By THADDEUS TIRIMAN
IT WAS a nail biter as LBC Gazelle withstood a strong comeback from Market 2000-sponsored Brown Eagles to win 5-4 in a fiery encounter in the Digicel Port Moresby Men’s A grade softball at the Bisini diamonds last Saturday.
Both teams were on the hunt for a second win in a weekend of double-header matches. Earlier on, Gazelle beat Dolphins 14-8 and Brown Eagles annihilated Malangan 11-1.
Good batting, coupled with the consistent line of pitcher Nelson Kiap ensured that Gazelle led 3-0 in the first innings with runs to Demas Totil, Tony Karani and Harry Matthew.
Eagles first run came in the second inning through pitcher Paul Tabete, who in good balance and poise struck the ball over the left fielder. Gazelle quickly replied in the third inning with two runs to Gabriel Pamel and Colin Mangot to lead 5-1.
The Eagles turned on some fireworks in the third inning with clever placing with the bat and quick running through the bases that left the Gazelle fielders momentarily bemused as George Pukur, John Pidil and Siani Turlom came home to make the score 5-4 in favour of Gazelle. The remaining innings were a good display of softball fielding as the two sides tried to get the better of the other however, no run was scored until time-in game was called after the fifth inning.
On the same day, PNG Power extended their lead and made their claim on the minor premiership tag definite by coming out double winners over Malangan 11-1 and Samurai Warriors 13-1.
In yesterday’s games, AW Bears led by inspirational Dick Bart Jr, won their double headers in great comebacks – all in the last innings – against Kopex 6-5 and in the main game against a spirited SPIA Manolos outfit 7-6. Kopex made up for their loss with a convincing 15-5 win over Samurai Warriors.