The League schedule for July came to a blood- pumping conclusion with two exciting games up at Castle Hayne. The game at Myrtle Grove between the Old Salts and Club Batter Up featured an outstanding pitching performance by Batter Up’s Dave Malkmus who pitched a complete game one hit shutout to win 6-0.

Seahawks 10 Mudcats 9.

In the early game at Castle Hayne, the Seahawks held on to beat the Port City Mudcats in a well-played game with numerous outstanding performances. Seahawk Chris Natale was the winning pitcher by virtue of a gutty four inning stint. The game featured heroics from both teams. The Seahawks jumped to a 7-3 lead on the strength of timely hitting by Bob Bennett and Todd Rehanek who blasted one out of the Park. However, the Mudcats did not go quietly as they mounted a furious comeback. While trailing 7-3 in the 5th, the Mudcats scored two and then the sky opened up and there was a twenty minute rain delay. The Mudcats came back when play resumed to tie the score at 7. The ‘Cats might have gone ahead but for a great catch by Seahawk LF Bill Bernath who made a sliding grab of a sinking liner to prevent several runs from scoring. The Seahawks bounced back in the bottom of the 6th with consecutive RBI bases loaded singles by Barry Estler, Alan Paull and Fulton Burns to go ahead 10-7. There were bases loaded and no outs when the Mudcats pulled off an unbelievable triple play. Mudcat LF Kevin Knowles started it by catching a fly ball and throwing a strike on a fly to C Eddie McMillan to nail the runner tagging from third. Eddie alertly saw the runner from first caught between bases and ran toward him. The runner from third broke for home and Eddie wheeled and threw to P Dave Eason who was covering Home. Dave ran at the runner and threw to third baseman Andy Jackson who tagged the runner to complete the 7-2-1-5 triple play. In the top of the 7th and last inning, the Mudcats rallied scoring two runs on a two out hit by Dave Eason. There were two men in scoring position with the ‘Cats down by one. Unfortunately for them, the magic ran out and the Seahawks got the game- ending out on a grounder to Seahawk Bob Bennett at third.

Red Sox 11 Break Time Brewers 9.

The nightcap at Castle Hayne started out as a laugher for the Red Sox but turned into a nailbiter. The Red Sox powered their way to an eight run lead on the strength of bombs by Chet Nesley, Brian Cardiero and Rick Parnell. However in the ninth inning, the Brewers stormed back tallying 6 runs to pull within two. The tying run was at the plate when WP Brian Cardiero recorded a clutch strikeout to end it. With the victory, the Red Sox clinched first place in the Red Division. Congratulations to the Red Sox who will receive a bye in the playoffs and are assured of playing in the Red Division Championship game on August 10th.

FALL BASEBALL LEAGUE

There will be Registration at the Castle Hayne and Myrtle Grove fields for the Fall Baseball League at the CMBL playoffs on August 9th and on Championship Sunday, August 10th. The Fall Baseball league will feature night games and Sunday afternoon games. There will again be 35+ and 50+ Divisions and a new 28+ Division depending on interest. Further details will be posted on the CMBL website!