Mellieha, Gozo share first two points

The Mellieha Northenders and Gozo Tornadoes shared the spoils in the opening two games of the Malta Championship Series, setting up a winner-takes-all final game this afternoon at Marsa.

Mellieha won game one yesterday week 11-7. Keith and Nicky Bartolo were again the backbone of this success. Keith Bartolo was superb at pitching and dominated Gozo hitters as the Northenders took an early lead and never looked back.

Gozo pitcher Charles Attard was somewhat unlucky as his team committed some uncharacteristic defensive errors, which allowed runs to score.

The Gozitans were quick out of the blocks in game two. Jeff Tabone pitched and struck out a play-offs record 15 batters in a 16-4 victory.

Nicky Bartolo also pitched well for Mellieha but suffered the same fate as Attard in the previous game as Mellieha's defence made numerous errors behind him. Ryan Yada led the way for Gozo with a devastating three-run triple. Mark Buttigieg added a two-run double as well.