League records were set this week as the Dodgers and the Bombers scored a combined 77 runs on Diamond Two.
Dodgers vs Bombers
The first Bombers vs Dodgers fixture of 2019 was a low scoring defensive game that ended on a catch resulting in a draw, however this week’s game was anything but.
The Bombers started steady, but were stunned by a ferocious first inning by the Dodgers that established a 12-4 lead. Both teams were level pegging for the next few innings and continued to each add runs.
In the fourth inning defences tightened, with Bombers only scoring three runs but getting the shutout. A four run gain for the Bombers through the third and fourth innings made the game tight again and the Dodgers answered, with a 4-2 score in the fifth.
As the bright sunny conditions gave-way to sunset (giving both teams’ pitchers and outfielders some respite) the already long game entered the sixth inning. Chasing a six run deficit the Bombers started badly, losing two outs with no score, giving the Dodgers a timely opportunity to put the game away.
However, the Bombers then managed to plate 16 Runs before the third out was taken. Bombers then shutout the Dodgers a second time to complete a sixth inning swing from six runs down to ten runs up.
The Bombers added six more at the top of the seventh inning, leaving Dodgers chasing seventeen runs to win. The Bombers got two outs early, but in what became their best inning since the first, the Dodgers managed to score nine runs before the third out was taken.
Thus ended the highest scoring and latest finishing game of 2019. The total set by the Bombers was the second-highest team total in recorded league history (dating back to 2013) and the 35 runs scored by the Dodgers is the highest losing score in recorded league history and would have either won or drawn every other game this season.
The records did not end there as the combined score of 77 runs set a new league record of total runs in one game. For those interested, an article relating to league records will be coming out in the autumn.
Contributor: Dan Mounsdon
Check out full Dodgers vs Bombers stats here.
Las Panteras vs Jaguars
Over on Diamond One, the second Panther club derby of the season was underway as League leaders Las Panteras hosted third place Jaguars.
The Jaguars got on the board early with three runs in the top of the first inning, however their sister team took the lead in the bottom with four of their own. Held scoreless in the second inning, the Jaguars tied the game at six runs each in the top of the third after Las Panteras had added two runs in the second inning.
Las Panteras scored another two runs in the third inning and did so again the fourth and fifth innings while simultaneously shutting the Jaguars out, thus taking a 12-6 lead into the sixth inning.
The Jaguars were not done, though, and added another three run inning at the top of the sixth, halving Las Panteras’ lead and setting themselves up for a big seventh inning to hopefully win the game. Las Panteras added a one-run cushion to close out the sixth inning with a score of 13-9.
The Jaguars could not muster any runs in the seventh inning as Las Panteras shut the door on a comeback with a shutout inning.
Las Panteras extended their streak of scoring in every inning to three games and this, combined with three shutout innings of the Jaguars proved to be the key to their success.