Last Saturday the 89ers had to face probably their strongest opponent this season, the Berlin Flamingos. The Flamingos already have some first division experience and are starting the season just as ambitiously as the 89ers.
Shota Usuda impressed in offense and defense
Head coach Evan Renner had to accept two pieces of bad news. Two pitchers, Leon Mühlen and Mika Kockmann, were unavailable at short notice, so there was only one starting pitcher, Sebastian Kaluza, and only one reliever, Marvin Freise. “That was bad news. So I’m happy with the split. Karamba in particular played absolutely brilliantly. “In addition, we had good hitting in the first game,” summarized Renner after the game.
Kaluza went the first two innings without scoring a run. On offense, the 89ers again scored in almost every inning. Outstanding once again was Max Jaeger, who managed four RBIs, including a single home run. All players contributed hits and the 16-year-old 89ers talent Ole Horst also had strong at bats and a hit in both games. “My players are very patient at bat. In addition to the many hits, I am particularly happy about the many very good at bats,” continued Renner.
In defense, Kaluza continued to throw solidly, although the Flamingos were able to shorten the score in the third inning (3:2). But with six runs in the following inning, his offense took off a lot of the pressure again. Kaluza threw with concentration throughout the game, allowing a run every now and then while the offense continued to score. In the end it was 15:8 for the 89ers.
Ole Horst with his hit against the strong US boy from Berlin
In the second game, the Berliners put a real grenade on the mound with the US American Tim Peret. For some of the 89ers, the throws of up to 85 miles were a little too fast. “We knew that the pitcher was really strong and had corresponding difficulties. However, I am not completely dissatisfied with the game,” said Renner. Four hits (Jaeger, Usuda (2) and Horst) compared to ten hits and eleven strike outs compared to five in the first game make the difference clear.
And the Berliners were now more confident in attack and were able to score one or two goals against Freise. “When you have such a strong pitcher behind you, it also has an impact on the offense. Nevertheless, Marve did a very good job and fought hard until the end.” This game went 7-1 to the Flamingos, who are at the top of the table with 3-1 wins. After the second split, the 89ers are in midfield, although the table is not yet very meaningful.
Next Sunday, the third team from the capital, the Berlin Sluggers, will be guests. Then the first sweep should be achieved in order to establish ourselves in the top half of the table.
First of all, the first club derby in history, which is eagerly awaited by all 89ers, is coming up next Saturday, April 20th from 1 p.m. In the association league, the perspective team, in which six experienced men and many youth and junior players will play, competes against the third team, which consists of many experienced players. It will then become apparent whether the “young, wild” or the “old hands” will have the upper hand. As always, bratwurst, hot dogs and cold drinks will be provided.
2024-04-15 23:39:21
#Gentlemen #Berlin #Split #Karamba
