Softball: Braves win big batting showdown

Another one bites the dust after Richie Smith takes yet another catch for Wanganui Braves during their 8-5 win over Levin United at the weekend.

Wanganui Braves won the battle of the bats after facing Levin United in cross section play of the Manawatu senior men's reserve grade in Palmerston North at the weekend.

Levin United had won their section in round one, while Braves had also finished top of theirs. On Saturday Braves drove out 8-5 winners in a big batting display by both sides.

"Levin United, and it's Levin predecessor club from way back, Kotuku, have always had the reputation as being big hitters, and they did not disappoint their supporters on Saturday," Brave player/coach Shane Foster said.

Big pitcher Pere Nepia slammed an automatic home run at their first turn at bat with two runners on base to have Braves down 3-1 after the first innings.

Braves first run come from Carl Priddle, who was walked, then stole second, and was brought home by a two base hit from big-hitting Stephen Barnes.

Braves stormed back at their second turn at bat scoring three runs.

The highlight of the innings was Richie Smith hitting the perfect automatic home run over the centre field fence, bringing in promising shortstop Toby Rison, who had made second base after a nice hit to right field.

"Richie's hit was the sweetest hit possible, with perfect timing, the ball just sailed over the centre field fence," Foster said.

Braves sealed the game at their last turn at bat with an infield home run to Jamie Hollis and runs to Barnes (another big two base hit) and Rison.

Barnes batted 1000 to finish a big day with the bat.

Some good outs on defence, especially by Smith on third base and Rison at short stop kept the Levin outfit at bay only allowing in two more runs for the duration of the game.

Unfortunately, Ash Blanche is out for the remainder of this round after pulling a hamstring running to second base after a nice hit to left field.

Braves play unbeaten Dodgers this Saturday at 2.30pm. Dodgers was the only team to beat Braves earlier this season.

"We are determined not to let that happen again," Foster said.