2025 Belgian Division One: May 3, Match of The Day

Being the only game played yesterday, it isn’t all that hard to call it Match of the Day. In yesterday’s game between the Namur Angels and Phoenix Mont-Saint-Guibert, all Namur needed, was the first inning to win the game.

Phoenix Mont-Saint-Guibert 8 – 9 Namur Angels

In an all Wallonian game, the Namur Angels struck hard in the first inning. Nine runs eventually lead to the win, even though it was darn close in the end. Some defensive flaws and lack of control at the side of Mont-Saint-Guibert, led to the aforementioned nine runs. It all started with Yanni Lamotte, who hit a leadoff single in the bottom of the first, followed by a dropped fly ball, hit by Arthur Heymans. From there, the floodgates opened.

With runners in scoring position, Lamotte could score on a wild pitch. Lucas Heymans then hit a flyball to right field that was dropped as well and allowed Arthur Heymans to score the opening run. Singles by Steve Jordens, Emeric Clinckarte drove in two more runs, next to the three that were scored on wild pitches and an HBP. A fielding error by the shortstop and a sac fly contributed to the remaining two runs.

But Phoenix bounced back in the top of the third inning. Thanks to two bases loaded HBPs, a bases loaded walk, and an RBI single, hit by Noah Dassy, Phoenix scored four runs.

After a one-run fifth, the game became a nailbiter when Mont-Saint-Guibert scored three runs with two outs. But from there the gas was out of the tank as they did not get past second base in the eighth inning. With that the game was over as it was called due to darkness.

Arthur Heymans earned the win. In five innings of relief, he gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits and a walk, as he struck out four.
Martin Yonchev took the loss. He lasted 3.1 innings in which he allowed nine runs (2 (!) earned) on four hits and as many walks. He struck out four as well.

Three hitters of the Namur Angels went 1 for 3: Yanni Lamotte, Steve Jordens, and Emeric Clinckart. Where Jordens and Clinckart drove in one and scored one each, Lamotte drove in one and scored twice.

With Mont-Saint-Guibert collecting twelve hits and Namur only four, the lack of control and the fielding errors of Mont-Saint-Guibert were decisive.

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