Gazelle stages stunning late comeback

 By HENRY MORABANG

GAZELLE dashed PNG Power’s semi-final hopes with a stunning comeback at the bottom of the fourth inning to win 8-6 in the Port Moresby men’s softball competition yesterday.

Played at the Bisini softball diamonds, Gazelle were trailing 5-0 at the bottom of the third inning when Harry Matthew’s magic brought home David Miki for their first point.

PNG Power were in total control from the top of the first inning when they registered points through Dimmick Wosley, Alister Tavol, Demas Tovia and Michael Parom.

However, they could not repeat that success in the next three innings as Gazelle pitcher Meli Tarangau sent their batters back to the dugout empty-handed. 

At the top of the fourth inning, PNG Power extended their lead through Edward Senna to 6-1 before Meli Tarangau, pictured, closed the gap by a solitary point to trail 6-2 at the bottom of that inning. The game started to liven up when Gazelle’s Demas Totil hit a good ball to bring Tony Karani home, before Gabriel Pamel brought home Totil and Miki home for 6-5.

Gazelle’s Harry Mathew hit a bounced ball over the PNG Power second base to get Gabriel Pamel home to draw level 6-6.At the top of the fifth inning, PNG Power failed to score while Gazelle added the decisive two runs through Totil, who brought home pinch runner Charlie Pomahun to bring the tally to 8-6.

Totil, who won the club man-of-the-match award, sent the ball over the boundary to ensure his team’s place at the top of the points ladder.

In the main game, Bears surprised United Brothers with a 6-5 victory to stay in contention for the premiership.

In the other matches, Brown Eagles came from behind to beat Kopex 8-5. Wolves sent a reminder to their rivals they are no easy beats when they held in-form Yokomo to a 6-6. A home-run in the final inning by pitcher Willie Kuwoh helped Mantarays register their first win of the season – 6-3 win over Stingerz.