First regular games against the young Skövde Saints could have ended poorly.
Fortunately, the Sharks reached for some heroics late.
“Patience like snake,” Hiba Nabi says.

The Göteborg Hajarna (8-6) was indeed wriggling to start the first game against the Skövde Saints (4-10) on Sunday. Almost wriggling to stay alive at all. They did, however, start according to plan when earning a run in the first inning  to take the lead.

Skipper Jonny Edgren had a weird conversation with himself when he nodded to his reflection to take the mound and start game one. Then again, the Skipper needs to have full confidence in his starter.

Edgren actually looked kind of sharp, though on occasion rusty. Struggling with his control on occasion and gave out five free passes in his four innings of work. On the other hand, he only gave up three runs on three hits while punching out six.

“I always want to win. So when I gave the nod to Edgren to start the game I did have belief in him,” Edgren says… talking about himself.

Edgren handed the ball over to legendary pitcher Hiba Nabi and, well, it could have gone better. Game was all tied up at three in the fifth when Nabi struggled immensely from the get go. Walking five, he obviously struggled to get the ball over the plate as he gave up six runs on one hit in his 0,1 inning of work. Surely, Nabi will find his way back to his old days when the rust has been shaken off.

Josef Hussein relieved Nabi on the mound, but I forgot to write that.

Anyway, Skövde scored seven runs in the fifth and one in the seventh to lead it 11-3 in the last frame and the game looked all but settled. The Sharks faithful looked more interested in the delicious hot dogs than the field.

For some reason, Coach Edgren looked to this reporter to pinch hit and lead off the inning and he did not screw up. Starting it off with a single, the Sharks smelled blood. David Karadag struggled with his command and the young Saints squad showed some lack of experience on the defensive side to load the bases again and again.

The Sharks kept on hitting, walking and getting hit by pitches. As this reporter came up for the second time, he represented the winning run. A long single off the glove of Pontus Hummerhielm scored Josef Hussein and tied it all up. After stealing second, he come home as game winner José Muñoz slapped a single between third and short to end it in walkoff fashion 12-11.

“I never doubted these guys for a second,” Coach Edgren says.

Other than Muñoz, the Sharks were led offensively by Nic Ekström (2-4, 3 RBI), Rickard Kronqvist (2-4) and Klas Brinkfeldt (1-2) but really, all Sharks contributed offensively.

The second game really was not much to write home about. The Sharks found themselves in a hole as the Saints put up three runs in the top half of the first but quickly bounced back. Nine sharkfins swam across home plate as the rain started to trickle down in the bottom half and the game was pretty much done at that point.

The Sharks earned four more runs in the second and fourth inning before the game ended it the fifth with a score of 17-4.

José Martinez (4-3) earned the win as he gave up three runs (two earned) on two hits, walking four and striking out five.

Martinez was pitching.

“While the possibilities to make it to the second playoff round are slim, we sure want to do all we can to make it,” Edgren says.

“Although we do want to go up and face Ted Bratsberg in Umeå, he knows that winning is better than losing,” the assistant manager adds.

Notables:

Brinkfeldt played exceptional defense at second.

Toofan Khazal is probably the best catcher in the league.

Martinez was so impressed with Ekström that he was hit by three pitches on the day, trying his best to imitate him.

Ekström was only hit by one pitch.

Fernando Carvalho earned his first career base hit.

Sometimes, playing well is not enough.
Sometimes, your opponent is just better.
“Karlskoga is the best team in the league,” Coach Edgren says.

The Sharks faithful was indeed perplexed as the Göteborg Hajarna (6-6) took the field on Sunday against the Karlskoga Bats (10-1). One could hear murmurs from the sold out bleachers; “Did skipper Jonny Edgren fill out the lineup card wrong?”.

Was Edgren busy dragging the field instead of writing the lineup card?

Seeing as long time, veteran catcher Toofan Khazal (0-1) entered the game without that breast plate and took his place on the mound – the astonishment was justified. Khazal got the nod for what might have been his first start in his storied career, and he made Coach Edgren look good in the process.

Despite being somewhat surprised himself by the fact that he was wearing a cap and not a helmet, he threw well. The Bats all day long managed mostly soft contact as Khazal pounded the strike zone, and was a ground ball machine. That made the infield, led by shortstop José Muñoz, work hard and looking good in the process.

“This rake likes winning better than losing. He told me! I promise!”

Unfortunately, Karlskoga was a little better. The Bats was very efficient on the few hits that happened to drop. Especially the double from Kent Karlsson in the first inning was clutch indeed. Khazals hard work, and good cooperation with battery mate Lars Karlsson, was to no avail.

“I never doubted him, not for a second,” Edgren says.

Khazal ended up giving up four runs (none earned) on five hits, striking out three and walking none.

On the offensive side, the Sharks looked extremely rusty coming off a long summer break. Even though this reporter does not agree with the official scorer on this particular matter, the box score says the Sharks were no hit byt Bats starter Simon Andersson (4-0). It doesn’t really matter as Andersson was highly effective giving up no (i.e. one) hits, striking out 14 while only giving up two free passes.

Somehow, the Sharks still managed to score two runs and kept the game interesting until the final out was made. Game one ended 4-2 in the Bats favor.

“We played well. Rusty at the plate yes, but still well. We face a good team today,” Coach Edgren says.

On to the second game… and it was pretty much the same story. While Khazal was back at his normal spot behind the plate and José Martinez (3-3) was back on the mound, it felt like it was same procedure as last game (James).

The Bats kept on batting and the Sharks kept on being hapless at the plate. While they did found hits in this one, it was only six and besides Eric Marquez and Lars Karlsson, no Sharks had ribbies to show for it. Scoring two runs is seldom a winning strategy in Regionserien and it wasn’t today either.

Marquez was roughed up… by a base. The base won.

The Bats got to Martinez who was plagued by timely hits and somewhat inconsistent defense, Despite striking out eleven, he gave up seven runs (five earned) on nine hits and two walks.

“We need to work harder in the cage going down the stretch, this won’t do,” Edgren says as he sums up the day.

The Sharks did keep the game close pretty much all the way against the Bats starter, former national team pitcher Kent Karlsson (1-0). Going in to the last frame, it was a 4-2 lead for the Bats all over again but this time, they made sure of it and got three more in the seventh to make the final score 7-2.

Notables:

Nic Ekström was fighting fires instead of being hit by pitches. Honorable.

In his absence, Edgren put this reporter at first in game two.

Marquez was roughed up hitting beating a throw to second with his face (he was safe).

Legendary pitcher Hiba Nabi made his comeback, albeit not from the mound, but looking good in the outfield.

Legendary companion to Nabi, Josef Hussein, also made his comeback.

His final game turned in to quite a send off.
As Li-Heng Chu returns home, he will be missed at Shark Park
“He was brilliant today,” the interim manager says.

The first game between the Göteborg Hajarna (6-4) and Malmö Pilots (1-11) last week started off in the usual manner – with José Martinez (3-2) on the mound. The battery looked a little different however with Lars Karlsson behind the plate. Regular starter Toofan Khazal, along with Daniel André and coach Jonny Edgren, were missing from the Sharks lineup card, citing “playing a softball tournament in the Czech Republic”. Like anyone would believe that…

Anyway, Martinez and Karlsson looked to get along just fine. Martinez struck out no less than eleven Pilots while going the distance and earning the win. Unfortunately, the game was closer than it should have been since the interim manager put in this reporter at second base. Only to have him give up three runs on a ball between his legs that should have been an easy double play to end the fourth inning.

Martinez’s final line on the day was defiled by that error as he gave up eight runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out eleven.

“They looked good together, I was quite content,” the interim manager said of his battery.

Offensively, the Pilots took the lead in the top of the first but the Sharks answered right back with a run of their own in the bottom half. In the bottom of the second, the Sharks opened the flood gates as they batted all through their lineup and scored six runs all in all.

Unsung, and perhaps unusual, heroes offensively in that first game was Niclas Ekström (2-3, 2 RBI) and Daniel Linnås (2-2, 2 BB) who lead the offensive onslaught. That costly error in the top of the fourth made the game closer than the Sharks faithful wanted and it was tense until the final out was made. Game one ended 9-8 in the Sharks favor.

The second game turned out to be more of the Li-Heng show. In what was most likely his final game in a Sharks uniform, Li-Heng Chu (1-0) got the nod and took the mound with confidence. While he did gave up four walks, that was it. Although he only struck out one, he induced pretty much only weak contact that the Sharks defense handled with care and put out all threats with ease.

In Sweden, Li-Heng learned that winning is better than losing.

The four innings that he was allowed to pitch, he gave up no hits and eventually earned the win and praise from his manager and teammates.

“Good teammate, good ballplayer, good kid,” Joel Earnest says about the Taiwanese rookie.

“A true class act on and off the field. We’re sad to see him go,” the interim manager says.

An unconventional move was made after those four innings. With many regular Sharks missing, the interim manager turned to offensive juggernaut José Muñoz to take the mound. While he battled his control, he was effective when throwing strikes and earned the save while giving up three runs on seven walks while striking out four.

Muñoz did not steal home, but everything else.

The most surprising thing offensively was probably that Johan ‘Wheels’ Weidolf went hitless in this one. ‘Wheels’ have been aging like a fine wine this season but looked to be cooling off on Sunday. Still, going 0-4 lowered his batting average to a measly .590…

To add to a decent sendoff, Li-Heng went 2-4 with three ribbies and Martinez was flawless going 3-3. Adding to that, Muñoz stole six bases to lead the league with a total of 16. Sharks won game two 10-3.

Notables:

Ekström was hit by a pitch.

Only one fly ball to the outfield was allowed by Sharks pitchers on the day.

Karlsson filled in admirably behind the plate and is quietly hitting a cool .440 on the season.

Eight days is a long time in this media climate.
Does anyone remember those games against Tranås?
“What?! I have no idea,” Coach Edgren says.

Sadly, this reporter was not at all great at performing in his main task following the games against the Tranås Royal Cranes (e.g. Tropical Thunderstorm) last Sunday. Not being able to post even a quick recap in eight days is just disgraceful.

“It can’t go on like this,” an anonymous source told Hajarna.se.

Anyway… the Sharks started their home opener with ace José Martinez (2-2) last Sunday and he was up to the task. While maybe not being at his sharpest, he did perform as the Sharks won the first game of the double header 16-6 in in six innings.

He earned the win going the distance, giving up six runs (four earned) on seven hits, while walking four and striking out four. As always, he was backed by the stellar backstop named Toofan Khazal who now might focus more on the softball side of things.

Earnest the younger, on his way to steal second.

On the other side of the ball, the Sharks wasted no time at all as they put up three runs in the first and second inning while holding the Tropical Thunderstorm scoreless through the first two frames.

Göteborg Hajarna (4-4) actually kept things interesting, not putting up more runs on the board, all game long but closed it out in the end. With the score at 10-6 in the bottom of the sixth, six Sharks swam across the plate to end the game on mercy rule.

In the second one, it would be the other way around.

As Shervin ‘Shervinator’ Shakki came back from the DL, he got the nod from coach Edgren in the second game but the rust was showing. That rust, however, was not from Shakki himself but from the Sharks defense that practically handed Tranås the game, making costly error after costly error.

Edgren, to no avail, explained why winning is better than losing.

Marcus Bernander, the legendary Sharks scorekeeper, had to score eight runs on Shakki but only two of them were earned in the end. While Shakki didn’t have his usual pinpoint command (walking five), he did only allow five hits and notched four strikeouts.

Offensively, the Sharks were hapless in the second game of the day and even juggernaut José Munoz couldn’t figure out Tranås starter Nils Bergehed (3-0). Instead, the offensive force was lead by veterans Klas Brinkfeldt and Erik Earnest who both went 2-3.

Brinkfeldt is sort of cute.

In the end, the Tropical Thunderstorms drowned the Sharks 15-5 in six innings.

“We should be better than this, we should be working harder during the weeks,” coach Edgren says after the game.

Notables:

Martin Sundh was (almost) flawless umpiring the game.

Martinez went 4-5 and Lars Karlsson went 4-4 in the first game.

Chu Li Heng stole six (!) bases in the first game.

Daniel André was scored for an outfield assist, probably because his walk up song was Aqua’s Barbie Girl.

A late recap is better than none.
Winning should have been better on Sunday when the Sharks lost to Karlskoga.
“I want this one back,” bench coach Joel Earnest says.

The tough task of facing Karlskoga(/Sölvesborg) was not made easier when Göteborg Hajarna (3-3) made the trip with basically nine players. Sure, the lineup card had eleven names scribbled down but Joel Earnest was basically there as a bench coach and this reporter should probably not have been there at all.

José Martinez (1-2) got the nod from the interim manager since skipper Jonny Edgren was absent and Martinez fought admirably. Going up against former national team pitcher Kent Karlsson, Martinez held his own and battled the heat, his own arm and some questionable calls.

Karlskoga took an early lead after the Sharks made some defensive mistakes and went up 2-0 in the bottom of the first. Martinez kept on fighting but was erratic on occasion and walked a whooping five batters, which is not at all like the Sharks ace.

Martinez was also robbed of two runs when José Muñoz made a great catch at shortstop only to not get the call from the umpire. That catch would have been the third out and the end to a scoreless bottom half of the fourth inning with the Sharks on top 6-5. Instead, the Karlskoga Bats (6-1) went on to score two runs for the lead before the Sharks could get the fourth out of the inning.

Martinez fought to no avail.

The Sharks did fight back thanks in part to an inside the park home run from Muñoz and the second coming of Johan ‘Wheels’ Weidolf and went in to the bottom of the 7th with a 9-7 lead. After a run scored for the Bats, the Sharks turned a double play to get the last out and end the first game with a W.

No. That’s not what went down at all.

It really should have ended there, but the close play at first was called safe, the inning continued and and the Bats could get away with the win in the first game with a score of 10-9.

Martinez did go the distance and was charged with the loss. He ended up giving up the ten runs on ten hits and the five walks while adding eight punchouts.

Offensively, the Shark that really stood out was Weidolf who went 4-4 with a double and four runs batted in.

“I’m seeing the ball really well. Plus, I like winning better than losing,” Weidolf says.

Weidolf is playing like it is 1999.

With Shervin Shakki on the DL, Erik Earnest (1-1) took the mound for game two and pitched well. While he only struck out two in his 4.1 innings of work, he also only walked one and kept the game pretty close. Unfortunately for Earnest, this reporter decided to put himself in right field to start the game. In doing so, he committed two errors (although the official scorer did not score them) and looked awfully silly at the plate. Thankfully, he took himself out after the second at bat.

Things unravelled with those errors and some good batting from the Bats as they took a 7-1 lead after scoring five runs in the fifth. Chu Li Heng relieved Earnest and did not have his best stuff this day as he gave up three runs in the fifth and sixth inning over one inning of work.

After some discussion, Mokhlad al-Ghanimi made his 2018 debut on the mound in the seventh inning and started off with trowing twelve straight balls. After that, he did settle down and allowed one run while striking out two in his 0.2 innings of work.

Sadly, this game was pretty much lost as the Sharks could not get to Bats/Firehawks starter Anton Calson. Neither, it should be said, could they get to the Karlskoga/Sölvesborg pitcher Samuel Siddall who was overpowering the Sharks hitters in relief.

Weidolf kept on raking in the 7th and hit a triple to knock in three runs to make the final score 10-4.

“That first game eluded us. We definitely deserved to win that,” the interim manager said before denouncing himself of any future coaching duties.

Next, the Sharks play Tranås on Sunday June 10th in their home opener. First pitch at 12.

Notables:

Weidolf is hitting is hitting .800 on the season. With a .1879 OPS. Hello.

Muñoz and Eric Marquez is a pretty good double play combo.

Karlskoga/Sölvesborg will probably promote to the Elitserien this season.

The Sharks fought heat, Bats and other things. In the end, they came up empty.

Playing at Karlskoga is not an easy task. With scorching heat and a skeleton crew it’s even harder.

Behind the battling starter, ”El Gallo Negro” José Martínez, the Sharks were on the verge of taking the first game. In a back and forth game, Gothenburg was up two runs in the bottom of the 7th but the Bats walked off with a score of 10-9.

The heat got to the Sharks as they looked like Sharks would on land. Still, a stellar start from Erik Earnest in game 2 had them believing before this one got away from them.

Final score of the second game was 10-4 in favor of Karlskoga.

In what hopefully will be a series of old friend-articles, we continue with pitcher and infielder Jack ‘Birdman’ Warwick. The Australian was a Shark during the 2015 season and memorably homered in his first game in Karlskoga.

What are you up to these days?

“Not much, coaching a lot of baseball and training for a strongman competition. I miss the baseball in Sweden a lot, especially the comradeship among all the players!”

Do you follow the Sharks adventures at all?

“I still follow the Sharks and try to stay up to date on what’s happening in Swedish baseball. I See how much you guys do with the youth team and am always inspired to go out and coach afterwards.”

Warwick (left) back in the Gothenburg days with Erik Earnest.

Are you still actively playing baseball?

I still play baseball, playing outfield for a state team. I also play for another team very similar to the Sharks.

What’s your best memory of your time in Gothenburg?

“I miss the baseball van trips, especially when I didn’t have to drive. But mainly I miss helping the guys out and having an enjoyable time at the games. Four games per weekend was awesom! Also, helping young kids like Joakim [Melin] get his work in to compete with the best in Sweden at the All-star game.”

What are your thoughts on the upcoming games at Karlskoga?

“Look, Karlskoga will always be a challenge. I remember they were a force when we played them [back in 2015]. My first game actually, under the weather and I manage to hit a home run over the fence. That gave me the confidence to compete that season.”

I’d also like to thank the Sharks again for having me that season. I’ll always remember the hospitality they showed me, the support they gave me in fixing my arm, and the patience they showed for my anger when we’d lose. Because as you know, winning is better than losing.”

Sharks ride with a skeleton crew to Karlskoga for a very hard fought double header on Sunday. First pitch is at 12.

Welcome to the last part of the 2018 regional preview from what is quite possibly the most ambitious site in Swedish baseball. The series will consist of four parts; pitchers, outfielders, infielders and the opposition. 

I am very sad this part came out after the season started and that I have a start to the season to cheat with. Unfortunately, this is not my full time job and the Sharks are not paying me (wink). So I got stuck with real work and this suffered.

Disclaimer: This series of previews is the opinion of one person and does not necessarily reflect the organization’s views or anyone else’s for that matter.
Also, the scouting departement is manned solely by me, which makes this a tough task.

Malmö Pilots

Sadly, the Sharks only get to face their brothers in Malmö four times this season (down from six). Luckily, they will head down to Malmö on May 20th which is a perfect time for the traditional post game swim in the ocean (and this time, rumor has it the Pilots will join in).

Last year’s record: 0-16.

Like I wrote in this preview last season, the Pilots were probably not at all satisfied with the results last season. Then on the other hand, they were as happy and friendly as usual. They struggled with their pitching last season but has, during the offseason, adressed those issues. Coach Eric Browne piloted the team to a preseason win against the Sharks a couple of weeks ago and was quite optimistic going forward:

“We have a great bunch of guys and we worked hard this winter. I’m hoping that we have a winning season this time around, especially since we like winning better than losing” Browne says.

Acquisitions:

While the club’s official outlets don’t really tell anything about players coming or going, the scouting department as always got you covered. Word is, pitcher Omar Peguero has been signed during the offseason and will provide a much needed energy injection to a pitching staff that on occasion scrambled to find enough arms for the innings needed. Peguero is said to have a four pitch arsenal with good command and consistency. A solid pickup for the Pilots.

One can play games with the Pilots too.

Prediction:  

This is a tough one, but surely they will put up more of a fight against the Sharks than last season. With the Peguero pickup, they are a more solid team and there is enough talent to go around on the team. Even though the Sharks went 6-0 against them last season, games against the Pilots are never easy pickings. It should also be mentioned that the junior team, the Malmö Piranhas, is growing and soon to be making the Pilot team a harder nut to crack. The Pilots have started the season in the same manner as last year, not very pleasant. There are talent there but also desperate need for pitching.

Skövde Saints

Formed in 1988, the newcomers of the Regional league field a young and dynamic team that sometimes lack experience. Their youthful exuberance will most likely be a force to be reckoned with and, when this article is written, they have already played four games. While they took their opening games against Enköping, they also lost two at Karlskoga and Tranås but showed ample ability.

Last year’s record: Did not play.

The Saints did not compete in the Regional series but did face the Sharks on a bunch of occasions in the Southwest Baseball League. They did so with showing off that their squad has truly schooled baseball players combined with a bunch of guys that are high with talent from growing up playing cricket. Surely, this is an intriguing mix of guys that have a high ceiling while also much likely will have som growing pains.

Acquisitions:

Per usual, in this league, news on players coming or going ar scarce but since our scouting department is so vast… we don’t know shit. Anyway, it is likely that the Saints acquired one or two players since they have a good network within their region.

At Saints Park, everyone enjoy wants to win rather than lose.

Prediction:  

Pitcher Adam Eklund showed last season in the SWBL that he can compete at the Regional league level. Also, the 19-year old Ali Ghulami is hitting .705 in the first 20 at bats of the season, despite the losses to the team. That if something is promise of more to come from the young squad. By all accounts, it will be a learning season for the Saints but make no mistake, they’re here to play and looking down the road – they will most likely succeed.

Karlskoga Bats

The Bats once again enter Regional League play as the favorite to take it all and advancing to the Elite series. While they don’t have to battle Sölvesborg six times this season, the improvements within the Tranås Squad might just prove tough to overcome.

Last year’s record: 7-7.

Last season did not go as planned for the Bats that was poised to take the step up to the Elite division. While losing two games to the Sharks was hard, the toughest part of the season was that they had to face Sölvesborg six times. They somehow missed the playoffs despite having quite possibly the most talanted squad in the league and did not advance.

Acquisitions:

They look as strong this season as they did last year. The core group of Emil Lundh, Anton Calson, Rodney Ndugwa et al are still there and will provide strength and experience while still being talented and developing. Although the losses to the Sharks last season made the website go silent, the scouting departement does notice that the farm deal with Sölvesborg is still intact. So far Kent Karlsson, the former Swedish national team pitcher, has made a couple of appearances for the Bats and it remains to be seen how many more will join him.

They have also added Canadian Samuel Siddall to the team that has played in the Australian second division and led the Hungarian national team, which is merits that few players in the league can match.

This might be the Sam Siddall the Sharks will be facing this season.

Prediction:  

Well, it’s kind of easy to predict. The Bats will be up there in the playoff hunt. Most likely they will perform up to their standards this season and qualify for the semifinals straight away. If they are serious about their quest for a place in the Elite division, it will probably be where they end up but like last season, a lot can happen. Most likely they will be winning the division. Easily.

Tranås Tropical Thunderstorm

Tranås will hopefully embrace the new name I’ve just given them and order new jerseys. While thunderstorms might not have anything to do with Tranås, it just feels right. Sadly, this season they have adopted or taken back the name Royal Cranes. Which is a bird. Which is not at all as brilliant as Tropical Thunderstorm.

It could be awesome.

Last year’s record: 8-6.

The Tropical Thunderstorm (see, it works!) went 8-6 last season and was probably content with it. Not happy, not jubilant but possibly content. They also had to face the Firehawks of Sölvesborg on numerous occasions and that was ridiculous sometimes. This season, they will battle it out with the Sharks and the Bats for the number one spot in the division.

Acquisitions:

Since they Royal Cranes (not as good) are very secretive about their club (the website still believes it’s 2016) it’s hard to see any official updates about players. The twins Tymoteusz Tomkiewicz and Szon Tomkiewicz has made appearances for them and will, by the looks of it, be an upgrade to the team. Other than that, they will, as always, be lead by the very solid pitching duo of Nils Bergehed and Felix Casanova.

Prediction:  

While Tranås are somewhat uneven from weekend to weekend (which amateur team isn’t?), they are as solid as they come on this level. It’s never going to be an easy game against them – for any team and the scouting departement seem to think they will be even harder to face this season. The Sharks have already played them once (a split) and will face them again in early June.

Late last year, Sweden started a male, fastpitch Softball team.
Three Sharks went for tryouts, all three came back with spots on the team.
“I’m of course proud to put on the National team jersey and run out on the field,” Daniel André says.

During the end of 2017, the Swedish Baseball and Softball federation scoured the land for someone to take on the challenge of becoming the National team manager men’s softball. Not an easy task, one might think.

It landed on Israel ‘Izzy’ Nukunuku out of New Zealand. ‘Izzy’ (not to be confused with the Shark’s Izzy), has been working with the Danish and Dutch teams for over ten years before coming over from the dark side to join the Jedi forces of the European baseball scene.

“The skill sets [on the players] were rusty but the heart and drive to do well was there. Don’t get me wrong – there is a lot to work on but when you have that drive it’s easier to channel in the right direction,” ‘Izzy’ says to dugout.se about his new players.

The Sharks that went to that open tryout was André, Toofan Khazal and Jonny Edgren. All three earned a place on the team and has, during the season, combined the grueling baseball season with softball on the side.

“It’s inspiring to play alongside a group of very motivated guys from organizations from all over the country,” Khazal says.

André mainly play the outfield in Softball, Edgren tries to pitch as well as hit and Khazal, of course, catches.

But softball is not baseball and while none of the Sharks representing Sweden are young guns anymore, they seem to have adapted well to the higher pace of the softball game.

As the European Championships is fast approaching, June 25-30th, the National team has working out against the danes in April and a tournament with Alby and Venezuela in Stockholm. During the Euros in Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic, ‘Izzy’ is humble but still looking to win.

It was unclear which team enjoyed winning better than losing.

“The goal is to be competitive in every game, some have goals on winning their  first games – but if we stay competitive we can win this and more,” ‘Izzy’ says to dugout.se.

The next chance to see your favorite Sharks in a national team jersey is in Skövde during the Baltic Open in Skövde on June 16-17.

34, 30, 12, 2.
Runs, hits, walks were in abundance – errors was not.
“We played tight baseball today,” Coach Edgren says.

As the Sharks made their only trip in 2018 to the lovely Limhamnsfältet on Sunday, the first game was full of offensive performance. However, the performance that stood out the most was the one from the battery.

“They know each other inside and out, today, they were brilliant,” Jonny Edgren said of his battery.

With José Martinez on the mound and Toofan Khazal catching him, the Sharks have a dynamic duo that is going to make it hard on the opposing hitters. Sunday was no exception.

Staff leader Martinez carried a shutout in to the sixth inning as the Göteborg Hajarna (3-1) took a comfortable victory over the Malmö Pilots (0-4). After a leadoff hit, Martinez only gave up one or two hits before surrendering his first run in the sixth. Khazal behind the plate, called a great game and generally played exceptional behind the plate in the dusty fields of Malmö.

“He has really taken a step forward the last couple of years. Catching better, throwing better. All better,” Edgren praises his catcher.

Martinez (1-1) earned the win surrendering the two runs on four hits with two walks and seven punchouts.

Martinez pitched well.

Offensively, the Sharks displayed a true team effort. Only one Shark failed to cross home plate as they amassed eleven hits and twelve walks. Even though eight of those runs came in the seventh inning, the win was never really threatened.

Game two started off even better – for the Sharks. They feasted off Pilots starter Viktor Eriksson (0-2) and put up eleven (!) runs in the top of the first. With Shervin ‘The Shervinator’ Shakki and Mokhlad al-Ghanimi on the disabled list, Edgren turned to his bullpen to cover the whole game.

Joel ‘Big Daddy’ Earnest was slated to start the game but was so eager on earning a spot in that disabled list that he tweaked his ankle during infield outfield. In his stead, Chu Li-Heng started game two and performed admirably, giving up only two runs (none earned) in his two innings.

With the comfortable lead, Edgren wanted to make things interesting for the Malmö crowd and put this reporter on the mound. That did not go well as he gave up seven runs (five earned) while walking a whooping five batters in his two innings of work.

Thankfully, this game also saw The Return of the Earnest (Jr) as Erik Earnest made his official comeback. While he flashed some brilliance in game one, the rust was clearly there. In game two, however, it was a different story. If pitching two runs of shutout relief was not good enough, hit three doubles, drove in four runs and earned a walk. And yeah, those doubles could have been triples had Göteborgsvarvet not been the day before.

Earnest swung the bat well.

“Winning is better than losing, you can quote me on that,” Earnest said after the second win of the day.

Besides Earnest Jr, it was once again a team effort on offense. Official scorer had a lot of work as the Sharks put up no less than 19 hits and 4 walks in the second one. Other than Earnest and leadoff man Muñoz (who went 4-5), there was a Weidolf sighting on Sunday.

Muñoz, to no avail, tried to impersonate a serpent.

Johan ‘Wheels’ Weidolf then 4-5 himself (6-7 on the day) and had five ribbies in the second game. The veteran first baseman is now hitting .857, which is good.

“We kept having good at bats. Quality at bats, still being aggressive and with good patience,” Edgren says.

With the win streak now at three games, the Sharks will travel to play the undefeated Karlskoga Bats in two weeks. While Sunday was a good display of both defense and offense, it will be a lot tougher in Värmland.

“It’s always a tough one, while today was good we have to play even better when we face the Bats,” Edgren says.

Notables:

Daniel Linnås had his second official career hit.

Klas Brinkfledt played defense at second base like he was born to do it.

Khazal also played great defense at second and was wearing a cap.

Lars Karlsson was solid behind the plate in his official catching debut, despite having to catch this reporter.

When this reporter, Edgren, Weidolf and Earnest the elder at one point made out the Sharks bench, it might have been the oldest bench in baseball history.

Almost all Sharks swam after the game.

Natural habitat.