Thistle get the better of Crusaders in Grassy Park

Bothasig Knights secured their top spot

Josh Wakefield of Thistle takes a tumble as he tries to oust a Crusaders runner at second base during their Major League baseball match at Grassy Park on Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

With the season heading for the home straight, Bothasig Knights secured their top spot and a semi-final berth in the play-off following a 12-10 win over Durbanville Villians.

They now prepare to meet one of the qualifiers in the playoffs, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday March 1.

Teams ending first and second after this weekend’s final round of league fixtures gain automatic places in the semi-finals while the teams in places three to six will be involved in quarter-final playoffs. Bothasig Knights, however, are in an unassailable position at the top of the table.

Thistle pitcher Lee Marks on the mound during his side’s Major League match against Crusaders, at Grassy Park on Saturday. Picture: Mark Ward

Thistle meanwhile kept their hopes of securing sixth place alive when they beat Crusaders 13-5 at Grassy Park.

With the scores locked on 4-4 going into the top of the seventh frame, Thistle exploded with a five-run rally to secure a much-needed win. Spencer Diederichs 3-4 and Ashton Moses 2-5 were the pick of the Thistle batters. Lee Marks pitched for Thistle and faced 41 batters, walked five while he struckout nine batters.

Grant Peterson, Jarred Willaims and Dayton Williams shared the pitching chores for Crusaders.

This week’s fixtures are: Bothasig Knights vs Crusaders; Bellville Tygers vs Maitland Giants; VOB vs Athlone Athletics; Thistle vs Durbanville Villains

• Results: VOB Macaws 10, Bellville Tygers 14; Crusaders 5, Thistle 13; Durbanville Villians 10, Bothasig Knights 12; Maitland Giants 6, Athlone Athletics 8.