The Smith Bay Posse regrouped themselves Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the championship round of the Donald O. Senthill Softball League at Emile Griffith Park. The Posse beat the Marlins both nights to even the series at two games apiece, with 11-9 scores each evening.
On Tuesday, the Posse got their first lead of the series with six runs in the top of the third inning. However, the relentless Marlins answered with four runs of their own to go back on top, 7-6. The Posse was not to be denied, however, as they tied the score with one run in the top of the fourth inning.
The Posse defense kicked into gear as they held the Marlins scoreless in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings. The Posse bats did answer with two runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings to retake the lead, 11-7. The Marlins responded with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but it was not enough.
Frankie Brathwaite emerged victorious for the Posse as Sandino Brito suffered the defeat for the Marlins. For the Posse, Kenneth "Cusu" Joseph was three for four, and Anson Larcheveaux was two for two. For the Marlins Miguel Guerreo was three for three with a solo home run in the sixth inning and Frankie Olea was two for three with a three-run homer in the third inning.
On Wednesday the Posse's defense was once again stellar as great defensive plays were made in the to keep the Marlins scoreless in the first two innings. Then the Posse quickly jumped out on top with two runs in the first and tagged on an additional three runs in the second inning. The Marlins bats came to life with three runs in the third inning and one additional run in the fourth inning to close the gap to one run, 5-4.
The Posse's offense once again rebounded with two runs in the fourth and four in the fifth innings. The Marlins were now down seven runs going into the top of the sixth inning. The Marlins then erupted for five runs, four of those scoring on a grand slam from Kacy Hendricks. This prompted the Posse's manager to remove starting pitcher Cyril Battiste and bring back Tuesday's winning pitcher Brathwaite. Brathwaite did just that as he got the Posse out of the inning and retired the side in the seventh inning.
Marlins pitcher Elvis Lewis picked up the lost. Battiste was rewarded with the victory as Brathwaite received a save. For the Marlins, Carlos David was three for three. For the Posse, Kirk Thomas was two for two.
The best of seven championship series is tied at 2-2. Game five of the championship series will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The series will be aired live on WVWI, Radio One, 1000 AM.
