by www.baseballeurope.com
The two most dominant teams in the Malta Baseball League this season are set to collide in the National League Championship Series over the weekend in Marsa. The Mellieha Northenders Reflections Sports Bar & Grill are the reigning champions and will face the Mustangs in the finals for the second time in three years.
Mellieha has been the most dominant Maltese baseball team over the last decade, winning six championships and bringing up amazing talent through their nursery system. During this period, Mellieha brought up promising talent such as Keith & Michael Bartolo, brothers who have played with Dutch and Italian baseball teams over the last few years. The younger brother, Michael also played professional baseball with CUS Messina in the Italian First Division. The Northenders finished second in the Regular Season, making their tenth straight playoff appearance.
The Mustangs, on the other hand, dominated the Malta Baseball League, finishing at the top of the Regular Season standings for the first time in twelve years. The Mustangs acquired some key players over the offseason, enforcing their infield and pitching staff through these new acquisitions. However, the most important member of the team’s success this year is Kevin Spiteri. The young Spiteri has entered his prime, dominating hitters with his fastball all year long.
Game 1 of the National League Championship Series is this Saturday starting at 1PM. Game 2 of the three game series will be this Sunday at 3:30PM. Both NLCS games will be held at the Malta Baseball/Softball Field. Entrance for both games is free.
National League Championship Series Schedule
Saturday 14th May, Game 1: Mellieha Northenders at Mustangs, starting 13.00 hrs
Sunday 15th May, Game 2: Mustangs at Mellieha Northenders, starting at 15.30 hrs
Sunday 22nd May, Game 3: Mellieha Northenders at Mustangs, starting 13.00 hrs
All games will be played at the Marsa Baseball/Softball Field
article & photo by Charles E. Attard