Even though the Cats were kept hitless, the game was close until the fourth inning. In that frame, the Brasschaat Braves scored four runs, which led to a 5-0 lead. In the following two innings, the Braves scored six and five runs respectively.
Despite striking out just six, Longhofer managed to keep Merchtem hitless thanks to a strong defensive performance by Brasschaat’s fielders. In the top of the fourth inning, he gave up a walk to Robin Reyns, but a 5-6-3 double play helped him out of the problems. In total, Jackson issued four free passes.
Last week, Jackson got a no-decision as he left the game with a three-run lead, but the Braves eventually lost. Today’s result, lowered his ERA to a tiny 1.38.
Of course this game was all about Jackson Longhofer’s no-hitter, but without the lineup, he would not have made it. He got more than the much needed run support. The Braves scored a total of sixteen runs, and that makes it a lot more relaxing for a pitcher. Yves Poesmans was the best hitter for Brasschaat, going 3 for 4 with three runs scored and an RBI.
In the second game of series, the Cats were kept scoreless again by the Braves pitching leading to a 10-0 victory for the Brasschaat Braves.
