• Saints run hot as semifinals loom

Saints run hot as semifinals loom

Saints secured runner-up spot in Hawke's Bay's premier men's softball's pre-Xmas round-robin competition with an 8-1 victory over Fast Pitch at Akina Park, Hastings today.

This followed their second placing at last weekend's ISA New Zealand Classic tournament in Hastings. 

Fast Pitch missed the experienced head of Te Rangi Chadwick who was playing for Hutt Valley in the Fast45 Sky TV Series in Wellington. Fast Pitch missed his leadership, and their defensive errors were expensive.

Saint scored three runs in the first inning, courtesy of good hits by Jacob Zurcher, Luke Woon, Hoani Crawford and Adam Woon, Fast Pitch pitcher   Te Patrie Campbell finished the inning well with two strikeouts.

In Saints second turn at bat they scored three further runs by Zurcher, Adam Woon and Kayne Mooney.

Ashton Guy got one back for Fast Pitch reaching first base on an error and scoring on a pass ball. That was to be the only run for Fast Pitch against the strong pitching of Black Sox Squad member Adam Woon.

In the third inning Bradley Woon was walked and scored on a hit from Zurcher. In the fourth Inning Mace Price hit a home run to end the scoring.

This result was a massive contrast to Fast Pitch's 3-2 victory in the last encounter between the two sides.

In four innings pitched, Adam Woon took  nine strikeouts while conceding one safe hit and no walks. For Fast Pitch Campbell collected seven strikeouts while conceding seven safe hits and three walks. 

The Mets-Maraenui Pumas game was not needed. Mets go through as round-robin winners.

Next Saturday  will see the start of semifinals with Mets playing Pumas and Saints playing Fast Pitch. Saints and Mets have two lives.

After Saints performance today and at the Classic they must be favourites.