The fruit of the hard work put-in this week during the two-day pitching training camp was easy to see as there was a marked improvement in the pitching motion credit to Shannon Galea.

Following the two-day pitcher’s training camp held earlier this week, the two softball teams of the Ghajnsielem Redcoats played their seventh game to complete the Softball Championship Series. It was essential for the pitchers to go straight into competitive action in order to put into practice what they learned from their pitching coach, Shannon Galea. Five out of the six pitchers saw action with the promising Jasmine Bonnici missing out due to illness.

Giulia Lateo started for Redcoats 63rd who were playing at home. She made an excellent start striking out the first two batters she faced but then allowed a run on a couple of walks and a base hit. Estelle Scicluna also started very strong for Redcoats 31st striking out her first batter and then following a walk she was aided by her defence who turned a double play. The game was 1-0 for Redcoats 31st after an inning in what was a very promising start. However, the pitchers on both teams struggled for control the rest of the way mainly due to lack of experience and/or lack of confidence. Still the fruit of the hard work put-in was easy to see as there was a marked improvement in the pitching motion credit to Shannon Galea. Redcoats 31st went on to win the game 14-11 to finish the season with five wins and two losses.

Giulia pitched three innings allowing seven runs to score. She was the pitcher of record and took the loss to take her to 2-and-3 for the season. Yana Vella relieved her pitching two innings also giving up seven runs for Redcoats 63rd. Estelle Scicluna pitched two innings allowing three runs and left the game leading 7-3 to take the win to even her record for the season at 2-and-2. Kacey Grima allowed five runs in two innings of relief, while Kirsty Bonnici made her debut as a pitcher contributing an inning allowing three runs and a save.

The next important appointment for our pitchers will be in July as preparations will start for the trip to Tirrenia and the Italian Softball Academy where the pitchers along with the catchers are expected to spend a few days of intensive training. The trip is expected to take place in early September.

Congratulations to the Redcoats for the way they conducted themselves during this seven game series. The catchers stood out but so did the pitchers. In order for our pitchers to reach the desired standards training camps such as that held this week should take place more often. In addition, they should be pitching competitively every week. Every effort will be made so that this will happen sooner rather than later.

SCORING – BOX SCORE – RECAP – PHOTOS