The Spitfires. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
BASEBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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The Wairarapa Spitfires hit five runs at the top of the final inning to score a thrilling win over Hutt Valley Hornets Blue in the Wellington Under-13 league on Sunday.
The Spitfires trailed 1-5 at ‘the Hornet’s Nest’ at Fraser Park and prospects of a comeback looked slim after a two out double play saw the Spitfires one out away from defeat.
The batters held their nerve and took advantage of fielding errors to score five runs and take a 6-5 lead.
The Spitfires then defended brilliantly to keep the Hornets scoreless and secure a victory.
Player of the day went to pitcher Lam Yuen Lam for an outstanding first appearance on the mound, including the clutch final inning.
The win was the Spitfires’ second of the season and maintained their unbeaten start.
Previously they had beaten Central Sports from Porirua 6-3 in their opening game at Kuranui College.
Genuine Savaliga and Oscar Whibley-Smith were brilliant on the mound in restricting the Central batters. Kayla McWilliam was named player of the day, hitting in three RBIs.
The Spitfires’ two other games were washed out. They next play the Levin Hussle in Levin on Sunday.
The club’s rookie ball programme for children aged from five to 10 years is now in full swing.
It is held at Kuranui College from 9:30am on Saturdays.
