Newton Aycliffe Spartans maintained their perfect start to the 2014 British Baseball Federation AA Northern Division with a double victory over the visiting Manchester A’s at Shildon Leisure Centre last Sunday
In game 1, The Spartans jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first inning before both pitchers, Mike Holton for Newton Aycliffe and Paul Fagan for Manchester settled down to keep the scoring low. Spartans blew the game wide open scoring 5 unanswered runs in the 5th inning including a Grand Slam Home Run from Mike Holton. Catcher Jason Hill had 3 runs batted in (RBI’s) for the Spartans also.
The A’s tried to rally, scoring 4 runs in the 6th inning to bring the score to 9-5 but Estile Peniche closed the door in the 7th and final frame to ensure Spartans took game 1. Mike Holton (2-0) pitched 6 strong innings for the Spartans and took the win.
In game 2, Spartans changed some personnel, giving several players their first starts of the season. Both sides scored 1 run in the 1st inning, but steady hitting from the Spartans and some aggressive base running resulted in Spartans jumping into a 8-1 lead by the end of the 5th inning. Manchester also found Spartans pitcher Bryan Dunkel (2-0) in great form as he struck out 6 batters and only issued 1 walk over 6 innings. Manchester scored 3 times in the top of the 6th inning but the Spartans hit back with 5 more runs to seal the game and ensure that have a perfect record at 4-0. Ian Porley with 4 RBI’s and Jarek Majek with 3 RBI’s were the standout performers with the bat for the Spartans in game 2.
Spartans would also like to thank Cobblers Hall Pub in Newton Aycliffe for providing post match refreshments for both teams.
Spartans are next in action on Sunday 11th May when Sheffield Bladerunners are the visiting team to Spartan Field in Shildon.
All home matches are played at Sunnydale Leisure Centre in Shildon and this Sunday’s first pitch will be at 12pm, with the second game starting at 2.30pm and a full fixture list and more information on the Spartans can be found at www.newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk
