MODESTO, Calif. — While everyone was on vacation the Gustine Reds kept playing ball, participating in the Dick Windemuth Tournament hosted at Modesto High School from April 1-3.

The Reds finished the tournament 1-2 overall, progressing their record for the season to 8-8 overall, 5-1 in league and still claiming 1st in the SAL.

“We’re just trying to work on things to get back to league. You know we’re in a pretty good spot there,” said Reds head coach Craig Beevers.

There’s no flinch after the tournament. On Monday, the Reds faced the Ceres High Bulldogs, falling to them 6-8. The Reds scored four runs and came just short of an upset. 

“Tournaments are tricky,” said Beevers. “You have three games and we’re used to playing two a week, and we don’t really have the pitching for this.”

On Tuesday the Beyer High Patriots almost let their game against the Reds slip away. The ballgame ran into an obscure situation by tournament norms. By the sixth inning, the Reds had bases loaded and had brought in three runs but something happened. The Reds jumped a base steal, leading to Danny Quezada (20) bouncing between 1st and 2nd bases. He would be tagged out ending the game. Coach would comment on their performance.

“We executed a couple good bunts today, just playing the small ball and running. I think that’s how we’re going to be successful,” said Beevers.

The final score was 13-7, Beyer.

The Reds saved the best for last. The Modesto High Panthers fell to Gustine in the seventh inning. After trailing most of the game to the Panthers, a small rally gave them a tournament win, 2-1 over the Panthers.

The Reds begin their series against the Waterford Wildcats at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Gustine. On Friday, the Reds travel to Waterford at 4 p.m. to finish the series.