Superpesis final review - round 1

Joensuu went big to take a lead in the series 1-0
Photograph from Joensuu Facebook (c) Joensuun Maila 2019
Superpesis final review - round 1

Sotkamon Jymy (2) 0 v 1 Joensuun Maila (4)
0-2 (4-13, 3-5)
Prediction: In our preview we suggested that the series would be tight, with Sotkamo winning 3-2. If this game sets the tone, it could be a sweep in favour of Joensuu.
Joensuu celebrate a kunniajuoksu, one of three they scored
Photograph from Joensuu Facebook (c) Joensuun Maila 2019
Summary: This series opener was a show of force for the in form Joensuu, as they dominated the game and put up big numbers against the home team. Joensuu’s 18 run outing at Sotkamo really sowed up this game and showed the power that Joensuu can draw from. The first jakso opened with JoMa scoring twice thanks to Aleksi Rautiainen and Mikko Kemppainen’s hits. In the bottom of the 1st inning Niko Korhonen’s 2 run kunniajuoksu levelled the score at 2-2, but this was undone by Juha Puhtimaki’s 3 run kunniajuoksu and 2 more runs from Aleksi Rautiainen in the 3rd inning. Roope Korhonen’s 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning kept the game in sight for Sotkamo, but the 4th inning turned into a rout with 6 runs being added to Joensuu’s already significant lead. Lauri Kivinen, Aleksi Rautiainen and Konsta Kettunen each tallied 2 runs in the 4th inning to set Sotkamo a 10 run challenge in order to win the jakso. Sotkamo were well and truly beaten and failed to get anything going in the 4th inning to seal Joensuu’s victory over the first jakso.

The second jakso started in the same manner as the first, Joensuu’s Juha Niemi and Mikko Kemppainen brought Simo Rahunen and Lauri Kivinen home to score. Roope Korhonen and Antti Korhonen levelled the score in the 3rd inning, but this was quickly undone by Joensuu in the bottom of the inning. Aleksi Rautiainen and Konsta Kettunen made for 3 runs (Konsta Kettunen scored twice) in the bottom of the 3rd inning and leave Sotkamo chasing a score yet again in the 4th inning. With the game slipping out of sight, Roope Korhonen brought Niko Korhonen home to make it 3-5. The game however was all but over and despite Sotkamo attempting to rally, they came up short and JoMa went wild. A huge win for Joensuu on the road was a perfect start for the current champions.

Juha Puhtimäki had a good game, but was one of many exceptional players
Photograph from Joensuu Facebook (c) Joensuun Maila 2019
Joensuu’s Aleksi Rautiainen was a run scoring machine in this game, going 6/8 with runners on 3rd base (7/9 overall at moving the point runner). Whilst usual superstar Juha Puhtimäki had a good game (going 7/11 with 3 runs batted in, including a kunniajuoksu), the entire team dominated, with the top 3 in the lineup going 80% or above in moving the point runner. Joensuu’s overall percentage at moving the point runner was a massive 65%, but the big difference between the two teams was Joensuu’s opportunities to score, with 30 3rd base situations compared to Sotkamo’s 13. For Sotkamo, Roope Korhonen did his best to keep his team in the game, going 4/6 with runners on 3rd base, but the home side was simply outgunned by a rampaging Joensuu. Sotkamo are left scratching their heads after this game - are they fatigued after a gruelling 5 game series against KPL? Or were they simply out-classed? Whatever the reason, Sotkamo must dust themselves off and prepare for a trip to Joensuu for game 2 before what is being advertised as a sellout game! For Joensuu they must keep this pressure up, Sotkamo are more than capable of grinding out this series. Joensuu need to keep this pressure on and win game 2 in front of the home fans to really push themselves into the driving seat.  Game 2 is on 14th September, so both teams will have some time to rest and prepare.


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