Irish baseball league update: Hurricanes 12 Spartans 3

The Dublin City Hurricanes are now three games into their 2009 Irish Baseball League campaign. They have played all three games against the Blacksox and Spartans, teams consistently in the running for the title year after year. After the three games, the 'Canes are 3-0, have scored 24 runs in 21 innings and have only conceded 6 runs in those same 21 innings. The veteran side look like they know there is plenty of work yet to be done however to date, their performances have been suitably impressive. 

Clearly captain Steve Divito has cleverly assembled a powerful and talented lineup, with depth at all positions and a level of flexibility with a very strong 'B' 'Baby' 'Canes squad also playing very well in the Irish 'B' league.

This morning at Corcaigh Park the Hurricanes showcased what will, with a few tweaks here and there, be almost their full strength lineup for 2009. The result was a powerful, eye opening 12-3 win over the Dublin Spartans. The Hurricanes came out swinging, the first four batters all reaching with clean hits, and went on to score an incredible 7 runs against a shell shocked Spartans defence. Spartan pitcher and former Irish Cy Young award winner Jaime Cuevas was powerless to stop the Hurricanes onslaught, with his defence making several errors behind him. By Comparison, Hurricanes pitching had the luxury of just throwing strikes and allowing the 'Canes fielders to 'go get it'. 

By way of example, Tom Kelley made an absolutely sensational catch late in the game, sliding, diving to grab a fast dropping fly ball in center field. His great catch kept the momentum in the Hurricanes favour.

Meanwhile the 'Canes welcomed back veteran leader and Synergy endorser Chris Foy. He made an instant impact doing a bit of everything, getting several hits, walks and runs and constantly proving a thorn in the side of Spartan pitching all game long.

Canuck Mike Johnson made his 2009 debut for the 'Canes and showed plenty of defensive ability. He also managed to score three runs without getting a hit, testament to his eye at the plate. Johnson has a sweet swing and will no doubt crack a few hits in the near future. He played perfect baseball in left field and is a great addition to the Hurricanes squad. 

Canes second baseman Dioni Guerra also deserves special mention for a stinging line drive, power alley double that drove in two runs just when the Spartans were starting to steady their ship. His big double basically sealed the deal. 

The Hurricanes short stop Steve Divito, first baseman Chris Foy and substitute right fielder Kevin Richards all made fine defensive plays as the 'Canes pushed their '09 record to an impressive 3-0. Obviously it is a long, tough season however the 'Canes fundamental solidity at this early stage augers well for their '09 outlook.



.

Comments

Post a Comment