The Pirates were up to bat first and made the most of the opportunity, scoring 2 quick runs after a leadoff single and two walks loaded the bases.

At the bottom of the inning the Mariners were off to a good start after leadoff hitter Sam DeMeyer singled to left and stole second base.  Unfortunately for Mariners, the side was retired in order shortly after to end the inning.

Relief pitcher Brenton McMahon was needed early into the 2nd inning as Mariners starting pitcher Kieran Harris re-injured his left shoulder. McMahon was on fire, only facing the minimum through 4 innings and not allowing a single hit.

Mariners bats too went quiet, apart from a Nick Fisher single to left in the 2nd inning and an Andrew Provest single to left in the 3rd inning.

It wouldn’t be until the fifth inning that the Mariners would trouble the scorers. Pirates relief pitcher Jack Faulks struggled to find the strike zone walking 3 Mariners hitters. Then with two outs and bases loaded Jordan Butfield hit one deep to left field. The fielder ran back to make the catch but came up short with the ball coming of the end of his glove. All three runners came home as Jordan strolled into second base. Mariners now led 3-2.

At the top of the sixth and last inning, the Pirates first two hitters singled. With the very next hitter the tying run was able to cross the plate to tie the game at 3 each. Mariners shut down the inning soon after with no further score.

Unfortunately for the Mariners the top 3 hitters were retired in order at the bottom of the sixth ending the game in a 3-3 draw.

Kieran Harris threw 31 pitches for 13 strikes, 1 hit and walked 3 while Brenton McMahon threw 69 pitches for 46 strikes, 2 hits, walked 2 and struck out 5.

Next Saturday the Mariners will host the Dapto Panthers at Ison Park.