League action in the A Division after completion of a ten-game season has ended in a two-way tie for first place between Paraquet Flyers and Moongate Brewers, both teams finishing with 22 points and a 6-4 record. This will necessitate a sudden-death game to determine the ultimate champion.

Ironically, both teams lost their final league games. Paraquet were upended by a determined X-Bats squad, losing 17-14. A ten-run fourth inning, including a grand slam by Dustin Luck, was the key to X-Bats’ victory. Paraquet mounted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring four runs including a grand slam by Jorgito Castellanos.

Blue Wahoos outgunned Moongate 17-16 with Kevin Albrecht (3 for 5, two HR, six RBI), Dean McNulty (3 for 5m one HR, four RBI) and Matt MacPhail (2 for 5, one HR, three RBI) leading the offence. Moongate gave a valiant effort in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring six runs including a three-run shot by Mike Sakata. Somers Carr chipped in with two homers and five RBI in a losing effort.

In the final A Division encounter, Fully Loaded Allstars defeated The Kings 22-15 behind Jason Simons (4 for 5, six RBI) and Steven Simons (3 for 5, one HR, four RBI), with Shannon Burchall and Rakeem DeShields both driving in three runs. The Kings were led by Matt Inglemann (four RBI) with support from Richard Campbell and Warren Cook, who each drove in three runs.

Apart from the sudden-death game to determine the champions, a similar one-game decider featuring Fully Loaded Allstars and X-Bats will be required to determine the fourth and final spot in the play-offs.

In the B Division, Hakuna Matata Lions kept their unblemished record intact by squeaking out a 22-21 win over second-placed team Beach Bums. A.J. Durham led the way with five RBI and was ably assisted by Brian Hall and Shannon Rayner with four RBI each. Beach Bums had the league leaders squirming as they plated nine runs in the seventh inning. Donald Folkard (one HR, six RBI) and Reid Henderson (five RBI) did most of the damage in a losing cause.

Raggamuffins picked up their first league win as they downed FIU-Scared Hitless 17-12. The victors led from start to finish behind Jared Whitecross (3 for 5, two HR, four RBI) and two RBI each from Natasha Lambert, Lorna Gwilt and Shaq Smith. Kenrick Richardson (2 for 3, one HR, three RBI) was the top gun in a losing effort, with Kyle Ball going 3 for 4 in a supporting role.

In C Division action, with Mike’s Trucking and Super Express inactive, Butterfield & Vallis made the most of their opportunities racking up two wins to even their record to 4-4 and move into third place. B&V handcuffed Five O’s 17-10 behind Aaron Madeiros (3 for 4, one HR, four RBI) and Marcus Johnson (3 for 4, one HR, three RBI). Daishon Chin (3 for 4, two RBI) and Roger Saints (2 for 2, two RBI) led the offence for Five O’s.

B&V then pulled out a nail-bitter 10-9 over Killawhat. Marcus Johnson (4 for 4, three RBI) did most of the damage, with pitcher Paulo Arruda (2 for 3, two RBI) helping the cause. Cory Boyce (2 for 4, one HR, three RBI) and Tina Rowse (3 for 5, one RBI) were standouts for Killawhat.

Corporation of Hamilton battered Oddballs 27-11 in five innings, showing an all-round offensive and defensive display that has eluded them for most of the season. Jamel Warren (4 for 4, five RBI), Yizharuan Williams (one HR, four RBI) and Phillip Anderson (3 for 3, one HR, three RBI) did most of the damage. Curran Trenouth provided the bulk of Oddballs’ offence with a grand slam.

Oddballs had a reprieve when they surpassed Five O’s 14-13 to split their wins and losses for the week. Savannah Stafford (three RBI), Jeff Chisnol (two RBI), Curran Trenouth (two RBI) and Luca Papania (two RBI) led the way for Oddballs. Adam Mattatal (one HR, fourRBI), Chris Sabean (two RBI) and Daishon Chin (two RBI) were Five O’s top bats.

In the Women’s Division, Western Stars Angels continued their ascent to another title as they powered past PHC Zebras 20-13. At the top of the order, Keisha Eve (3 for 5, four RBI) and Rickelle Smith (3 for 5, four RBI) led the offence supported by Terry Paynter (3 for 5, three RBI). PHC’s Tahirah Hill (three RBI), Natasha Trott (one HR, two RBI) and Chanae Burgess (two RBI) provided the bulk of their offence.

Rainbows remain in second place behind Angels, but they were dealt a critical blow to their championship aspirations when they were soundly defeated 10-4 by bottom team Hardknockz. Tache King (3 for 4, three RBI) and Sarah Robinson (2 for 3, three RBI) were instrumental in securing Hardknockz’s first win of the season. Stacey Paynter and Stephanie Arango had two hits apiece for a stuttering Rainbows offence.