Saturday: Blue Bats knocked by Tigers – Wanderers fall in 25th Anniversary game – Rainy derby cut short but A’s take one – Split in Kufstein
Schwechat Blue Bats @ Schwaz Tigers
The Bats headed to Tirol with the playoffs on their mind, but the Tigers had other things for them on tap. From the beginning, starting pitcher Hirnschal had to watch as runner after runner crossed the plate for the host Tigers. Given an early lead, Paul Astl was able to pitch aggressive and make the Bats earn their way. Homeruns from Zalabai and Gonzales were of help, but Franz Haisjackl had two of his own for the Tigers. The ten run mercy rule after seven innings gave the Tigers a 14-4 win.
Game two started much the same way, with the Tigers pulling out in front quickly. Jason Fronczak kept the Bats bats quiet a couple times through the lineup, but they were gradually able to get to the import pitcher and tied the game at 6-6. But the hosts weren’t about to roll over, and went back out in front 8-6 with a two run rally. Haisjackl came in to close for Schwaz, and didn’t allow a run in his time on the mound, getting the save and his team the sweep with a 8-6 win.
Vienna Metrostars @ Vienna Wanderers
Celebrating their 25th year of baseball in Vienna, the Wanderers faced off against the rivals, which they share the city with. After a narrow 2-1 victory in the last matchup, a large crowd was on hand to witness another exciting game (and celebrate, of course.)
In the bottom of the first, the Wanderers struck first by moving a runner around on some quality at bats, and Christian Tomsich looked poised to dominate the Mets bats for the second time in two weeks. The Mets were able to even it at one, however, before taking the lead in the fourth: 2-1. The Wanderers, feeding off the energy of the crowd and the circumstance, rallied for a 4-2 lead after Lutz Rauch was brought in to replace Stefan Ludescher on the mound, courtesy of a two run hit by Francois duToit. Coach Sakanashi turned to Clemens Cichocki to close the game for the Wanderers, but in the 8th inning his team caught a bad break: a Ben Salzmann hit with runners on first a second brought in a run, but the left fielder appeared to have thrown out the runner from first on his way to third. The ball shot out of the third basemans glove on the tag, however, and into the dugout, bringing in another run. Down 6-4 in the bottom of the 9th, the Wanderers mounted their best effort to tie the game. With Tomsich at bat and runners on, he had a chance to bring in the tying run, but flew out to deep left field to end the game.
The Wanderers will have a shot at revenge tonight, however, as they play the final game between the two in a night game with second place on the line. First pitch at 19.00 at the Spenadlwiese.
Attnang-Puchheim Athletics @ RiCo Highlanders
The second upper Austrian derby was to be held under rainy and dark skies in Gramastettn, which ultimately washed out a portion of the matchup.
Thanks to strong winds, fielders had a hard time chasing down balls, but the A’s wouldn’t let the weather be an equalizer in the matchup. Walter Strasser again took the mound in the first game, and gave his team a good outing, and although they fell behind early, they took a 2-1 lead shortly thereafter. Wayne Ough, brought in the week before to save the Highlanders season, wasn’t able to make any big impact outside of a diving catch. The A’s were leading 5-1 and had the game well under control when the heavens opened and the game was called. With no chance of the weather letting up, both teams headed home. A makeup game will be scheduled later.
Soroptimist Stockerauer Cubs @ Kufstein Vikings
Thomas Krimbacher started on the mound for the Vikings, and he and his defense looked solid and focused through the first few innings. The Vikings struck the first blow in the back and forth affair, with both teams doing damage on offense and taking the lead. It was the Vikings who also struck last, and turned the game over to Bernie Eidherr to pick up the save and give Kufstein the win..
Game two was the Scott Holstein Show in Kufstein, as the Cubs pitcher threw a true gem and helped himself out at the plate as well. He had a clean slate until the fourth inning, which allowed the Vikings to take a short lead 1-0. Werner Harrasser made a bit of history during the game, reaching a big milestone: he recorded his 1000th strikeout of his ABL career. That was the end of the highlight, however, as the Cubs caught up to his pitching and the defense behind him looked like swiss cheese. Holstein, on the other hand, was consistent through the remaining innings, sitting down the Viking hitters just as they came, and the Cubs broke their seven game losing streak with a big win, 8-1
RESULTS
Vienna Metrostars @ Vienna Wanderers
Game 1: 6:4 – WP: L. Rauch; LP: C. Cichocki; S: H. Weiser Jr.;
Schwechat Blue Bats @ Schwaz Tigers
Game 1: 4:14 – WP: P. Astl; LP: F. Hirnschal;
HR: Z. Zalabai, Gonzales, 2 F. Haisjackl;
Game 2: 6:8 – WP: J. Fronczak; LP: Z. Zalabai;
HR: J. Fronczak;
Attnang-Puchheim Athletics @ RiCo Highlanders
Game 1: 5:1 (nach 6 Innings) – WP: W. Strasser; LP: D. Gerner;
Game 2: Rainout
Soroptimist Stockerauer Cubs @ Kufstein Vikings
Game 1: 5:8 – WP: T. Krimbacher; LP: M. Schneider;
Game 2: 8:1 – WP: S. Holstein; LP: W. Harrasser;
{mrb-standing:austria-2011}
{mrb-schedule:2011-07-05|2011-07-11|AT}