'Pak's bats found in North Dublin.

By John Stitch, the non-stop Dancer.

Renegades Red 2 - 21 BatPak

In what is most probably the most idyllic of settings for a Leinster League Premier Division game, BatPak played for the last time before heading to Ljubljana this weekend.  In what is still a local derby, given that both teams shared the same home ground until the latter moved to the plush surroundings of Fr. Collins Park this year, (the only park in the world with it’s own artificial ski- jump), ‘Pak turned up looked somewhat nervous given their recent slump in hitting and knowing that Renegades were capable of causing an upset on their day.

In preparation for next week’s tournament, several players chose to wear shorts, something that is not a common practise for them, and the captain was slightly concerned at what effect the combination of uncomfortable gear, white legs and bright shiny new cleats would have on the team.  Some of the legs on show last night could certainly look forward to the sun expected in Ljubljana.

And to the game.  A familiar start for BatPak with the first two batters out before they reached first base.  However the new positive attitude driven throughout the team following a rousing speech from Emma gave inspiration as the next five batters got on base, with Jon Barry, Julie Walsh, Dave Pepper and Anne Kiely scoring.  BatPak’s second inning did not trouble the scorekeepers with three successive outs, while Renegades, despite four hits could not turn any of them into runs by the end of the second inning.

In the third and fourth inning BatPak pressed further ahead, scoring two runs followed by six.  Ben Emerson and Elaine Kiely re-discovered the art of connecting bat with ball which led to seven BatPak players getting on base in the fourth inning, including Drew Hennessy with what can only be described as a bunt to right-field.  Combined with some erratic fielding by the Renegades BatPak went into the top of the fifth 12 runs to the good.

Both teams traded one run each in the fifth inning, with Ben hitting the first of two home runs into right-field.  BatPak made three substitutions ensuring that all seven girls played a part in the game, and moved to close the game in the sixth inning by batting round the order to score five runs, with Drew Hennessy missing a possible Grand Slam with the last out of the inning that included Ben's second successive moon shot.  Lorna Mullen was on her knees in disgust at Hennessey's out as it meant that she was to play no further part in the game, with Hayley Hennessey coming in to play at first base.

A home run from The Reds' Captain past Julie Walsh in right-field brought in their second and final run of the game, with BatPak adding a further three, the final run perhaps most appropriately coming from the Captain Emma Kilbride's bat, with a moon shot over the head of right-centre to score BatPak's third home run of the game.  A fitting end to a strong performance at the plate from BatPak.

Defence when needed was again solid from 'Pak, with only three errors throughout the game.  Hitting was however the order of the day, with several players topping the stats.  Four successive doubles from Dave Pepper, going 4/5 in total, Jon Barry went 4/6 and Peter Mullen 3/4.  Of the girls it was pleasing to see the return of Sandra Lynch following a lengthy injury, hitting a line drive to the outfield with her first hit.

So BatPak head to Slovenia topping the Leinster League Premier Division Table.  Three games remain in the League upon their return, two of which against the teams immediately below them.  By the time BatPak play Dodder Dynamoes in the quarter-final of the Brian Walshe Cup, the two teams will have met at least three more times in games at the ECCS and in the next League Game.  It certainly looks like being an interesting and challenging next few weeks for the BatPak squad.

BatPak MVPs;

Male – Ben Emerson
Female – Caryn & Joanne for enduring three weeks of BatPak games and finally seeing a decent performance

Other LLPD Week 11 Results;

Marlay Martyrs 10 - 12 Dodder Dynamoes
Blazzers 25 - 30 Sluggers
Oddsox Green 9 - 7 Castleknock Bearcats