynski each collected two hits for the Thunderbirds. Their consistency bolstered the team’s offensive firepower.
Thunderbirds’ fielders were sure-handed, committing no errors. In summary, the Thunderbirds’ dominant victory showcased their hitting prowess, pitching excellence, and unwavering focus. With 12 hits in their arsenal, they left no room for doubt.

Your Thunderbirds used some late inning heroics to claim a Game 1 win and again in Game 2 to put away the Pelicans, win the series 2-0 and head to the Championship Series next week against the Orioles.

The bottom half of the lineup did the major damage in the late inning comeback in game one led by Jody Nicewonger, Jeff Whanger and Cliff Brade. Each had 2 hits on the night with Nicewonger driving in 3 and Whanger 1. Marc Boggio, Jacob Garcia, Billy McDaniel and Ryan Karonka also had multiple hits on the night with 2 each. The birds came back from a 6-1 deficit scoring 2 in the 6th, 3 in the 7th and a walkoff in the 8th.

Brent Smerczynski survived a wild 3rd inning where the Pelicans pushed across all 6 of their runs on 2 hits. The lefty finished the night only scattering 5 hits on the night with 4 Ks in a 8 inning complete game extra inning contest.

In game 2 Boggio was stellar on the mound while picking up the win surrendering 1 unearned run on 2 hits before handing the game over to Garcia who closed out the last 2 innings for the save.

Offensively the charge was led by Smerczynski, Boggio and Karonka who each had 2 hits on the night. Rob Carroll, Dustin Harrison, Garcia, McDaniel, Bodie Wilson, Nicewonger and Brade each had hits for the birds as well with Brade smoking a 3 run double in the top of the 6th to add much needed insurance runs.

Championships Series starts next Wednesday at Graham Field with Game 1 at 6:30 and Game 2 immediately after.

Your Thunderbirds used an eight run third inning to help defeat the Pelicans 12-4 on Thursday. Dustin Harrison singled, scoring one run, John Menth tripled, scoring one run, Jacob Garcia singled, scoring one run, Jody Nicewonger singled, scoring two runs, and Brent Smerczynski doubled, scoring three runs.

A fielder’s choice by Harrison put Thunderbirds on the board in the bottom of the first scoring Smerczynski.

Harrison earned the win for the Thunderbirds. The righty scattered eight hits and four runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out two and walking one. Garcia tossed one inning of shutout ball to close it out for the Thunderbirds in relief allowing zero hits, striking out three and walking none.

The Thunderbirds collected 13 hits in the game. Marc Boggio (2 doubles), Garcia (single and double), Menth (single and triple), Ryan Karonka (2 singles), and Smerczynski (single and double) each collected two hits for Thunderbirds. Smerczynski led the Thunderbirds with three runs batted in. Billy McDaniel also added an RBI single on the night. The birds had patience at the plate, collecting six walks for the game. Nicewonger and Jeff Whanger led the team with two bases on balls each.

The win moves the Tbird record to 10-2-2 and they wrap up the regular season next week against the Orioles.

Congratulations to your 2023 Thunderbirds East All-Stars. Come out and support them as they take on the West All-Stars this Sunday at 1:50pm. The game will be held at Frisco Roughriders Stadium. Hit the lazy river, watch some baseball and support Scottish Rite.

The Uniforms may have been ugly, but the offense was not as your Thunderbirds came out swinging early, often and didn’t let up as they flew past Modoc 18-5 Thursday night in the 2nd Annual Ugly Uniform game.

Ryan Karonka led the birds with a double, 2 singles and 2 rbis. John Menth and Rob Carroll each went deep on the night and each scoring 3 times with Carroll driving in 3 runs as well. Jeff Whanger also drove in 2 with a solid double to left. As for the rest of the Thunderbirds, each player either hit, scored or drove in at least one run on the night including Brent Smerczynski, Jacob Garcia, Dustin Harrison, Marc Boggio, Cliff Brade, Jody Nicewonger and Bodie Wilson.

Billy Coleman got the win for the Thunderbirds tossing the first three innings, giving up 5 runs and striking out 3. Wilson shut the door tossing 3 no-hit innings of relief while picking up 1 strikeout.

The win runs the Tbirds record to 9-2-2. They return to action next week against the Pelicans for an 8:45 contest at Randall Park.