The Auckland Tuatara have slumped to back-to-back defeats to the Perth Heat, losing 1-0 in the second match of their Australian Baseball League series.
After their 6-1 loss on Thursday night, the Tuatara were determined to bounce back, but their hitting again let them down.
The game was scoreless through six innings in a quality pitching duel between Auckland debutant Jared Koenig and Conor Lourey of Perth.
But at the top of the seventh and final inning, Perth scored their only run, when Jordan Qsar reached home plate from third base.
Umpire Trent Thomas ruled that Qsar was safe, before Tuatara manager Stephen Mintz charged out to argue the call.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Tuatara were unable to capitalise, when they managed to put a pair of runners on base.
Koenig threw a superb game, striking out nine, while allowing just three hits over six impressive innings.
The result leaves Auckland 0-2 to start the season.
The two sides return on Saturday for a third match, before a series finale on Sunday afternoon.
