These wild batsmen are constantly compared to each other – an expert reveals why they are so important to their teams | Sport

In South Ostrobothnia, you can enjoy the works of two top homemakers, Janette Lepistö in Lapua and Aino-Kaisa Manteren in Seinäjoki.

Raised by Lapuan Virkiä Janette Lepistö, 28, rose to Superpesis in the 2014 season, at the age of 18. He has celebrated the Finnish championship twice, but last season was the most difficult of his career due to health reasons. He only played ten games in the regular season, but he was able to play all of the playoffs.

– Maybe the situation last season was that baseball was an insignificant thing at that point, Lepistö says with a serious expression.

The difficulties have now been resolved, and the batting joker is enjoying playing again.

– It’s really enjoyable, Lepistö acknowledges.

Driving from Lapua to Seinäjoki takes less than half an hour, but Aino-Kaisa Manteren last season’s story is completely different. At the end of the season, she was crowned the hitter queen of the year with 62 hits.

– Snapped the bat very nicely, Mantere grins.

Reigning hitter queen and wild card player of the year Aino-Kaisa Mantere, 29, reached the magical 500 hit mark in May this year. And at the same time rose to number 12 in the all-time batting statistics. Among active players, only Janette Lepistö, who ranks fourth in the statistics (more than 700 hits), is ahead of her.

Mantere needed 238 matches to reach the goal.

– In the past, there have not been such personal achievements before last season. Yes, they warm the mind. The first thing is that the team is successful, but now, for example, that 500th run scored tells you that you are playing baseball at a very good level, Mantere answers with a smile.

Let’s compare each other

– They represent the experienced department of the series. Both are fueled by the possibility of success, Urheilu’s expert Antti Yli-Saunamäki analyze experienced players.

Both Seinäjoki and Lapua have a chance to go far this year. Early season statistics show that both homers are in shock, and it bodes well for the autumn.

– It’s hard to say which one has a bigger role. Both have to be able to score runs if they want to be successful. Maybe Mantere is more important in relation to his own team, while Lepistö has a little more fire support in the team, Yli-Saunamäki compares.

The two started their Superpesis career in the same year and have been compared to each other for ages. Both play an important role in the home run, but they do it in their own batting style.

– Aino-Kaisa Mantere has been a hugely important player for Maila-Jussei for several years. The difference between the team’s victory and defeat often comes around his successes. It has not always been enough that Mantere has played an absolutely top game, Yli-Saunamäki opens Mantere’s role.

– On the other hand, a balance has been found in Lepistö’s playing. Now he seems to be also mentally ready to lead his team to victory. And he must be the player who emerges if Lapua wants to win the Finnish championship, the expert concludes.

will broadcast live today at 18:00 the women’s super pesis match Seinäjoki Maila-Jussit – Lapuan Virki.