Marks Park Mustangs secured a 6–3 victory over the Randburg Mets in their Winter League baseball game held at Marks Park Sports Club.
On a sunny 4 June, spectators watched on as these two passionate Joburg teams, who participate in the Major B League, took to the field in hopes of a triumphant win. Every pitch and swing of the bat seemed to carry the players’ fervour. However, only one team could win.
Jade Gillman, the coach for the Mets, said their strategy for the match was to make sure every ball was hit. However, batting looked to be the team’s downfall on the day and, as Gillman put it, hitting the ball is key to winning a game of baseball.
League games are on a point-based system and although the Mets are currently at the bottom, they still have two more games to redeem themselves and hope to improve by September when the knockout stage begins.
Mustangs coach, Erich Albrecht, said their strategy was to go out there and put bat to ball and runs on the scoreboard “We capitalised on the other team’s weak areas too,” he said. He added the team’s strong point was they played as a unit, picking up on each others’ shortfalls.
Albrecht said these games were to prepare the players for the summer season which was very competitive. “What sets apart a great player from a good one is all about dedication. At the end of the day, you reap what you sow.” The team’s hopes are to win the league this year though it’s still early days.
The knockout stage will determine which two teams will play for the cup and which two will play for the plate.
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