NLB Game 18, Aug. 12, 01
HEL
24| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helvetics | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 24 | 16 | 6 |
| Challengers | 5 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 16 | 8 |
| W: RWicki L: Schaub | ||||||||||
CHA
16Challengers blow 9-run lead, lose 11th in a row
The Challengers were as close to breaking their losing streak as never before, but again failed in the late innings, handing the Uzwil Helvetics an easy 24-16 win.The Challengers scored 13 runs off starter Wicki in the first two innings, and Challenger starter Orlando Balbuena pitched well enough in the first three innings to put his team in a winning situation.
The Challengers' offense came alive in the second inning for the first time this season as they combined for seven hits, scoring eight times.
And the Helvetics nevertheless stuck with their starter. And it was a good decision as Wicki allowed just three more runs in the final five innings.
Meanwhile, the Helvetics came within 14-9 before exploding for nine runs off relievers Willy Schaub and Oliver Deck for a convincing 18-14 lead.
The game showed what the Challengers need to work on if they want to be successful next season: pitching, catching, defense and hitting ... the whole package.