by A.P. Beauregard, www.namur-angels.be
A showdown ripe with playoff implications, the Namur Angels took on the K. Deurne Spartans in a two game set on the 19th and 20th of June. With both teams fighting for the last two coveted spots in the four team playoff, a three way race with the Brasschaat Braves, the Spartans and Angels would trade wins that, uncustomary, both times went to the visitor.
Saturday, June 19th, was a low scoring ball game throughout thanks in large part to stellar pitching from Namur starter Shouta Ichinoseki as well as his right-handed counterpart, Deurne’s Alexis Marquez. The Spartans led 3-2 heading into the top of the ninth and were just three outs from victory when a furious rally from visiting Namur changed the tide of the day.
Four base on balls, two hits, and a hit batsman accounted for four runs that appeared to now put the decision into the hands of the Angels, however, the day’s quota for drama had yet to be satisfied. Attempting to answer in the bottom of the ninth, Marquez looped a two out single to right that brought the margin to 6-4 but instead of settling for a pair of runners in scoring position, the Spartan runner from second base strayed too far off the bag after the throw had come into home plate. Far enough, in fact, to allow Namur catcher Gracjan Kraszewski to flip the ball to shortstop Theodore De Bellefroid who applied the ensuing game ending tag.
De Bellefroid led Namur with three hits, while teammate Ronny Heymans contributed a 2-4 showing at the plate. Matt Brunnig pitched two and a third strong innings picking up the win in relief.
The Spartans were led at the plate by Marquez’s three hit day while Johan Silva, Manuel Martinez, and Tony De Telder each had two hits apiece.
Sunday’s conclusion in Namur proved unhappy for the home team as timely hitting, solid defense, and effective pitching propelled the visiting Spartans to a 9-4 victory. Seven players in the Deurne line-up reached base via hit, while Alexis Marquez again spearheaded the offense with his second consecutive three hit performance.
The home Angels were led by Matt Brunnig as the winning pitcher from the day before, counted two triples and a double amongst his 3-4 afternoon. Ronny Heymans, Thomas Vandenabeele, and Matthieu Deltombe each had a base hit as well.
The Angels will be off to Hoboken next weekend for the first game of a two game series against the first place Pioneers.
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