Purcell’s pitch a storm to fire Marlins to top of the ladder as Rams edge Martians

Midwest Marlins went to the top of the ladder after thumping their rivals in a double header and Rams outlasted a Martian challenge in Geraldton women’s softball at the weekend. Marlins accounted for Pi’s and Suiside in a fantastic display of aggressive batting and tactical field work. In their first game, star Marlins’ pitcher Taryn Purcell threw a shutout to lead her side to a 14-0 victory over an undermanned Pi’s. Marlins scored big in the second inning, with Ava Gould, Renae Ferguson, Tori Nicholson and Taryn all batting in runs. In their second game it was Zoe Purcell’s turn to shine on the pitcher’s mound, with the talented youngster paving the way for Marlins to enforce the mercy rule again 12-1. Taryn Purcell was over the moon with the team’s resilience in both games and was confident going into the rest of the season. “Both games were really well played,” Taryn Purcell said. “Both our batting and fielding were great, but there’s always room for improvement. We are all really happy with how the team is playing each week.” The double victory put Marlins on top of the ladder with 21 points. With only a handful of regular season games to play, it looks likely top spot will be decided between Marlins and Pi’s. In the other women’s game Rams defeated Suiside 16-5, the result leaving Rams trailing second-placed Pi’s by 10 points. * In the men’s game, Rams pipped Martians 5-4. Both sides put in great performances. Deon Drage hit a home run over the fence for Martians, while Kurt Mead was a standout for the losing team, gaining four assists over the innings. Rams’ Dion Harrison was full of praise for both sides. “Dean Pascoe (for Rams) pitched extremely well as did Tame Brott (for Martians),” he said. “Kurt Mead for Martians and Paul Valenti for Rams along with Pascoe all batted well.” In second division Martians Black defeated Blaze 23-13 with Martians having a great day at bat with 25 safe hits over the innings. Marlins proved too strong for Suiside on Wednesday, winning 12-7. It was a come from behind win as Marlins trailed Suiside until the fifth inning before Miley Gould’s home run to tipped the game in their favour. Martians Red lost their double header against Blaze (22-7) and Suiside (14-9).. In the men’s games, Blaze took down Martians 19-6 in a tough, well-fought encounter. Blaze coach Adam Gilchrist was delighted with his team’s overall performance. “Jack Etherton fielded well and hit a three-run homer,” Gilchrist said. “Ben Kary, Gareth Hughes and Ari Thomas also hit single home runs. Hopefully the guys will carry that into Wednesday night’s game against Marlins where we are 1-and-1 so hoping for the win.” Suiside took on Martians and showed the young team what softball was all about - Suiside winning 28-4. The winners compiled 10 runs in the first inning and seemed relentless from there. Mark Adams had a good day at bat for Suiside, hitting every time he faced the pitcher. Suiside and Rams Blue sit confidently on top of the Division 2 men’s table, with 21 points each. Batavia Blaze are only four points behind them and Rams White on five.