Catcher�s blunder hands Panthers victory
Lekopanye Mooketsi | Monday February 2, 2015 11:41
Kgothi’s fumbling with the ball allowed Panthers who had been trailing to score three runs to win the softball game 7-6. Blue Angels staged a strong comeback in the fourth inning to take charge of the game and appeared destined for a win until the blunder.
Earlier, Panthers had surged ahead in the first three innings until Blue Angels hit back in the fourth with four runs.
Just when it seemed that Blue Angels had taken control and were about to steal the game, the resilient Panthers sealed their opponents’ fate in the fifth inning. Like a goalkeeper in a football match, it seemed Kgothi lost concentration when it mattered.
During the fifth inning, Panthers introduced their experienced pitcher, Tony Moyo when it seemed things were getting tough.
In a post match interview, Panthers coach, Meshack Bonang commended his charges for a job well done. He pointed out that his team is fielding young players who are still on a learning curve.
“We are trying as much as we can to give them a chance to gain confidence to compete,” he said. He said all their opponents are using seasoned players. Blue Angels coach, Archie Kgosiang said they lost the game due to lack of concentration. “Luck wasn’t on our side. We had a bad throw,” he said, adding that their catcher was nervous.
Kgosiang said their loss is not disastrous because they are going to make a come back and their shortcoming seems to be in fielding only. He said they also need a player who will concentrate on pitching. “We are still in a re-building stage. Next season, we are going to rectify our errors,” he said.
In an exciting women’s game, Vikings walloped Panthers 9-8. The two teams ended the first inning tied at 2-2. It was not Vikings’ pitcher Irene Motinge’s day as her bad throws earned Panthers players free walks to the first base.
At some stage, the demoralised Motinge was encouraged by her teammates including the veteran Eng Mpotokwane and Boi Mooki. She soon picked up her game and gave a good account of herself with the bat. Vikings wrapped up the game in the top six when they slotted home four runs.
Panthers tried to make a come back at bottom six by scoring two but it was already too late. Time was not on their side. Vikings’ women team has been doing well since the resumption of the league this year.