SOFTBALL

National ‘B’ Division Boys Semi-Finals
Catholic High School vs Peicai Secondary School
Monday, 16 April 2007, at Kallang Softball Pitch

Story and pictures by Mr Bernard Han, a teacher from Catholic High. Thanks, Bernard!

"Pitch by pitch, inning by inning."

Those were the words that were echoed throughout the semi-final match against Peicai Secondary. For any team to be able to reach this far, they should not be underestimated. Down inside however, the boys were confident. After all, they have played this match earlier on Saturday, only to have it called off in the third inning due to bad weather conditions.

Peicai’s batter eyes the ball well while Des (11) warms up for his turn. © Bernard Han

The game began on a clean slate on a sunny Monday morning and Catholic High were to bat first. Benjamin (8) showed what it is like to lead as a captain by hitting to the outfield and getting himself safe onto third base. However, the next two batters, Leo (14) and Poon (91) were struck out uncharacteristically. Wai Kuong (3) was next to step up, and a poor pitch saw Benjamin stealing home to score the first run. At the next pitch, Wai Kuong (3) made good contact, but the ball hit the Peicai pitcher’s hand which was still in the air after the release. A time out was called to attend to the injury, but he was unable to carry on and had to be substituted by Yao (33). When play resumed, Catholic High’s Yiming (12) was caught out at first and it was Peicai’s turn to bat. It was a quick affair as Peicai’s first two batters were caught out, courtesy of good catches by Yiming (12). Catholic High ended the first inning leading 1-0.

Leo (14) winds up for a pitch. © Bernard Han

The quality of the Catholic High team showed when their eighth batter, Kun Seng (49) managed to get himself on base, and Elphin (24) made a good hit to send Kun Seng (49) home. Subsequently, Elphin (24), Benjamin (8) and Leo (14) scored runs as the catcher made several mistakes. Following the changeover, a combination of good plays by Benjamin (8) and Wai Kuong (3), Leo (14) and Hamin (55) ended the second inning by keeping Peicai scoreless.

The third inning was completed in a jiffy as both teams were held to zero runs. Catholic High were unable to get proper hits, but at the same time, they fielded outstandingly well to put out Peicai’s batters one by one. 

Catholic High’s inability to connect with the pitches resulted in no change in the scores in the fourth inning. Des (11) from Peicai Secondary made his way back to the home plate to score Peicai’s first run after Catholic High’s Poon (91) failed to catch the pitch. Peicai’s Andy (8) and Jordan (15) did not make it to the first base though, and the score was 5-2 at the changeover.

Wai Kuong (3) catches a throw at first base to put out another runner. © Bernard Han

It was the final inning and the boys have been waiting so long for this moment. They knew that they had to chalk up more runs to prevent any chances of Peicai mounting a late comeback. Fortunately, they managed to secure two more points to lead 7-2. The lead was by no means comfortable. All that was left to finish off the job was to hold Peicai for their final turn at bat.

Peicai’s C.Ming (63) was next to bat, but he did not make it to the first base as the ball reached Wai Kuong (3) before him. It was the same case for Peicai’s Ivan (50). Peicai now faced a tall order to overturn the scores with two batters already out. Peicai’s Wei Ann (54) connected on his third strike to send the ball outfield, but the quick reactions of Joshua (28) and Benjamin (8) restricted Wei Ann (54) to first base.

Yao (33) returns the favour to Catholic High. © Bernard Han

Jeerui (5), one of the best batters in the Peicai team, looked to be their only hope of turning the game around. It was now a personal duel between Leo (14), the pitcher from Catholic High, and him. Both players matched each other’s nerves at the home plate to bring the count to 2 balls and 2 strikes. At the next pitch, Jeerui (5) geared up for the swing and there was a moment of silence as the ball flew towards him. The next sound that was heard was from the padded gloves of Poon (91), the catcher. The umpire raised his hand and shouted, "Strike!"

Hugs and handshakes were exchanged as the boys cheered in jubilation. They had done it! They have made it to the finals!

During the post-match debrief, there were happy tears because the boys’ knew their efforts did not go to waste. All the tough training sessions they had paid off. And with a squad of only 9 players and no reserves, the boys had every reason to be proud of themselves. They will meet ACS(I) on Wednesday for the final showdown!

Wai Kuong (3) hits hard to get on base. © Bernard Han