CLOSE games were played out in round three of the Mount Gambier and District baseball competition on the weekend.
In the early game on Saturday, Central was victorious over an improved Tigers outfit.
Central was on the board first, with two runs in the top of the second inning.
Dylan Chuck and Brock Keding both singled, then scored on Brad Lynagh’s hit into left-field.
They added two more in the top of the third when an Alex Ridding safe hit saw him on board and Kyall McClean found himself at first base, then advanced off a wild throw on a fielder’s choice.
Both scored on Nathan Meinck’s single to right field.
Tigers started its fight back when Brayden Morton hit safely to centre field and scored on Blake Lentsment’s double to right field.
They added two more in the bottom of the fourth, as Jesse Foster singled and scored on Garth Ransom’s double, who crossed home on Dyllan Lane’s two bagger to right field.
But from there the Central defence managed to close out the rally.
In the top of the eighth Chuck hit safely and touched home on Koby Chant’s infield hit for an out.
The Central fielders closed out the game to take the win five runs to three.
Central had eight safe hits, one base on ball, one hit batter, five strike-outs, made two errors and left six runners on base.
Tigers recorded seven safe hits, three base on ball, six strike-outs, made two errors and left six runners on base.
South Indians prevailed over Federal by a solitary run in the late game on Saturday.
Federal scored first when Kane McMillan walked and was punched home by Wade Chant’s hit to left field.
The Indians tied the game up in the same inning after Ben Nash also drew a walk and was batted in by Dean Hamilton’s safe hit to centre field.
They added to their score in the fourth.
Jesse Balshaw hit safely to centre field and touched home after a wild throw from the Federal second sacker.
Federal tied the game up once more in the fifth after McMillan’s hit was errored by shortstop and he then crossed home on Alex Reppin’s sacrifice fly to left field.
They added two more in the sixth.
Alex Pearson picked a walk and scored on McMillan’s hit to right-field.
South hit back in the bottom of the seventh with two out.
Ryan Placucci singled to left field, then Nash hit into an error at shortstop which saw Placucci cross home.
Nash scored on Bruce Morale’s double to left field to tie the game.
The Indians scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth after Placucci found himself on board when his flyball was grassed by the Federal shortstop and touched the plate on a passed ball by the Demons catcher to give the Indians a five to four victory.
South had nine safe hits, three base on ball, nine strikeouts, made four errors and left eight runners on base.
Federal had 10 safe hits, two base on ball, nine strikeouts, made five errors and left 11 runners on base.
