Gozo and Mellieha lead title charge

Swieqi Sharks 0
Mellieha N'enders 20

The season has turned into a two-horse race with defending champions Gozo and last year's runners-up Mellieha battling it out for first place and heading for a showdown next month.

This one-sided affair was highlighted by a quality start from Marlon Borg. He showed improved control, walking only two batters while striking out five, and not allowing a hit.

Borg's effort was aided by an impressive inning from Michael Bartolo. Mellieha's pitching performance was supported by a balanced hitting attack, as all nine starters scored a run and eight of them collected a hit in the game.

Gozo Tornadoes 26
Gzira Mustangs 8

Since the 2002 championship decider, these two teams have gone in different directions and this game was proof of that.

Gzira have opted for homegrown talent under the care of veteran Patrick Pace as the Gozitan core group, involved in the 2002 series, continued to develop since then.

Gzira took an early 4-0 lead. However, the Tornadoes' bats quickly rectified the situation.

At the second inning they were 15-4 in front. Gzira relied on the usually steady Charles Attard. He picked up his league leading sixth win of the season, to make a game of it closing the score to 15-8.

This comeback was quickly iced by Gozo though. They scored 11 runs, highlighted by Steven Galea's mammoth double.

Standings: Gozo (8-1), Mellieha (7-2), Gzira (2-7), Swieqi (1-8).