Athlone vet steps up to the mound

MARK WARD

Athlone Athletics stalwart Carl Michaels showed that at the age of 42 he has not lost much of the pitching prowess which saw him playing for the national team and American Minor leagues in his prime.

Michaels was called back into action following an exodus of several players at the beginning of the season and on Saturday the veteran was on the mound when Athlone faced VOB at the Vangate Sports Complex.

While Athlone lost the Cape Town Baseball Federation Major League match 10-6, Michaels started off on the mound and faced 27 batters, allowing three walks and five hits while he struck out five batters. He was later replaced by Niyaaz Galant and Jayson Ripepi.

Michaels and his co-pitchers could, however, not control the visitors’ batters where Liam Willenberg (3-5) which included one RBI and Luke November (1-3) who brought in two runs, starred.

Damian Perkins (5 hits, 2 strike outs, and 4 walks), Josh Rich ( 4 walks, 3 hits) and November (1 walk, 3 strikeouts) shared the pitching shores for VOB.

Results

Crusaders 4, Durbanville 3; Athlone Athletics 6, VOB 10; Bothasig Knights 10, Thistle 0; Bellville Tygers 16, Helderberg Pirates 4