by Jeffrey Darrion Siler II
Another installment of the Portuguese Baseball National Championship concluded this past Sunday with a double-header between Associação Académica de Coimbra and White Sharks Almada Baseball Club. Both teams played aggressive ball, yet one team’s ability to capitalize on a few mistakes ultimately led to two key victories, and a widening gap between these two Portuguese clubs. White Sharks (6-2) now hold advantage over Coimbra (2-6) as the Portuguese Regular Season approaches the midway mark.
Game 1 was well fought, with both teams taking advantage of runners in scoring position. The score was tied through 3 innings, when the momentum turned in favor of Almada. Starting in the 4th the White Sharks bats began to string hits together, and were able to take advantage of a few fielding errors. Almada players, Rui Lopes, Richardo “Pacheco” Costa, and João Alves each had 2 RBIs, and White Sharks closer Carlos “Alex” Machado Tavaresthrew 4 innings, giving up 4H, 1BB and 7K. Final Score: 6-11 White Sharks. For a more complete overview of stats from the game, check out the boxscore
Game 2 was a tight match with both teams scrapping it out. The first 3 innings were 3up-3down for both sides. Strong defense from Almada kept Coimbra from scoring, while costly errors by Coimbra allowed the White Sharks to post 3 runs in the 4th. Almada bats rallied and plated 2 runs in both the 5th& 6th. Renato Espírito Santo, Jeffrey Darrion Siler II, and Carlos “Alex” Machado Tavares all doubled and plated RBIs for White Sharks, while Silvio Silva was one of only 2 White Sharks to have a multiple hit game. Jeffrey Darrion Siler II threw for Almada giving up 0H, 0R, 3BB, and 14K. For a more complete overview of stats from the game, check out the boxscore
Next week features another doubleheader showdown between these two teams in Abrantes, Portugal.