Athlone Athletics Baseball Club tasted victory for the first time in 2025.

With three games played in round two of the Cape Town Baseball Federation’s Major League this year, the A’s walked away with 11-0 victors over Grassy Park Crusaders, in Athlone, on Sunday, January 19.

The win was a bounce back from Saturday’s 3-4 defeat to Durbanville Villains at home.

With now 11 wins and five defeats in 16 matches, Athlone A’s are tied in third position with Bellville Tygers.

Sunday’s victory was also extra special for the A’s, as 19-year-old female pitcher, Ateeyah Herman made her debut in the Major League.

She’s had a solid foundation with the second team, pitching consistently week-in and week-out. Her performances caught the technical teams attention, earning her a call-up to the top league in the province.

Head coach, Leon Dodgen said the team’s leadership on the field helped Herman to settle in well.

Athlone Athletics Baseball Club’s Reed Groenewald with his glove, alongside Arshad Barden in the middle and Luca Alexander with the helmet. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

“The game went well. We scored four runs in the first inning. We were in a good position. Our pitcher Niyaas Galant did well. He gave us a good opportunity to bring in Ateeyah. She did well to finish the game off,” said Dodgen.

Coach Dodgen emphasised on his teams ability to find consistency in order to win the remaining five matches ahead of play-offs at the end of the season.

“We need to be more consistent as a team. It’s been ups and downs. We beat the best team and lose the next game. It’s back to the drawing board and winning all our games for the rest of the season,” said Dodgen.

With crunch time at bay, over the next three weeks, Athlone A’s have their fixtures lined up against sixth-placed Thistles at home, Bothasig Knights home and Bellville Tygers at away.

Ateeyah Herman pitching for the first time in the CTBF’s Major League. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

First baseman Faizel Moosa strikes his man out. Athlone A’s next three matches are against Thistle at home on Saturday January 25, log leaders Bothasig Knights next week Saturday February 1, and Bellville Tygers away on Saturday February 8. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

As Grassy Park Crusaders heads back to the drawing board, following defeats against Athlone A’s and Maitland Giants (3-8) at the weekend, they will look to bounce back to winning ways in preparation of matches against Durbanville Villains, Bellville Tygers and VOB Macaw over the next three weeks. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Athlone Athletics’ Luca Alexander watches the ball go past in the diamond during their 11-0 win over Grassy Park Crusaders. Picture: Lonwabo Marele