Bartolo leaves his mark

Talented pitcher Mike Bartolo, of Mellieha Northenders, knew Sal Varriale was watching him last Sunday in a league game against Mustangs.

He produced a fine display as the Mustangs only managed to get four hits in this game before going down 17-1 with the 15-run difference rule in just four innings. This was mainly due to Bartolo's pitching performance even though credit also goes to his team-mates who gave their all when they were up to bat.

Varriale is a Major League scout for the Cincinnati Reds. He must have been impressed with Bartolo's showing but one still has to wait and see whether the Maltese pitcher will receive a call for trials this summer.

In the meantime, Bartolo showed great confidence on the mound and hit his first homerun with his second time at bat.

If he gets a call for a trial overseas it would be a great accomplishment not only for him and the Northenders but also for his father Ray and the Maltese Baseball Association. Ray Bartolo played a big part in establishing the game here.

The Mustangs found it difficult to stop the Northenders from scoring 17 but, at least, avoided a shut-out by managing to score their only run with an RBI hit from Mark Buttigieg at the end of the fourth inning.

Keith Bartolo, Mike's older brother, also hit a home run in this game. It was his third from as many matches.

On Saturday, Mustangs play second-placed Gozo Tornadoes at Marsa, starting at 1.30 p.m.

Devils will be up against the Northenders, also at Marsa (10 a.m.), on Sunday.