SHANE HURNDELL | 22nd November 2010
When Canadian Tyrel Majeski arrived in Hawke’s Bay at the start of the premier men’s softball season, he had a simple goal.
“To improve as a ball player,” explained Majeski after his Maraenui Pumas side had beaten Dodgers 5-2 in Saturday’s feature clash at Akina Park, Hastings.
It’s fair to say Majeski has definitely made progress. His in-park error-assisted home run with two runners on base is proof. “That’s my first home run in the Bay … I’m loving it here,” said Majeski.
His homer came in the sixth inning when fellow Canadian and first baseman Bryn Redhead and designated runner Ryan Whitelock were also on base. Pumas were leading 2-1 at that stage and Majeski was fortunate Dodgers outfielder Jude David couldn’t glove his hit and as he went to retrieve the ball he stood on the top of it forcing it to move towards the outfield fence.
Until then Dodgers had defended well and led 1-0 until the fifth inning after first baseman Luke Herrick scored on a pass ball in the fourth. Pumas equalised in the fifth when Junior Black Sox player Horowai Puketapu scored on a pass ball.
Pamas short stop Vinnie Wildermoth gave his side the lead when he scampered home from second base on an error from his Dodgers counterpart Corey Tamati.
Majeski, 19, is eager to face as many top pitchers as possible while in the Bay and he is looking forward to this weekend’s Lion Red North Island Classic in Hastings which has attracted several of the country’s top pitchers.
“I’m looking forward to that experience,” added Majeski who started playing as a 4-year-old in Canada.
Dodgers player-coach Joachim Paul ended the scoring in the seventh inning when he was hit home by pitcher Manaaki Mita.
Dodgers out hit Pumas 4-3. Black Sox extended squad member Josh Gettins hit a three bagger for Dodgers and first baseman Luke Herrick a double. Pumas pitcher Regan Manley took 17 strikeouts – 11 more than Mita.
Dodgers under-18s secured the lead in Hawke’s Bay’s premier women’s competition with a 5-1 win against Taradale at Akina Park, Hastings on Saturday.
Four runs in the second inning were the key to Dodgers win. They scored their other run in the fifth inning while Taradale’s only run came in the third when third base player Whitney Nohokau hit short stop Renee England home.
Outfielders Jaydean Strickland and Jade Hoskin-Hindmarsh both collected two hits for Dodgers while England produced two for Taradale. England impressed, stealing two bases.
Thirteen-year-old Dodgers pitcher Courtney Gettins conceded five hits while her experienced Taradale counterpart Kay Lorimer conceded nine.