Hoofdklasse/Overgangsklasse play downs 2014: Game 3

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The series between Mampaey The Hawks and DSS was tied at one. Yesterday DSS headed to Dordrecht to take on the Hawks.

In the first five innings neither team did score. Mampaey The Hawks had the best opportunity to score with runners in scoring position twice, but the team failed to cash in.

Then in the top of the sixth, with one out, Ryan Miner of DSS doubled down the left field line on a ground rule double.  A fly out to centerfield advanced Miner to third base. Minor touched homeplate for the opening run when Tino van Erk hit a single to center field.

In their sixth at bat, Mampaey The Hawks was close to scoring a run too, but with one out and runners on the corners, Kevin Moesquit grounded into a double play to end the inning.

In the eighth inning, DSS loaded the bases with two outs. Then Henk van Heijningen came in in relief for Evan Simons and pitched out of the jam by striking out Mitchell Koot. The Hawks managed to put a runner in scoring position in their eighth at bat, but their hopes faded when Tony Enos and Kevin Moesquit struck out for the second and third out.

Gregory Trinidad led off the ninth with a single through the middle. Berend Ruben failed to move Trinidad to second base when grounded into a 6-3 double play. The Hawks were down to their final out. Kevin Geestman, who had entered the eight in relief, struck out Steven Wharwood for the save.

In this old fashioned pitching duel, Mampaey The Hawks used two pitchers. Evan Simons lasted 7.2 innings and  gave up one run on five hits. He allowed two free passes and struck out three and was tabbed with the loss. Henk van Heijningen pitched 1.1 innings and gave up just one hit and fanned one.

DSS also used two hurlers. Tim Halderman earned the win in 7.2 innings in which he allowed five hits, walked one and fanned five.  Kevin Geestman pitched 1.1 innings for the save. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

Tino van Erk was the game winner. With his sole hit out of three at bats he drove in the only and winning run for DSS.

Tino van Erk (second from the left) drove in the only run for DSS
(photo: courtesy of Robert Bos)
DSS is now leading 2-1 in this best of five series.