by Michael Perkins, www.namur-angels.be
Squirrels End Angels Win Streak at 5
Fresh off a sweep of rival Brasschaat Braves last weekend, the Namur Angels put their 5 game win streak ‘on the line’ Tuesday (24.5.11) when they hosted the Borgerhout Squirrels. The Angels were 0-2 against Borgerhout this season after getting swept by the Squirrels at the beginning of the season.
Angels’ pitcher Adrien Stokart got his first start of the year as Namur played their first midweek game of the season. Stockart struggled in the first inning, allowing 2 runs in the frame on RBI hits from Borgerhout’s hitters Mowin Gutierrez Perez and Wilfredo Bolivar.
Stokart, however, settled down as the game progressed, showing great maturity and stamina on the mound. He pitched the entire game, throwing 8 innings while allowing 5 runs on 8 hits. Squirrel’s “3” hitter Jose Coste Nunez hit a 7th inning solo homerun to provide extra run support for his team.
The Angels’ offense was held ‘in check’ because of a terrific outing by Borgerhout starter Yannick Gontier. Gontier only allowed 2 runs (both in the 9th inning) against Namur, throwing a complete game gem. The Angels were only able to muster 6 hits in the game, with cleanup hitter Angel Rosario leading the charge. Rosario finished the day 2-4 with 1 RBI.
Borgerhout’s defense was also very impressive Tuesday. The Squirrels turned 3 double plays in the game, often coming at crucial moments to stop Namur rallies. Although the Angels showed life in the bottom of the 9th, their 2 run inning was not enough to come back and they were issued their first loss in the past 3 weeks. The final score: Squirrels 5, Angels 2.
The loss marked the 3rd time the Squirrels defeated the Angels this season, and dropped Namur’s record to 9-6. Namur looks to ‘bounce back’ tomorrow as they travel to Antwerp for the final game of the two game set against Borgerhout.
Angels Finish Game in Borgerhout With a Rare Tie
In a baseball rarity, the Namur Angels tied the Borgerhout Squirrels Wednesday (25.5.11) in Antwerp with a final score of 2-2. The game was called at the end of the 9th inning because of darkness.
Angel’s starter Justin Latta continued his dominant pitching, throwing all 9 innings on only 3 days of rest. Latta allowed 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 9 and walking 2.
Borgerhout runs came in the 3rd on a double by Steven De Lannoy and in the 6th on a solo homerun by Ricardo Garcia Sotillo. Outside of those two innings, Latta overpowered Squirrel hitters, posting several 1-2-3 innings throughout the game.
The Angels continued to struggle at the plate, and only accumulated 5 hits in the contest. Jerome Sana was 1-4 on the night, and scored a key run in the 9th inning to tie the game on a sacrifice fly by Mike Perkins (1-4, RBI). Sana also singled in the 1st run of the game in the 2nd inning, scoring veteran Ludovic Geuquet.
While the end result may seem disappointing, the tie marked the first time the Squirrels didn’t beat the Angels this year. Borgerhout had won all 3 previous contests against Namur. The tie put Namur’s record at 9-6-1 on the season, resting them at 4th place in the standings.
The Angels look to ‘pick up some ground’ in the Belgian League this weekend as they host fist place Royal Greys this
Saturday in Namur. The two game series will be the first time the Angels have faced the Greys this season.