On Saturday the Shoalhaven Mariners 2nd grade hosted the Dapto Panthers at Ison Park Baseball Field.  This would be the third time the two clubs have played this season, with a 6-6 draw played out last meeting and Mariners 8-2 win in round 5.

This game would start with the visitors up to bat first. Leadoff hitter Gavin Bradley’s line drive to centre field, one of 3 for him, as he went 3 for 3 on the day, singling to every part of the outfield. Mariners infield errors proving costly in the first, allowing Dapto 2 early runs.

In reply the home side were a threat at the bottom of the 1st inning after loading the bases with one out.  However, the threat was dissolved as the next two hitters were struck out in order.

Mariners starting pitcher Andrew Provest started hitting his straps in the 2nd inning, facing just four hitters to retire the side with no further score.

At the bottom of the 2nd inning Jordan Butfield led off with an infield hit for the Mariners. Butfield stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch a was able to score the first run after Marcus Atkinson grounded out to first. The inning was ended with no additional score a short time later.

Mariners hurler Andrew Provest continued pitching well in the 3rd, again needing just 4 hitters to retire the side.

Now with bat in hand again, The Mariners Andrew Provest was walked, and Jordan Butfield levelled the game with his single to right scoring the tying run.

After 3 innings the arm wrestle continued as Provest returned to the mound for his 4th and last inning of work. Giving up 3 hits AJ dug deep and recovered well stranding the bases loaded with no runs in for the Panthers

Mariners jumped to a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 4th inning after Panthers starting pitcher Justin O’Neill hit Sam DeMeyer, walked Gabe Tate and Brenton McMahon hit a screamer to centre field.

Mariners relief pitcher Brenton McMahon took over pitching duties in the 5th inning and couldn’t hold back a one run charge. Panthers base stealing running rampant with 6 on the day. Mariners still in the lead but going down in order at the bottom of the 5th.

With time slowly running out for the Panthers and still one run behind on the score board they knew this would be the last chance. Some great hitting would enable them to snatch the lead by 1 run with the mariners still having the last say in the bottom of the dig.

This was it for the Mariners and things weren’t looking good after leadoff hitter Sam DeMeyer grounded out. Edan Kelly was lucky to reach when he struck out after the ball skipped away from the catcher and the throw to first wasn’t in time. From here a volley of miss fields and errors by the Panthers helped Mariners get back to level and allow Brenton McMahon to complete a dream walk off win for the home side. Final score 7-5.

Photos By: Tracy Provest