The Marlins rallied past the Smith Bay Posse 11-7 Thursday night in the championship round of the Donald O. Senthill Softball League at Emile Griffith Park.
The Marlins capitalized on a error by Posse first baseman Anson Larcheveaux that allowed an unearned run in the first inning. Other than that costly error, the game was a real pitchers duel between Marlins hurler Sandito Brito and Posse's Cyril Battiste Sr. For 3-1/2 innings the pitchers controlled the game. However, the Marlins exploded for six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Posse broke down and got "caught up in some extracurricular activities and started to fight among themselves," manager Kennard "Kirby" Callender noted.
The Marlins got their runs on a series of extra base hits in the inning. The Posse scored one run in the top of the fifth inning. With the score 7-2, the Posse rallied for three runs in the top of the six inning. The relentless Marlins quickly answered with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. The Posse tapped on two runs in the top of the seventh inning but it was too little too late.
Both teams had 12 hits and committed four errors. However, the Posse "made some errors, some costly errors," Marlins catcher Michael Bute said. "The Marlins made some errors to—just ours came at a better time" Bute added.
For the Marlins, Kwodwo Branningan and Sandino Brito each contributed two hits in three at bats. For the 'Posse Frankie Brathwaite was perfect at the plate with three hits in three at bats. Brathwaite's teammates, Arsenio Riveria and Kareem Thompson, each had two-for-three performances.
The Marlins take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. The series will be aired live on WVWI, Radio One, 1000 AM.
