Thunder Knights Earn Split with Walk Off Win
The New Forest Thunder Knights battled for a split against a strong Weston Jets team on Sunday. Game one resulted in a one-sided 13-1 Weston win, as the Knights failed to get the bats going against James Carter. Mitch Sullivan recorded the sole hit for the home side, as he guided a hard hit ground ball up the first base line. Despite the lopsided scoreline, there were some strong individual moments during the game. Leigh Froud caught a well hit fly ball on the run after the first pitch of the game, the infield combined for two successful run downs and Eddie Donald made three catches at centre field. The second game of the day was full of drama, as the Knights came from behind to earn a walk off 13-12 victory. Rhi McMah and Marcus Senior split the pitching duties, holding a strong Jets batting lineup within touching distance throughout the game. Senior struck out five batters, taking him back into the top five in the country for Single A punch outs. With the Knights’ bats needing to get hot, Sullivan again kickstarted proceedings. Along with Sarah Banerjee and Senior, the New Forest catcher picked up two hits as the home side tallied ten in total. Banerjee continued her excellent form at the plate, with a hard hit line drive single keeping the score close by scoring two Knights. Entering the final inning, the home side needed three runs to tie the game or four to get the win. Shaun Barrett bunted his way onto base, before scoring on a throwing error from the Jets catcher. Senior then hit his fifth double of the year, with Banerjee drawing a walk. Dan Churchill came through with a clutch single to move the Knights within one, before a balk tied the game with the bases loaded. That left Sam Williams at the plate with two outs and a chance to win the game. After falling behind in the count, Williams came up with a hit into left field between the shortstop and left fielder to score the winning run. The results put the Thunder Knights at 13-9 on the season with the last two league games of the season set to be played against Cardiff Merlins II next weekend.