by Michael Perkins, www.namur-angels.be
Latta Dominant; Angels top Cats
Justin Latta threw his first complete game of the season Saturday (14.5.11) as the visiting Namur Angels defeated the hosting Merchtem Cats 4-3.
American born Latta was dominant through the entirety of the game, throwing all 9 innings in the effort. Latta, who was solely a relief pitcher in the US, has progressively increased his innings pitched per game throughout the season to build his arm strength enough to be effective in a starting role.
“When I was in the States I acted as our teams’ closer” expressed Latta after the game. “I usually only had to pitch one or two innings at the end of games to get a save. It is definitely a different feel to be over here in Belgium and be starting games.”
Latta seemed to be completely adjusted into the role Saturday. He commanded a sharp slider with a heavy 2-seam fastball to deafen Merchem hitters. The cats only recorded 6 hits in the game, with shortstop Johan Silva doing the most damage (3-5, 2 RBI). Latta allowed 3 runs in 9 innings, while striking out 7 and walking 6.
Offensively, the Angels relied on a handful of clutch hits to get runners across home plate. Vincent King continued swinging a hot bat in the 4th inning when he doubled and drove in Cedric “Mad Dog” Nauts for Namur’s first run of the game. King ended the day going 2-4 with 2 doubles, an RBI, and a stolen base. Nauts also had a good day at the plate (2-5, run scored).
The Angels added some “insurance runs” in the top of the ninth when clean-up hitter Williams “DJ” Rosario drove in catcher Mike Perkins. Rosario (2-2, RBI, 3 BB) was plated later in the inning by a groundball by Jerome Sana.
The Cats managed to score 2 runs in the bottom of the ninth, but were unable to finish the comeback, as the Angels won 4-3 for their 2nd consecutive win. The final game of the 2 game series against the Cats will be played at 15:30 this Sunday at Namur. A win for the Angels will put them two games over .500 on the season, and further their chances at earning a spot in the playoffs.
Late Inning Fireworks; Angels Mercy Cats
The Namur Angels completed their second sweep of the season Sunday (15.5.11) by routing the visiting Merchtem Cats 15-5. With the win the Angels moved into third place in the Belgian League and improved their season record to 7-5.
The Angels entered the game without their usual Sunday starter; twenty year-old fire-baller Cedric Desmedt was sidelined this weekend due to an illness. In his place was Angel’s veteran Nicolas Migeot, who got his first start of the season.
Although Migeot hadn’t thrown more than 3 consecutive innings this season, he pitched amazing over 8 frames, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and earning him a complete game win. Migeot had pinpoint control throughout the game, allowing only a single walk in the contest.
Merchtem led early, scoring 2 runs in the 4th on a homerun by third baseman Manuel Martinez, and another in the 5th win an RBI single by Carlos Porte. Porte was 3-4 on the day, with an RBI and 2 runs scored.
The Angels finally cracked Cat’s starter Tom Herinckx in 7th inning, rallying to score 9 runs in the inning and ensure the victory in an otherwise tight game. Angel Williams Rosario , who was 3-5 in the game with 4RBI and 2 runs scored, led the offensive charge for the Angels.
Vincent King continued to solidify himself as a top hitter in the Belgian League by having another terrific game at the plate. King finished the game going 2-3 with 3RBI, 4 runs scored, and a stolen base.
Catcher Mike Perkins added to the barrage of runs in the 8th by hitting a 3RBI triple to left field. Rosario then drove in Perkins for the 15th run of the contest and ending the game via the 10 run mercy rule.
The Angels showed their pitching depth on Sunday and provided a statement to other teams in the league that they have more than just a couple of strong arms on the team. The win also flexed the offensive might of the club, as it was the second time the Angels mercy-ruled an opponent this season.
The third place Namur Angels hope to add to their three game win-streak next weekend as they take the Brasschaat Braves at home on Saturday (21.5.11). The Angels swept the Braves (2-0) the last time they met.
{mrb-result:2011-05-14|2011-05-15|BE}
{mrb-standing:belgium-2011}
{mrb-schedule:2011-05-17|2011-05-22|BE}
Photo by Frédéric de Laminne, www.event-pics.be