Baycats Game Against Waverley Suspended For Lightning, Tied 1-1
Posted 20/11/2008
Baycat Marcel Ernstzen doubled to lead of the 5th inning before scoring the tying run.
Having just tied the game after Marcel Ernstzen lead off the top of the fifth inning with a stand-up double, the Baycats momentum was stopped dead in its tracks as the umpires suspended play due to lightning.
At the time play was suspended, the Baycats were pushing for ascendency with the bases loaded and the red-hot Ross Wilson at bat with two out.
“It’s frustrating,” said coach Nathan Holmes. “We played a great game tonight and just when we were able to put ourselves in a position to win the game, we’re coming off the field. It’s out of everyone’s control, but it’s still frustrating.”
Baseball Victoria’s Lightning Policy requires the umpires to suspend play for 30 minutes if there is any lightning visible. The 30 minutes restarts with each additional lightning strike thereafter. Earlier, lightning caused play to be suspended in the bottom of the third inning.
Prior to the game being put on hold, Baycats starting pitcher Elliot Biddle was in complete control of the Wildcats hitters as he scattered four hits and struck out five over four innings.
“Biddle was excellent tonight,” said Holmes. “Our pitchers have struggled to consistently throw strikes over the past couple of games, so we really needed a good outing to get us back on track. When our pitchers throw strikes, the rest of our team is on their toes and we play much better baseball.”
The Wildcats scored their only run after a lead-off single to Grant Karlsen was followed by speed-up runner, Ian Geduld, stealing second and third base.
Wildcats shortstop Glenn Mascol drove in the run on a solid ground ball to Biddle that kicked off his glove to second baseman Ryan Darcy. While the Baycats recorded the out at first, they were unable to prevent the run scoring.
Wildcats starting pitcher Tom Rynbeck was equally tough over the first four innings, keeping the Baycats to four scattered hits.
As the Wildcats made a pitching change in the top of the fifth inning, Baycats right fielder Marcel Ernstzen deposited the first pitch of the inning into the right field corner for a lead-off double.
Darcy bunted to move Ernstzen to third base, but Wildcats first baseman Evan Phillips slipped on the play and was unable to make an out.
With runners on the corners, import Morgan Brown dug a low fastball out and chopped it to Phillips again at first base. As Phillips looked again to make a play on the high chopper, he once again lost his footing on the Altona turf, allowing Ernstzen to score and leaving runners at first and second for the Baycats.
With the Wildcats defence rattled, relief pitcher Karlsen walked Baycats slugger Lee Poulter to load the bases. Ross Wilson saw two pitches before play was suspended.
Baseball Victoria has determined the game is to be completed later in the season.