Brothers edge Yokomo

 THE Port Moresby men’s softball competition completed its final round over the weekend, with exciting performances from the top teams to stake the claims on the points ladder, while others in the middle order played poorly to miss out of the top five.

The main game on Saturday between first-placed United Brothers and the third-placed Yokomo was a thriller that kept supporters and spectators on their toes right to the bottom of the fifth innings, when United Brothers overtook their rivals to win 7 runs to 6.

Yokomo were first to bat, with Micha Zale and Paul Bogan out of fly balls, while Kelly Upaupa was walked to first-base and Colling Mangot hit a line drive for a side away.

Dick Bart wasted no time with a single to the left outfield, followed by another safe hit to centre field by Sailas Darius. 

Then a surprise sacrifice bunt to third-base by Jacob Niggins brought Bart to third and Darius to second and himself safe on first for a loaded base with no down. 

Next was Gerard Pokana, who connected the second pitch over the left boundary, bringing all four runners home to lead four runs to nil as Andrew Karai and Adrian Chan were struck out and Venom Wam was put out on first for side away.

Yokomo replied with a single by Kelly Upaupa, who walked to first, stole second and crossed  the home plate on a sacrifice hit by Taki Zale. 

Dwayn Chan was second out while Mark ToManagana made a single to the left field but didn’t pass second as Jack Tarasomo was struck out by Tony William.

The brethren added a single run by Glen Niggins at their second turn at bat and were scoreless in the third and fourth innings as Yokomo pitcher Clifford Kouze stepped up in his deliveries, registering consecutive strike outs.

Yokomo added a single at the top of the third from Micha Zale and on the fourth to trail with two runs to five. 

At this stage, fans United Brothers would win the game.

Results:  Yokomo 8 Gazelle 0; Bears 1 Defence 0; PNG Power 5 Wolves 3; Mantarays 5 Brown Eagles 4 Defence 4 Gazelle 1.