_.png){kind=logo}
Game day report by Daniel Ajanaku
The Mets, second in the NBL, lit a fuse in their title charge as they beat the Bournemouth Bears and frontrunners Essex Arrows in interesting games, for differing reasons.
Starting this sunny Sunday, the Bournemouth Bears matched up against the Mets. The Bears sat rock bottom of the table, so this matchup was going to be an uphill battle for them. However, with their confidence placed in their previous win against the Mets, they hoped for a repeat.
The Mets ahead of the afternoon matchups matchups
Speaking to Mets coach, Derrick Cook before the game, he voiced the importance of not underestimating the opposition and sticking to the baseball they play. He continued showcasing the improvements from that game, “We have better, more aggressive hitters than before and we are really getting into our stride now.” He saw this as a great opportunity to field young pitcher Josh Barrett, who put on a solid showing not allowing a base runner until the final inning in a game finishing with 4IP, 0H, 1BB, 1HBP, 3K.
The Bears were caged from the off as The Mets ran riot against them, scoring an impressive 11 runs by the end of the 1st inning. No flaws in their offence were shown here as the Bears could not contain their star power, at the plate. After adding another 5 runs, in the 2nd inning, it’s safe to say the game was over from there. A good amount of fielder errors hindered their defence, and their offence was no match to the Mets, as the game ended after the top of the 4th inning.
After the match, Cook commended his team for “taking care of business and dominating all phases of the game,” but stressed the importance of maintaining focus on plays and holding a consistent standard, regardless of the lead they have.
(Left) Coach Derrick Cook talking tactics to his team
(Right) The Mets after their 16-0 win
The second match of this doubleheader was a highly anticipated matchup, for both sides. The Mets, looked to turn up the heat against the Arrows, who sat at the top of the table, and looked to prove why they were there.
From the first pitch, both sides pushed each other technically, as they matched each other with a single and a couple outs to end the 1st inning. It was not until the top of the second that London drew first blood, with Power sliding home after Gondobintoro’s hit. Essex tied at the bottom of the third after Lorenzo’s left-centre double led to an RBI for Novas.
The Mets shifted the momentum in their favour as Callum Vinall made an impressive catch, in left field on a flyout, to end the seventh inning. Going into the 8th inning, the Mets knew it was then or never to tally up some runs and so they did. Starting with Valencia Dominguez getting an RBI after grounding out, allowing Dix to score a run. Followed by a crucial moment as Power hit a double centre field, with the bases loaded, allowing Tyse, Theberge and Edmonds to score home and run the tally to 5 runs for the day. The Arrows threatened to strike back, as Chesterton struck a double, allowing Novas to run home, but their effort was not enough, as the Mets saw the final inning out.
Cook voiced his opinions post-game on how he “still expected the team to fight and play their best against us,” despite their star player Angel being injured (by stepping in an outfield ditch). He was also pleased with the consistency seen in hitting, cohesive defensive performances and the team “stepping up” in clutch moments, with “the guys stepping up on defense and plate hitting,” being the areas that set them apart.
“We are picking each other up and it looks like guys are having more fun playing. It really shows especially in a game like Sunday.” He stressed his dedication to improving the base coaching and becoming a stronger team overall, going forward, as he “saw some missed opportunities in a few situations.”
The Mets will hope to strike whilst the iron is hot, as they face their London rivals, the Capitals (11-8) at Finsbury Park this Sunday.
Pitchers, McLaughlin (3.0 IP, 2H, 1R, 3BB, 1K, 3.53 ERA) and Brown (5.0 IP, 8H, 1 ER, 2BB, 4K, 1.94 ERA) pitching against the Arrows.
Comments