Mariners travelled north to Fred Finch Park to face Eagles A having played Eagles B last week. The team knew this week would be tough with two key players out for school holidays.
As expected, the game started with both teams being retired for no runs. A strong start for Mariners! Brendan McMahon led off with a good hit to start the next innings. Unfortunately for Mariners some good pitching meant another dig with no runs scored. Eagles A started similarly with a good hit but were able to capitalise and bring home the runner.
Down 1-0 Mariners dug deep and led off with five good hits bringing home 4 runners. Eagles matched the pressure and scored 4 runs. Still in touch, Mariners countered again hitting well and bringing home a further 3 runs. Tight fielding and some good team work restricted Eagles to 2 runs. The score tied, one innings to go. Some good base running forcing errors in the field saw Sam De Meyer get home on a base hit giving Mariners the lead for the first time in the game. A change of pitcher for Mariners, Michael Vine struck out the lead off batter and combined with Kieran Harris at first to take the second out of the innings. A couple of hits and a walk loaded the bases for Eagles. A tense moment, a stumble in the field and Eagles scored the winning run.
A close game played in good spirits Mariners went down 9-8 but not without a tussle. Thank you to Tony Provest playing up from Minors 2nd Grade which allowed us to take the field.
Hits to Sam De Meyer (3, including a 3-base hit), AJ Provest (3, including a 2-base hit), Edan Kelly (2), Michael Vine and Kieran Harris. Pitching shared between Brendan McMahaon (4 innings, 75 pitches, 51 strikes & 7 strikeouts) and Michael Vine (1 innings, 14 pitches, 9 strikes with 1 strikeout). A great team effort!
