Fighting for the last playoff spot, the Sliema Patriots hosted a thrilling slow-pitch double-header against the Mustangs on Sunday.
The Patriots struck first in the opening frame, securing a 1-0 lead and setting the tone early. The Mustangs’ defense quickly found its rhythm, holding Sliema scoreless in the second and third innings. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ own defense and pitching silenced the Mustangs’ bats through the first four innings, keeping them off the scoreboard.
Sliema’s offense resumed in the fourth inning with a run to extend their lead to 2-0. The Mustangs finally broke through in the fifth, bringing in two runs to make it a 2-2 game. Sliema responded immediately with a powerful three-run burst in their half of the fifth, reclaiming a 5-2 lead and putting the pressure back on the Mustangs.
The Patriots continued to build their lead with two more runs in the sixth inning, entering the seventh inning with what appeared to be a comfortable 7-2 advantage. However, the Mustangs refused to go down quietly. In a dramatic final inning, they rallied for four runs, narrowing the gap to just one run. The comeback ultimately fell short as Sliema’s defense managed to get the final out and secure the win.
The Mustangs, though unable to pull off the comeback, showcased strong defense and resilience. Outfielder Efrain Deyan and Daniele Palumbo led the offensive charge, while Chris Munz delivered clutch RBIs that fuelled the team’s late push. As for the Patriots, Dillon Adams had a perfect night at the plate, going 4 for 4 with two singles, two home runs, and two RBIs, providing the spark for Sliema’s offense. Shortstop Andres Susarra also went 3 for 4 with three singles, while left fielder Jorge Acosta and first baseman Alvin Barroso each contributed with key doubles. Pitcher Israel Rangel added two singles to Sliema’s winning effort.