The Malta Slowpitch Cup returned for its second edition at the Marsa Baseball and Softball field, drawing in teams from across Europe and the USA. The two-day tournament, from the 2nd of November till the 3rd of November 2024, showcased high-level talent, intense matchups, and an exciting final. This year, the tournament featured six teams: Guzzlers (Germany), Malta Heat (Malta), Dream Team Ljubljana (Slovenia), Old Timers Zajcki (Slovenia), Balls & Dolls (Germany), and We The People (USA). Malta Heat and Guzzlers reached the final for the second consecutive year, demonstrating their consistency and determination, but it was the Guzzlers who emerged as champions.
Game 1 – Balls & Dolls (12) vs. We The People (7)
In the tournament’s opening game, Balls & Dolls claimed a strong 12-7 victory over We The People, using an explosive start to set the tone. Balls & Dolls took an early lead, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second to go up 7-1. We The People fought back with four runs in the fourth inning, narrowing the gap to 7-6. However, a five-run surge from Balls & Dolls in the bottom of the fourth sealed the game.
Game 2: Guzzlers (6) vs. Malta Heat (5)
The second game saw a close battle between Malta Heat and Guzzlers, with Guzzlers narrowly winning 6-5. Malta Heat started strong, scoring in the first and second innings to keep pace, but Guzzlers responded with a two-run first and another two runs in the third, edging ahead 4-3. In the fifth inning, Guzzlers added two more runs, pushing their lead to 6-4. Malta Heat managed to score one more in the sixth, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap and gave the Guzzlers a hard-fought victory.
Game 3: Dream Team Ljubjana (15) vs. Old Timers Zajcki (0)
Dream Team Ljubljana delivered a commanding performance, defeating Old Timers Zajcki 15-0. The game began with an explosive 13-run first inning by Dream Team Ljubljana, overwhelming Old Timers Zajcki from the start. They added two more runs in the second inning, showcasing their strong offense and nearly flawless execution. Old Timers Zajcki struggled to find their rhythm, unable to score or contain Dream Team Ljubljana’s relentless lineup. Dream Team’s dominant showing on both offense and defense secured them a decisive victory, putting them in a strong position early in the tournament.
Game 4: Balls & Dolls (8) vs. Dream Team Ljubjana (13)
Dream Team Ljubljana secured a 13-8 win over Balls & Dolls in a game of momentum shifts. Both teams opened strong, scoring four runs each in the first inning. However, Dream Team Ljubljana surged ahead in the second, adding four more runs for an 8-4 lead. Balls & Dolls struggled to respond, going scoreless through the next innings while Dream Team tallied another four runs in the fourth, widening the gap. Balls & Dolls managed a late push with four runs in the sixth inning, but Dream Team sealed the victory with a final run, finishing 13-8.
Game 5: We The People (3) vs. Malta Heat (7)
Malta Heat delivered a solid 7-3 win over We The People, showcasing consistent scoring and strong defense. After a quiet first inning, Malta Heat opened the scoring in the second with a run, followed by two more in the third to take a 3-0 lead. We The People managed to score two runs in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 4-2, but Malta Heat responded immediately with two runs of their own. They added another two in the fifth inning to secure their lead. Despite a final run from We The People, Malta Heat held firm for the victory.
Game 6: Guzzlers (16) vs. Old Timers Zajcki (4)
Guzzlers powered past Old Timers Zajcki with a dominant 16-4 win, driven by an explosive third inning. Old Timers took a brief lead with a run in the first, but Guzzlers quickly responded with one run in the second to tie the game. The momentum shifted dramatically in the third inning as Guzzlers unleashed a remarkable 15-run surge, putting the game out of reach. Old Timers Zajcki tallied three runs in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Guzzlers’ overwhelming lead. Guzzlers’ commanding performance cemented their reputation as one of the top teams in the tournament.
Game 7: We The People (11) vs. Dream Team Ljubjana (5)
We The People outlasted Dream Team Ljubljana with an 11-5 victory. Both teams started strong, scoring two runs each in the first inning. However, We The People took control in the second with a five-run rally, building a 7-2 lead. Dream Team Ljubljana responded with three runs in the third inning, narrowing the score to 7-5, but We The People extended their lead again, adding one run in the third and three more in the fourth. Dream Team couldn’t recover, and We The People’s consistent offense throughout the game secured them a well-earned win.
Game 8: Guzzlers (12) vs. Balls & Dolls (0)
Guzzlers delivered a flawless shutout, defeating Balls & Dolls 12-0. The game began with Guzzlers establishing an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning. They followed with five more runs in the second, displaying powerful hitting and taking control with a 9-0 advantage. Guzzlers added three final runs in the third, securing a commanding 12-0 scoreline. Balls & Dolls struggled offensively, unable to score against Guzzlers’ tight defense. The game ended after three innings, with Guzzlers showcasing their dominance and maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Game 9: Malta Heat (13) vs. Old Timers Zajcki (1)
In the final game on Saturday, Malta Heat dominated Old Timers Zajcki, securing a decisive 13-1 victory. Malta Heat came out strong, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding five more in the second, building a commanding 8-0 lead. Their offense continued to thrive, with two runs in the third and another three in the fourth inning. Old Timers Zajcki managed a single run in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Malta Heat’s overwhelming lead. With balanced hitting and solid defense, Malta Heat controlled the game from start to finish, solidifying their place in the tournament standings.
Game 10: Dream Team Ljubjana (9) vs. Malta Heat (15)
Sunday’s games began with a fierce contest between Dream Team Ljubljana and Malta Heat. Dream Team Ljubljana started strong, taking an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Malta Heat struggled initially but began to rally, scoring one run in the second and third innings. The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Malta Heat erupted for 12 runs, turning the game around and taking a commanding 14-6 lead. Dream Team fought back with a few runs of their own, but Malta Heat held on for the impressive comeback victory.
Game 11: Old Timers Zajcki (7) vs. Balls & Dolls (9)
Balls & Dolls clinched a thrilling 9-7 victory over Old Timers Zajcki. Old Timers started strong with two runs in the first inning, while Balls & Dolls struggled to find their footing, scoring just one run in the second. Old Timers extended their lead with five runs in the third, pushing the score to 7-1. However, Balls & Dolls mounted an impressive comeback, scoring five runs in the fourth inning to tie the game at 7-7. They continued their momentum with three more runs in the fifth, ultimately sealing the victory despite Old Timers’ late efforts to recover.
Game 12: We The People (10) vs. Guzzlers (15)
Guzzlers triumphed over We The People with a final score of 15-10 in a high-scoring affair. We The People jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first and five in the second, taking an 8-3 advantage. However, Guzzlers responded with a steady offensive performance, scoring one run in the first, two in the second, and three in the third to narrow the gap. They surged ahead in the fourth with another three runs and exploded for six in the final inning. Despite We The People’s efforts, Guzzlers secured the victory with their powerful finish.
Game 13: Malta Heat (14) vs. Balls & Dolls (3)
Malta Heat delivered a commanding performance, defeating Balls & Dolls 14-3. Malta Heat set the tone early, scoring five runs in the first inning and maintaining pressure throughout the game. Balls & Dolls managed to respond with two runs in the second inning but struggled to keep pace. Malta Heat added another run in the second and then effectively put the game away with a stunning eight-run fourth inning. Balls & Dolls could only manage one more run in the fourth, but Malta Heat’s dominance was clear, securing a decisive victory in front of their home fans.
Game 14: Dream Team Ljubjana (0) vs. Guzzlers (19)
Guzzlers dominated Dream Team Ljubljana with a resounding 19-0 victory. Guzzlers wasted no time, scoring 11 runs in the first inning alone, leaving Dream Team reeling. They added another seven runs in the second inning, extending their lead to an insurmountable 18-0 by the end of the second frame. Dream Team Ljubljana struggled to find their rhythm, failing to score throughout the game. Guzzlers’ relentless hitting and solid defense not only secured a convincing win but also reinforced their status as the team to beat in the tournament.
Game 15: Old Timers Zajcki (11) vs. We The People (14)
In the last game before the final, We The People triumphed over Old Timers Zajcki in a high-scoring affair, finishing with a final score of 14-11. Old Timers started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning, but We The People quickly responded with three runs in both the first and second innings to take the lead. Old Timers continued to battle, adding three runs in the third inning to keep pace. However, We The People pulled ahead decisively in the fifth with an explosive eight-run rally. Despite Old Timers’ efforts, We The People held on to secure another victory.
Standings
The Final: Guzzlers (11) vs. Malta Heat (8)
The top two teams, Guzzlers and Malta Heat, faced off in the final match to determine the champion. Malta Heat, returning to the final for a second year, sought redemption and gave everything they had. The game was tense and hard-fought, with both teams trading leads. By the third inning, Malta Heat held a 4-1 advantage, but Guzzlers surged ahead with a stunning seven-run fifth inning. The final score was 11-8 in favour of Guzzlers, who were crowned champions of the Malta Slowpitch Cup 2024.
Most Valuable Player of the Tournament: Tyler Barrios (Guzzlers)