Liverpool Trojans Baseball Club

Sunday July 2nd 2006

Liverpool Trojans 14 - 10 Manchester Eagles
Liverpool Trojans 5 - 5 Manchester Eagles (Sus..)

Photo Gallery...
Game 1

Game 1 Summary :
Liverpool were without a number of key players for their visit to Manchester Eagles, but the Trojans were determined to keep pace with the league leaders Menwith Hill Patriots.

Martin Godsall and Andy Martinez, the Trojans usual starting pitcher and catcher were unavailable for today's game, so lefty Mike Waisome teamed up with veteran catcher Rob Alger to form the Trojans battery.

Waisome was given a two run cushion going into the first as Paul Smith dove in a couple of run of a well hit single. Manchester were no pushover however, as the Trojans gave up cheap runs allowing the Eagles to draw level after two.

The Trojans defensive woes went from bad to worse as catcher Rob Alger was forced to leave the game with a dislocated thumb following a foul tip. Mike Waisome steadied the ship a little, with a two run shot in the top of the third to restore the two run lead. However, the Trojans frailties were exposed again as infield errors and inconsistent batting allowed the Eagles to gain the upper hand.

A bad day for catchers, as back-up catcher Paul Mason was forced to leave the game with a bruised shoulder following another foul tipped ball. Even the umpire had to have a recount of his 'Tomatoes' after stopping his share of foul tips.

The Trojans replied with a couple of big innings of their own with RBI's for Kumeta, Mercado and Ian Smith in the fifth, followed by RBI's for Nesbitt, Waisome and relief catcher Dave Mercado in the sixth. Eagles starter, Gough was eventually replaced by Chang but the damage was done.

Another game with eight errors committed by the Trojans. Crucial errors cost you games, the Trojans must improve this side of their game if they are to compete at the top level.

WP: Mike Waisome 10K's
LP: Martin Gough 4K's

Umpire:
Plate: BJ Delorenzo

Game 2

Game 2 Summary :
Game two of the double header saw Ian Smith take over the pitching duties for the Trojans, with 3rd catcher of the day, Dave Mercado, doing his best to avoid foul tips. Another keenly fought contest unfolded as both defensives finally got their act together.

The Trojans seemed to be coming up with key hits to take a 5 -1 lead into the fifth, then things began to unravel. A series of walks by Smith, followed by a couple of errors and wild pitches soon saw the Trojans advantage slip away.

The Eagles were rampant, as another four runs crossed the plate in the bottom of the sixth only for the sky to be lit by forks of lightning. Rain halted the game as both teams headed for cover.

Liverpool insisted on the game being abandoned at that point due to dangerous conditions, however the rain had eased and Manchester were definitely in the driving seat and not about to suspend play. The umpire had a difficult decision to make, however right on queue the rain started again before play could commence.

A discussion divided opinion regarding the outcome and possible re-start arrangements and was left for the BBF to sort out.

Umpire:
Plate: BJ Delorenzo

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