The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Atlantis Titans solidified third place in the men’s division, while the Sunshine Auto Wildcats wrapped up another ladies’ pennant on Saturday as the New Providence Softball Association completed its regular season and now prepares for the playoffs this weekend.

The Titans pulled off a 12-10 victory over the Chances Mighty Mitts to improve their win-loss record to 4-7 for third place behind the front-running defending champions C&S Hitmen (10-1) and second place Marlins (10-2).

Chances Mighty Mitts nipped the Renegades 11-10 on Sunday night to finish in fourth at 3-8 and will face the Hitmen in the playoffs. The Renegades have been eliminated with a 1-10 record in fifth place. Although they didn’t play because of a defaulted win over the Johnson Lady Truckers, the Wildcats moved to 8-3, but the game was played under protest with the outcome deciding on their close race with the RAB Operators, who are 9-3.

The Johnson Lady Truckers, who out-slugged the Black Scorpions 17-14 in Sunday’s ladies’ opener, are now tied with the University of the Bahamas Mingoes at 5-6. The Black Scorpions have been eliminated at 1-10.

In other games played over the weekend, the Marlins out-slugged the Renegades 20-12 on the men’s side, while in a pair of ladies’ games, the University of the Bahamas Mingoes knocked off the Black Scorpions 14-2 and the Operators routed the Black Scorpions 14-1.

Titans 12, Mighty Mitts 10: Veteran left fielder Windsor Bethel enjoyed a 3-for-4 night with four runs batted in, including a three-run double in a three-run sixth inning to seal the deal for Atlantis.

First baseman Marino Cartwright was a perfect 3-for-3 with a RBI and four runs scored, second baseman Andre Gardiner Jr was 1-for-4 with two runs scored, centre fielder Anthony Fowler Jr was 1-for-4 with a RBI and Angelo Dillet, who ended up pitching, was 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored. “We had a little rough start and that allowed them to get into the game, but in the end, we held strong and pushed through and did what we had to do,” Dillet said. “This was a very important game for us because we didn’t want to finish in the fourth spot. “We now face the Marlins. It’s going to be a physical series, but we just have to tighten up things a bit and play our mental game. Anything could happen between the lines, but we have a very good chance once we get the right nine on the field.”

Stephan McKenzie went 4-for-4 with a RBI and three runs, left fielder Juniel Bain was 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored, first baseman Christopher McPhee was 3-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored and right fielder Christopher Wright was 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

While they waited for the outcome of Saturday’s game, the Wildcats enjoyed a festive night, celebrating the 80th birthday of their sponsor, Deanza ‘Sunny’ Cox.

“We had a lot of injuries, but everybody is now back,” said Wildcats’ manager Anthony Bullard. “Now that we have all of our starters back, we could go even further in our bid to win another championship title. Everybody knows their role and if the starters are not there on time, we have sufficient players to pick up the slack.”

The Wildcats won three pennant and championships back-to-back before the pandemic hit in 2020.

Looking at the return of the league this year, the first full season since they enjoyed their winning streak, Bullard said they have to be concerned about every team they play, but they know their opponents are just as concerned about them.

Mingoes 14, Black Scorpions 2: Breanna Hield, who gave up four hits with four strike outs, went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored to pace the University of the Bahamas in their win on Friday night.

Catcher Nabria Hamilton was 2-for-3 with three runs, shortstop Adonya Rolle was 1-for-3 with two runs and first sacker Sophia Cartwright was 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored to help out in the win as they produced 11 runs in the first inning to blow the game open.

First sacker Akia Rolle was 2-for-2 with two RBI, third sacker Therell McKenzie was 1-for-2 with a run scored and Vashauna Bastian was 1-for-2 with a RBI for the Black Scorpions. Nacara Gilbert suffered the loss on 11 hits with a strike out.

Marlins 20, Renegades 12: Centre fielder Angelo Watson went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored to earn the MVP honours for Sigma. Pitcher Thomas Davis, playing first base, went 2-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored, Eugene Pratt was 1-for-4 with a RBI and three runs scored, Stephen Russell was 1-for-1 with two RBI and five runs scored, Winston Seymour was 1-for-4 with two runs scored, Kristan Collie was 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored and Ellis Adderley was 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored.

Deon Whyte came in relief for Dwayne Dean for the win for the Marlins. Nathan Darling was tagged with the loss.

Amahj McPhee was 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored, Dylan Culmer was 2-for-2 with four RBI and two runs scored, Charles Major was 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored and Christopher Jennings was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Operators 14, Black Scorpions 1: Third sacker Latoya Jackson enjoyed a perfect 3-for-3 night with four RBI and three runs in their win on Thursday as they scored five runs in the first, six in the second and three in the third.

Catcher Brianna Knowles was also perfect at 2-for-2 with three RBI and a run scored, second sacker Katrel Dorsette was 1-for-1 with two RBI and a run scored and winning pitcher Brendia Ferguson fired a one hitter with eight strike outs in their abbreviated victory.

Second sacker Therell McKenzie got the only hit for the Black Scorpions, whose Nacara Gilbert gave up 11 hits with s strike out in a losing effort.