Div 1 21/02/10 Finals hopes still alive

A gritty come from behind win against Souths on Sunday has kept the gate open for a berth in this year’s finals.

The Eagles responded magnificently to a 5 run deficit mid way through the game to run out eventual winners 9-8.

With Steve-O starting in command, the Eagles hitters got on the scoreboard immediately bottom 1 courtesy of a hit to ‘pinch’ leadoff Chris Henry, a HPB to Moose Falls, a laced LD to T Fiebig and a base hit to S Tibbits on his return from injury. 2-0 to the Eagles.

The scoreboard then stayed stagnant until the fourth, where after a strong start Steve-O lost the lower part of the zone to be stung by 4 consecutive base hits, the final hit a 3 run HR effectively ending his outing. Steve-O was replaced by Div 1 debutant Sam Bawden who, after recording a PO3 was unable to find command of the zone and left the game same inning, albeit on a higher note, recording a strikeout.  Enter the 3rd pitcher of the innings D Redden who retired the next hitter to end the innings, but 7 runs later the damage was done.

However, the boys responded immediately bottom 4 knowing the season was on the line. A leadoff base knock to Nathan Vanderlinden, a HPB to A Lewis and a liner to RF courtesy of Moose loaded the bags. A picked BB to T Fiebig gave him a RBI and a double down the LF line to Tibbits plated another 2. D Forbes added another with a RF base hit which ended the South’s starters day. A wild throw recorded against the Souths receiver saw the go ahead run cross before the inning was done.

After a fourth inning that took close to an hour Reds took charge to establish an excellent rhythm. He was able to scatter hits, keeping a dangerous hitting team off balance with good location and effective use of both fastballs and offspeed. However the Souths hitters were not to give up, plating another in the 6th to tie the game after a hit, a walk and another safe hit.

Showing determination the Eagles responded again with a smoked leadoff double to T Fiebig. A groundball with eyes to Tibbits and smart, aggressive baserunning by Fiebig saw him get over to third and after a pass ball the Eagles were in the lead again. 

Reds sat them down in order in the 7th and 8th, continuing his great day out. The boys were unable to score in the bottom half of both digs and therefore entered top 9 holding a 1 run lead and needing three outs for the game.  After recording the first out, a base knock and a walk left runners at 1st and 2nd. But Reds stayed firm to induce a hopper up the middle that was calmly scooped by Vanderlinden for a PO6, 6-3 double play to end the game. An exciting finish to great team effort.

The feeling amongst the boys is positive and the team will be ready to take on Woodville away and Port away this weekend to keep our finals aspirations alive. Get down and help us over the line.