Poor payoff for the NLB-team on Sunday. In the small Zurich derby against the Zurich Lions the Challengers suffered two unnecessary losses. They could have won in both games.

The subjunctive is rarely a good advisor in sports. However, the Challengers lacked solid arguments on Sunday at the new Heerenschürli ballpark. They dominated Game 1 against the Zurich Lions with 12-7 hits, committed fewer errors, were more efficient with runners in scoring position, led 8-4 at one point, and lost the game 9-13.

So Jordi Bucher’s three hits remained a pattern of no value. Florin Kämpfer and Thomas Landis each had two hits, Jasper Freigang collected three RBI, and Noam Blickenstorfer added another two.

After Game 2 there were only long faces on the Challengers side. Again they controlled the game, leading 8-1 and still trailing 9-5 going into the final half inning, they were one strike away from victory at 9-7, and once again lost 9-10. Noam Blickenstorfer shone with three hits and three RBI, while Florin Kämpfer and Fabrizio Bucher had two hits apiece.

While the Lions took the lead with their two wins, the Challengers now are in a tie for fourth place with the Zurich Barracudas Academy. They will also be their next opponent next Sunday in a head-to-head matchup for a playoff spot.