This was the first time that two Gozitan teams played against each other in competitions organised by the Malta Baseball and Softball Association.

The Youth Baseball Minor League commenced on the 24th of February, 2013 at the Sannat Ground with a game between the Redcoats’ two teams, Għajnsielem Redcoats and the newly formed team Redcoats Baseball. The official hosts, Redcoats Baseball made a winning debut with an 11-2 win in a game umpired by Mr. Charlie Attard.

The other teams in this league are the Mustangs and the two Mellieħa teams, Blue Jays and Grand Slammers. This was the first time that two Gozitan teams played against each other in MABS competitions.

Before the game, the Minister for Justice Dr. Chris Said presented a cheque to the Redcoats to cover the two teams’ travelling expenses to Malta, a financial problem that is faced by all Gozitan clubs participating in national competitions. Għajnsielem Mayor Mr. Francis Cauchi threw the ceremonial first pitch. Vice-mayor Mr. Franco Ciangura and councillor Mr. Stephen Mercieca were also in attendance along with family and friends of the two teams.

The all-girls Għajnsielem Redcoats team is composed of the same players that finished 3-3 in their first season of competition in last season’s youth softball league, with one exception. Third baseman Kirsty Bonnici has left her first team and now plays third base for the new Redcoats Baseball team, which is made up predominantly of boys. There are two other girls in the squad, Maria Grima and Roselle Azzopardi, who missed the opener. As with the case of the Għajnsielem Redcoats, the team is full of players from Għajnsielem with the addition of the Refalo brothers Malcolm and Ian from Xaghra.

This minor league competition is once again with coach pitching. The ball is baseball size (soft core). Games are played on the basis of five innings with a five-run limit per inning.

Għajnsielem Redcoats failed to capitalize on consecutive two-out hits by Giulia Lateo and Kacey Grima in the top of the first, an inning which saw three Redcoats strike out. Redcoats Baseball had no such problems making contact. The top of the order, Gerrard Xuereb, Malcolm Refalo, Armando Xuereb and Massimo Mallia all reached base, and eventually all crossed home plate in a five-run bottom of the first inning. In the top of the second Għajnsielem Redcoats were retired in order. Redcoats Baseball opened a seven run lead following three consecutive two-out hits by Malcolm Refalo, Armando Xuereb and Massimo Mallia. Both teams were retired in order, mostly by strike-out in the third.

Then in the top of the fourth, Għajnsielem Redcoats threatened to mount one of their patented comebacks. Jasmine Bonnici and Kacey Grima led off with consecutive hits. Annabel Said promptly drove them home with a double. After Estelle Scicluna struck out, Eden Debono reached base. Then Alicia Said was unfortunate to line into a double play.

Redcoats Baseball made sure of a winning start in the bottom of the fourth inning. Gerrard Xuereb, Malcolm Refalo and Armando Xuereb reached base with one run scoring. Up stepped Massimo Mallia, with one out and two on. The left-handed clean-up hitter then pulled a pitch and hit a three-run homer into right-field. This gave the powerful first-baseman a 3-for-3 outing with two runs scored and six RBIs. There was no further scoring the rest of the way.

SCORING – BOX SCORE – RECAP