Brisbane Metro vs. Eastern Athletics
The opening game of day five saw a close run thing, but ultimately the Eastern Athletics defeated Brisbane Metro 4-3. Tyler Evans threw well in relief for the Athletics, conceding no earned runs in two innings on the mound. Jackson grounds also relieved well for Brisbane Metro, striking out three and only giving up two hits in two innings. Dante Holdsworth picked up two hits for Brisbane Metro, as did Ryne Zaryc. Nick Parton picked up a pair of RBIs for the Athletics, while Kynan Jones made the most of his one hit, legging out a triple.
Central Firebirds vs. Manly
In a seesawing encounter, the Central Firebirds just got ahead in the final inning to defeat Manly 18-17. An offensive onslaught by both teams culminated in an incredible 11 run inning for the Firebirds that put them back on track. Mason Brett and Oliver McMahon both claimed two RBIs each. Manly’s offence also fired, with Joshua Beezley, Thomas Butler and Tian Rae all claiming home runs, with Rae and Beezley driving in three and four runs respectively.
Adelaide Seahawks vs. Southern Mariners
Southern Mariners just couldn’t quite get over the line against the Adelaide Seahawks, who walked off with a 6-5 victory. The heart of the Seahawks lineup did the damage, with Tyson Schunke and Robbie Brennan picking up five hits and four RBIs between them, with both nailing home runs. Zac Becker and Bradlee Marsh combined for seven strikeouts on the mound for the Seahawks. James Lynch threw well in relief for the Mariners, picking up three strikeouts and only conceding one hit. Angus Newman hit well for the Mariners, collecting up three hits and two RBIs.
Coastal Bay vs. Geelong
Coastal Bay picked up their first win of the tournament, defeating Geelong 12-7. Jordan Baumann lead the Baycats’ offence, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs in an impressive performance. Harper Rickard also recorded a pair of hits. The offence was spread for Coastal Bay, with Khale Richards and Alex Roeszler both driving in a pair of RBIs. Zander Goodwin threw strongly for Coastal Bay, going five strong innings, striking out seven and only giving up one unearned run.
Northern Metros vs. Brisbane North
Northern Metros took care of Brisbane North 10-0 on Diamond 1 in the second game of the day. Dylan Bojarski was a single away from a cycle after his three hits yielded a double, triple and a home run. Bojarski also struck out the side in the bottom of the fourth to seal the victory for the Metros. Jackson Park and Tim Robinson also swung the bat well to drive in a pair of runs each. The only hit for Brisbane North came from the bat of Tyreece Fuimaono, who managed to make his way to third base for a triple.
Swan Hills Aces vs. Macarthur
Macarthur jumped out of the blocks early against Swan Hills, but the Aces pegged them back in a tight contest, 3-2. Macarthur’s Jack Bennetts claimed his team’s only RBIs, picking up a home run off Swan Hills’ starter Dustin Brown. Macarthur’s Bailey Senior conceded only two hits in his two innings of shutout relief, while for Swan Hills, the pitching duties were shared, with the last four pitchers all throwing an inning each of shutout baseball. Dustin Brown went 3-for-3 at the plate for the Aces, with Maddux Stivey again proving an offensive weapon, nailing a home run and claiming all three of Swan Hills’ RBIs.
Canberra vs. Gold Coast Pirates
A tense and tight ballgame developed between Canberra and the Gold Coast Pirates, before a 10 run inning from the Pirates blew the game open, and they eventually took the win 14-5. Maito Yamaguchi had a strong overall performance, picking up three hits, an RBI, and striking out six in two innings on the mound for Gold Coast. Andrew Stubbs also had a three RBI day, while Sam Green went 2-for-3. Ryan Lyddiard picked up three hits and a pair of RBIs, while Will Creighton also had a solid day at the plate, picking up two hits and an RBI.
Eastern Phantoms vs. Northern Diamondbacks
The Eastern Phantoms jumped out of the blocks quickly against the Northern Diamondbacks, but the Diamondbacks mowed them down, taking the game 8-6. Ethan Oliphant picked up a pair of RBIs, while James Higgins, Deakin Miller and Ethan Clark all claimed a hit each. Mitch Nolan kept the Phantoms’ offence at bay, striking out five in three perfect innings of relief. Jaycob Pascuzzi exploded offensively, claiming a triple and home run from his two hits.
Hills vs. Ryde
It was a semi-final for the ages, with both starting pitchers handling the pressure immensely, and performing strongly, however it was Hills who took the victory 2-0. Ryde’s James Nati struck out 10 and only gave up two earned runs, while his opposite number Clayton Campbell lead Hills perfectly, throwing a complete game shutout with an incredible 14 strikeouts. Campbell also started off the scoring for Hills, nailing a solo home run in the first inning to get Hills on the board. Will Unitt drove in Hills’ second run in a classic semi-final.
Adelaide Rays vs. Central Coast Marlins
Another tough and tight semi-final was eventually claimed by Central Coast, who defeated the Adelaide Rays 6-4. Hits were hard to come by for the Rays, who were well held by the Marlins pitching staff. Lead by a 12 strikeout performance from Parker Robinson, and a clutch final inning from Ben Langler, the Marlins took the final spot in the championship game. The top of the Marlins lineup had the bats firing, with Luke Jacobs claiming three hits from the leadoff spot, and a massive home run to straight away centre field from Parker Robinson kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Marlins. Max Stagg and Ryan Jones claimed an RBI each for the Rays, while Cooper Giles threw strongly in relief for the Rays, striking out two and only conceding one earned run.