The Gozo Tornadoes Official Website

GOZO TO PLAY GZIRA FOR WILDCARD SPOT

LOSES 3 OUT OF THE LAST 4 GAMES

Tough four weeks for Gozo, as they lost three of the last four games of the season and now have to face the Gzira Mustangs in order to make it to the National League Championship Series against Mellieha. The Tornadoes have used several new players during the four game stretch, replacing important regular players who couldn't make it for the games. The Tornadoes finish the season with a 10 - 5 record.

The last four games were against Mellieha, the Hogs and the Mustangs (two games). The only victory Gozo obtained was against last placed Hogs. Many players have played out of their position, making it hard for Gozo to play up to its potential.

Yesterday's game was the last game of the season, with Mellieha taking advantage of a tired Jeff Tabone late in the game. Gozo came up strong in the first inning, scoring five runs off Keith Bartolo. Bartolo then pitched five scoreless innings to shut down Gozo till the 7th. Catcher Shaun Chircop belted a solo-shot in the seventh, but it was too late for Gozo to fight back. This was Chircop's second home run of the season.

During the four game stretch, Gzira stopped the impressive record of Charlie Attard, losing his first regular season game since 2002. During the last three seasons, Attard won fourteen straight wins. Attard finished the season with a 5-1 record.

The Tornadoes will now play the wildcard playoff game in three weeks time.

(Posted on the 12/06/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

GOZO BEAT MELLIEHA 7 - 4

ATTARD WINS 4TH.....GALEA DRIVES IN 3

Last weekend, the Tornadoes were on top form, as they beat the Northenders, 7 to 4. Charlie Attard started his second game of the year, throwing five strong innings, allowing no earned runs to cross the plate. Jeff Tabone pitched in relief for Gozo, to gather his second save of the year. Attard's fourth victory of the year was also his 14th consecutive regular season victory.

Both Tabone and Steve Galea had a good offensive game, as both went 2 for 4. Galea also drove in three decisive runs. The outfield played well defensively, nailing three Northenders at the plate. Manager Steve Ellis started the trio Sultana-Vella-Galea in the outfield.

While playing at short during the sixth, Attard turned a double play to get Tabone out of a jam.

The Tornadoes will now face the Mustangs tomorrow at the Marsa Baseball Field. Gozo beat the Mustangs 14 - 9 two weeks ago.

(Posted on the 20/05/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

FIELDING ERRORS TOO MUCH FOR GOZO

UNUSUAL HIGH-SCORING GAME AGAINST MELLIEHA

Whoever was expecting a tight pitchers duel last weekend was very disappointed. Both teams suffered from poor fielding and also under-form pitching. Neither Keith Bartolo nor Jeff and Charlie were on top form while both defenses (especially Gozo's) couldn't slam the door. A 17-11 score was definitely not expected.

Looking on the bright side, Gozo hit .412 (14 for 34) against Keith Bartolo, while Tabone and Attard held the Northenders to just a .206 batting average.

The bottom of the third was definitely the killer for Gozo. Ten runs crossed the plate, as Tabone couldn't get the final out of the inning, due to several fielding errors.

Offensively, Tabone went 3 for 5 with five stolen bases, while Shaun Chircop improved his batting average by going 3 for 4.

The Tornadoes will now face the Gzira Mustangs next Sunday in Marsa. Game starts at 2pm.

(Posted on the 28/04/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

TORNADOES RALLY OVER GZIRA

JEFF TABONE HITS GRAND SLAM

Saturday afternoon, the Gzira Mustangs got off to a quick start, and scored seven runs off starter Steve Ellis. Ellis struggled during his 2 innings of work, and had to hand over the ball to Jeff Tabone to finish off the second. Last weekend, the Mustangs surprised everybody by beating champions Melieha, and looked like they were going to do the same to Gozo when they jumped to a 7 to nothing lead. But from the bottom of the second onwards, the Tornadoes hit the field, turning a 7-0 score into an 18-7 win.

Charlie Attard came in relief in the top of the third, and pitched three shut out innings, striking out five. Attard also got his thirteenth consecutive victory; a record he keeps on extending everytime he pitches. Attard now leads Gozo in Victories, Strikeouts and Earned Run Average. Offensively, Attard hit 3 for 3 with a double and three stolen bases, improving his batting average by 166 points.

Silvio Sultana also had a solid day at bat, hitting 2 for 4 with a triple and two runs batted in.

Leadoff hitter Jeff Tabone had a remarkable day at bat, going 3 for 4 and only needed a triple to hit for the cycle. Tabone also scored four runs, stole three bases and drove in five runs batted in. Tabone now leads the Tornadoes in almost half the offensive categories. Before Tabone's at bat in the bottom of the fifth, the Tornadoes needed three runs to win on mercy rule. With the bases loaded, Tabone crushed the first pitch over the left field fence for a Grand Slam homerun. It was Tabone's first home run in four seasons.

Now the Tornadoes will be facing the Hogs next week in Gozo. Game start at two, and will be played on Sunday.

(Posted on the 10/04/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

GOZO LOSE 6-5 TO MELLIEHA

Yesterday afternoon, the Mellieha Northenders and the Gozo Tornadoes faced each other for another exciting game, this time at the Marsa Baseball Field. A good number of fans had the opportunity to see the best ballplayers play, and also get the feeling of what the possible 2005 playoffs might be like.

Mellieha turned around a 5 to 1 score into a 6 to 5 victory in the bottom of the 7th, and now trail Gozo by half a game. The Northenders now have a chance to reach Gozo at the top when they face the Mustangs on Easter Saturday.

Jeff Tabone started on the mound for the Tornadoes, pitching a complete game and striking out nine. Tabone also went 3 for 1, hitting a 2 RBI double and stealing three bases.

Keith Bartolo pitched three shutout innings for Mellieha, striking out nine. Mellieha rallied in the bottom of the 7th, scoring three runs to win the game.

Gozo now face the Hogs in two weeks.

(Posted on the 20/03/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

THIRD STRAIGHT WIN FOR GOZO

Yesterday afternoon, the Gozo Tornadoes won their third straight game, and now prepare themselves for Saturday's game against rivals, the Mellieha Northenders. The Tornadoes were all over the Hogs, winning the game 24 to 8.

Mark Buttigieg, who usually plays center field, started on the mound for Gozo. Buttigieg went through six innings, allowing six hits and striking out two. Offensively, Buttigieg batted 3 for 3, and drove in two runs. Buttigieg's victory was also his first ever of his career.

Against the Hogs, manager Steve Ellis made some defensive changes, starting Jeff Tabone at first, Reeshu Vella at center and the young duo Rodney Debono and Justin Psaila at second and right. In the bottom of the 2nd, Vella made a spectacular diving catch off a Tagliaferro line-drive to right-center.

Next Saturday, the Tornadoes will be facing the Mellieha Northenders at the Marsa Baseball Field. Game starts at 1pm.

(Posted on the 13/03/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

TORNADOES CELEBRATE VICTORY AT SANNAT

Today, the Sannat Ground was open for its first ever baseball game, hosting a league game between two teams who have won the last five championships. The game between Gozo and Mellieha was a nail biter; going down till the very last strike out. The Tornadoes ended up winning the game 10 - 9 and also took sole command in the National League standings.

Shaun Chircop started on the hill for Gozo, while Keith Bartolo pitched for Mellieha. Mellieha got to a quick start, leading 4 - 0 at the end of the 2nd. Gozo then took the lead in the 3rd, scoring five runs, but Mellieha responded back with another three runs in the 4th, to make it 7 - 5 for Mellieha.

Charlie Attard took the mound in the 5th, striking out three batters to keep Gozo in the game. Steve Galea then hit a double to center in the bottom of the 5th to tie the ballgame. In the 6th inning, the Northenders took the lead again, but the Tornadoes hit back at the bottom of the inning to make the score 9 - 8. Chircop then got his first hit of the season in the 8th; crushing a Keith Bartolo fastball somewhere over the tall wired fence in center field. The home run was also Chircop's first round tripper of his career.

Mellieha scored another run in the 9th, but Bartolo's and Antoine Briffa's extra base hits were not enough to keep an impressive Attard from winning his twelfth consecutive victory. Attard struck out nine batters and walked none in five innings.

Gozo now face the Hogs next Saturday in Marsa. Game starts at 1pm.

(Posted on the 05/03/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

OPENING DAY AT SANNAT GROUND

The Gozo Tornadoes will be playing their first home game next Sunday, against rivals......the Mellieha Northenders. Sunday's game will also be the first time that baseball will be played at the Sannat Ground. Gozo's new home is much more bigger than Kercem Field, and is much more better for fans to come and watch.

Gozo and Mellieha have faced each other in the 2003 and 2004 National League Championship Series. Gozo won the 2003 NLCS while Mellieha won the 2004 series.

Jeff Tabone and Keith Bartolo are expected to start on the mound for both teams.

Sunday's game starts at 2pm. Entrance to the ground is free.

(Posted on the 04/03/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

OFFICIAL WEBSITE GETS NEW LOOK

The Gozo Tornadoes Baseball Club welcomes you to our new Official Website. Our club has been playing baseball in Malta for the last seven years, winning three national championships and also voted as the Best Gozitan Sport Team in 2000.

Marking the fourth anniversary since our club launched its official website, we have decided to give our page a fresh look and also a new address. From now on, you could log onto www.gozotornadoes.maltabaseball.org to get the latest news about the Gozo Tornadoes. We should also be launching a new Forum, Chat Room and Guest Book very soon.

So, hope you'll enjoy our new website, and please send in any comments about our website to gozotornadoes@hotmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Webmaster

GOZO WINS SEASON OPENER

Sunday turned out to be a very cold day for baseball, but still both Gozo and Gzira were on the field that afternoon to play their 2005 opening game. After the 9th inning was over, the Tornadoes went back to Gozo with a 16 to 10 victory. Although losing some players during the off-season to the new franchise, the Hogs; Gzira looked very solid on the field, making several good plays. The 2005 Tornadoes team also looks very promising, replacing Terry Hemme with two new players plus the return of Mike Portelli, who is expected to make his 2005 debut later this season. The line-up also looks fantastic this year. Having Steve Galea bat 7th (who batted .400 last year) speaks for itself.

Making their debut for Gozo were left-fielder Jason Attard, and right-fielder Justin Psaila. Both players managed to get their first hit and drive in their first run in the Maltese National League.

Starting on the mound for Gozo was Charlie Attard, were he pitched six innings, striking out twelve batters on the way. Attard got credit for the win, extending his National League record to 11 straight victories, starting. Attard also had a solid offensive day, were he drove in two runs and also stole three bases.

But the stars of the game were Mark Buttigieg and Steve Galea. Buttigieg made his first career appearance in the infield, playing 1st base. Buttigieg played 1st base instead of regular Reeshu Vella, who should be expected on the roster for the game against Mellieha next Sunday. Buttigieg hit two solid doubles in the 5th and 7th against Pat Pace. He also stole two bases during the game. Galea, on the other hand, went 2 for 3, stole three bases and also drove in three runs. Galea hit a rope to deep right field in the 5th inning, and got himself an easy triple.

Jeff Tabone also made his 2005 pitching debut in the bottom of the 7th, pitching two shutout innings while striking out three batters. Tabone is now expected to start on the mound against Mellieha next week.

Next Sunday, we welcome everybody for Opening Day in Gozo. Opening Day 2005 will also see the Tornadoes making their debut in their new home, the Sannat Field. The highly expected game will start at 2 in the afternoon. Entrance for the game is free.

(Posted on the 27/02/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

2005 SEASON STARTING TOMORROW

2004 National Champions Mellieha will be facing the Hogs tomorrow afternoon. The season opener will also be the debut of the new franchise in the National League.

The Mustangs then host the Gozo Tornadoes on Sunday. Gozo welcome back Mike Portelli and also have added Anthony Spiteri to their roster.

Gozo's game starts at 2pm at Marsa.

(Posted on the 25/02/2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)

GOZO STARS BREAK NATIONAL RECORDS

2004 has been a great year, with several National League records reached and many broken. Three Gozo members have been part of this magical year, breaking batting and pitching records in the Regular Season.

Left-fielder Silvio Sultana broke Trevor Shaw's 2002 Plate Appearances record, batting 55 times at the plate. He surpassed the 2002 record by five plate appearances. Sultana has been one of the most stellar players in the National League, batting .425. He was also the most brilliant outfielder this season, no doubt.

Catcher Shaun Chircop has broken two records this season, thanks to an outstanding second half of the season. Chircop broke Keith Bartolo's 2003 Single Base-hit record, adding five more singles than the 2003 mark. The record now stands at 17. Chircop (along with two other players) also broke the At-Bats record, by another five points. His 46 At-Bats lead the National League. Chircop also served as a middle-infielder and pitcher during the regular season.

Pitcher Charles Attard has ended another flawless regular season, who goes into 2005 unbeaten in the last ten decisions. Attard won all six decisions this season, marking the best no-loss season ever in MABS history. The previous mark was set by teammate Jeff Tabone, winning five out of five in 2002. Attard also broke Tabone's record of eight consecutive regular season victories, extending it by two more. Offensively, Attard tied a record in Doubles, with six.

(Posted on the 23rd January 2005 - Gozo Tornadoes Official News)