The Athletics took a win in the rain, before the second was washed out, while the Vikings grabbed a win on the road in Stockerau. In the chase to stay out oft he relegation spot, the Highlanders came up empty handed against playoff team Schwaz.
Saturday:
Vienna Wanderers @ Attnang-Puchheim Athletics
Despite a streak of sunny weekends, the weather turned for the worse and threatened the series. Each team had to deal with the less than perfect conditions and make the most of it. The Wanderers were able to take an early lead in the constant rain with three runs in the first, but the hosts came right back and put up one run of their own. Walter Strasser and the defense were able to get into a rhythm and shake off the drizzle, keeping the guests from building on their lead too much. After the third, the Wanderers lead 4-1.
In the fourth, Wanderers pitcher Clemens Cichocki had to overcome some defensive miscues behind him, which lead to the A’s getting on the board and even taking a 5-4 lead. The rains became even heavier, but the hosts protected their lead in the fifth. The Athletics sent a few hitters to the plate in the bottom half of the inning, but the umpires decided to send the teams into the dugouts for shelter from the wet conditions. Since the trailing team had already played through their 5th inning at bat, the game was called and the A’s moved into a tie with the Wanderers atop the standings, with a tiebreaker in the head-to-head.
Union Kufstein Vikings @ Soroptimist Stockerau Cubs
In a sunny 33°C afternoon, the Cubs took the field for their final doubleheader of the season. Michael Schneider again was starting for the Stockerau team, while Thomas Krimbacher returned from a longer absence to start for the guests. The Vikings, who find themselves in the middle of a tense relegation fight, took the lead despite the heavy pressure on them. Errors and walks by their opponent helped the cause, moving baserunners from station to station. The Cubs, despite the large lead they handed the opponent, started the comeback, narrowing the score to 10-9, but the Vikes got the third out before the tying run could cross home, allowing the guests to break their seven game losing streak.
Game two was a bit colder at first pitch, but the Vikings were looking to stay hot. Scott Holstein started for the hosts, hoping to get them back in the win column. For the guests, Werner Harrasser was tabbed to take the mound and start a win streak for the Vikings. Seeing Harrasser didn’t scare the Cubs much, as they put up two in the first, and added another in the second to stake a 3-0 lead early. As the temperature dropped, the Vikings were able to get to Holstein, and despite the pitcher powering his team with a homerun, he let the hosts close the visitors close the gap. In the final inning, the Vikings were looking to tie the score at 5-5, but they came up just short, and had to settle for a split in the 15° evening.
Sunday:
RiCo Highlanders @ Schwaz Tigers
In a replay of a washed out game in Schwaz between the host Tigers and visiting Highlanders, it ended up being a close and exciting game. Jason Fronczak was on top of his game, keeping the Highlanders off the bases inning after inning. Wayne Ough, after multiple strong outings, again flexed his command over the opposition and giving the fans a pitchers duel through six. Yet the Highlanders pulled their starter first, allowing the Tigers a chance to take advantage. A couple walks and a couple hits later, and the Tigers had a rally going, ultimately jumping out in front 5-0. The Highlanders, still unable to do much against Fronczak, had to travel home empty handed as the home defense was steady enough to seal the win.
Results:
Saturday:
Vienna Wanderers @ Attnang-Puchheim Athletics
Game 1: 4:5 – WP: W. Strasser; LP: C. Cichocki;
Game 2: – Rainout
Union Kufstein Vikings @ Soroptimist Stockerau Cubs
Game 1: 5:4 – WP: T. Krimbacher; LP: M. Schneider;
Game 2: 9:10 – WP: S. Holstein; LP: W. Harrasser;
HR: S. Holstein;
Sunday:
RiCo Highlanders @ Schwaz Tigers
Game 2: 0:5 – WP: J. Fronzak; LP: B Weixelbaumer;