Wings split with Rays

A rare sunny day in Newcastle set the stage for another thrilling NEBL doubleheader as the Nighthawks' own Wings welcomed the Edinburgh Rays to Gosforth.

Game 1 featured the battery of 20-year-old pitcher Zach Lau and catcher Richard Wilson. Despite a shaky defensive start that allowed the Rays to score three runs in the first inning, the Wings quickly regrouped. After the Rays sent their first nine batters to the plate, they were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Wings showcased discipline at the plate, with Rook and Ellett drawing walks. Rook swiftly advanced to third base on subsequent pitches and scored on a passed ball, putting the Wings on the board. A Martinez double drove in Ellett, and Martinez capitalized on another passed ball to tie the game. The Wings tacked on two more runs before the inning ended.

Lau dominated the rest of the game, limiting the Rays to no more than four batters per inning. The Wings added four more runs before the final inning, which concluded with two fly outs caught by Barker-Wyatt and Rook, respectively. Luke Ellett made a diving stop at second base, firing the game-winning out to Peniche at first, sealing a solid victory for the Wings.

Game 2 saw five changes to the Wings' lineup, with Alex Winter taking the mound and Lau behind the plate. The Wings' defence ensured a scoreless top of the first inning. The Rays struggled on the mound, allowing four of the six Wings' batters to reach base via walks. Winter and Lau both crossed home plate, giving the Wings an early 2-0 lead. The Rays responded in the second inning with two runs to tie the game, but the Wings answered with four more runs to establish a cushion.

Heading into the top of the fourth inning, the Wings led 7-3. As Winter tired and the bases loaded, a pitching change was made, but the Rays managed to score three runs. With less than five minutes left before no new inning could start, the Wings needed to run down the clock. However, a lapse in focus led to a pick-off at first base, followed by two quick fly outs.

Energised, the Rays dominated the top of the fifth inning, scoring six runs to take a 12-7 lead. The Wings' lower half of the order managed to add one more run, but the Rays ultimately emerged victorious with a 12-8 win.

The Wings move to 8-4 and 2 games back behind league leaders and fellow Nighthawks team, Talons on 11-3