The 2026 National Baseball League season delivers another duo of exciting baseball games as the Mellieha Northenders and the Mustangs continue battling it out for the trophy.
Game 3 – Mellieha Northenders 9 Mustangs 7 (2nd May 2026)
Score
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northenders | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Mustangs | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
In the initial three innings, Game 3 developed into a tense pitching battle as both teams struggled to break through. Kevin Spiteri kept Mellieha quiet early for the Mustangs, while Keith Bartolo controlled the pace from the mound for the Northenders, piling up strikeouts and limiting traffic on the bases.
The deadlock finally broke in the bottom of the third when the Mustangs erupted for five runs. Jorge Acosta launched a solo home run to ignite the rally, while Efrain Deyan continued the pressure with a strong 3-for-3 performance that included a double and an RBI. Anderson Nuñez added two hits, and the Mustangs suddenly appeared to have full control of the game with a 5-0 lead.
Mellieha responded immediately in the fourth inning, cutting into the deficit with three runs before delivering the decisive blow an inning later. Jean Madrid produced one of the standout performances of the season, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. After already collecting three singles earlier in the game, Madrid came through with a grand slam that completely shifted momentum in Mellieha’s favour. He finished the afternoon with five RBIs, three runs scored, and two stolen bases in a dominant all-around display.
While the offense continued to rally, Keith Bartolo anchored the effort on the mound. The Mellieha starter completed the game, striking out 12 batters while walking only two. Defensively, Masashi Suzuki played a crucial role as well, recording several important putouts and throwing out a runner at home plate to preserve Mellieha’s advantage during the late innings.
The Mustangs continued fighting until the final out, adding a run in both the sixth and seventh innings, but Mellieha answered immediately and eventually secured a 9-7 victory to move within one win of the championship series.
Game 4 – Mustangs 16 Mellieha 2 (9th May 2026)
Score
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustangs | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 16 |
| Northenders | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Facing elimination, the Mustangs returned to the field and delivered their strongest performance of the series. From the opening inning, the Mustangs attacked aggressively at the plate, collecting three early runs before adding four more in the second inning to place Mellieha under immediate pressure.
Andres Susarra led the offensive charge with a 4-for-5 outing, while Anderson Nuñez reached base repeatedly and finished with three hits. Janco Visser drove in three runs, Clint Francica contributed two hits and an RBI, and the Mustangs lineup consistently forced Mellieha pitchers into difficult situations. By the fifth inning, the pressure finally broke the game open completely as the Mustangs exploded for nine more runs to put the contest out of reach.
On the mound, Susarra also controlled the game from start to finish. The right-hander pitched all five innings, striking out eight batters while allowing only two runs. Mellieha’s offense struggled to find rhythm against him, managing just two hits throughout the game. Masashi Suzuki provided the lone bright spot for the Northenders with a home run and two hits, accounting for both of Mellieha’s runs.
The Mustangs ultimately secured the 16-2 victory to keep the series alive while the Mellieha Northenders remain one win away from the championship.