By Matthew Lau/Red Sports

Irwan (ACSI #2) dives onto first base to spark a comeback for ACS(I). (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)

Irwan (ACSI #2) dives onto first base to spark a comeback for ACS(I). (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)

Bedok Green Secondary School, Friday, May 9, 2014 — A walk-off hit gave Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) [ACS(I)] a 6–5 victory over Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) and a place in the final of the National A Division Softball Championship.

HCI scored three runs in the first inning with Foo Say Kian (HCI #3) hitting a home run.

ACS(I) responded with David (ACSI #13) hitting a triple with two runners on base to score two runs, before returning home on a sacrificial fly by Ryota (ACSI #1) to tie the game at 3 apiece.

Both teams were unable to score in the 2nd inning.

In the third inning, HCI gained momentum when Chen Jun Wei (HCI #27) hit a double, and Lee Jun Ming (HCI #11) placed down a safety bunt. With two runners on base and two outs, Victor Wong (HCI #55) scored both runners on an infield single to give HCI a two-run, 5–3 lead.

Failing to capitalise on an error by HCI and an intentional walk, ACS(I) went down swinging as HCI was able to get Ryota (ACSI #1) out on a fly ball to right field.

ACS(I) came alive in the top of the fifth, getting through the inning without allowing a single HCI hit to get through the infield.

Irwan (ACSI #2) started off the bottom of the fifth diving into first base to spark a comeback for ACS(I).

After Niels (ACSI #27) was struck out for the first out of the inning, and with a runner on first, Benjamin (ACSI #25) hit to the shortstop, but was safe on a fielder’s choice.

One down with two runners on base, Jerel (ACSI #17) hit one to the HCI shortstop who fumbled to load the bases.

With the bases loaded with one down and a two-run deficit, David (ACSI #13) hit a double to allow Irwan (ACSI #2) and Benjamin (ACSI #25) to score and tie the game at 5–5.

HCI issued an intentional walk to Ryota (ACSI #1). With runners on the corners and the winning run on third base, Enoch (ACSI #37) hit one to the shortstop. As the throw home was off, Jerel (ACSI #17) came in to score the winning run.

ACS(I) captain, Jerel (#17), said, “It all came down to team spirit and self-belief that allowed us to pulled us through. We were able to come together and show them what we were made off. HCI were good. They were a worthy opponent.”

Enoch (ACSI #37), who hit in the winning run, said, “I’m happy that I was able to contribute to the team. It’s not about myself. It was about the team.”

HCI captain, Foo Say Kian (#3), said, “It was a decent game. Good job to ACS(I) for making a comeback so late in the game.”

ACS(I) are through to the final against Raffles Institution. The game will be played on May 14, 3 p.m., at Bedok Green Secondary.

HCI finished the season in third place.

Scorers
ACS(I)
Benjamin – 2
Jerel – 2
David – 1
Irwan – 1

HCI
Foo Say Kian – 1 (Home run)
Chan Jun Wei – 2
Lee Jun Ming – 2

Score By Inning
ACS(I) vs HCI
1st Inning: 3-3
2nd Inning: 3-3
3rd Inning: 3-5
4th Inning: 3-5
5th Inning: 6-5

ACS(I) Roster
Benjamin Lim (#25), Niels (#27), Jerel (#17), Ryota (#1), David (#13), Enoch (#37), Joseph (#23), Irwan (#2), Jonathan (#12), Takatsune (#60), Jeng Liong (#77), Rakesh (#91), Kelvin (#9), Keith (#28), Marc (#11)

HCI Roster
Wayne Toh (#31), Nicholas Tan (#24), Foo Say Kian (#3), Chen Jun Wei (#27), Lee Jun Ming (#11), Gary Liu (#9), Victor Wong (#55), Jaron Chong (#5), Lee Wei Fan (#1), Quek Yue Heng (#51), Gordon (#23), Yeo Feng Rui (#35), Tan Chuan Xin (#15), Kean (#48) Gregory Tan (#15)

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