THE GOZO TORNADOES OFFICIAL WEBSITE ARCHIVES PAGE : APRIL - JUNE 2002

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS 25/04/02

Pembroke... 5

Gozo……… 6

Pembroke coach Mario Debono has been known to work magic in the past. In just three short seasons as coach of the Gozo Tornadoes, Debono took a young inexperienced team just entering the league and molded them into national league champions. Now after just six games this season of coaching a club, which previously had four consecutive disastrous seasons, it would appear that Debono is again casting those magic spells.

Pembroke’s current last place position in the standings at 1 – 5, does not appear to be an impressive credential for the Pembroke coach by any means but the teams on field accomplishments in those few games are turning the heads of many in the opposition. The latest result against first place Gozo was no exception. Pembroke led the game 5 – 4 after their half of the 5^th inning thanks in part to a strong defense. Highlighting the defense were, Borce Gvozdic who robbed several players of extra base hits with incredible stops at thirdbase and then there was the tireless pitching performance from Nemanja Orlie who succeded in keeping the ball on the ground. Gozo, ever relentless in run scoring, scored 2 runs in their half of the 5^th inning to take the lead 6-5. Despite another late game rally by Pembroke in the final inning, Gozo secured the lead for the win. Threats like this were never in Pembroke’s arsenal before this season. Now the league eagerly awaits the second half to see what the Pembroke coach will conjure up. Will it be illusion or the real thing?

MABS - PR

TORNADOES WIN A TOUGH GAME TO END THE FIRST ROUND 22/04/02

The Gozo Tornadoes found themselves playing against a great defensive Pembroke team. Mario Debono and the rest of the team took away several line-drive hits into the outfield and also had a decent pitching performance out of Nemanja Orlie. This was the first time that Pembroke suffered a minimum of five runs, and was winning the game until the bottom of the 5th. Starting on the mound for Gozo was Charles Attard who went on to a superb start, shutting down the Torpedoes in the first and second inning, but after a 1-2-3 inning for Orlie in the bottom of the second, Attard went out on the mound and walked several batters to earn his first runs of the game. Gozo's defense wasn't helping Attard either, as several errors made it harder for Attard to get out of the jam. Attard gave up the ball with the bases loaded to Jeff Tabone after pitching 4 1/3 innings, but Tabone gave the lead to Pembroke after walking two batters. In the bottom of the 5th, Attard tied the game by driving Don Drolet with an infield hit, and later, the same Attard came in to score to regain the lead for Gozo. In the top of the 6th, Jeff Tabone found himself again in trouble, having two runners in scoring position and with one out, but Tabone got out of that solution and earned his third win of the season, giving him a sole lead in the wins category. Gozo will now start the 2nd round next Saturday against the Gzira Mustangs. Trevor Shaw's report of the game will be posted on this page later on this week.

TORNADOES WIN FIRST ROUND, QUALIFY TO SECOND STRAIGHT NL SERIES 19/04/02

All-star pitcher Jeff Tabone struck out 13 Northenders to earn his second win of the season. Thanks to Tabone's hot pitching, the Gozo Tornadoes qualified to the National League Championship Series for the second time in just four seasons. The game was a hot pitching duel between Tabone and brothers Nicky and Keith Bartolo, making it hard for both teams to score. Catcher Steve Ellis showed another fine performance, thanks to his defensive efforts behind the plate. Coach Denis Roberts had to do without right fielder Chuckie Tabone, but his talented Tornadoes still managed to secure their place to the finals. Now the Gozo Tornadoes will now face the Pembroke Torpedoes for the last game of the first round.

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS 19/04/02

Gozo 5, Mellieha 3

Jeff Tabone was in top form on the pitching mound once again, this time striking out 13 Mellieha Northenders, walking 3 and giving up just 3 runs over 6 innings. Tabone helped his own cause in the third inning with the bat as well when he drilled a pitch for a 2 run double adding insurance to the lead. . With the win, Gozo clinched a playoff spot in the June national championship. Gozo has been blessed with fine pitching from its entire staff all season and is the leading factor in achieving their position at the top of the standings today. Tabone in particular leads the league in earned run average for starters (1.67) and has been on a strikeout tear this season, tallying 41 strikeouts in just 18 innings of work. Second starting pitcher Charles Attard is third in the league in both the strikeout and earned run average category for a starter.

Pembroke 6, Gzira 16

Gzira and Mellieha finish the first half tied for second place after Gzira handed the Pembroke Torpedoes another lop-sided loss, this time 16 – 6. Mustang pitcher Patrick Pace held Pembroke scoreless with just one hit going into the 4^th inning until Antoine Debono put the Torpedoes on the scoreboard with a run scoring double. Pace also contributed offensively for the Mustangs by hitting a mammoth 3 run home run over the leftfield fence in the first inning. Pembroke capitalized on a run scoring opportunity in the 6^th inning against Mustang pitcher Daniel Swift. Swift quickly gave up 4 runs due to wildness before the defense closed the door with a game ending double play. Both teams look to be the favorite in leading the second half for a playoff spot against Gozo.

MABS - PR

IMPORTANT GAME FOR THE TORNADOES 13/04/02

The Gozo Tornadoes will face the Mellieha Northenders tomorrow afternoon, trying to make up for their last two defeats against Keith Bartolo's young talented team. Gozo will not only try to make up for those heavy defeats, but they'll also try to make it to their second straight finals. A win over Mellieha tomorrow means that Gozo win the first round and qualify automatically to the National League Championship Series.

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS 11/04/02

Gozo 18, Pembroke 6

Gozo starter Charles Attard fanned 9 Pembroke Torpedoes and first baseman Don Drolet went 3 for 4 with a homerun and a double to help lead the visiting Gozo team in an 18 – 6 crushing of last place Pembroke. Falling behind in the early innings, Attard, recovered from shakiness, which led to eight base on balls, and quickly struck out the side in both the third and fifth innings. Offensively, Gozo batted around for a team average of .438 against a tired Pembroke staff that surrendered 13 hits and 8 walks. In addition to Drolet’s offensive numbers, the returning Silvio Sultana went 3 for 4 with a homerun and Steve Ellis knocked in 4 runs to lead the attack. With the win, Gozo now holds sole possession of 1^st place, a slim half a game ahead of Mellieha.

Mellieha 8, Gzira 10

Mellieha fell to second place after losing a nail biter to the Gzira Mustangs 10 – 8. Gzira pitcher Patrick Pace went the distance for one of his finer performances in recent outings. Pace struck out 8 and walked none to earn his second win of the season. A shaky Mustang defense nearly ruined the performance as it allowed half the Northender run total to reach base on error. It settled down after a few innings and allowed Pace to concentrate on his pitching. On the offensive side, the quick bat of rookie Mustang catcher Henric Niememen is fast showing signs of being a lethal threat around the league. Niememen cleared the fences for his first homerun of the season to give the Mustangs a short 2 – 0 lead. Losing the lead and trailing Mellieha 7 – 3 in the third inning, Gzira rallied with RBI doubles off the bats of shortstop Trevor Shaw and Patrick Pace to help take a 10 – 7 lead. Gzira held Mellieha to just 1 run over the final 3 innings for the 10 – 8 victory.

MABS - PR

FIRST HOMERUNS FOR GOZO, CHARLES ATTARD WINS SECOND OF THE SEASON 11/04/02

Don Drolet hit a long two-run homer in the first while Silvio Sultana smacked an inside-the-park homerun to help the Gozo Tornadoes to re-obtain first place. Charles Attard pitched his longest game of his career, going five innings, striking out nine (personal best in league) and struck out the side twice (3rd and 5th inning). Making his official pitching debut was Mark Buttigieg, earning one run in the 6th, and striking out one. Another player who shone throughout the game was catcher Steve Ellis, who handled pitcher Attard very well and also went 2 for 4. Now, Gozo need to beat Mellieha next Sunday, to secure their place in the National League Championship Series for the second straight time.

GOZO VS PEMBROKE: MARIO DEBONO'S FIRST GAME AGAINST GOZO 06/04/02

Tomorrow, the Gozo Tornadoes will play the Pembroke Torpedoes at the Marsa Baseball Field. This will be the first time that former coach Mario Debono will face Gozo. Mario Debono played for three seasons in Gozo, winning the Maltese Championship last year, thanks to his 3 for 5 and his excellent catching skills.

OPENING DAY FOR THE GOZO THUNDERS 06/04/02

The Gozo Thunders will face the Skolasport Giants tomorrow for the Little League's Opening Day. Gozo, after their fine results vs Mellieha, will try their best to repeat the same performance and try also to win the game. We'll post a report about the game as soon as possible.

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS (30-05-2002)

GOZO…………4

PEMBROKE….12

Encouraged by the good fortune that mid-season acquisition Jonathon Nery has brought to the team, the Pembroke Torpedoes have instantly established themselves from a bottom of the league pushover to a legitimate threat equal to the competition found around the rest of the league. Center fielder Nery’s on-field confidence, slick fielding and quick bat seem to have impressed his teammates so much that everyone is playing a step above his usual performance. This was apparent against Gozo on Sunday as the Torpedoes quickly buried Gozo by a score of 12 to 4. It was Pembroke’s first defeat of Gozo since they started the league 4 years ago and it also marked the Torpedoes first 2 game win streak.

Winning pitcher Antoine Debono was amazing as he held the Gozo team to just 5 hits and 2 earned runs over 5 innings of work. He retired the side in order with 3 consecutive outs in the 1^st, 4^th and 5^th innings while his defense committed just 2 errors in the game. On the offensive side, Nery hit 2 for 3 including a triple and homerun and batted in 3 runs. Right fielder Sasa Jovanavic hit 2 for 2 with a triple, 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases. For Gozo, Marlon Merceica and Steve Galea, sparked a few scoring opportunities but the rest of the lineup failed to support them.

MELLIEHA……5

GZIRA………….6

With the game tied at 5 runs apiece in the bottom of the 6^th inning, Gzira third baseman Anthony Shoults reached base on an error by Mellieha second baseman Omar Galea and later stole third base to set up the potential winning run just 90 feet from home plate. Shortstop Trevor Shaw then connected on a high pitch from relief pitcher David Borg for a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Shoults with the winning run. Hans Weenink supplied much of the Mustang offense going 2 for 2 including a double and 2 runs batted in. Patrick Pace earned his 6^th win of the season allowing just 4 hits, striking out 6 while walking just 2. It was the Northenders 4th loss of the 2^nd half which puts them out of the playoff race for the championship.

Pembroke and Gzira who currently share 1^st place with identical 3 – 2 records, will play the deciding game this Saturday to determine who will play Gozo in the June championship.

MABS - PR

TOUGH RETURN FOR CHARLES ATTARD (30-05-02)

Before the game, nobody was happier on the field than 20-year old Charles Attard. Coach Dennis Roberts gave him the go ahead for his first start in four weeks, after recovering from a painful shoulder injury. And like usual, Attard started off hot, striking three batters in the bottom of the first. But things went wrong the next inning, as Attard's curve-ball was being crushed, allowing five runs in the second. The Tornadoes never fought back, as Pembroke's lead continued to grow inning after inning. Pembroke's starting pitcher Antoine Debono retired the side in four of the five innings that he pitched and now Pembroke are leading the 2nd round along with Gozo and the Mustangs.

Pembroke's all-star centerfielder Jonathan Nery went 2 for 3 off Attard, hitting a triple and an inside-the-park homerun for his team. Pembroke dominated the game, taking advantage over Attard and his defense, committing several errors on the field. Gozo's quiet bats missed the potential bats of National League batting leader Don Drolet, Jeff Tabone, Silvio Sultana and Chuck Tabone. Pembroke took their second consecutive win, crushing Gozo by 12 runs to 4.

On the bright side, rookie Marlon Mercieca connected to his second consecutive double while future star David Cassar made his Senior League debut, playing a complete game in left-field. Attard's first-ever complete game was also a sign that his shoulder is fully recovered and is ready to start his first career Championship game.

Gozo will now face bottom placed Mellieha Northenders, which will be played next Sunday. This will be the final game of the Maltese Regular Season. The Tornadoes will then have a two week break and then, on June 15th, they will start their second consecutive Playoff Series.

DAVID CASSAR MAKES HIS TORNADO DEBUT (30-05-02)

After playing an impressive game against the Skolasport Giants, fifteen year old David Cassar made his Senior League debut with the Gozo Tornadoes, playing left-field. Cassar showed his talent, playing well in leftfield and also stealing a base, making him the first former Thunders' player to steal a base. Cassar will definitely improve his level of game, which is already of promising level. Keep it up David!!!!!

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS 24-05-02

GZIRA MUSTANGS…………17

GOZO………………………….21

Gozo took advantage of their hitter friendly Kercem field and scattered 19 hits including 3 each from, Steve Galea, Jeff Tabone and Mike Portelli. Two of Jeff Tabone’s 3 hits were lazy fly balls which dropped for doubles on the right field wall just 60 metres from home plate. In Marsa the balls would have been easily caught for outs, but in Kercem, field dimensions favour the hitter and this game was no exception as Gozo edged Gzira in a high scoring game of 21 – 17. Aside from having 3 hits in the game, Mike Portelli also stole a league high 6 bases as the team collected a total of 17 steals. In contrast to their batting, Gozo’s pitching was to put it lightly, a disaster. With the exception of starter Jeff Tabone’s 3-inning performance in which he struck out 8, walked just 1 and gave up no earned runs, the rest of the staff allowed an unbelievable 20 base on balls and 23 wild pitches. A tired Tabone handed the ball over to relief pitching in the 4^th inning, leading by a comfortable score of 15 – 1. Gzira promptly capitalized on Gozo’s wildness for 16 runs over the next 3 innings. However, Gozo countered with 6 runs of their own over that same period, to secure a 4 run advantage.

MABS - PR

MARIO DEBONO'S TORPEDOES HOPE FOR FIRST EVER FINALS 24-05-02

Next Sunday, the Gozo Tornadoes will play against the Pembroke Torpedoes at the Marsa Baseball Field. The Tornadoes will take this game as a preparation game for the National League Championship Series (NLCS) which will be held in mid-June. The Torpedoes, on the other hand, will try their best to take away a precious win against Gozo, in order to have a good chance in making their first ever finals. Mario Debono's team are 2 for 2 in the second round, co-runners up with Gzira.

Pembroke have improved dramatically this year, thanks to new acquisitions such as former Tornado Mario Debono, his brother and former Mustang Antoine Debono, infielder Frank Richter and also outfielder Jonathan Henry. Also the improvement of players such as Borce Gvozdic, Vuk Trajkovic and Nemanja Orlic have made this group a die-hard team which has been full of surprises.

The Gozo Tornadoes, coming off an offensive blast against the Mustangs, will try their best to maintain that form and get some more batting practice before the finals. Dennis Roberts' team is back to its 2001 form, a top to bottom line-up which could hit, drive in runs and field.

Good news for Gozo is that second starter Charles Attard might pitch an inning or two, after suffering a shoulder injury a month ago.

INJURIES MIGHT PLAY AGAINST GOZO NEXT SUNDAY 17-05-02

The Gozo Tornadoes will face the Gzira Mustangs next Sunday, whoever wins will climb on top of the 2nd round. Unfortunately, injuries might fight against Gozo. Both Silvio Sultana and Charles Attard are still injured. Jeff Tabone also gathered up a minor elbow injury which has been bothering him this week. With Sultana out and our starting pitchers probably not taking the mound, the job might be given to Don Drolet, Mark Buttigieg or Steve Ellis next Sunday. Attard's shoulder injury started off against the same Mustangs, pitching over 100 pitches on an injured shoulder while Tabone injured himself this week. Tabone might make it to the game and start off the mound, but coach Roberts will not take any risks. The National League Championship Series is around the corner and having our starting pitchers isn't a good sign.

The Gzira Mustangs are on a hot streak of scoring runs, although losing against Mellieha two weeks ago. Veteran Patrick Pace has been hitting baseballs over the fences quite often now and key players Henric Nieminen and Trevor Shaw will definitely create some trouble around the bases. Also in form on the Mustangs' team is veteran Victor Calleja, who is increasing his numbers week after week.

Next game starts at 1.30 pm at the Kercem Field.

HOT PITCHING AND GREAT DEFENSE HELP GOZO WIN FIRST OF ROUND 2 12-05-02

Jeff Tabone was right in there from the start. Steven Galea helped him on. These two players were the key players of today's 6 - 3 win against the Mellieha Northenders.

Tabone did another fine job, striking out most of the batters that faced him. His fastball and breaking ball were at their best, pounding each batter one by one. Tabone also got some help from his teammates, especially from shortstop Steven Galea who stopped most of the balls hit to the infield. The Tornadoes were without Silvio Sultana due to injury, and prospect Mario Hili, who was out for personal reasons. The Northenders also had some players missing. All-star shortstop Keith Bartolo joined his Italian team, San Giorgio, for a Serie B team, while third baseman Jason Grech could not make it for the game.

Now the Tornadoes will face the Mustangs next Sunday at the Kercem Field. Trevor Shaw's weekly report will be posted in next Thursday.

We also wish all the mom's out there, Happy Mother's Day.

BIG GAME NEXT SUNDAY 10/05/02

The Gozo Tornadoes, trying their best to obtain their first win of the 2nd round, will face the Mellieha Northenders next Sunday at the Kercem Field.

The Mellieha Northenders are hoping to qualify to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) after a disappointing 2001 season, being the first defending champions to not qualify to the next year's finals.

The Tornadoes took away a 5 - 3 win in their last game against Mellieha. Jeff Tabone struck out 13 batters in that game, walking only 3. Tabone is expected to start Sunday's game after Charles Attard injured his shoulder.

PEMBROKE VS GOZO POSTPONED 10/05/02

Last Sunday's game against the Pembroke Torpedoes was postponed. The game will probably be re-scheduled to a later date. We'll keep you posted.

INJURY WORRIES FOR GOZO 10/05/02

Bad news for Tornado fans, as two key players of the Oranges are injured.

Silvio Sultana suffered a back injury a week ago, which will probably sideline him for a couple of weeks. Sultana, who led the Tornadoes in batting average last year, missed the first few games of the season because he was abroad. He came back with a bang, hitting an inside-the-park homerun on his first game of the 2002 season. Sultana ranks second on the team's batting average list.

The other injured player is pitcher Charles Attard. Attard is off to a career season, ranking 3rd in ERA (4.07) and 4th in strikeouts (25). Attard injured his pitching arm against the Mustangs two weeks ago, after pitching to the first four batters. Doctors say that his shoulder will take 2 - 6 weeks to completely heal. Attard was ordered to take light practice and could play, as long as he doesn't pitch. The Tornadoes hope that he will make it to the finals, as he is scheduled to start a NLCS game next June.

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS 10/05/02

GZIRA MUSTANGS……….....…4

MELLIEHA NORTHENDERS....11

Mellieha’s Keith Bartolo struck out 10 batters and allowing just 1 earned run over four innings to earn an 11 – 4 victory over the Gzira Mustangs. Keith and starter Nicky Bartolo combined for 14 strikeouts, 4 base on balls and surrendered just 5 hits over six innings. Adding to the Northender offense were first baseman David Borg and second baseman Omar Galea who both singled in runs with the bases loaded. Mellieha runners kept the Gzira defense on its toes, by stealing an impressive 11 bases on the day. In contrast, the usually fleet footed Mustangs were held to a game low of just 3 stolen bases.

In a losing effort, Mustang slugger Patrick Pace muscled a high fly ball just over the left field fence for his league leading 4^th homerun of the season.

With the win, Mellieha improve their second half record to 1 – 1 and perhaps are back in form after disappointing loss to Pembroke last week. Gzira falls to 1 – 1.

MABS - PR

MALTA NATIONAL LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS 03/05/02

GOZO..........…………..12

GZIRA MUSTANGS....20

The Gzira Mustangs took full advantage of the absence of Gozo’s star performer Jeff Tabone to defeat the Tornadoes for the first time this year. The Mustangs pounded Gozo pitchers Charles Attard and Mark Buttigieg for 20 runs on 12 hits and 15 base-on-balls. Patrick Pace hit a grandslam for the Mustangs in the third inning for his league leading third homerun of the season while Mario Hili had 3 hits including a double and Charles Attard had 2 hits including a triple for the Gozo side.

PEMBROKE TORPEDOES…...13

MELLIEHA NORTHENDERS..10

For the second time this season the Pembroke Torpedoes stole an extra inning game from the Mellieha Northenders. Northender Marlon Borg tied the game at 8 runs apiece with a homerun in the bottom of the 6th inning to force the game into extra innings. But Mellieha pitching, which walked 16 opponents in the game, failed to keep the game close in the 7th inning as Pembroke batters romped all over losing pitcher Omar Galea for 5 runs. Mario Debono pitched the bottom of the 7^th inning to earn the win in relief for the Torpedoes. Mellieha second baseman Patrick Sciberras broke out of a slump with 2 hits including a double and 3 stolen bases.

MABS - PR

GOZO LOSES THE SECOND ROUND OPENER 03/05/02

The Gozo Tornadoes suffered a heavy loss last weekend, allowing 20 runs. It seems like that the absence of star players like Jeff Tabone, Don Drolet and Chuckie Tabone have been the cause of this heavy loss. Starter Charles Attard was forced out to pitch for two innings with an arm injury, after slightly pulling his pitching arm after only five batters. Gzira's arsenal pounded every pitch that Attard threw, allowing Attard to pitch over 120 pitches in just 2 1/3 innings. In the bottom of the third, Attard gave up the ball to Mark Buttigieg. Buttigieg earned 11 runs in the bottom of the fourth, including a grand-slam by Patrick Pace, who right now is hitting baseballs like beach balls over the left field fences. Coach Dennis Roberts had no option to give the ball to any volunteer that wants to pitch, as both Attard and Buttigieg were out of gas. So, in the bottom of the fifth, Silvio Sultana made his pitching debut, allowing just one run. On the bright side, prospect Mario Hili went 3 for 4 while rookie Marlon Mercieca went 2 for 3, earning their first ever hits for Gozo. Attard also hit a long triple in centerfield, earning his first extra base hit for Gozo since 1999. Now, Gozo will face the surprise of the year, the Pembroke Torpedoes.