The GSB Softball Challenge Cup 2019 was part of the Gozo Sports Festival organised by the Gozo Sports Board with the support of the Ministry for Gozo
The Ghajnsielem Redcoats produced yet another excellent performance to defeat the Mellieha Curves 23-9 on Saturday afternoon at the Gozo Stadium to win the GSB Softball Challenge Cup 2019. In what was the final home game of the season, the Redcoats were keen to put on a great effort. Having just been crowned Fastpitch Softball National Champions, the team played with much confidence and relatively no pressure, and it showed in their performance.
The Curves were missing key players and that made it even more difficult for them. On the other hand the Redcoats showed much improvement over their last outing, especially defensively. They also impressed offensively. The 23 runs scored is a record for the Club. They managed 14 hits, including two doubles, a triple, and an inside-the-park home run. Monique Attard hit a grand slam home run, the first in Club history. Both Daphne Cassar and Kimberley Scerri registered three hits, and each hit a double. Simona Refalo and Estelle Scicluna had two hits each. Kimberley scored five runs, and Estelle scored another four runs, while Corinne, Simona and Ilena Buttigieg scored three runs each.
There were also some fine defensive plays, the most remarkable of which came from the youngest members of the team. Ilena Buttigieg, playing short stop for the first time, made a great back hand stop and tagged the advancing runner on one play, whereas Simona Refalo, playing at 3rd base, went for a ground ball hit in the direction of the short stop, fielded it and threw a bullet to 1st on the run, to get the advancing runner out by a couple of steps. Both players are still 14 years old.
Starting pitcher, Estelle Scicluna, pitched three solid innings allowing a single run. She struck out four and walked one, giving up just one base hit. She gave way to Monique Attard in the top of the 4th inning when the Redcoats were already leading 13-1. Unlike previous outings, Monique was not at her best on the day. She gave up 8 runs, 5 of which were earned. She struck out three and walked two. It didn’t matter anyway as the offence kept scoring runs for a thoroughly deserved 23-9 victory.
| Team/Inning | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
| Curves | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Redcoats | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 14 | 3 |
The GSB Softball Challenge Cup 2019 was part of the Gozo Sports Festival organised by the Gozo Sports Board with the support of the Ministry for Gozo. The Malta Baseball and Softball Association also endorsed the competition. The Redcoats were sporting their new uniform with a sleeveless top, which will come in handy this summer when the Redcoats will be playing tournaments in July (Italy) and August (Gozo).
Next up for the Redcoats is the final game of the season scheduled for Sunday, June 2, in Mellieha.
