By VINO
The Pythons remain unbeaten in regular season, undefeated in post season and virtually unchallenged in Championship Series since 2011. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
The Pythons became the 2015 Fast Pitch Women’s Softball Champions after defeating the Hawks 11-10 last night, Tuesday August 11, 2015 to complete a three nil clean sweep.
The game was all Pythons until the Hawks, with their backs to the wall at 8-0 down and starting the 5th inning, mounted a stirring comeback to rattle and almost roll the Pythons.
Perline Scatliffe led off the inning and recorded only the Hawks second hit of the night, to centre field. Riiah Durante failed to get on base, Ericka Frederick singled as Deja Adams, running for Scatliffe, was out at third on a lightening throw from Jelissa Potter.
J’heane Niles singled, Diana Hunte doubled on a fielding error, and Frederick came home to open the Hawks account.
Niles also made it home before Javelyn Frett tripled to deep centre field, eventually to bring Karema Brown, Hunte and herself home to make it 8-5. Kia Doward also scored to make it 8-6.
The Pythons failed to score at the bottom of the 5th and then faced a rejuvenated Hawks in the 6th as after two quick outs, Frett singled to allow Hunte to score.
At the bottom of the inning, Darier Malone took a full count before driving in Sheniqua Fahie to make it 9-7. Jelissa Potter hit to deep centre scoring Malone to make it 10-7 and Valissia Brathwaite then singled to score Potter, making it 11-7 and the Pythons were seemingly safe having weathered the comeback.
However, in the 7th inning, Doward came home on some wild Pythons fielding to make it 11-8. Frederick then doubled, allowing Brown home (11-9) and then Niles singled to left field scoring Durante, making it 11-10.
Unfortunately for the Hawks it was as close as it got as Fahie, in relief of Brathwaite, picked up the final two outs in quick succession.
Afterwards, coach Terry Chinnery was shaken if not stirred, but did admit he hadn’t had to say so much to his team in this year’s league. “I had to take a time out and go on the field as I couldn’t believe what I was seeing from them in the 6th and 7th inning. I used some choice words and thankfully, although it was still stressful, they regained their composure and saw out the game for the win.”
The Pythons had 7 hits, made 4 errors, while the Hawks had 10 hits, and made 8 errors.
The winning pitcher was Brathwaite who got some late relief from Fahie and the loser Durante.
Potter went 4 for 4, scored four runs, had 4 RBI and notched two doubles and two triples while Chevaughn Richardson went two for four, with 2 RBI.
“I am used to winning with this team, so losing would be more emotional. I’m comfortable in this winning spot. Richardson really impressed me tonight, when we needed it most she delivered and I’m pleased for her,” commented Potter.
For the Hawks, Niles went two for four with one run and one RBI.
Frett went two for four, with one run and 3 RBI.
Action resumes on Friday August 14, 2015 in the Men’s Play Off’s when at 7:00pm, the Republica Dominicana take on the Reds, followed by Power Outage against the Pirates.
