It’s tough to win when the opposition hits RBI-singles with two outs. The Malakoff Tigers did just that, repeatedly, last Tuesday when they came to Mineola and shut-out the Yellowjackets, 5-0.

In the first, it was a clean single lined to right which scored a runner from third.

In the second, it was a ball hit to shallow right which scored a runner from second.

In the third, it was two singles, each stroked to right field, which drove home two runs.

And in the fourth it was a single to center which scored a runner from second. 

Four of the five Malakoff runs were scored with two outs. That is timely hitting.

The Tigers racked up 11 hits, spread throughout the line-up. While Malakoff was generating baserunners, the Jackets were struggling at the plate, managing only three base hits – all through the infield. When they did hit the ball solidly, it was directly at a Malakoff fielder.   

The Jackets had four baserunners through five innings and mounted only one significant rally. In the sixth, Lawson Ollive led off and sent the first pitch through the left side for a base hit. He took second on a wild pitch and third on a fielder’s choice. Malakoff issued two free passes to load the bases with two away. The next hitter went down swinging and the rally died.

Defensively, the Jackets fought hard to keep the score within reach. They put out two baserunners at second base and one at third to limit the damage. Matthew Ballew picked a runner off second base with an excellent move off the mound and a perfect throw to the bag.

There were some defensive miscues as well. A pop up was misplayed in the in field. A throw to the plate was dropped on a close play. A dual run-down resulted in the advancement of a Malakoff runner to third when the Jackets could not finish the throw and tag.

Defense, however, doesn’t win baseball, a team has to score runs. On this night, Malakoff did and the Jackets did not.

Beckham Bowker continued solid play in centerfield, making two catches, including an ankle-top catch on the run.

The Jackets last home game of the season is Tuesday, April 21 as they host Eustace.