Ezi Finance Wanganui Braves lost 1-0 in a nailbiter, missing opportunities to take the game in the latter stages against Dodgers in the Manawatu Senior Men Premier grade softball match-up at the weekend.
The game was easily Braves for the taking, with at least an equalizer gone begging in the fifth and another opportunity of taking the lead in the sixth innings.
Pitcher Brad Worsley made base on a hit to the outfield in the bottom of the 5th. Worsley advanced to third on a pass ball. A fly ball to the outfield created an opportunity for Worsley to steal home after the catch, but hesitated and the opportunity was gone.
In the sixth, with runners in scoring positions on second and third, once again Braves could not convert and the runners were left stranded on base.
"The game was there for the taking but the boy's are letting themselves down in the batter's box. We must start moving the ball on the ground to create pressure," player/coach Shane Foster said.