By THADDEUS TIRIMAN
A HOMER by Manolos backstop Ora Gimi and two runs each by the Pialkolos brothers, Daniel and Passingan, ensured that Brown Eagles were put away 10-0 in the Digicel Port Moresby men’s A grade softball competition yesterday.
The main game between Brown Eagles and SPIA Manolos got off to a fiery start with the Eagles coming in to bat first and the crowd getting the impression that it was going to be as expected a closely contested game. It was indeed before SPIA Manolos ran away with the game in the last inning.
Manolos opening pitcher Saga Gimi displayed very good line that saw Brown Eagles opening bats men Sioni Turlom, George Pukur and Paul Tabete falling out for the first innings. His superb display continued on to the second innings restricting the Eagles from scoring any runs.
Gimi was replaced in the third inning for no apparent reason by Isimel Marnapal but the former international’s entry did cause difficulties for the Eagles’ batters as well, as they could not make big hits out of his not- so- perfect deliveries.
Manolos finally scored the first run of the game in the third innings with Daniel and Passingan Pialkolos coming home to score runs highlighted by the homer from Gimi to lead 3-0.
In the fifth inning, the game slipped away from the Eagles hands as Manolos ran in seven runs through Guy Kila, David Upaupa, Gingi Bogam, Marnapal and the Pialkolos brothers to seal the match 10-0.
The Eagles led by pitcher Apisai Guguna held their composure throughout the game but could not contain the New Irelander’s fast running through the bases capitalizing on their brief misfielding and drop catches. A chance for a run came in the fourth inning when backstop George Pukur reached third base but could not be helped home by his mates.
In the other A grade matches played yesterday, Dolphins ousted Samurais 8-3 and PNG Power ran over Kopex in a closely fought game winning 5-3. Last Saturday, AW Bears mauled Malangan 15-5.