Rd13 Rangers 9 defeated Marlins 8

The last match of 2011 saw the Forest Rangers come from behind to snatch a victory against the fancied Pittwater Marlins. In a match that had everything, the Rangers were able to steal a one run victory to move into outright 3rd. The match started with the Rangers batting first and scoring two runs over the plate. The Rangers started with Churchy pitching really well, with the fielding just as good and managed a double play to end the first dig without a run being scored. The second dig of the Rangers was not as good and were kept to nil. In the second dig of the Marlins, Churchy pitching well again, and although one run was scored, another double play ended their innings. So the Rangers were 2-1 up at the top of the third.

The third started with the Rangers scoring another two runs. The Marlins then got into their groove and hit just about everything. Churchy was pitching well, although starting to tire, but was kept on to finish the innings nonetheless. It was the fielding of the Rangers team that was the concern, with some basic errors creeping in and the Marlins took advantage of the gifts given to them. Seven runs were scored and the Rangers heads were down somewhat. So the score was 4-8 going into the top of the 4th.

So, it was the Rangers turn to make the Marlins work as they changed their pitching. There was a flurry of runs scored and the Rangers were looking dangerous with everyone hitting. They managed 5 over the plate to take a one run lead going into the bottom of the 4th. In came the Skippa to pitch and hopefully stem the runs seen in the 3rd innings by the Marlins. The change of pitching came up trumps for the Rangers as the Marlins were back in their dug out fairly quickly adding no runs to their score, leaving the score now at 9-8 to the Rangers. The fifth was a no hit innings for the Rangers and so it was up to the Marlins to score with time running out. The Skippa pitched well again and with the Rangers fielding back at their best, managed to close the game with no runs scored.

Some notable efforts were from Softhands who took a pearler on the fence next to third base. Might need some fence repairs after that one. A couple of double plays. Sherry's hitting and fielding. So a win to the Rangers 9-8.