FAST BALL: Commando Security Truckers Terrance Culmer delivers a pitch to a Freedom Farm Horsemen player Saturday night at Banker s Field. The Truckers won 15-11.

Published On:Wednesday, September 01, 2010

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Y-II Shipping New Breed turned in another fantastic performance at the Banker's Field, Baillou Hills Sporting complex, on Monday night.

New Breed blasted the Freedom Farm Horsemen 11-3 in five innings to continue their climb in the men's standings of the New Providence Softball Association (NPSA).

Catcher Garfield Bethel led the attack with a 2-for-3 production, including a towering two-run home run that cemented Y-II Shipping's lead in the marquee game of the night.

"I felt we were more prepared for this game. Everyone seemed to be a bit more focused because it's winding down to the playoffs and we're trying to tighten up on our defense and offense," Bethel pointed out.

"Our pitcher pitched exceptionally well. I have to give it to him. This is only the beginning of what is expected to come from our team as the season starts to wind down."

Bethel was referring to ace pitcher Eugene Pratt, who fired a four-hitter, striking out three in securing the win for New Breed. With the win, they remain in third place in the standings at 10-2.

Defending champions Commando Security Truckers are still out front at 11-1, followed closely by the Dorin United Hitmen at 10-1.

With the loss, Freedom Farm dropped to 6-4, but they are still in fourth place.

In the earlier game played, the T&C Outlaws welcomed the return of pitcher Herman Bethel to their line-up as they knocked off the hapless Mighty Mitts 12-4.

The Outlaws drew closer to a playoff berth as they pushed their fifth place record to 7-5, while the Mighty Mitts continue as they remain winless at the bottom of the pile at 0-13.

Here's a summary of the double header played:

New Breed 11, Horsemen 3

Trailing 2-1 going into the bottom of the second, Y-II Shipping got a single from Greg Gardiner and with two out, Greg Burrows Jr was charged with a fielding error that put Lavaughn Ferguson on base.

Burrows Jr was then credited with a throwing error that enabled both Gardiner and Ferguson to score as New Breed went up for good 3-2.

They extended the margin to 5-2 in the third, thanks to Bethel's homer that drove in Ken Wood Jr, who opened the frame on a single.

"I'm only trying to make good contact. That's all it is, good contact," said Bethel, who has been hitting the long ball consistently this season.

Not yet finished with their celebrations, Y-II Shipping continued their onslaught by scoring six more runs on six hits in the fourth, highlighted by a RBI single from Ferguson and two out back-to-back run-producing singles from Jordan Gibson and Gardiner.

After helping to score their first two runs in the second on a RBI single, Devaughn Wong led off the fifth with a walk, stole second and caught a ride home on Godfrey Burnside Jr's RBI double.

While Pratt got another win on the mound, Leroy Thompson was tagged with the loss on nine hits with two strike outs. He was also called for a couple of illegal pitches by plate umpire Anthony 'Rakes' Bowe.

Outlaws 12, Mighty Mitts 4

Just when the playoffs start to heat up, the Outlaws made a key adjustment to their line-up by breaking Herman Bethel out of retirement.

Bethel, who hasn't pitched in more than two years, was quite impressive as he spun a four-hitter and struck out eight to seal the win over Adderick John on the mound.

"It was good to be back. I struggled a bit, but I will get it together," Bethel stressed. "I came to help them out. They told me they needed the help, so I'm here to help them out. They're my home boys."

The Outlaws, with a lot of affiliation from Bethel's native Eleuthera island, got a 4-for-5 night from Kito Johnson, who doubled, tripled, drove in a run and scored twice.

Demont Charlow was 2-for-4 with a home run as he ended up with two RBI and two runs scored. Hosea Hilton also homered in his 1-for-4 outing and finished with a RBI and two runs scored.

Both homers from Charlow and Hilton came in the top of the seventh when the Outlaws exploded for six runs on seven hits to close out the game.

Christopher McPhee went 2-for-3 with a homer, driving in two and scoring as many runs.

Note: NPSA action is expected to continue on Thursday with a double header before the exhibition pre-All-Star Legends versus Executives game is played Friday and the women's and men's All-Star Classic on Saturday.

Thursday's schedule

7pm - Delo Sol Arawaks vs Y-II Shipping New Breed

8:30pm - Black Scorpions vs Proper Care Pool Lady Sharks

Friday's schedule

6:30pm - Legends vs Executives All-Stars

7pm - Bommer G Operators vs Proper Care Pool Lady Sharks

8:30pm - Mighty Mitts vs Del Sol Arawaks

Saturday's schedule

7pm - Women's All-Star game

8:30pm - Men's All-Star game

Team standings after Monday's double header are shown above...