Geraldton softball: Hot weather creates uncomfortable conditions, with Rams in surprise win against Pi’s

Soaring temperatures and the lack of a breeze over the weekend created uncomfortable conditions for round 14 of the Geraldton softball season. In women’s division 1 games, Pi’s went down in a surprise loss against a well-organised Rams side. Martians defeated Suiside in the other women’s division 1 match, with Suiside going down to the mercy rule 17-2. Tamara Kuipers was outstanding for the Martians on the pitcher’s mound, throwing three strikeouts in a row in the second inning against the only batters. Nancy Kirby also shone for the Martians, with three safe hits, with one triple bringing three runners home. Suiside were undermanned with the division 2 game happening at the same time. Charli Bidwell scored early in the innings, while Maddison Jefferies and Teagan Mundy both kept Suiside in the game, but a late charge by the Martians proved too much for the fatigued team. Midwest Marlins had a bye and have already secured the minor premiership, with second place the highest goal to play for in this round. In men’s division 1, Rams had success in their double header against Suiside and Martians. Rams took down Martians 9-7 and beat Suiside in a hard-fought, heated game, with Rams winning out by the mercy rule. Suiside put up a great fight, with Tyler Corlett, Jack Garland, Dylan Percy and Copper Jefferies all contributing good performances. The result sees Rams on top of the ladder and heading towards the minor premiership. In division 2 men’s games, Martians Red lost out to a dominant Batavia Blaze, 18-7. Martians Luke Hennigan and Taylor Clarke both played well, getting doubles bringing a runner home. Blaze coach Adam Gilchrist was happy with the team’s performance. “Martians Red started the game well but then the guys stared to get their eye in and started batting well. Eli Etherton’s pitching was on point, as was his batting,” he said. Martians Black won 17-6, thanks to solid batting and all-round fielding. Standouts were Brendon Jones, who hit a grand slam home run, and Tim Kirby, who took two catches at second base, including a double play. In division 2 women’s, Martians Black lost to Midwest Marlins 15-5 in very hot conditions. Martians made just four errors for the game but the Marlins batted well, having 16 safe hits from 38 at bats. In game two of the double header, Martians Black lost to Suiside 23-5. Martians again fielded well, but could not replicate their form at bat. Suiside had multiple safe hits, 16 singles, two doubles and one triple. Suiside had another win in their double header, taking down Pi’s 9-6. With numbers severely down, the Suiside women brought up junior player Saskia Ash, who took two catches and an essential assist. Pi’s led through most of the game but Suiside clinched victory in the final inning.