SIZZLING FASTPITCH INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT – GAME 2
Monday, August 19, 2019 16:30 Venue: Kercem Stadium, Gozo, Malta
Umpires: Charles Micallef & Giancarlo Pulvirenti
The Għajnsielem Redcoats did much better in their second game against BC The Herons. On Monday afternoon the Redcoats defeated the Herons 12-7 to break a seven game winless streak against teams from Europe. There was a significant improvement in the offensive stats. The Redcoats managed eight hits and seven walks. Pitching also improved. Although there were some fine defensive plays, the Redcoats committed seven errors which resulted in runs. Of the seven runs allowed by pitcher Estelle Scicluna, only one was earned.
The Redcoats jumped to a 7-4 lead after two innings, and administered the lead from then onwards. Ilena Buttigieg came up big with a 2-RBI (run batted in) double in the 3rd inning. Both Estelle Scicluna and Marilise Vella registered two hits and an RBI each. Kimberley Scerri, Simona Refalo and Laragh Tabone also had a base hit each.
Once again the defensive standouts were catcher Marilise Vella, Nicole Cassar at 2nd base, and Laragh Tabone at 1st base. Nicole registered a put-out and four assists without committing an error, while Laragh had nine put-outs and committed a single error.
| Team/Inning | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | R | H | E |
| Redcoats | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 8 | 7 |
| Herons | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 3 |
The Redcoats were quite satisfied with the win as it put them in a very good position to finish the tournament in 2nd place, ahead of the Herons. The victory against the Herons was also significant as three years ago when the Redcoats traveled to Heerhugowaard and played an exhibition game against the same Herons, U15 at the time, they were beaten by a big margin. The Redcoats have come a long way over the past three years. There has been a significant improvement at every department. The young players who have since joined the club have made the team better, while pitchers Estelle Scicluna and Monique Attard make the team very competitive against most U18 European opponents.
After the game the players and their coaches were very much looking forward to the final two games of the tournament as the comfortable victory against the Herons did wonders to the confidence of the team.
This initiative has been supported by the Ministry for Gozo Sport Organisations Assistance Scheme, a funding programme for Sport Organisations on the Island of Gozo.
This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Ministry for Gozo cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
