By Andy Bader
The Shakespeare Falcons used balanced offense and some outstanding pitching by ace Fred Follings to capture their first-ever South Perth Men’s Fastball League championship this past weekend in Mitchell.
The sixth-seed during the regular season in the 12-team league, the Falcons won by mercy rule their three opening games over Linwood, regular season pennant-winners Wellington and the Kitchener Cubs. In the undefeated game Sunday morning, the Falcons took advantage of some early sloppy play by the defending league champs from Elmira and won 4-1 to give them a berth in the final where they would have to be beat twice in the double-knockout tournament.
Wellington rallied up the loser’s bracket to advance to the final, with ace Todd Uhrig pitching despite a nagging foot injury, challenging Follings pitch by pitch. The clubs were deadlocked 1-1 after six before the Falcons scored two runs in the top of the seventh, the key blow an RBI-triple by Rob Faulhafer, to win 3-1 Reliever Luke Raymer shut the door the final two innings for the win, but Follings was recognized for his efficiency in being named the tournament top pitcher.
The balanced offense was led by second baseman Jamie Wicke, who was red-hot all weekend. Click here to continue reading.