3rd Grade opened the season for the Shoalhaven Mariners. What a close tussle this game was! For both teams this game was a fantastic season starter with such a close score line right up until the last inning. Mariners three young juniors, Cameron Goulden, Riley Mason and Mackenzie Mannix, all made their senior debut with this team on Saturday. Mackenzie took a fantastic reflex catch at second base. Also joining the club this year with some additional girl power is Kailey Ehrig and Cheyanne Wenham. All new players contributed to the team’s performance.
In the first innings Rod Angel had the only double of the game hitting to right field for Dapto Chiefs. Ben Elliott led Mariners batting with two hits from two at bats.
After a backwards and forwards tussle the game was tied at 3 a side going into the bottom of the fifth. The batting line up then saw Degan Brekelmans force an error and scramble for first. Fast round the bases Degan managed to get to third. Ben Elliott up next, on base bringing Degan home. Stephen Pearson drew his third walk and then stole his way around the bases. Some great running enabling Mariners to score the winning runs. Mariners 3rd grade nabbed the lead late securing a 6-3 victory over Chiefs on Saturday.
Lachlan Rosser was the strongest of the pitchers for Dapto Chiefs only allowing 2 hits and 2 runs over the plate while striking out 9. Ben Elliott completed the full game of pitching duties for Mariners allowing only 5 hits and 3 runs. It was a solid start for Mariners. Players are now looking forward to training on Wednesday and next week’s game.
