Newton Aycliffe Spartans Baseball team are on the verge of a first league title in only their third season, thanks to two victories over their nearest rivals, Sheffield Bladerunners, last weekend.
Having lost just once this season, the Spartans were in a positive mood as they travelled to South Yorkshire Game 1 saw a master class in pitching from Bryan Dunkel who stuck out 10 Sheffield batters in what was his most dominant performance of the season. Dunkel was backed up by impressive team defence not allowing one Sheffield run to score. Despite some impressive pitching from Sheffield’s Nick Willis, the Spartans were quick to capitalise on numerous fielding errors. Spartans scored 3 runs in the 1st inning, 5 runs in the 3rd inning and they put the game out of sight with 6 more runs in the 6th inning. Ricky Scott, Lee Hill, Steve Rixon and Bryan Dunkel provided the bulk of the offence.
Game 2 saw both teams make personnel changes and the game was a tighter affair. Player-coach Mike Holton started on the mound for the Spartans. He limited the Yorkshire side to just two runs before Damien Valdez took over the pitching duties, pitching 4 innings, allowing only two runs. Jarek Majka led the Spartans into a 4-2 lead by the 4th inning with 3 Runs Batted In (RBI’s) and Steve Rixon had a perfect 4 hits from 4 at bats. Spartans extended their lead in the 5th inning and a 3-run 6th inning ensured the team returned from Sheffield with the two victories.
With only four games remaining in the 2014 regular season, Spartans know that one more victory will secure the AA Northern Title and top seeding for the playoffs that commence at the end of August. That could come as early as Sunday 3rd August when the Spartans play at home to Oldham North Stars (12pm first pitch)
The Spartans this season have being travelling to away games, using the Aycliffe Community Mini Bus. This has provided the team with a chance to travel to games as one and has been a great source of creating the positive team spirit that currently exists. For more information on how your organisation can make use of this excellent service can contact Dorothy Bowman on 01325 308094 or 07967 901477
