Brady Hamilton struck out five in his outing on Tuesday, as the Y-D Red Sox beat the Orleans Firebirds 4-1.
When Y-D clinched a spot in the playoffs, there was no question who would start Game 1. Hamilton has been the team’s ace all year, performing at a level that put him in the conversation for the best starter in the entire league.
“He deserved to get the ball tonight, and he answered the call,” Y-D manager Scott Pickler said regarding Hamilton’s outing. “He’s been good all year. Every time he's gone out, he’s gotten better. He had a heck of a game tonight and gave us some length.”
In his sophomore year at Wichita State, he recorded a 5.38 ERA with a 1.449 WHIP. His 4.9 BB/9 marked the highest walk rate of his collegiate career. Since joining Y-D, the Oklahoma native has looked like a completely different pitcher.
Through 30.1 innings of work during the regular season, Hamilton posted a 1.48 ERA and 0.989 WHIP. His 1.5 BB/9 this summer showed dramatic improvement in command—something that has been vital to his success with Y-D.
He had already faced the Orleans offense twice, combining for seven scoreless innings. At Eldredge Park on Tuesday, Hamilton continued that dominance. The Firebirds were the league’s hottest team entering the postseason, carrying a seven-game winning streak into the season finale against the Brewster Whitecaps. Y-D’s ace held them in check with five strikeouts over 5.1 innings.
“I struggled a bit early, not throwing the fastball where I wanted. I was able to make an adjustment and keep competing the whole time,” Hamilton said. “That allowed me to settle in and give the team what they needed.”
Orleans managed just one run—an opposite-field blast off the bat of Landon Hairston (Arizona State). Hamilton allowed only four hits, though he issued three walks. His fastball sat around 91–93 mph, and he mixed in his changeup and slider effectively.
Hamilton’s ability to work deep into Tuesday’s game allowed Y-D to preserve its bullpen, using just three arms in the Game 1 victory. The Red Sox will return home to Red Wilson Field for Game 2, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
