The Sliders win against League Champions the Brawlers to secure a minimum finish of third in the Softball Ulster 2019 League! There was bank holiday sunshine all round as the Belfast Sliders took on the Brawlers in their final game of the 2019 season. The sun made fielding a nightmare for both teams, with the exception of the batters, catchers and home plate umpire Cubby.
The Brawlers lead off the game with three runs, however the Sliders came back with two runs of their own before tying it up in the second inning with a single run as Brawlers failed to score! The Sliders infield defence was strong throughout with Will, John and Jonny making light work of all the infield hits that came their way and Marian ensuring the outs at first.
Inning three became the Brawlers highest scoring inning, with them plating four runs. The Sliders managed to keep the pressure on, however, adding another two with a Casey home run also managing to bring Will home.
At the top of four, the Brawlers could only add one run while Sliders loaded the bases but failed to score any. The fifth saw the Brawlers held again to a single run before Sliders closed the gap to one with three further runs. The play of the game was seen int he fifth as a back-pedalling Jonny tipped the ball backwards for John to catch!
In the bottom of the sixth Michal doubled and Kirsty and Will also got home to level the score at 11-11.
The game ultimately came down to the seventh and final inning, where the Brawlers got four up and three down as both Tom and Deb both failed to make it to first on infield hits. Brawler Elaine was also caught out by shortstop John and his gazelle like leap over second base, leaving their only base runner Sean stranded at third base.
As the Sliders took the field for the final time, Emma remained patient at the plate and was walked to get the winning run on base. Jonny Craven, who did an excellent job at the plate all evening, stepped up to the plate and drove in the winning run with a smashing shot past Phil in right centre. As Emma crossed the plate the Sliders erupted into a cheer as they secured a medal-finishing position in this year’s Softball Ulster League. Only the final game of the season, the Bucs v Cubs, will decide whether the Sliders walk away with Silver or Bronze.