Argentinian pitcher Pablo Masmu was the hero as Saints upset defending champions Maraenui Pumas in the semifinals of Hawke's Bay's pre-Christmas premier men's softball competition on Saturday.
"That was Pablo's best performance since arriving in the Bay five weeks ago," GSB Building Saints coach Graham Scarfe said after his team's 3-1 win at Akina Park, Hastings.
Masmu, a member of the Argentina side which won the Junior World Series last month, struck out seven of the Pumas' batters he faced while conceding one hit and four walks. The Saints batters collected six hits off Pumas hurler Regan Manley.
Two of those were manufactured by second baseman Paul Roberts, while first baseman Brian Dellow, catcher Jovaan Hanley, centre outfielder Jesse Little and short stop Taniera Miratana also produced hits for Saints, who scored all three of their runs in the first inning. Little took three crucial catches on defence.
"We didn't hit the ball... we got enough runners on base but couldn't move them," Pumas manager Vicky Julian said.