The Redlegs met up with the Miami Valley Bats for opening day on Sunday looking for some revenge after losing to the Bats in the first round of the playoffs in 2012. These two clubs were locked up with a 4-4 record since the Bats entered the league in 2011, but after this game the Bats would have the series edge.

Kevin Campbell got his 3rd consecutive opening day nod and showed a little rust early. After a leadoff ground out, the Bats reeled off 4 consecutive hits which yielded the first run of the game. Casey Fannin then worked a bases loaded walk to the Bats up 2-0. Campbell was then able to escape the bases loaded jam by getting a strikeout and a fly out to center field. A potential rally was ended in the 2nd when the Bats started off the inning with two straight singles which put runners on the corners. Campbell then got a strikeout, followed by a nice play by rookie Kyle Arend who took a groundball at 3rd and was able to gun down a runner at the plate trying to score. But the Bats got back to work in the 3rd putting 4 more runs on the board. They quickly loaded the bases after two singles and a hit batter when Scott Dickerson doubled in 2 runs. After another hit batter the Bats had the bases loaded again with no one out. Zach Norman then lined a ball between short and 3rd, but short stop Jacob Robinson was able to save a run by making an acrobatic diving snag. Campbell was then able to get out of the inning after a sacrifice fly and strikeout to limit the damage and keep the Redlegs in striking distance at 6-0. Campbell settled in and set the next 6 Bats down in order over the 4th and 5th innings.

The Redlegs finally got on the board in the top of the 4th. Jacob Robinson doubled to lead off the inning and later scored on a clutch 2 out single by his brother, and first year Redleg, James Robinson.

Don Parrish came on in relief for the Redlegs and held the Bats over the final 3 frames. But the Redlegs could not muster any offense in support of Campbell or Parrish, managing only 6 hits in the game. The Redlegs will look to bounce back after the disappointing opening day loss when they face the Thunder next week at Athletes in Action at 7:00pm.

Boxscore