Hard-fought win takes Challengers almost four hours

It took the Challengers and the Zurich Lions 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete a seven inning game that saw the Challengers come out as 17-12 winners.

	Chris Hardy had a game-high four hits, scored three runs and also collected three RBI's.

The Challengers scored nine times before they even took the field for the first time that day.

They sent 15 batters to the plate against starter Urs Köstinger who gave up eight hits and one base-on-balls in the opening inning.

That was pretty much enough, as the Lions managed to nibble at the Challengers lead, but never managed to get within striking distance.

Starter Willy Schaub lasted four innings, giving up seven runs - one of them unearned - on five hits and nine walks while also striking out seven.

Reliever Orlando Balbuena was credited with his third win of the year as he pitched the final three innings.

Chris Hardy again provided the offensive fireworks, collecting a season-high four hits - three of them doubles - scoring three times and also getting a season-high three RBI's.

Game notes
Balbuena's win was his third consecutive win of the Promotion Round, giving him a career-best 3-1 record.