German Bundesliga: Week 1

Summary

The German Bundesliga’s opening weekend was disrupted by wintry weather, with just one series – Berlin’s hosting of Hamburg – taking place as scheduled. In that lone match-up, the Stealers and Flamingos each enjoyed a victory, with the hosts avenging Saturday’s big defeat with a victory on Sunday.

Results (box scores linked)

Berlin Flamingos v. Hamburg Stealers (2-14, 9-3)

Cologne Cardinals v. Dortmund Wanderers (postponed)

Tübingen Hawks v. Guggenberger Legionäre Regensburg (postponed)

Munich-Haar Disciples v. Stuttgart Reds (postponed)

Paderborn Untouchables v. Bonn Capitals (postponed)

Heidenheim Heideköpfe v. IT sure Falcons Ulm (postponed)

Bye week: Dohren Wild Farmers. 

Highlights

In Game 1, Hamburg scored six runs on four hits in the top half of the inning to take a lead that was never in doubt.

Hamburg’s starting pitcher in Game 1, Justin Olic, making his Bundesliga debut, pitched five solid innings (3H, 1R, 8K) and helped himself out at the plate, going 3-for-4 while batting clean-up. He came off the bench on Sunday to play first base and collect one more hit (1-for-2).

Hamburg’s Jerome Rousseau hit the lone home run of the series in Game 1. He went a combined 4-for-8 with three runs scored and three RBI in the two games.

Berlin’s ageless wonder Enorbel Marquez-Ramirez pitched five solid innings (6H, 3R, 10K) for the W in Game 2. The Cuban native and former German international has returned to the Flamingos as player-manager after a successful stint in Heidenheim.

Jordan Bradley pitched four shutout innings of relief (3H, 2K) for Berlin to earn the save in Game 2. Offensively, he contributed three steals, with the Flamingos swiping eight bases on Sunday.