9/6/2019
Game 1
The Dukes hosted Herts Eagles at Connare field with Luna opening the pitching with his battery mate Richard in his catching debut. The first inning was well controlled with the Eagles scoring only 1 run, Richmond answered with 4 runs from Leo, Luna, Richard & Jared. Herts had the rub of the green in the following inning racking up 5 runs, to lead 6-5. John, Leo, Daniel, Luna and Richard added 5 runs to take the lead 9-6. Herts took the lead 11-9 in the final inning setting up a tense final at bat for the Dukes. Leo, and Daniel tied the game with excellent base stealing and Tom hit the walk-off winning RBI for Luna to score, Dukes beating Herts Eagles 12-11. A very good all around game played by the Dukes with Luna stellar with both bat and ball, with only 2 hits reaching the outfield and a promising debut by Pete Russell
Well done to John Walmsley for volunteering to umpire.
Line up : Leo Sakai-James(SS), Daniel Kok (3B), Luna McCann-Matsusaka (P), Richard King (C), Jared Thomas (LF), Tom Smith (1B), Drice Hellal (RF), Alex Freund (CF), John Gilkes (2B). Bench : Pete Russell, Bill Varon (Manager), Nate Kurz, Fernando
Game 2
The Dukes fielded a much changed line up, with Pete and Fernando making their starting debut's. Nate in only his second appearance got the first hit of the game and proceeded to steal 2nd & 3rd before scoring the first run. Richard with the RBI. Leo opened the pitching in game 2 with Luna catching. Herts found their bats hotting up with their new pitcher stifling the Dukes offence. Herts dominated with bat and ball through out, piling on 9 runs in the final inning. Nate and Fernando combined for a double play and Fernando looked sharp at second base. Leo, Nate and Luna added runs as Herts won game 2 comfortably 22-5, this time the outfield were kept very busy. Nate putting in a star performance in this game.
Well done to Tom for volunteering to umpire.
Line up: Leo (P), Nate (SS), Luna (C), Richard (RF), Jared (LF), Daniel (3B), Pete (RF), John Walmsley (1B), Fernando (2B). Bench : Drice, Alex, John G, Bill.