Yokomo put Defence to sword

 By HENRY MORABANG

A RED hot Yokomo put on another powerhouse performance thrashing Defence 13-2 in the main A grade match of the Port Moresby men’s softball competition yesterday at the Bisini main diamond.

Home runs to Collin Mangot (2) and Kelly Upaupa (1) set the foundation for the big win. 

Defence were leading 1-0 at the top of the first inning through Consie Bais who stormed home after a good hit to the left outfield by Saga Gima. However, Gima won three bases but was left stranded and never came home. 

At the bottom of the first inning, Yokomo made their move when opening batter Micha Zale won three bases after an overthrow to the first base.

He slid home for the opening point for Yokomo following awild pitch to second batter Taki Zale. 

Taki advanced to the first base while next batter Dwayne Chan got Taki to second base.

Mangot sent the ball over the fence for the first of his two home runs to extend the lead to 4-1.

Paul Bogan got to first base while Upaupa scored the second home run in that inning to extend the lead to 6-1.

Defence failed to score in the second and third inning but scored a single run through Bais.

Yokomo collected four runs in the bottom of the third through Mangot who also brought Chan home before Bogan and Upaupa widened the gap to 10-2.

Defence had chances but could not pull the trigger with players left stranded on bases. 

Yokomo knocked off a further three runs through Micha Zale and Chan to seal the match on a mercy rule.

Yokomo’s victory helps them stay second to Gazelle.

Gazelle proved too strong for United Brothers 9-5 to cement top position on the competition ladder. 

The antelopes thrashed Bears 9-0 to grab the lead from Yokomo. 

Results: Wolves 12 Stingerz 1, PNG Power 21 Mantarays 0, Bears 9 Kopex 6.

Standings: Gazelle 36, Yokomo 35, Bears 33, Defence 32, Brothers 32, PNG Power 26, Brown Eagles 25, Kopex 22, Wolves 20, Stingerz 16, Mantarays 13.