Saarlouis and Gauting Split Two Games
The Saarlouis Hornets used a four-run third inning capped by Torsten Dehm’s two-run double to grab a 7-4 win over the Gauting Indians in the opening game this past weekend in German Baseball League action. The Indians rode the arm of starting pitcher Matthew Fuller to win the second contest, 5-2.

The Hornets Ales Kaperta (2-0) went 8 2/3 innings for the victory with five strikeouts and three walks. Gauting starter Dominik Hartinger (0-2) couldn’t find the strike zone issuing seven free passes in suffering his second loss of the season.

In the ninth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, French closer Patrick Carlson came into the game with the bases loaded to earn the save. But it was a spectacular game-ending catch by Johannes Stockhausen as he snagged a sinking liner into right center field that sealed the win for the Hornets.

The Hornets jumped out to an early lead in the second game but the story of the second contest was the pitching of Fuller. The American was outstanding in keeping Hornet batters off-balanced striking out eight and walking only two.

“Matthew Fuller’s pitching performance was outstanding,” said Saarlouis manager Fred Beitler. “He threw strikes, got ahead in the count and kept our hitters off balance all game long. When we did get runners on base it was usually after two were out.”

Fuller limited Saarlouis to only two hits in the first 6 innings and was aided by several defensive gems by third baseman Gerog Starek and shortstop Seth Binder. Simon Prochaczka took the loss in his Bundesliga debut.

“We came to Gauting looking for two wins,” added Beitler. “We got one win and we were lucky to get that one. For us to show that we are a top four team in the Bundesliga, we have to close out double-header sweeps versus a squad like Gauting.”

“Gauting is a young team with their 2nd through 5th hitters all 21 and under,” said Beitler. “If they can keep the core of young German players in their lineup they have a strong future.”

Solingen Blanks Nuenkirchen Twice To Stay Unbeaten
The Solingen Alligators continued their winning ways with a pair of shutout victories over the Neunkirchen Nightmare last weekend in North Division action of the German Baseball League.

The Alligators jumped all over Nightmare starter Hendrik Tschuschke (0-2) in the weekend opener scoring four first inning runs and Andre Hughes (2-0) was sharp again leading his team to a 6-0 victory.

In the second game, Enornel Marquez Ramirez (3-0) went the distance striking out 11 and giving up just a lone hit in an 8-0 win. Neunkirchen starter Sergej Heinrich (0-1) also pitched well in a losing effort.

Regensburg Sweeps Haar In Convincing Fashion
Martin Almstetter turned in his second straight impressive start as the Regensburg Legionaere swept the Haar Disciples this past weekend to remain unbeaten in the German Baseball League.

Klaus Hopfensperger gave Regensburg an early lead with a two-run homer in the first off Haar starter Gregor Klinc (0-1) who was filling in for ace pitcher Dirk Fries. The Legionaere broke open the rain-delayed contest with five runs in the seventh to seal the easy win.

Almstetter (2-0) and closer Mike Bolsenbroek, who registered his second save of the young season, limited the Disciples to only four hits.

In the second matchup, the Legionaere overcame a strong outing from the Disciples talented 16-year-old pitching sensation Ted Gie to post a 5-1 win. Reliever Philipp Hoffschild (1-0) won for the first time this season as Regensburg scored four late runs to deny Haar the victory.

Mainz A’s Win First Two Games Against Neuenburg
The Mainz Athletics finally snared their first two wins of the new season disposing of the Neuenburg Atomics in convincing fashion to gain a sweep of the weekend series.

The Atomics touched Mainz ace Manuel Moeller in the opening frame for a quich 1-0 lead before the Athletics responded with a pair of runs in the second off Atomics starter Lars Giemsa. Neuenburg tied the game at 2-2 but Moeller (1-1) and relief pitcher Dimitar Nassapov silenced the Atomics lineup the rest of the game to seal the 10-2 win.

In the finale, the A’s handed Neuenburg starter Stephen Spanjer an early 5-0 deficit and cruised to an easy 13-2 victory to inch back into the division race with a 2-4 record. The Atomics (1-5) lost for the fifth time in six outings.

Mannheim and Heidenheim Split Weekend Series
Eddie Aucoin knocked home four RBI’s and Craig Pycock (1-0) earned his first win of the season as the Mannheim Tornados nipped Heidenheim 5-4 last weekend. The Heidokoepfe claimed the one-run win in the second game 4-3.

Aucoin, one of the league’s best pitchers and the Tornados Game 2 starter, gave his team an early 1-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI sacrifice fly. Two innings later, the American dual threat belted a two-run homer off Markus Winkler and the Tornados lead was 3-0.

Heidenheim tied the game at 4-4 in the seventh setting the stage for Aucoin to deliver the game-winning hit as Mannheim held on for the narrow victory.

In the second game, Aucoin (1-2) lost another one-run thriller for the second straight week as former Major Leaguer Mike Hartley started on the hill for Heidenheim.

Marvin Appiah broke a 1-1 deadlock in the fourth with a two-run homer and the Tornados seemed to be in control with a 3-1 lead. But the Heidekoepfe plated a run in three of the final four innings to steal the win and salvage a split. Peter Dankerl (2-0) was spectacular out of the bullpen to notch his second win of the year.

(Photo Courtesy of Saarlouis Hornets)

Tags: Germany