MILTON KEYNES SOFTBALL AT THE DOUBLE!
The usual dreadful Tuesday night weather forecast didn’t deter the softball players of Milton Keynes in the League’s first ever double header match night.
The Towcester Tigers great form continued as they triumphed 9-8 in a close pitching duel against the Homerun Hornets. The Tigers got off to the purr-fect start taking a 6-1 lead by the end of the second inning. The gap increased to 9-2 by the end of the 5th after a homerun by Laura Simpson.
However, the Tigers weren’t the only ones showing cat-like reflexes as MK Diamonds coach & Hornets captain Chris Borah showed he does know what he’s talking about with two brilliant double plays to keep the game alive. This buzzed the Hornets back into life, scoring six runs in the 6th inning to sting the Tigers.
However, the Tigers took back control in a scoreless 7th to secure the Tigers a 9-8 win. The Tigers’ Martin Baxendell won a third MVP award in a row, while Hannah West took the female award for consistent hitting & fielding on first base. The Hornets’ first base Robyn Hillyard also took the honour for the Hornets alongside pitcher Alan Davis.
On the other pitch, the Double D’s kept pace with the Tigers with a 21-13 win over the Willow Lakers. The D’s took a huge early lead with some of the most consistent hitting seen so far this season. The knee of Laker’s pitcher & captain Adam Bee was the unfortunate recipient of one lusty blow.
Despite the slippery conditions, the game saw some great plays. Jon Reynolds’ sliding catch was a real ‘web-gem’ – his dive so long he started it in the neighbouring county. Lakers’ catcher & captain Sam Gibson also saved a run with a brilliant tag which could be best described as a head-slap on the more robust Jason Jenkins.
The Lakers didn’t give up and fought back into the game thanks to some great hitting from MVPs Lauren Pritchard and Adam Bee. However, the eight run deficit proved too much for the Lakers. The D’s MVPs were Jon Reynolds and new signing Kass Carry who impressed with some excellent hitting.
The League is now at its halfway point and still all to play for. The next match night sees another double header; Lakers versus Hornets and a rematch for the Tigers & Double Ds who had a spectacular 29-29 draw last time they faced off against each other! Don’t miss out – Join us on Tuesday the 12th July from 6pm!