The National Slowpitch League 2024/2025 concluded with a thrilling three-game final series between the Mellieha Northenders and the Sliema Patriots on Sunday. Reigning champions Mellieha looked to defend their title while Sliema were determined to take the trophy home.
Game 1
📷 Jordan Mihailov @d4dulgia
The series opened with a dominant performance from the Mellieha Northenders. Sliema started strong in the second inning when Fernando Berroteran launched a two-run homer, giving the Patriots an early lead. However, Mellieha responded quickly in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single to cut the deficit to one.
In the third inning, Mellieha’s offense found momentum. Masashi Suzuki and Vincenzo Mazzamuto each delivered key hits to drive in runs, putting the Northenders ahead. The fourth inning saw further damage as Michael Bartolo smacked an extra base hit to bring home multiple runs.
The Northenders extended their lead in the fifth with a three-run explosion, including a towering home run by David Borg. Sliema attempted a late comeback in the sixth when Jorge Acosta drove in two runs with a clutch single, but Mellieha’s defense held strong to secure the Game 1 victory.
Game 2
📷 Jordan Mihailov @d4dulgia
Facing elimination, the Patriots rebounded emphatically in Game 2. Sliema struck first in the opening inning with an RBI single from Alvin Barroso. The game remained tight until the third inning, where the Patriots erupted for a nine-run rally.
Dillon Adams and Gabriel di Sabatino set the stage with consecutive doubles, each bringing in runs. Jorge Acosta continued his hot streak with a two-run single, and Fernando Berroteran followed with an RBI double. Sliema’s pitcher, Israel Rangel, helped his own cause by going 3-for-3 at the plate, keeping the rally alive. By the end of the inning, the Patriots had established a commanding 10-0 lead.
Mellieha, however, refused to go down without a fight. A late-game surge in the sixth saw Suzuki and Grima contribute key RBIs, cutting the deficit to four runs. Despite their efforts, Sliema’s early offensive explosion proved too much to overcome, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3.
Game 3
📷 Jordan Mihailov @d4dulgia
With the championship on the line, both teams delivered a high-intensity showdown. Mellieha took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning with Sliema responding immediately in the second inning by an RBI single from Andres Susarra.
The third inning proved to be the turning point, as the Patriots erupted for five runs. Jorge Acosta, who had been stellar all series, crushed a three-run homer, electrifying the Sliema dugout. Diego Scuro and Fernando Berroteran added to the offensive onslaught with well-placed singles, extending the lead to 6-1.
Mellieha battled back in the fourth but Sliema’s air tight defense prevented further damage. With time running out, the Northenders made one final push in the seventh inning. The top of the order played small ball and got on base for sluggers Michael Bartolo and Steven Grima. With 2 outs and the tying run a few feet away, Grima hit a screaming line drive to right field which was caught by a diving catch from outfielder Joshua Martinez to seal the victory for the Patriots.
📷 Jordan Mihailov @d4dulgia
📷 Jordan Mihailov @d4dulgia