South: Athletics secure spot in Playoffs
Mainz Athletics – Saarlouis Hornets 3-0, 3-2
The ATHLETCIS clinched a berth in the playoffs of the German Baseball-Bundesliga for the 16th year in a row. They defeated the HORNETS twice last Saturday and secured at least fourth place in the standings.
In game one, Manuel Moeller led MAINZ to a 3-0 shutout, by going the distance. The offense supported him early with a 3-0 advantage after three innings. Ales Keprta pitched solid for eight innings, though his offense had no chance against Moeller and he had to take the loss.
The second match was more thrilling. The A’s took a fast 3-0 lead against HORNETS starter Sam Jew. Nils Hartkopf held the SAARLOUIS offense in check for his fourth win of the season. The HORNETS rallied with two outs in the ninth and cut the deficit to a run, but Max Boldt recovered and got the third out to finish up the 3-2 win.
The scheduled doubleheaders HEIDENHEIM-HAAR and GAUTING-REGENSBURG were postponed due to rain.
Standings South
| # | Team | W | L | R+ | R- | .pct | GB | Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heidenheim Heideköpfe | 23 | 5 | 251 | 106 | .821 | 0 | W9 |
| 2 | Buchbinder Legionäre | 20 | 8 | 184 | 83 | .714 | 3 | W4 |
| 3 | Mannheim Tornados | 18 | 10 | 197 | 89 | .642 | 5 | W7 |
| 4 | Mainz Athletics | 18 | 10 | 169 | 141 | .642 | 5 | W5 |
| 5 | Saarlouis Hornets | 11 | 17 | 119 | 168 | .392 | 12 | L4 |
| 6 | Haar Diciples | 10 | 18 | 104 | 165 | .357 | 13 | L5 |
| 7 | Gauting Indians | 8 | 20 | 116 | 206 | .285 | 15 | L6 |
| 8 | Neuenburg Atomics | 4 | 24 | 69 | 251 | .142 | 19 | L5 |
