LD Dodgers Baseball Club produced a performance to remember as they narrowly defeated Shai Osudoku Hawks 9–8 in a pulsating Week 9 encounter of the maiden Ghana National Baseball League at the Koshien Baseball Field, Labone, on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Having already beaten the young and energetic Hawks twice this season, the Dodgers were well aware complacency could be costly. Their caution proved justified as Shai Osudoku mounted a fierce late comeback that pushed the contest to the wire, before the Dodgers held their nerve with a decisive defensive play in the final inning.
Strong start from the Dodgers
LD Dodgers opened the scoring in the top of the first inning, capitalising on early pressure despite disciplined pitching from Maxwell Owusu. Ernest Yemoh reached first base, and after Lawrence Kyei earned a walk, Boakye Boateng’s contribution helped bring home the opening run. With the bases loaded, Kofi Frimpong’s sharp awareness at third base secured the final out, limiting the damage to 1–0.
The Hawks were held scoreless in their first batting turn, with tight pitching and alert fielding from the Dodgers ensuring an early grip on the contest.
Dodgers extend the lead
The second inning saw LD Dodgers steadily increase their advantage. Alex Koranteng played a key role as the Dodgers capitalised on walks and fielding lapses to stretch the scoreline to 4–0. Once again, Shai Osudoku struggled to respond, failing to register a run at the bottom of the inning.
Momentum swung further in favour of the Dodgers in the third inning as they piled on four additional runs to open up a commanding 9–0 lead, with Koranteng once more instrumental in the scoring sequence.
Hawks roar back into contention
Just when it appeared the contest was slipping away from them, Shai Osudoku Hawks sparked into life. Kwaku Alaglo led the charge in the bottom of the third inning, racing to third base before scoring the Hawks’ first run. Despite a well-executed double play by the Dodgers to close the inning, the Hawks had signalled their intent.
LD Dodgers added one more run in the fourth inning to make it 8–1, but the Hawks responded strongly. Seminu Ibrahim crossed home plate, while a combination of walks and timely hits allowed Shai Osudoku to cut the deficit to 9–5 by the end of the inning.
Late drama and decisive defence
The tension escalated in the final inning as the Hawks continued their rally. Joshua Nyamedi, Kwaku Alaglo and Maxwell Owusu all scored to bring the Hawks within a single run at 9–8, sending nerves through the Dodgers’ dugout.
With the tying run threatening and pressure at its peak, the Dodgers delivered when it mattered most. A crucial double play—William caught out and Lawrence Kyei forcing Kamal Alhassan at second base—ended the Hawks’ charge and sealed a dramatic victory for LD Dodgers.
League implications
The win lifts LD Dodgers to the top of the league table for the first time this season with 21 points and a superior run difference of +68, leapfrogging Tema Tigers, who also have 21 points but a +59 run difference. Shai Osudoku Hawks remain third with six points, while Tema Giant Hitters sit bottom without a point.
The thrilling encounter was witnessed by distinguished guests, including former World Baseball Softball Africa President Albert K. Frimpong and former Ghana Baseball and Softball Federation President Rev. Albert Ocran, who made presentations to the federation.
All eyes now turn to Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Koshien Baseball Field, where the final matches of the historic maiden season will be decided. Shai Osudoku Hawks will face Tema Giant Hitters before the title decider between LD Dodgers and Tema Tigers brings the league to a dramatic conclusion.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
