Pitcher-perfect Simon Beats Kookas

Illawarra Mercury

Monday January 17, 2005

By AGRON LATIFI

HARD-NOSED defence and a brilliant pitching performance from Jamie Simon propelled Illawarra Flame to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Baulkham Hills Kookaburras yesterday at Fred Finch Park.

Just four days after pitching four innings in a losing cause to the same opponents, Simon threw all nine innings yesterday to guide the Flame to their 11th Sydney Major League win of the season.

The 33-year-old, who has pitched more than 110 innings for the Flame this season, struck out four and allowed seven hits and one earned run.

More importantly, Simon, who is being called on more and more to rescue his side out of tight situations, outpitched rising Claxton Shield pitcher Matt Bennett.

Bennett did strike out 10 batters, but also gave up six walks and one hit in his six innings of work.

Illawarra co-coach Benny D'Antonio was full of praise for his starting pitcher after the match.

"What can you say about Jamie? That was a fantastic performance by him today," he said.

"He pitched all nine innings and did extremely well. It was a pitchers' game, and Jamie certainly won his dual with Bennett, and as a result we won the game."

D'Antonio said that when one considered that the Flame were outhit 7-2 by their opponents, Simon's performance was even more special.

"They beat us quite comfortably (14-3) earlier in the week and I believe they played quite well today as well," he said.

"But the difference today was that we played good defence. We didn't give them an inch. We didn't hit that well but we made the most of the little opportunities we had and then defended extremely well. That's what you have to do against good teams like Baulkham Hills or you'll get punished."

The Kookaburras took a 1-0 lead after two innings and looked on course to get their second win over Illawarra in four days.

The Flame responded positively and in the bottom of the sixth scored three unanswered runs. Two of these runs were off Baulkham Hills' only error.

Illawarra, who have won 11 and drawn two of their 25 games, remain in sixth spot on the ladder.

"We're not looking at the play-offs just yet, but that was a key win for us as it puts us two games clear of them," D'Antonio said.

"This was a big win for us but it is important now that we continue to improve and pick up more wins as the season progresses."

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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