Northstars split series against West Clare

It was a very different Belfast Northstars team that travelled to Dublin to take on the West Clare Dolphins as the B team begins to wind their season down.

With three new players pulling on the maroon and gold on Saturday, the Stars failed to find cohesion in the first game and with the Dolphins starter striking out seventeen, there was no room for Belfast to claw their way back. 8-1 was the final score in a game that saw the Northstars unable to get out of the gate.

With pride bruised, the Stars were put in a hole early in the second match, falling behind 13-1 in the middle of the third inning. Rallying behind the effort put in by young starter Klevier Sanchez, Belfast would plate 14 runs over the stretch of three innings. Despite the offensive outburst, the Dolphins went into the final inning three runs ahead. Sanchez’ day done, coach Jose Santos would be on the hill and throw 2 and a third innings of one hit, no run ball to give the Northstars the best chance for a comeback.

And comeback they did.

Having driven in four on the day (and combining with newcomer John Rooney for 5 R, 4 H and 8 RBI) savvy running by Chris Stange, including a steal of home, proved infectious with rookie Marian Neill and David Mundarain working their way into scoring position. One bases-clearing double later by Klevier Sanchez and the Northstars would find themselves with two of this season’s impressive rookies, Sanchez and Stuart Fraser, with the game in their hands. Fraser would drive one to the third baseman who couldn’t put out the speedy runner and, with Sanchez no slouch himself on the basepaths, the Stars would walk off winners, 19-18 the final with Jose Santos taking the win.

Chalk and cheese performances by the Belfast Northstars; eyes now turn to the 31st in Belfast as part of the triple header day of baseball at the Hank. The Black Sox await.