Guggenberg Legionnaires failed to achieve a clear temporary lead in the last game against Heidenheim. Pitcher-switch-you game with a surprise effect.
The Empire struck back. After the Guggenberg Legionnaires won the first two games of the four-game series against the Heideköpfe, the defending champions secured games 3 and 4. The last encounter in particular was really close. The Regensburg team only took a narrow lead shortly before the end, but in the end they had to let Heidenheim overtake them.
Offensive problems on Friday
The series also made it clear that with this frequency of games, even the top teams are reaching the limits of their pitching rotation. At the same time, the Bundesliga is still in the middle of the regular season and there is still a long way to go until the play-offs. The managers therefore have little desire to overload the team’s strong arms. That’s why there were always players on the mound for whom pitching was at most a sideline activity.
The story of Friday’s game is told relatively quickly. The Guggenberg Legionnaires simply couldn’t get their bat to the ball against Drew Janssen. Patrick Mitchell kept the game open for the Regensburg team for a long time, but conceded a few runs in the end. The Legionnaires tried to fight back, but couldn’t really get going after a home run from Devon Ramirez. In the end there was a 5:3 win for the defending champions.
Strong start to Game 4
In the fourth game on the fourth day in a row, the Regensburg team quickly took a clear lead. In the second inning, the Legionnaires gave their former teammate Sven Schüller an unpleasant afternoon. Single by Alex Schmidt, Terrell Joyce scores. Doubles by Elias von Garßen, Alex Schmidt and Nino Sacasa get the runs. Double from Devon Ramirez, Elias von Garßen completes the 4-0 lead for the guests.
It wasn’t until three innings later that a real answer came from the Heidekopfs. She had it all. Suddenly Regensburg’s lead was used up. On top of that, Heidenheim immediately added another run. Pitcher Aljo Sujak supported the opponent with hit by pitch and walk.
Change of pitcher and new lead
The Guggenberg Legionnaires were not very impressed by this. In the seventh period, a Sacrifice Fly from Lou Helmig and a hit from Alex Schmidt first equalized and then even took the lead. A good starting position actually. On the defensive, manager Helmig presented a surprise package. Even the old-timers find it difficult to remember that Matt Vance was a pitcher for Regensburg. After his lightning performance, Marius Wolf, a player for whom pitching is part of the regular job description, came into action again.
In the case of Marlon Jimenez, it says Hard Hitting in capital letters. He did justice to that with a triple that brought home Devon Ramirez and Elias von Garßen. The Legionnaires were ahead by three points in the middle of the eighth inning. Basically a very good starting position.
Heidenheimer walks and home runs
But that wasn’t enough. Manager Helmig had once again placed a position player on the pitcher’s mound, Daniel Patrice, in the seventh inning. In the first inning, Patrice kept a clean slate. Then it should come out pretty thick. After a walk, Gary Owens knocked the ball over the fence. The repetition a little later. First the walk, then the home run, this time by Shawn Larry. From Regensburg’s perspective, the 8:5 had become 8:9.
The Guggenberg Legionnaires no longer had a suitable answer that day against a thrower like Jared Mortensen. Three quick exits sealed the end of the game and the split in the four-game series. Regensburg remains at the top of the table, Heidenheim moves back to second place.
For leaders Regensburg, it continues next weekend (Friday and Saturday) at the Mainz Athletics.
2024-05-11 21:43:24
#close #games #wins #Legionnaires #Guggenberg #Legionnaires #Regensburg
