{"id":297213,"date":"2026-02-25T08:38:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T06:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/?p=297213"},"modified":"2026-02-25T08:38:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T06:38:32","slug":"helderberg-pirates-storm-into-play-offs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/helderberg-pirates-storm-into-play-offs\/","title":{"rendered":"Helderberg Pirates storm into play-offs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a high-stakes regular-season finale, Helderberg Pirates Baseball Club secured their spot in the upcoming play-offs with a thrilling comeback victory over Thistles Baseball Club at Radloff Park on Saturday 21 February.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The win ensured Pirates a place in the quarter-finals and keeps their dreams of silverware alive.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
CJ Brand doing good work for Helderberg Pirates at second base.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The afternoon did not begin according to plan for the home side, as the they got off to a shaky start and trailed 1-4 after the first two innings. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Team leadership attributed the early deficit to uncharacteristic mental errors and avoidable mistakes.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the tide began to turn in the middle innings. Showing remarkable composure, Pirates chipped away at Thistles’ lead, manufacturing runs with disciplined batting. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ethan Burgess bats for Helderberg Pirates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By the end of the sixth inning, the Pirates had clawed their way back to level the score at 5-5, setting the stage for a tense final frame.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The home team’s defense was anchored by a stellar performance from pitcher Zack Crowther. With the game on the line in the final inning, he delivered a masterclass on the mound, shutting down Thistles’ offense and preventing them from crossing the plate.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Cj Brand prevents a steal at second base for Pirates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crowther’s heroics gave the Pirates offense the opportunity they needed to “walk the game off” in the bottom of the inning. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After two solid hits and a series of defensive miscues by Thistles, Ethan Burgess stepped to the plate with the game in his hands.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ethan Burgess slides into third base for Pirates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Burgess didn’t miss, connecting with a brilliant line drive straight up the middle. The clean hit allowed Chris Groenewald to sprint home, scoring the winning run and sending the Pirates’ dugout into a frenzy.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the game was hard-fought and competitive, both sides were praised for the high spirit in which the match was played. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Zack Crowther pitching for Helderberg Pirates.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pirates now shift their focus to the quarter-finals as they prepare for a knockout clash against Bellville Baseball Club in Bellville on Saturday (28 February).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a high-stakes regular-season finale, Helderberg Pirates Baseball Club secured their spot in the upcoming play-offs with a thrilling comeback victory over Thistles Baseball Club at Radloff Park on Saturday 21 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King finds the sweet spot while batting for Helderberg Pirates during their match against Thistles Baseball Club on home soil this past Saturday (21 February). 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