After surrendering the lead late in the game Pakenham never gave up to run over the top of 3rd placed Mornington. In the final game of the season we put together our most complete performance to show off the teams potential in a game filled with highlights. It started in the first inning with Matt Masin starting on the hill and Aaron Davis behind the dish. Despite the lead off batter getting on base via a KPB we took the next three outs to prevent any damage. In reply we went up and were aggressive with the bats putting a lot of balls in play and making the most of a few defensive lapses to score 3 runs. We shut down the Pirates again in the second despite starting off the inning with runners at 1st and 2nd with 0 out. With a well hit ground ball Brittany was able to make a great throw over to second base allowing me to get the runner from 1st and throw over to Steve Walker to complete the 4-6-3 double play. With a runner at third we finished off the inning getting the force at one to prevent Mornington from scoring before we added a run in our half as I came home on a Matt Masin single. In the third we were again able to hold the Pirates scoreless getting a couple of quick outs with only a baserunner at 1st. With the ball then hit just out of the reach of third baseman Ben Roberts the runner from 1st tried to advance to third but Benny recovered to be in the perfect position to receive the throw and tagged out the runner to end the innings. In reply Brett Findlay lead off with a double and came home on Aarons single to centre field. With runners at the corners Ben put the ball in play allowing Aaron to score and give us a 6-0 lead. Mornington finally opened their scoring in the fourth, pulling back two runs as they lead off with back to back doubles but from there we didnt allow another baserunner. In response I got on base with a double to left field, Simone Hubbard drew a walk and Matt singled to right field on our way to restore our 6 run lead. Having opened their scoring in the inning before the away side came out swinging and tied up the game on a 3-run homer to left field with none out, an error and fortunate infield single. With two outs Mornington were able to score the 7th run of the inning on a passed ball to take the lead for the first time of the game. With the game coming towards the end we knew that if we could regain the lead we should be able to hold on but despite loading up the bases we were unable to score. At this stage we were almost out, if Mornignton were to score we would probably be out of time before we could get the winning runs. Matt took just the one warm up pitch before calling for a batter and quickly got a ground ball which resulted in an error, Mark Findlay limited the damage however getting across to keep the ball in play and the runner at 1st. It paid off straight away as the next batter also hit a ground ball which we were able to flip to second to get the lead runner. As the next batter singled to left field we found ourselves in a jam with one down and runners at first and second. With another ground ball we were able to make the play at first but unable to hold the runners. But with the number three batter up we got a fly ball which Gregg was able to easily take to give us a chance. With time still short we couldnt be too picky and within two pitches had baserunners at second and third as Matt and Gregg both singled and advanced on an error. At this stage a Sac Fly could tie the game forcing the Pirates outfielders to play in short with Brett Findlay stepping up to bat. Although it took him until Round 14 to get his first hit of the season I was pretty happy to have him up at the plate given his recent form. What followed next was beyond anything that I hoped for. After working a 2-1 count Brett got the pitch he wanted and dispatched it over the left-fielders head easily allowing Matt and Gregg to score, but as he sped into third base the ball had only come into the cut off and he was waved home. The throw to the plate was just wide allowing Brett to score the teams only Home Run of the season and seal an 11-9 win. It was a fantastic way to finish off the season which even before this game has had plenty for everyone to be proud of. Brett Findlay wins man of the match not just for his final hit but for his batting throughout the game. He finished up with 3 hits (double, single, home run), scored 3 runs and had 3 RBIs. A full season wrap will be done following presentation night, but again well done to everyone who played in the team during the season it has been a pleasure managing the side and hope to see you all back again next year. P.S. Keep your eye on the Facebook page as I will be posting pictures from the game that Mark took later in the week
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:36:05 +0000
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