NORTHERN Pirates skipper Andrew Clifford and centre-fielder Corey Hayman had three hits each and combined for seven runs in a 16-6 thrashing of arch-rival Wests Cardinals at Dalton Park on Saturday.
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Pirates showed little rustiness in their first game in three weeks to consolidate top spot with the 10-run mercy rule invoked after seven innings.
Pirates scored in six innings and led 6-0 after five innings before Cards mounted a mini-fightback scoring three runs in the top of the sixth innings.
But the premiers replied with six runs in the bottom of the sixth to make it eight wins for the season with just one loss and one draw.
Skipper and first baseman Clifford went 3/4, including a double and 4RBIs, with Hayman also hammering the Cards pitching with 3/4, including a double and 3RBIs.
Pirates only out-hit Cards 11-6 but the visitors made five errors, while pitcher Mick Talty gave up six walks and one hit batter.
Pirates starter Lachlan Crawley threw six strong innings for just five hits, with two strikeouts and only one walk.
Top Cardinals pitcher Scott Sartori returned from overseas to lead the hitting, going 2/4 with a double and triple to score four runs.
Nathan Grogan was also 2/4 with two doubles and two RBIs.
With just three rounds before the finals, Pirates are in the box seal to win the minor premiership and most importantly finishing top two to claim the semi-final double chance.
In the other round 17 match, Dapto Chiefs consolidated second spot with an 8-1 win over fourth-placed Berkeley at Eagles Field.
Chiefs only led 2-1 after five innings but scored three runs in the seventh and another three in the ninth.
Chiefs pitching ace Mitch Simon was outstanding; throwing eight innings for just three hits with 10 strikeouts.
Eagles starter Josh Doyle struggled with control giving up only six hits in seven innings, but hitting four batters, plus three walks.
Chiefs skipper Craig Leighton and Mitch Thompson had two hits each, while Nick Hofie had a sacrifice RBI for Eagles.
In Saturday’s round 18, Pirates host Eagles and Chiefs host Shoalhaven Mariners. Cards have the bye.
Ladder (wins, losses, draws): Pirates (8-1-1); Chiefs (6-2-1); Cardinals (6-4-1); Eagles (2-8-1); Mariners (1-8-0).
