Match Report

Match Report - 26/2/2005

UEA Black Sox vs Southampton Mustangs

On a cold and grey Saturday morning, the UEA Black Sox baseball team set off on a four-hour minibus journey to Southampton University to play their first friendly against the Southampton Mustangs. The Mustangs, a European-league calibre side comprised of students and former students, presented a somewhat daunting prospect to the Black Sox, and many of the team were palpably nervous as they took the field for the game. This nervousness translated itself into a number of early defensive miscues as the Mustangs beat out six runs in a frustrating first inning.

  Confidence grew, however, as the Black Sox answered with several runs of their own. The infield tightened considerably as the game went on, giving the Mustangs very little opportunity to build on their initial gains. As the team piled on the offensive pressure, the Mustangs gave away their lead and the Black Sox capitalised in style: a resounding 18-10 victory was just reward for hard work and great team spirit.

  Sox starter Dan Magee had a stellar outing, allowing only two earned runs over six innings of work. Centre-fielder Hoffman Wolff and right-fielder Alan Holliday were the offensive stars, Wolff going 5-for-6 with multiple RBI, while Holliday confounded the Mustangs pitchers with an incredible six stolen bases. Second baseman Martin Sawyer pulled off the play of the game, making a brilliant behind-the-back snare of a hard grounder to right field.

  Overall, an excellent start to the Black Sox season!

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© Copyright Chris Devine 2005