IT WAS a hit-fest to begin the Outlaws-Warriors A grade clash in Armidale.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But it wasn't the dividend of free-swinging bats in the opening frame, as three Warriors batters were hit by stray Cameron Beat pitches.
However, the Warriors were unable to capitalise with runners on base.
Errors and miscommunication in the field proved costly for the visiting Tamworth side, as the Outlaws crushed a number of ground rule doubles.
Brad Smith was doing damage with the bat, while success was also found with shots over the infield.
Read Also:
Andres Bello tried to inspire his Warriors teammates late by stealing home, but it was left too late with the visitors falling short 8-3 on a bitterly cold Armidale afternoon.
Earlier, the bottom of the table Warriors B grade outfit came frustratingly close to handing the Outlaws their first defeat for the year.
Sharp out-fielding and some tough work on a choppy infield saw the sides trade three scoreless innings to start the day.
Warriors starting pitcher Chucky Philipp and the defence stranded Outlaws runners on a number of occasions.
It came down to a tense final batting where the Warriors were downed 5-4 with the go-ahead run on second base.
Meanwhile in Tamworth, Cougars continued to climb the A Grade with a 9-6 win over Gunnedah Giants.
The home side jumped out to an early 4- 0 lead after two innings and then extended it to six in the fourth inning.
This led to a Giants fight back, with the Gunnedah boys scoring four runs in the fourth inning.
Cougars' starting pitcher Ben Ridgewell pitched four good innings before being relieved by Scott Hurn and Brock Ridgewell, who came on to close out the game.
Best for Cougars on the day, was first baseman Josh Daley, who finished with three hits.
Brock Ridgewell also finished with three hits, while best for the Giants was Jason Rose, who hit two doubles.
Earlier in the day, Cougars' B grade side continued their winning ways with a 10-6 win over the Panda's team, who continue to get stronger each week.
On the back of some errors, Cougars took an early 1-0 lead that they then extended in the third and fourth innings by adding four runs in each.
The efforts saw the home side to a 9-1 lead after four innings.
A change in pitcher in the fifth innings for Cougars led to a strong Panda fight back with the side scoring five runs in the fifth inning.
However, they couldn't quite catch the lead that Cougars had with time and the game being called with the final score at 10-6.
Cougars' best player was Coen Hopwood-Young with two hits and Dave Belt who had one hit and a strong catching performance at the plate.
Jess Anderson was named the Pandas' best player for the game with one hit and several impressive plays at second base.