Mornington 7 were defeated by Springvale 9
Despite the promised summery weather, it was rather more bleak by the sea at Mornington, with a strong wind and some gusty rain making conditions difficult for baseball. Mornington outhit the Lions, eleven to two, proving that at this level, the teams who have pitchers who can throw strikes will generally win the game.
The game was scoreless over the first two innings, with tight pitching from uber veteran Mark Anderton matched by Mornington’s Sam Foura. Anderton was the first to crack, giving up a double and single for a run in the third. Springvale matched that with an unearned run in the top of the fourth, but Mornington had got their eye in against Anderton and their five hits in the bottom of the inning netted three runs,
although Anderton still managed two strike-outs to limit the damage.
Mornington’s change of pitcher in the fifth proved disastrous, as the new pitcher first muffed a pop-up from the opening batter, and then walked the next three. A sacrifice fly to Tyler Riddiford and a hit to Zaid Carlos saw Springvale take the lead.
Anderton came back to shut out the Pirates in the fifth. Again, the Mornington pitchers failed to hit the strike zone, and six walks and a HPB gave the Lions a comfortable lead which proved important. Bailey Firman took the mound for the first time for Springvale and started nervously with a triple and single putting Mornington one run closer. Once he settled, he looked powerful, with three strike-outs, although
some confusion allowed Mornington to sneak a run on a steal home as pitcher and catcher celebrated one of those Ks.
There were only five hits for the day – with Aaron Tanic recording two, and single hits to Tim Stockdale, Zaid Carlos and winning pitcher Mark Anderton rounding out the total.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “All are welcome…we belong to this family.” [DESMOND TUTU]