When a pursuing game fleet gives up its numerical advantage

What was the tactical explanation for doing well against the larger pirate group?

The pursuers split themselves up, allowing the players to reverse their withdrawal and concentrate three heavy ships against a less cohesive enemy.

In the game battle being recalled, a larger pirate group began to split up while chasing the players. That changed an intended withdrawal into an opportunity to engage. Calling in another player brought the friendly force to three heavy ships and made the separated opponents more manageable. The lesson is to reassess a retreat when the pursuer loses concentration. A related caution is to judge one's own hull strength before trying to protect an ally by attacking a much larger frigate.