Crunch time for baseball top two

THE Rex Airlines FNC Major League baseball minor premiership may be decided by the double-header today between competition frontrunners Norths and Easts Redbirds.

Norths’ competition lead has been whittled away in recent weeks.

Redbirds, meanwhile, have made their move with wins over Norths and Workers and, last weekend, Brothers.

Double-headers usually challenge teams’ depth on the mound, but this weekend both clubs have strong pitching stocks.

Norths have by far the hardest pitchers in the league, with Clint McCarthy, Dan Muggleton and Jason Britt able to serve up solid fast balls and Paul Simes able to work the zone.

Redbirds have their own game winner in Nick Shailes, who is back for a full season after jetsetting around the world with representative softball commitments.

Shailes has masterful command of his off-speed pitches and for those who are looking for the fast ball, his junk will catch many a batter in an ugly swing.

Peter and Steven Best, Luke Davis, Robbie Pruess, Mick Munro and Jack Jeffery provide the back-up.

In the other game today, Brothers take on a Workers side keen to rekindle some pride after losing to Brothers earlier this month.