Three India-born pitchers propel Mumbai to victory over Karachi

In a landmark moment for professional baseball, the Mumbai Cobras defeated the Karachi Monarchs 9-2 in Dubai to claim the first-ever regular season series victory in Baseball United history.

The win was powered by the stellar performances of three India-born pitchers, marking a historic night for Indian baseball talent.

Akshay More, the first-ever professional Indian starting pitcher, delivered a dream debut on the mound. More pitched three solid innings, allowing just one hit and striking out three batters, setting the tone for Mumbai’s dominant performance.

He was followed by Saurabh Gaikwad, who recorded both outs of his 0.2 innings in strikeouts, and Tushar Lalwani, who closed out the final two innings flawlessly, giving up only one hit while striking out one batter.

Mumbai’s offense came alive early. “Birthday boy” Brantley Bell went 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs, while Caleb McNeely added a solo home run to right field.

The attack escalated in the seventh inning when Miguel Ojeda, coming in as a pinch hitter, blasted a three-run home run off Alex DuBord to help close out a five-run inning that sealed the game. Additional contributions came from Lou Helmig, who went 1-for-3 with two RBIs, and Ian Mercado, who was 2-for-3 at the plate.

The game also featured a historic pitching duel, with both starters representing firsts for their respective countries in professional baseball. Konsta Kurikka, the Monarchs’ Finnish starter, pitched 2.1 innings, giving up six hits, four earned runs, two walks, and one home run, while striking out two.

The win was officially credited to Chase Gearing, who pitched 3.1 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and one earned run, walking three, and striking out one to close out the victory.

All games for the season, which concludes in mid-December, will be held at Baseball United’s stadium situated next to The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.