Mellieha’s talented young pitcher Mike Bartolo knew Sal Varriale was watching him last Sunday, a Major League scout for the Cincinnati Reds.

Both teams realised it was going to be a tough game for the Mustangs. They 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 Mike’s pitching performance but the Northenders gave him full support when they were up to bat.

We will have to wait and see if Mike receives a call for trials this summer but in the meantime he showed great confidence on the mound and hit his first homerun with his 2nd time at bat.

If Mike would get a call and signs with a club it would be a great accomplishment not only for Mike and the Mellieha Northenders but also for his father Ray and the Maltese Baseball Association. Ray Bartolo is a pioneer within Maltese Baseball and played a big part of baseball starting in Malta.

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

Keith Bartolo, Mike’s older brother also hit a homerun in this game making this his third homerun, one in each game played.

Tomorrow at 1.30pm, the Mustangs will be facing second place Gozo Tornadoes at Marsa and Sunday at 10am the Devils will be up against the Northenders also at Marsa.

For more information on Baseball or Softball check out www.baseballsoftballmalta.org