2 Wins and Strong Character!

Comebacks and “Marlins character” were the themes shown by the Central Coast Marlins over the weekend, during their opening round match-up against reigning club-champions Macarthur Orioles.

Initiating the 2017/2018 season for the Central Coast Marlins were the U18s on Saturday the 16th of September. Although some shaky defence was seen from the U18s Marlins, the bats were solid, taking the win from Macarthur, 9-6. During the 4th inning of this matchup the Marlins were facing a 5-run deficit, however, highlighting the match and switching the momentum to the Marlins, was a grand slam off the bat of Rhys Neuhold, to bring the score-line back within 1 run. Following a huge 4th inning, the Marlins defence kept the game within 1 run, when eventually, in the bottom of the 5th, the Marlins bats continued to shine, scoring another 4 runs in the 5th to take the lead. The Marlins held on to their lead, securing the win 9-6.

Shaky defence from 3rd grade caused the Marlins to suffer a tough defeat in their first match-up of the season. Highlights of the game being the strong offensive outing by Louis Black, who blasted a lead-off home run in the second inning, but also collected both a single and a double; missing the cycle by a triple. Nick Hickson, Elijah Ansell and Rhys McRohan all collected hits on the day also.
The 3rd grade Marlins went down to the Orioles 14-3.

After a average start for the 2nd grade Marlins, the boys found themselves down 5-0 to the Orioles after the completion of 3 innings. Fortunately, the bats were able to overcome the shaky defensive start, with a 3-run home run from Anthony Moanaroa-Taylor highlighting a 5 run 4th inning for the Marlins. After a strong offensive inning, the Marlins allowed 2 runs to cross the plate in the top of the 5th, allowing the lead to be taken by the Orioles. However, the Marlins showed character, with Ben Reeves drawing a walk and both Jackson Evatt and Jackson McAlpine collecting hits and scoring to take the lead 8-7.
The Marlins held out the Orioles in the 6th and managed to scrape out their first win of the season.

Ending the first weekend homestand of the season for the Marlins was the much-anticipated 1st grade match up. Starting the game on the mound for the Marlins, veteran Craig Anderson got the Marlins off to a strong start, pitching his one inning, allowing no hits and striking out one hitter, to be followed by a solid outing by his brother, Paul Anderson. Paul hurled 3.0 innings for the Marlins, while allowing only 2 hits and 1 run.
The Marlins rode this strong pitching, scoring runs in the 1st, 3rd and 4th inning; leading after 4 complete innings, 3-1.
The 6th, 7th and top of the 8th inning proved to be tough for the Marlins, allowing 11 runs across just 3 innings, going into the bottom of the 8th facing a 7-run deficit. However, in the bottom of the 8th inning, the Marlins showed character and resilience, plating 6 runs, with Gardner, Campbell and Eden all picking up 2 RBIs each.
Entering the 9th inning down by 2 runs, the Marlins were faced with a challenge. After strong defence in the top of the 9th, the Marlins would hit for a chance to win their first match of the season. Fighting for the game, the Marlins managed to get men on both first and second base with only one out. Unfortunately, the Orioles were able to take the win, after a line out to the pitcher, followed by a swift throw to first base. Stand outs of the match were Paul Anderson’s strong 3 innings of work on the mound, as well as both Damien Rutherford and Michael Campbell collecting 3 hits each; with Campbell driving in 4 RBIs on the day.

-Kieren Johnston