Div 1 7/02/10 Eagles’ bats come to life

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Sturt Div 1
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West Torrens Div 1
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The Eagles put on a hitting display in a comprehensive trouncing of Sturt on Sunday. The 4th placed Saints were no match for a superior offence that combined for 19 hits against 3 different pitchers. Multiple hit games abounded with Moose Falls, Jesse Duval, David Forbes and Adam Spencer all recording 3 hits apiece. A-Spence sprayed line drives to all parts of the field and with a single, double and triple was literally a few feet short of hitting for the cycle in a great day out.

After Sturt scored twice in the top of the first from an unlucky helmet ricochet and then an error, Reds combined well with A-Chap to settle into a commanding rhythm to never give the Sturt hitters a chance. Getting ahead early by establishing his fastball and keeping hitters off balance with good location and offspeed was the key to his dominating performance.

The Eagles responded magnificently in the bottom of the first frame by scoring 4, clutch hitting with 2 out bringing in 3 runs. Effectively this run support gave Reds the confidence he needed to pitch to his strengths thus shutting down the Sturt hitters for the next 5 innings.

After 2 run 3rd and 4th digs established a commanding lead, the Eagle hitters could have been forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal somewhat. But they did exactly the opposite busting out a 9 run 5th and a 2 run sixth, the game called under the mercy rule mid-inning with more runners in scoring position. The run production from a collectively aggressive approach is sure to give our hitters a confidence boost heading into a big double header this weekend. Saturday we take on 12th placed Adelaide at home starting at 4:30pm. Sunday we take on 2nd placed Glenelg at Glenelg at 3pm. 2 wins will keep our finals hopes well and truly alive.

Congratulations to Nathan Van der Linden who displayed composure and maturity beyond his years in his first Div 1 start on Sunday. He never looked daunted making every play that came his way at shortstop, including a great play up the middle. At the plate he made solid contact several times and got on base twice, including his first Division 1 hit in his final at bat of the game. Well done Nathan, you are player of the future who no doubt has many more Division 1 games to play for West Torrens Baseball Club.

Sam Tibbits