There’s a lot happening in Division 2, with three teams leading the way after the first nine games. Cheltenham, Newport and Werribee show no signs of slowing down with their undefeated records still going strong, while Port Melbourne has dropped three-in-a-row after a hot streak last month. With the second midweek games set for Thursday night, there’s plenty of great summer baseball coming up, and we wish everyone the best of luck as the season continues. Catch up on what went down this past weekend in Div 2 with results and recaps below.
Sunday, November 18th (Round 9- 1sts, Round 8 - 2nds, 3rds, 4ths)
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Cheltenham Rustlers 1sts
1 4
The Rustlers closed out the series with their ninth win of the season, keeping their undefeated record intact with a dominant sweep of the Rebels. Cheltenham put runs up in the 1st, 3rd and 6th, allowing them to maintain their lead throughout. Although Mulgrave failed to put anything up against Jesse Remington, the dependable-as-always Rustlers starter who gave up five hits, two walks and no runs while striking out five, the Rebels finally got on the board in the final innings with a lone run. This scoring effort allowed Mulgrave to avoid their first shutout loss of the season, made possible by an RBI from Donnie Poole. Bench players Liam Richardson and Dylan Parkin stood up when it counted, making it a great team effort for Mulgrave despite the final score.
Mulgrave starter Thomas Ondra threw four innings, giving up six hits and three runs with three walks and two strikeouts. Reliever Caleb Poole was strong in support, throwing the last five innings in which he gave up four hits and one run with a handful of strikeouts. These pitchers were occasionally troubled by Cheltenham pitchers, including Dylan Trevorah (2-for-5, 1 RBI) and Sam Michael (double, single). Dante Caruso hit a blazing triple, while Andrew Campbell had a pair of singles on the night.
With another series win under their belts, the Rustlers will turn their focus to the Port Melbourne Mariners and their home game on Thursday night. Mulgrave will travel to Bonbeach to try and get their second win on the board.
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Cheltenham Rustlers 2nds
6 9
The Rustlers improved their record to 7-1 with this hard-fought win over the Rebels. Despite Mulgrave’s attempts to catch up to Cheltenham, it wasn’t in the cards, and the Rebels dropped their fourth straight game. Mulgrave’s lone victory of the season came back in round 4 when they beat Doncaster 10-3. Since then, the lineup has struggled to produce enough offense to combat hard-hitting opponents, a trend that continued in this game. The Rebels will hope to secure the win against new competition when they host Bonbeach on Sunday afternoon. Cheltenham will also host, welcoming Port Melbourne as they aim for their eighth win.
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Cheltenham Rustlers 3rds
10 4
A bright spot for the Rebels this week was the 3rds, who put together a great performance to overcome a tough team. Mulgrave improved to 5-3 as they handed Cheltenham only their second loss of the season, a big change from last week’s 10-1 defeat. The Rustlers offensive power was much quieter this week, and they’ll look to restart their engines as they head into this weekend’s trip to Port Melbourne. Meanwhile the Rebels will need to take this momentum and run with it if they want to make it two-in-a-row.
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Cheltenham Rustlers 4ths
15 13
In a weekend of high-scoring games, both sides had lackluster pitching performances that just couldn’t control the opposing offense. The Rebels move up to 4-4 after this hard-fought win over the Rustlers, who were in it every step of the way. Cheltenham is now 5-3, after their pitching and defense that held the Rebels to just two runs last week caved in. The Rustlers will be eager to get one back this weekend at Doncaster, while Mulgrave will head into their game vs. Bonbeach with high spirits.
Doncaster Dragons vs. Williamstown Wolves 1sts
12 2
The Wolves were denied a win yet again by a strong, hard-hitting Doncaster side that jumped on their scoring chances. This marks Williamstown’s eighth loss overall and seventh straight defeat, with their one and only victory coming at Port Melbourne in round 2.
The first two games of this series were much closer, with Doncaster winning 9-7 in the first game and 2-1 in the second, but this final meeting was dominated by the Dragons. Doncaster took full advantage of the struggling Wolves’ pitching staff, knocking in run after run on great at-bats from the whole lineup.
Leading the way for Doncaster was Brian Chen, who went 3-for-5 with 4 RBI’s on his singles, and Callum Lethborg who went 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI. Other big contributors included Luke Utting, who hit three singles and scored three runs, as well as Josh Lacey with his RBI double. An extra-base hit from Dakota Gibson was a big bonus, as was the two-run blast off the bat of Marcel D’Avoine, his first homer of the season. Derek Medlin scored three runs on his single and two walks, while Brendan McDonald was hit by the pitcher twice and came around to score both times.
Meanwhile Brian Chen was as solid on the mound as he was at the plate, working his way through 5.2 innings during which he gave up just one hit and two runs – one unearned, one earned – while striking out six. Reliever Derek Medlin face five batters with little drama. The only successful scoring attempts by Williamstown over the course of the game came on RBI’s from Chris Jackson and Jason McDonald.
Next up for Williamstown is a midweeker at Malvern, where they will hope to return to their winning way of last season, while Doncaster hosts Springvale to pursue their fifth straight win.
Doncaster Dragons vs. Williamstown Wolves 2nds
3 6
Williamstown’s 2nds side has been a bright spot for the club this season, with the Wolves holding on to a 6-2 record that puts them in the top four. After last week’s 12-3 win, the Wolves came into this game looking for another victory, and they found it despite the Dragons’ efforts to stay in it. This marks the Dragons’ fifth loss, and they will be eager to get the edge in this weekend’s game vs. Springvale.
Williamstown Wolves vs. Doncaster Dragons 3rds
3 11
It wasn’t a pretty day on the mound for the Wolves, who gave up a disappointing 11 runs after their 10-6 win the week before. The Dragons hit well when it mattered, bringing home their runners and adding to their totals to extend their advantage and obtain their third win of the season. Williamstown has now dropped to 3-5, and they’ll be facing a 4-4 Malvern side this Sunday. Doncaster will have a test this weekend as they play reigning premiers Springvale, currently tied with Newport and Cheltenham at the top with a 5-2 record.
Williamstown Wolves vs. Doncaster Dragons 4ths
17 3
These Wolves are known for their dynamic lineup that loves tallying lots of runs during big scoring frames. Reaching 10 or more runs for the seventh time this season, the Wolves jumped on the board early and kept building from there. The Dragons didn’t stand much of a chance, with pitchers that couldn’t control the pressure. Doncaster will take these two losses and learn from them, with hopes of coming back stronger as they visit Cheltenham this weekend. Williamstown will now set their sights on Malvern.
Newport Rams vs. Bonbeach Bluejays 1sts
3 1
Despite the loss, this was a much better game for Bonbeach because they were actually in it, keeping the Rams’ potent offense at bay for the most part. These last two games, compared to the first when the Rams won 23-4, have been much closer, and Bonbeach is showing signs of improving their pitching command and fielding abilities against busy lineups. With the same final score as the midweek meeting, it was another low-scoring meeting in which both sides were strong on the mound.
Newport’s David Asp had a fantastic outing, holding Bonbeach to just five hits scattered across eight innings. He allowed one run while striking out five and walking one. Scot Malthouse backed him up with a scoreless final inning, recording the three outs to earn the save for the Rams. Mitchell Sheldon-Collins once again took the loss for Bonbeach, even though he pitched very well considering the competition was quite fierce. He gave up five hits and three runs over seven innings along with two strikeouts.
The Rams jumped on the board in the 2nd with a ground out from Riley Barr to score one run. Newport had six hits on the day, with two apiece for David Land and Cam Lyons. After wrapping up the series 3-0, Newport will turn their attention to this weekend’s big meetup with a fellow undefeated team in Werribee. Bonbeach will host Mulgrave as they look to continue their improved pitching and hopefully get their first win on the board.
Newport Rams vs. Bonbeach Bluejays 2nds
23 1
The Bluejays had another disappointing loss as the Rams outscored them 47-1 in these past two games. Newport’s offense is feeling confident after such high-scoring results, especially as they’ve reached the 10-run mark in 5 out of 8 games. Now sitting comfortably at seven wins and one draw, alongside Werribee in the top spot, this weekend’s meeting between these two will be highly competitive. Like the 1sts, Bonbeach has yet to get a win but will be looking to change things up at Mulgrave.
Newport Rams vs. Bonbeach Bluejays 3rds
14 2
Another convincing win for Newport 3rds raised their record to 6-2, thanks to a great team effort that resulted in 14 hits across the board. The Rams got started in the 1st with a sacrifice fly from Josh Walshe that scored one run. However, Bonbeach stayed in the game for much of it, and it wasn’t until later that the Rams really picked things up a notch.
The offensive power came from Jonathan Baldacchino, who had a two-run single, as well as Sean Pengelly who went 3-for-3 at the plate. Bradley Blakemore, Sam Fraser, Matty Murph and Walshe all had two hits apiece, which made it difficult for Bonbeach to answer back.
Winning pitcher Sam Fraser gave up no hits and two runs across four innings along with two strikeouts. Newport was also strong in base running, with two players stealing multiple bases on the day. Pengelly safely stole three over the course of the game.
Now Newport looks ahead to Werribee while 3-5 Bonbeach pays a visit to Mulgrave.
Newport Rams vs. Bonbeach Bluejays 4ths
20 12
After narrowly beating the Bluejays 9-11 last weekend in Bonbeach, Newport returned home and took their offense to the next level. Bonbeach did their best to respond, but ultimately the Rams’ bats proved too steady. Newport is now 6-2, while Bonbeach fell to 2-6 but will try to come back with more offensive action this weekend at Mulgrave.
Malvern Braves vs. Port Melbourne Mariners 1sts
8 7
The Malvern boys went into this game full of confidence after pinching the first two by edging out the Mariners both times. Simon Fitzmaurice was once again great on the hill, throwing 5.2 innings in which the Mariners managed to score on some bloopers and aimless throws. This was a see-saw sort of game with both sides seeing it through, staying in the running until the very final out.
Malvern was down by two heading into the 9th, but a sacrifice fly from Geoff Holland tied it up. This took the game into extra innings, which ended up going until the 14th. Peter Kerr-Chapman was absolutely dealing for the Braves, giving them the room they needed to change the score in their favour.
In the final inning, Chance Hicks got on base and was bunted to second. A walk, an out and a wild pitch followed, creating 2 out with runners on 2nd and 3rd base. Aaron Haynes came up to the plate and drove the ball to right field, sealing Malvern’s fifth win of the season.
Port Melbourne’s pitchers were up-and-down on the day, with Kevin Desmedt throwing three solid innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs after an eight-inning effort by Aaron Petri with five runs, three of them unearned. Port Melbourne will look to return to their fine form from earlier this season as they head to undefeated Cheltenham, while Malvern hosts Williamstown as they try to build on their recent wins.
Malvern Braves vs. Port Melbourne Mariners 2nds
7 3
The Braves had to put together a 5-run 4th inning to come away with the victory, but they succeeded, thanks to strong pitching and some great offense from Jack Hanger. Now the Braves have four wins, two losses and two draws, while the Mariners have yet to win a game and will be trying to change that fact this weekend.
Port Melbourne Mariners vs. Malvern Braves 3rds
6 10
On such a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the Braves headed to Port Melbourne in pursuit of their fourth win, and they were successful in the endeavors. Steve Dean took the mound for Malvern, and threw four innings. With each Braves’ player having at least one hit, the team managed to get 13 hits overall and pull ahead of the Mariners side. Despite having a fantastic 10-0 lead heading into the final inning, Malvern coughed up six runs to the Mariners before shutting the rally down. Now 4-4, Malvern will be keen to keep up the good results as they head to Williamstown on Sunday, while Port Melbourne will try to turn their 1-7 record into something more positive.
Werribee Giants vs. Springvale Lions 1sts
5 4
The Giants took Sunday's game in dramatic fashion, with a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Lions to keep their impressive undefeated streak alive. The game was tied at four with Werribee batting in the bottom of the 10th when Guillermo Salazar singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.
The Lions scored three runs in the second inning, but the Giants still managed to pull out the victory. The offensive firepower by Springvale was led by Adam Thatcher and Corey Hart, both driving in runs in the inning. This early lead didn’t last long, with the Giants answering on a single from Wade Balzer.
Just when Springvale thought they may have had their second win, Werribee tied things up at four with a walk from Wade Balzer to force one run in the bottom of the 9th. The exciting extra-innings victory for the Giants allowed Josh Lee to take the win, having thrown four scoreless innings with just one hit, one walk and two strikeouts.
Springvale’s Lachlan Madden took the loss after allowing six hits and two runs over two and a third innings, striking out one. Their starter Lucas Anderson had a good day on the mound, giving up three runs on seven hits across seven innings, with four strikeouts.
On Werribee’s mound, Trent Pantalleresco threw six innings during which he gave up three hits and four runs along with nine stinging strikeouts. All-in-all, the Giants had 13 hits on the day, with three hits from Pantalleresco and Lowe, as well as two for Salazar. On the Lions side, Anderson went 2-for-5 to make a difference.
Werribee will have a tough challenge this weekend as they battle Newport to keep their winning streak alive and well. Springvale and Doncaster will face off, with both teams wanting to make some moves on the ladder.
Werribee Giants vs. Springvale Lions 2nds
12 1
The Giants kept their first-place spot with a dominant win over the Lions, thanks in large part to the efforts of Reece Haywood. He went 5-for-5 with the bat, recording 3 RBI’s before stepping onto the mound to close out the game with little drama. This was an ideal result for Werribee ahead of this weekend’s clash with Newport, the other top team and a competitor that could give them some trouble. Springvale now has three wins, four losses and one draw on the season, which they can try to change for the better against Springvale on Sunday.
Werribee Giants vs. Springvale Lions 3rds
16 6
The tables were turned after Springvale’s 15-4 rout the previous week. The Giants pounced on the Lions’ pitching, putting the game in their favour with some hard-hit balls and good team batting that made this a relatively easy day at the plate. The Lions tried to keep up but fell short in their efforts, resulting in only their second loss of the season. Werribee improved to 3-5 on the day.
Werribee Giants vs. Malvern Braves 4ths
12 13
Both sides kept at it all day long, trying their best to outdo the other. Ultimately, the visitors got the edge to capture their hard-earned second victory on the season, giving them a boost ahead of this weekend’s meeting with first-place Williamstown this Sunday.
