Essex Redbacks youth team hosts Marl Sly Dogs from Germany
For the 2nd time this season the Essex Redbacks have hosted international youth opposition. Following the visit of the Hengelo Giants from the Netherlands earlier this season, the Redbacks welcomed the Marl Sly Dogs from Germany to their youth field in Billericay.
After a delayed arrival on Thursday evening, the Sly Dogs, many of whom were visiting the UK for the first time, spent Friday on a sightseeing trip to London, visiting Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The London Dungeon and many other sights.
Saturday 20th August was a 3 team tournament involving the Redbacks, Sly Dogs and Herts All Stars.
Game 1
Redbacks @ Marl Slydogs Final score 3 – 5
The Sly Dogs are well known for proficient pitching and made this abundantly clear straight from the off against the Redbacks with an opening frame from starter Lloyd that included just one ball as he struck out the side without bat hitting ball. The Redbacks then took a little while to settle into the game committing a number of early errors that helped the German side open up a 4 run margin.
The Essex side then began to nibble into this narrowing the score to 4-3 but the Sly Dogs responded by bringing in ace Luka to throw 2 scoreless innings and end the contest. This game always felt a tight contest with the chance that one good hit could be crucial. In fact there were only 7 hits in total, 3 by the Redbacks and 4 by the Sly Dogs.
Game 2
Herts @ Redbacks Final score 3 – 4
The Herts squad had a wide range of ages and abilities. It appeared that the lineup was skewed towards the stronger end for their first matchup and this turned into the closest game of the weekend. Redbacks starting pitcher Conner Brown walked the first 4 batters on the way to giving up 3 runs in the first frame. He didn’t let it get to him, however, and he had a tidy second frame, as did all the defence as they didn’t give up any more runs and only 1 error the entire game. The offense however was a little sluggish and as they came up in the bottom of the last inning the Redbacks were in a 3-1 hole. A patient walk, a steal and a strikeout later the potential tying run came to the plate. Jamie Gregory hit a double to score Stewart Meikle making the score 3-2. Harry Ward then hit a triple for Jamie to score to make it 3-3. Herts then opted for a double intentional walk to load the bases with one out to turn the double play or get the lead runner. Shane Mead made enough contact to provide the sufficient time for a fast advancing Harry Ward to sprint in for the walk-off and give the Redbacks a narrow 4-3 victory.
Game 3
Marl Sly dogs @ Herts Final score 12- 1
Following a rain delay the sun came out for the final game of the day between the Sly Dogs and the All Starts. This game turned out to be a bit of a one sided affair. The German side gave up nothing with flawless defense and consistent hitting to run away from their younger Herts counterparts and win the game 12-1.
Following the days baseball the Redbacks and Sly Dogs players, coaches and parents enjoyed an evening of tenpin bowling at a local bowling alley.
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Sunday 21st was another busy day for the Redbacks and the visiting Marl Sly Dogs.
After watching and helping out with the Redbacks weekly Teeball session and a Teeball birthday party then the Marl Sly Dogs and Redbacks got ready for their 2nd game against each other.
Marl Slydogs @ Redbacks Final score 9 – 5
Essex set out in confident mood in their quest to reverse the defeat of the previous day and it was nip and tuck at the start with both sides registering a single in the first inning. It could have been more for Redbacks who had bases loaded with no outs but only managed to get one of those home. Both teams then had shutout second frames. The third inning was crucial as the Redbacks just failed to get out of trouble and ended up giving up 5 runs. Although they got 2 back in the bottom half of the inning they were never able to get closer and there was to be no repeat of the last inning rally of the previous day against Herts and the Sly Dogs won their 3rd game of the weekend – 9 – 5.
Following the baseball game and some well earned pizza for all the players, the 2 teams got ready for the final game of the weekend – a fun softball game involving players and coaches. This was a great success with the Redbacks winning the game.
The day was rounded off with a home run derby which a number of Sly Dogs and Redbacks players taking part and several home runs being hit.
The weekend was a great success with lots of excellent baseball being played by all the teams taking part, lots of new friends made and all the players, coaches and parents having a very enjoyable weekend. The Redbacks have been invited by the Marl Sly Dogs for return games in Germany next year.
