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Columbus Red Barons vs. New York City Comets Series Recap
Red Barons Edge Out Comets in Pitcher's Duel (3-2)
April 14, 2024 – In a tightly contested matchup, the Columbus Red Barons secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the New York City Comets. The game, held at Comets Stadium, showcased stellar pitching performances and timely hitting, captivating the fans until the very last out.
The Red Barons struck first in the top of the first inning. After a series of walks by Comets' pitcher Jeremy McCarthy, Dom Sexton drew a walk, followed by a single from Karl Whalen. With bases loaded, Ashley Mathews drew a walk, bringing in Sexton and putting Columbus on the scoreboard.
"It was all about patience at the plate," said Mathews. "We knew we had to make McCarthy work for every pitch."
The Comets responded quickly in the bottom of the inning. Tim Gibson singled and advanced on Antonio Reyna’s single before Logan Bennett singled to drive Gibson home, tying the game at 1-1.
"We wanted to answer back immediately," said Bennett. "Keeping the pressure on is key in these close games."
In the top of the second, Columbus reclaimed the lead. Travis McLadd scored on a double by Dom Haslam, and Ricardo Maria added another run, making it 3-1. The Red Barons' bullpen, led by Robert Ake and Eric Wilcoxson, managed to hold off the Comets’ offense. Although the Comets cut the deficit to one in the sixth inning, they couldn’t overcome the Red Barons' lead.
"Our bullpen did a fantastic job," said Columbus manager Joe Garland. "Ake and Wilcoxson really stepped up when we needed them."
Wilcoxson earned the save with a clean ninth inning, securing the win for Columbus.
Game 1 Box Score:
- Columbus: 3 R, 4 H, 0 E
- New York: 2 R, 8 H, 0 E
Comets' Bats Come Alive in Victory (Comets win 7-3)
April 15, 2024 – The New York City Comets bounced back in game two, overpowering the Columbus Red Barons 7-3 with an offensive explosion. The Comets, determined to even the series, came out swinging.
In the bottom of the second inning, the Comets took control. Back-to-back doubles by Logan Bennett and Jasper Faulk scored two runs. Jeff Moser’s single brought in another, giving the Comets a 3-0 lead. They extended their lead in the third inning with doubles from Kurt Griffin and Teddy Calhoun, followed by another double by Antonio Reyna, making it 5-0.
"We were seeing the ball really well today," said Faulk. "When everyone is hitting like that, it’s contagious."
Tim Gibson added to the lead with a two-run homer in the fourth inning, putting the Comets up 7-0. Columbus attempted a comeback in the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly by Billy Latner and a single by Aaron Griffith, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Comets' starter Billy Taylor was dominant, striking out nine over six innings. Randy Price closed out the game, allowing a solo home run to Karl Whalen in the ninth but preserving the Comets' lead.
"It felt great to contribute to the win," said Taylor. "My fastball was working, and the defense played flawlessly behind me."
Game 2 Box Score:
- Columbus: 3 R, 13 H, 0 E
- New York: 7 R, 11 H, 0 E
Comets Clinch Series with Another Win (Comets win 3-1)
April 16, 2024 – The New York City Comets secured the series with a 3-1 win over the Columbus Red Barons in the final game, highlighted by a strong pitching performance from Neil Sydenham.
The Comets wasted no time in the bottom of the first inning. Tim Gibson walked and advanced to third on singles by Kurt Griffin and Teddy Calhoun. Antonio Reyna’s ground out brought Gibson home, followed by Jasper Faulk's single driving in Griffin, giving the Comets an early 2-0 lead.
"We wanted to get on the board early and set the tone," said Sydenham. "It’s always easier to pitch with a lead."
In the third inning, Jeff Moser’s single scored Logan Bennett, extending the lead to 3-0. Columbus managed their lone run in the sixth inning with a solo home run by Eric Feldman.
"Sydenham was tough out there," said Feldman. "We had to make the most of the few opportunities we got."
Neil Sydenham pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run on one hit while striking out four. Ty Prosser earned the save with three innings of relief, striking out four and preserving the win.
"Our pitchers were phenomenal this series," said Comets manager Mike Stanton. "Sydenham and Prosser really shut them down today."
Game 3 Box Score:
- Columbus: 1 R, 3 H, 0 E
- New York: 3 R, 14 H, 0 E
Series Summary:
The New York City Comets took the series 2-1, demonstrating strong offensive and defensive play. The Red Barons showed resilience but were ultimately outmatched by the Comets' balanced attack.
Series MVP: Teddy Calhoun, for his consistent hitting across all three games, including a crucial performance in Game 2 with a double and RBI, and strong defensive play at first base.
"I’m just trying to help the team any way I can," said Calhoun. "It’s a great feeling to contribute to a series win."
