March 19, 2007 — Dalton Benjamin pitched a one-hitter Sunday evening to propel the undefeated Nettles to a lopsided 11-1 victory over the Braves at the Renholt Jackson Sport Complex in Estate Whim.
Batting first, the Nettles got on the board right away, scoring one run off an RBI double off the bat of Stephan Walwyn. The Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when a runner on third scored on a passed ball. It would, however, be the only time the Braves would cross the plate for the rest of the game.
The Nettles then went on to score in all but one of the remaining innings. They took the lead for good in the top of the second, scoring one run on the first of two in-the-park home runs by NcKetney Riviere.
The Nettles added two more runs in the top of the third on a two-run home run by Walwyn to now lead 4-1. Riviere's second home run of the night, a two-run shot, and a passed ball accounted for three more Nettles runs to make it 7-1.
Although Nettles finally failed to score in the top of the fifth, they were back on the attack in the top of the sixth, scoring four unearned runs for the 11-1 final.
Benjamin got the victory for the Nettles, while Edalie Peters took the loss for the Braves.
Top hitters for the Nettles were Riviere (3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs) and Walwyn (2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs). For the Braves, Antonio Darraza was 1-for-3.
After seeing the talent that was on display in Plaskette West on Friday and Saturday, one can say that the little leaguers from the western side of the island are truly back and ready to seriously challenge the East for the right to represent the island. This is their third year back after a prolonged absence from the league, and after being manhandled by the East their first two seasons back, they now look to have the depth at pitching, hitting and defense to make a run at not only the St. Croix crown but the V.I. crown as well. All the pitchers on display for Sunday’s game were young flamethrowers. Between now and the East-West tournament, the West coaches will have to work with some of them on their control.
