Suiside fall to third straight defeat as Rams split double header results in Geraldton softball action

The Geraldton Softball Association defending champions Suiside continued their poor start to the season falling to their third straight defeat after the Rams squeaked home in a one-run victory. The Rams played their doubleheader against Suiside and Martians, with Suiside looking to get back to their grand final winning form of last season after losing both games in their double header last weekend. But Rams came out on top 10-9 in a thriller after Suiside had a solid start, with Jy Thurstan taking a walk but getting caught stealing to second. Cooper Jefferies, Blade Jefferies and Kael Corlett got bat to ball to get on base early for the Bulldogs. Rams turned things around with a home run mid-game which set the match in their favour. Rams scored two, then three, runs in the next two digs as Suiside were unable to advance any runners home despite a double from Cooper Jefferies and a single by Joey Maz, and the score was 10-9 to Rams after seven innings. Rams versus Martians was as tense as it was entertaining, with the majority of the game locked at 1-1 with both teams working hard to stop runs. Martians caught a break in the seventh inning with two on base and Nik Valenti delivering a well-placed bunt. Rams were unable to catch Kurt Mead before he got home, putting Martians one in front then a sacrifice hit by Kyle Watts got in a second run, putting the Martians up by two. A beautiful line drive by Dean Pascoe got him two bases and a run batted in, leaving him in a great position to score the tying run for Rams. But pitcher Tane Brott was the hero, keeping his cool as he struck out the next three batters to give Martians the win. In the Division 1 women’s games, Pi’s were up against the Midwest Marlins while Rams took on Suiside under the lights on Friday evening. Rams defeated Suiside 13-2. Suiside fielded a young team on the diamond, holding Rams for the first two innings. Suiside took a 2-1 lead halfway through the third innings. Rams took control soon after and piled on 12 runs in an astonishing display of batting. Superior batting by Kristi March, Amanda Cook, Yvonne Newman, Narissa Valenti and Erin Dawson all drove in runs for the Rams. Suiside tried for the comeback and loaded up the bases but couldn’t score a run before Rams got the three outs. The mercy rule was invoked, with Rams winning 13-2. Standouts for the Rams were Kristi March and Erin Dawson for their batting and Sally Denton for her Base running. Charli Bidwell started the batting for Suiside with a perfect bunt, but wasn’t able to advance past second base before the three outs were tallied. In the other Division 1 Women’s game, Marlins took on Pi’s, winning 11-6. The game was tied at 5-5 until the seventh inning, where Zoe Purcell started Marlins run rout. Taryn Purchell pitched a solid game for Marlins, pitching seven innings. Natalie Wisewould was outstanding pitching for the PI’s, striking three players out over seven innings. Marlins took the game with their superior base taking, with Vanessa Minnisale stealing two bases. Pi’s coach David Sutton was optimistic about the team’s prospects this season. “The team is showing some positive signs, with some impressive softball,” he said. “We just need to keep it going for 7 digs, we are hungry for a win and looking forward to our clash with the Suiside Club Saturday night.” Rams have the bye next week, while Suiside will take on Pi’s in what will be another tough match, with the Pi’s seeking their first win of the season. Results: Div 1 men Rams 10 D Suiside 9 Martians 3 D Rams 2 Div 1 women Marlins 11 D Pis 6 Rams 13 D Suiside 2 Div 2 men Suiside 10 D Rams white 8 Suiside 16 D Blaze 13 Rams Blue 11 D Blaze 2 Martians Red 14 D Marlins 13 Div 2 women Marlins 22 D Martians red 1 Suiside 22 D Blaze 11 Pis 28 D Blaze 5 Suiside 35 D Rams 8 Juniors Marlins 16 D Suiside 3 Blaze 17 D Martians 1