U12 BASEBALL TOURNAMENT – PLACEMENT FINAL
Sunday, July 9, 2017 12:20pm Venue: Campo “C” Sud, Castions Delle Mura, Italy
Coaches: Steve Ellis, Charles E. Attard, Joseph Scicluna
PITCHERS DELIVER BUT REDCOATS STILL CAME UP SHORT
In the placing final the Ghajnsielem Redcoats faced River Stones from Maserada, Italy, in a game for 7th place. The Redcoats fancied their chances and hoped on an improved performance from the senior pitchers who in the group stage played well below their potential. Before the game the Maltese National Anthem played as the Redcoats lined up along the 3rd base line. This was very emotional for the players, coaches, and supporters as they heard the National Anthem played for them prior to an international game.
Both Miguel Fenech who started the game, and reliever Neil Said pitched extremely well. Miguel was let down by sloppy fielding and a couple of controversial umpiring calls, whereas Neil pitched two shut-out innings, thanks to some excellent fielding, to keep the Redcoats in the game. Despite their 0-and-3 record the River Stones pitchers were very good and the Redcoats found it difficult to make good contact with the ball. The lack of depth of the team which travelled to Italy became an issue in this game as the bottom of the lineup did not contribute. The absence of key players who did not travel with the team was felt throughout the tournament but especially during this game.
The performances of both Miguel and Neil as pitchers stood out, however, the play of the game, and maybe of the tournament took place when Neil was pitching and a fly ball was hit to shallow right field. Michael Xuereb, who was playing centre field, came out of nowhere to make a sliding catch to deprive the River Stones hitter from a base hit.
The unsung heroes for the Redcoats during this tournament were the two catchers. Isaac Azzopardi along with Steve Bajada put in several innings behind the plate keeping the ball in front of them and constantly supporting their pitcher. In a key and demanding position both players battled the sun and the heat to help their team. It shows character and team spirit as did the efforts of Geordie Ellis who played the final despite his bruised knee from the previous game.
This was a great learning experience for all the players and the performance of the last game goes a long way to fill the team with determination to return next year and do better. Given that only 2 of the 12 players who travelled to Italy will not be eligible next year, and that players like Andrew Dimech, who only started playing the game two months ago and did very well in the tournament, will have a year of experience under their belt, provides hope that come next summer the Redcoats will improve on their 8th place finish. Well done Redcoats!
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