The Dublin Spartans A team handed the Ashbourne Giants A their second consecutive loss with their 3-1 victory over the Meath team on Sunday.
In what was a low scoring encounter perhaps they were out to avenge the loss of their B Division team to the Giants U21 the day before?
After a scoreless first inning, the Spartans drew first blood in the second. First baseman Brian Franks singled to left field and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Gabby Gonzales.
Franks then scored on a single by starting pitcher Brendan Scott to right field.
They added to their lead in the third as Baseball Ireland Development coach Frank Andrews got on base by a hit by pitch and proceeded to steal second and then third before scoring on a hard hit double by former National Team member Frank Geoghan.
Geoghan advanced to third on a wild pitch before being driven home by current Irish International Alan Fox.
The Giants came back in the fourth to narrow the lead. Third baseman Miguel “The Missile” Moreno led off the inning with a single on a scorching ground ball up the middle.
After advancing to second on a single by first baseman Alberto “catwalk” Romano he got home on a single by veteran shortstop Sal “The Saviour” Rizo. Unfortunately that was as close as the Giants would get as starting pitcher Brendan Scott slammed the door shut. Scott pitched 7 brilliant innings, allowing the only run and 7 hits with no walks before Andrews picked him up with 2 innings in relief.
The Giants still lead the division with a playoff spot guaranteed so the remaining games will all be about performances and team members holding their spots.
With plenty of competition on the bench we can expect to see a recharged and geared up Giants for their next encounter against league heavyweight the Hurricanes
