Musketeers fire up with fighting spirit
A COACH'S rev-up, knowledge of local conditions and a batting blast gave Ipswich Musketeers a much-needed series victory at Tivoli yesterday.
Trailing 9-4 at the bottom of the seventh innings, Musketeers pitcher Greg Suthers fired up his team which responded with 10 runs in one dig.
The dramatic turnaround gave Musketeers a 14-9 win over Narangba in the Greater Brisbane League competition.
After Musketeers held out Narangba 10-9 on Friday night, Suthers was heartened to see some fighting spirit.
"It's been very tough the last couple of weeks and the boys needed a win," Suthers said.
However, the experienced campaigner had to rev up his charges after a series of errors yesterday.
"We didn't go so well early. A couple of mistakes and all of a sudden they get six runs and punch out in front of us," the former national league pitcher said.
"I actually blew up, which is unlike me.
"It was just mental mistakes.
"It was hot but it's hot for everyone."
Suthers said his team capitalised on the afternoon conditions at their home ground.
"The wind changed here and to our advantage, we kept on hitting the ball hard," he said.
"On this top field, normally the wind will blow out in the afternoon. It normally suits the A-grade and more so the left-handers.
"We got a couple over their heads and the boys ran the bases well."
Adam Bramwell scored three RBIs, assisted by his brother Rhett with two.
However, all Musketeers' bats contributed in the late resurgence.
"That's what you want them to do," Suthers said. "You want the guys to keep on hitting.
"If you make any mistakes when you're batting, you adjust."
Right-handed Suthers' three innings conceded six runs yesterday after Gregg Ellis started on the mound (three runs from his three innings).
With his team in front, Suthers worked hard to shut down Narangba late in the game. The 45-year-old wrapped up the win with a strikeout.
"The bye (last weekend) helped me. I'm old," Suthers laughed.
"Having a bye helped the other boys focus on where we are at.
"We lost a couple of games we shouldn't have, (they thought) 'let's get it together'."
Yesterday's win completed Musketeers' first double of the new season.
Musketeers have three wins from eight games.
The seventh-placed Ipswich side play Surfers Paradise at home on Friday night and Sunday.
With Surfers below Ipswich on the table, Suthers hopes yesterday's comeback lays a foundation for more tenacious wins.
"If we can come away with two wins against them next weekend, we'll almost be at 500 again (and back in touch)," he said.
