The 2019/20 VSBL Division One season continued over the weekend with some big games, including Berwick's shutout of Geelong and a close victory for Melbourne over Newport. The competition is heating up and there's plenty of quality baseball to come this summer season. Five teams remain undefeated heading into round three, and it will be interesting to see whether Blackburn, Essendon, Melbourne, Sunshine and Waverley can keep up the momentum moving forward.
Division 1 Firsts
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
0 4
After losing by five runs in the opening round, Berwick City turned the tables on Geelong with a strong performance on Saturday. A 4-0 shutout victory at home was just the boost the Cougars needed, and the effort was led by Aaron Ouwehand, Cain Bumpstead and Jordan Bradley who each knocked in a run.
The Cougars jumped on the board early, enjoying a 3-0 lead by the top of the third. Berwick City added one more in the bottom of the seventh, all while keeping the Baycats' normally feisty lineup off the bases. The combined pitching efforts of Cameron Gibbens, Blake Cunningham, Jordan Bradley and Craig Barnett ensured Geelong was held scoreless. Cunningham gave up just one hit and struck out three in his four innings of work.
Both sides have 1-1 records heading into round three, when Geelong visits grand final foes Blackburn and Berwick City hosts Sandringham.
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
2 6
For the second week in a row, the Royals were kept quiet by the Orioles. Still in high spirits after their thrilling Grand Final victory and feeling confident about this season, Blackburn batted their way to another solid win.
In the first two games of the season, the Orioles have scored 16 runs while holding the Royals to just seven. Sunday's meeting saw Blackburn's Nick Rossell hit a two-run blast over the fence, while teammate Ben Leslie collected 2 RBIs on a double. Pitcher Scott Mitchelson carried a 0.00 ERA through five innings of work with just three hits allowed and nine strikeouts on 67 pitches.
Sandringham's Tim Lane had a base hit while Paul Rutgers and Sam Skinner both had RBIs. Although the Royals struggled to produce offensively in this two-game series vs. Blackburn, they will look to bounce back against Berwick City in round three. Blackburn hosts Geelong in their first meeting since the 2018/19 Grand Final.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
6 0
Essendon shutout Cheltenham for the second week in a row, relying on strong pitching and hitting to get them a positive
2-0 record to open the season.
Gareth Formisano had a great game on the mound, earning the win with just two hits and five strikeouts and scattered across 5.1 Innings. Teammate Jared Cruz homered and Peter Stokes collected 3 RBIs on two hits to pad Essendon's advantage.
Despite the loss, Cheltenham enjoyed having Travis Blackley out on the mound for two scoreless innings, and Lars Ligouri and Dylan Trevorah picked up hits. Round three sees Essendon move on to visit Upwey Ferntree Gully and Cheltenham stay at home to host a 2-0 Sunshine side.
Fitzroy Lions vs. Waverley Wildcats
1 3
In another close game between these two teams, Waverley pulled away for the win with a great day on the mound and at the plate for Andrew Russell. He had a quality six-inning start with five strikeouts and 89 total pitches, bringing his E.R.A. thus far this season down to 1.50. That wasn't all, as Russell also hustled around the bases, stealing one and collecting 2 RBIs on two hits.
Mitchell Thomas and Luke Papanicolaou pitched well in relief, while Waverley's offence backed their pitchers up with two hits from Jacob Sheldon-Collins and singles for Ben Jackson and Jordan Ley. Fitzroy's Tom Dicker had a double and a single, while import pitcher Rusty Huber impressed in his first outing, keeping the Lions in the game with just three hits and one earned run allowed in five innings.
Fitzroy has been fighting hard to get a win, and they will have another chance when they host Melbourne on Sunday. Meanwhile Waverley will head to Newport for a chance to go 3-0.
Newport Rams vs. Melbourne Demons
5 6
Last week Melbourne squeaked past Newport with a 3-2 win, and it was another close meeting between the two on Sunday with the Demons prevailing once more.
Adam Pahos got the start for Melbourne, throwing 3.2 innings before Liam Davine took the ball to cover the next four. 16-year-old Kurtis Smith shut down Newport in the 8th inning, an exciting moment for the club as his father and grandfather were fantastic Division 1 pitchers for Melbourne. With the score too close for comfort, Mitch Ellis came in to pitch the 9th and he got the job done, securing Melbourne's second victory of the season.
Solid fielding and a cameo from Sadi Nergiz late in the game with a blazing double to left kept the Demons on their feet. Plus, not only did Ellis pitch well but he had a great game at the plate too, collecting three hits and an RBI. Tim Sullivan knocked in two runs for Melbourne.
Newport's narrow loss featured some bright spots for the team, as there was offensive production up-and-down the lineup. Trenell Hutchins had a double, a single and an RBI, while Jason Jarvis sent a pitch sailing over the fence for a home run in addition to his base hit. David Land, Ryan Morrison and Nathan Smith doubled as Jake Vanderline collected two singles and Tyler Comben had a base hit, too.
Next up for Newport is a home game vs. 2-0 Waverley and Melbourne will visit Fitzroy as they chase a three-game winning streak.
Sunshine Eagles vs. Upwey FTG Tigers
5 1
After a 4-2 win to open the season, Sunshine continued with their strong start as they put together a solid performance on Sunday.
Although Jarrod Turner pitched well for Upwey FTG, giving up just two earned runs in seven innings, the Tigers couldn't keep up with the Eagles. Travis Murphy batted in the lone run of the game, while teammates Wade McConnon had two hits and Staci Rogers and Peter Schroders had base hits.
The excited Eagles will visit Cheltenham as they go for three in a row, while Upwey hosts Essendon for a big game on Sunday.
Photo: Melbourne Baseball Club - Facebook
Division 1 Firsts
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
0 4
After losing by five runs in the opening round, Berwick City turned the tables on Geelong with a strong performance on Saturday. A 4-0 shutout victory at home was just the boost the Cougars needed, and the effort was led by Aaron Ouwehand, Cain Bumpstead and Jordan Bradley who each knocked in a run.
The Cougars jumped on the board early, enjoying a 3-0 lead by the top of the third. Berwick City added one more in the bottom of the seventh, all while keeping the Baycats' normally feisty lineup off the bases. The combined pitching efforts of Cameron Gibbens, Blake Cunningham, Jordan Bradley and Craig Barnett ensured Geelong was held scoreless. Cunningham gave up just one hit and struck out three in his four innings of work.
Both sides have 1-1 records heading into round three, when Geelong visits grand final foes Blackburn and Berwick City hosts Sandringham.
After losing by five runs in the opening round, Berwick City turned the tables on Geelong with a strong performance on Saturday. A 4-0 shutout victory at home was just the boost the Cougars needed, and the effort was led by Aaron Ouwehand, Cain Bumpstead and Jordan Bradley who each knocked in a run.
The Cougars jumped on the board early, enjoying a 3-0 lead by the top of the third. Berwick City added one more in the bottom of the seventh, all while keeping the Baycats' normally feisty lineup off the bases. The combined pitching efforts of Cameron Gibbens, Blake Cunningham, Jordan Bradley and Craig Barnett ensured Geelong was held scoreless. Cunningham gave up just one hit and struck out three in his four innings of work.
Both sides have 1-1 records heading into round three, when Geelong visits grand final foes Blackburn and Berwick City hosts Sandringham.
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
2 6
For the second week in a row, the Royals were kept quiet by the Orioles. Still in high spirits after their thrilling Grand Final victory and feeling confident about this season, Blackburn batted their way to another solid win.
In the first two games of the season, the Orioles have scored 16 runs while holding the Royals to just seven. Sunday's meeting saw Blackburn's Nick Rossell hit a two-run blast over the fence, while teammate Ben Leslie collected 2 RBIs on a double. Pitcher Scott Mitchelson carried a 0.00 ERA through five innings of work with just three hits allowed and nine strikeouts on 67 pitches.
Sandringham's Tim Lane had a base hit while Paul Rutgers and Sam Skinner both had RBIs. Although the Royals struggled to produce offensively in this two-game series vs. Blackburn, they will look to bounce back against Berwick City in round three. Blackburn hosts Geelong in their first meeting since the 2018/19 Grand Final.
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
2 6
For the second week in a row, the Royals were kept quiet by the Orioles. Still in high spirits after their thrilling Grand Final victory and feeling confident about this season, Blackburn batted their way to another solid win.
In the first two games of the season, the Orioles have scored 16 runs while holding the Royals to just seven. Sunday's meeting saw Blackburn's Nick Rossell hit a two-run blast over the fence, while teammate Ben Leslie collected 2 RBIs on a double. Pitcher Scott Mitchelson carried a 0.00 ERA through five innings of work with just three hits allowed and nine strikeouts on 67 pitches.
Sandringham's Tim Lane had a base hit while Paul Rutgers and Sam Skinner both had RBIs. Although the Royals struggled to produce offensively in this two-game series vs. Blackburn, they will look to bounce back against Berwick City in round three. Blackburn hosts Geelong in their first meeting since the 2018/19 Grand Final.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
6 0
Essendon shutout Cheltenham for the second week in a row, relying on strong pitching and hitting to get them a positive
2-0 record to open the season.
Gareth Formisano had a great game on the mound, earning the win with just two hits and five strikeouts and scattered across 5.1 Innings. Teammate Jared Cruz homered and Peter Stokes collected 3 RBIs on two hits to pad Essendon's advantage.
Despite the loss, Cheltenham enjoyed having Travis Blackley out on the mound for two scoreless innings, and Lars Ligouri and Dylan Trevorah picked up hits. Round three sees Essendon move on to visit Upwey Ferntree Gully and Cheltenham stay at home to host a 2-0 Sunshine side.
Gareth Formisano had a great game on the mound, earning the win with just two hits and five strikeouts and scattered across 5.1 Innings. Teammate Jared Cruz homered and Peter Stokes collected 3 RBIs on two hits to pad Essendon's advantage.
Fitzroy Lions vs. Waverley Wildcats
1 3
In another close game between these two teams, Waverley pulled away for the win with a great day on the mound and at the plate for Andrew Russell. He had a quality six-inning start with five strikeouts and 89 total pitches, bringing his E.R.A. thus far this season down to 1.50. That wasn't all, as Russell also hustled around the bases, stealing one and collecting 2 RBIs on two hits.
Mitchell Thomas and Luke Papanicolaou pitched well in relief, while Waverley's offence backed their pitchers up with two hits from Jacob Sheldon-Collins and singles for Ben Jackson and Jordan Ley. Fitzroy's Tom Dicker had a double and a single, while import pitcher Rusty Huber impressed in his first outing, keeping the Lions in the game with just three hits and one earned run allowed in five innings.
Fitzroy has been fighting hard to get a win, and they will have another chance when they host Melbourne on Sunday. Meanwhile Waverley will head to Newport for a chance to go 3-0.
In another close game between these two teams, Waverley pulled away for the win with a great day on the mound and at the plate for Andrew Russell. He had a quality six-inning start with five strikeouts and 89 total pitches, bringing his E.R.A. thus far this season down to 1.50. That wasn't all, as Russell also hustled around the bases, stealing one and collecting 2 RBIs on two hits.
Mitchell Thomas and Luke Papanicolaou pitched well in relief, while Waverley's offence backed their pitchers up with two hits from Jacob Sheldon-Collins and singles for Ben Jackson and Jordan Ley. Fitzroy's Tom Dicker had a double and a single, while import pitcher Rusty Huber impressed in his first outing, keeping the Lions in the game with just three hits and one earned run allowed in five innings.
Fitzroy has been fighting hard to get a win, and they will have another chance when they host Melbourne on Sunday. Meanwhile Waverley will head to Newport for a chance to go 3-0.
Newport Rams vs. Melbourne Demons
5 6
Last week Melbourne squeaked past Newport with a 3-2 win, and it was another close meeting between the two on Sunday with the Demons prevailing once more.
Adam Pahos got the start for Melbourne, throwing 3.2 innings before Liam Davine took the ball to cover the next four. 16-year-old Kurtis Smith shut down Newport in the 8th inning, an exciting moment for the club as his father and grandfather were fantastic Division 1 pitchers for Melbourne. With the score too close for comfort, Mitch Ellis came in to pitch the 9th and he got the job done, securing Melbourne's second victory of the season.
Solid fielding and a cameo from Sadi Nergiz late in the game with a blazing double to left kept the Demons on their feet. Plus, not only did Ellis pitch well but he had a great game at the plate too, collecting three hits and an RBI. Tim Sullivan knocked in two runs for Melbourne.
Newport's narrow loss featured some bright spots for the team, as there was offensive production up-and-down the lineup. Trenell Hutchins had a double, a single and an RBI, while Jason Jarvis sent a pitch sailing over the fence for a home run in addition to his base hit. David Land, Ryan Morrison and Nathan Smith doubled as Jake Vanderline collected two singles and Tyler Comben had a base hit, too.
Next up for Newport is a home game vs. 2-0 Waverley and Melbourne will visit Fitzroy as they chase a three-game winning streak.
Sunshine Eagles vs. Upwey FTG Tigers
5 1
After a 4-2 win to open the season, Sunshine continued with their strong start as they put together a solid performance on Sunday.
Although Jarrod Turner pitched well for Upwey FTG, giving up just two earned runs in seven innings, the Tigers couldn't keep up with the Eagles. Travis Murphy batted in the lone run of the game, while teammates Wade McConnon had two hits and Staci Rogers and Peter Schroders had base hits.
The excited Eagles will visit Cheltenham as they go for three in a row, while Upwey hosts Essendon for a big game on Sunday.
Photo: Melbourne Baseball Club - Facebook
Division 1 Reserves
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
3 4
The Baycats fought hard, but ultimately the Cougars walked away with the win for the second week in a row. Geelong stayed in the game and they will look to do the same thing as they move on to visit Blackburn on Saturday. The 2-0 Berwick side will shoot for another victory coming up against Sandringham.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
3 6
A 4-2 victory in round one and a 6-3 win in round two has given Cheltenham a great start to the season. The Rustlers are on a mission to make an impact in the competition, and a 2-0 record as they head into a home game vs. Sunshine is beneficial. Essendon will look to bounce back against Upwey FTG on Sunday.
Fitzroy Lions vs. Waverley Wildcats
4 12
Waverley won their first meeting 8-1, and they dominated once again with a big eight-run advantage. Fitzroy fought hard but they dropped their second game, leading the Lions to turn their attention to winning in round three against Melbourne. Waverley plays Newport next as they're hot on the heels of a three-game streak.
Newport Rams vs. Melbourne Demons
3 4
The Demons ran away with the round one game, cruising to a 12-1 victory, but the Rams were much more competitive this week. Newport remained in the game the whole way through, ultimately losing by just one run despite their efforts to take the lead.
Quality pitching from both sides made this a fun game to watch. Melbourne's Nick Cleland covered five innings with six hits allowed, 17 first-pitch strikes, seven strikeouts and two earned runs before Cooper Gerwing closed out the game. The Demons relied on Paul Howard who collected multiple hits from both sides of the plate.
Melbourne carries a 2-0 record into round three at Fitzroy, while Newport looks for a win at home vs. Waverley.
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
1 8
Blackburn won the premiership last season, and their powerful lineup seems ready to do it all over again after another convincing win over Sandringham. Owen de Vries went 3-for-3 and Sam Bucello pitched well to give Blackburn a boost before Saturday's home game vs. Geelong. Sandringham heads to Berwick on Saturday as they look to put a win on the board.
Sunshine Eagles vs. Upwey FTG Tigers
4 7
The Tigers battled valiantly, coming from behind to secure a 2-0 start to the season. Mitchell John pitched well at the start of the game before the Tigers ran into trouble in the 3rd. Upwey FTG was down 4-1 before they fought their way back to tie the game in the 5th inning. The Tigers eventually took the lead with Oz Ratcliffe closing out Sunshine's rally and keeping the game in Upwey FTG's favour. Michael Oxworth, Daryn Cassidy and Justin Swanton kept Upwey in the game offensively, and their hitting power will be needed one again as the Tigers host Essendon this weekend. Meanwhile Sunshine will head across the city to Cheltenham for a big showdown.
Division 1 Thirds
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
1 17
In these first two games, Blackburn scored 38 runs while giving up just nine. The Orioles enjoyed a 10-run inning as their offence made the most of scoring opportunities. Aaron Wawra was fantastic in the field with two 9-3 outs as Blackburn dominated the entire game for a 2-0 record ahead of Saturday's meeting with Geelong. Sandringham heads to Berwick City as they look to boost their record with a win.
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
9 8
As reigning premiers, Geelong is a confident and capable competitor, and the Baycats team held together for a big win. Berwick had a three-run lead in the second half of the game, but Geelong stepped things up a notch to come back and take the win in the last dig. Geelong remains undefeated before Saturday's visit to Blackburn while Berwick is hungry for a victory against Sandringham.
Waverley Wildcats vs. Fitzroy Lions
7 0
The Lions endured another painful loss at the hands of the Wildcats. A 9-0 shutout in round one followed by this result gives Waverley momentum moving forward as they face Newport next, while Fitzroy will be eager to turn things around vs. Melbourne.
Melbourne Demons vs. Newport Rams
16 3
Melbourne's thirds won 20-4 in the first game, and their offence showed no signs of slowing down in their second meeting with Newport. Dean Kontopoulos, a new addition to the Demons, shined with three safe hits and five strikeouts during two innings of work on the mound. Newport will regroup as they return to the field for a big matchup vs. Waverley, while Melbourne goes toe-to-toe with Fitzroy.
Upwey FTG Tigers vs. Sunshine Eagles
11 3
The Tigers enjoyed a strong win away from home to go 2-0 on Sunday. The team has the winning recipe of youth and experience with good chemistry, as displayed throughout the game with great pitching from Harry Snoxell and reliable offence from top to bottom. Upwey FTG could be 3-0 if they win against Essendon this weekend, while Sunshine is taking on Cheltenham.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
2 2
Essendon won by two runs in the first game, but this one ended in a draw thanks to strong pitching on both sides. Essendon visits Upwey FTG on Sunday in search of another victory as Cheltenham heads to Sunshine to get a win on the board.
Division 1 Fourths
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
9 6
In a much more competitive game than the first, in which Blackburn won 17-2, the Royals turned the tables and got their revenge. A three-run lead was enough for Sandringham to secure a big win before Sunday's game against Berwick, while Blackburn will search for a 2-1 record against Geelong.
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
6 12
The first game ended in a 4-4 draw, and the Cougars were determined to get a win on the board in this matchup. They did just that, putting their bats to work and racking up the runs to stay ahead of Geelong. The Baycats visit Blackburn this weekend and Berwick City welcomes Sandringham at home.
Waverley Wildcats vs. Fitzroy Lions
13 8
Waverley evened the series with an exciting win over Fitzroy. Both teams are 1-1 now heading into round three, which will see Waverley at Newport and Fitzroy at Melbourne.
Melbourne Demons vs. Newport Rams
7 4
After a 12-2 loss last week, Newport was determined to get on the board early, and that's what they did with four runs at the start of the game. Unfortunately for the Rams, they couldn't hold on as Melbourne came back in the 3rd to win it 7-4. Melbourne relied on three hits from Aaron Hoskin and two from Arran Potter to get the job done, something they will need to do again this wekeend vs. Fitzroy. Newport hosts the Waverley Wildcats at home as they look for a victory.
Upwey FTG Tigers vs. Sunshine Eagles
5 13
Sunshine ran away with the first game 20-5, and the scoreline was similar this time around, although the Tigers created plenty of chances. Upwey FTG struggled to contain the hard-hitting Sunshine lineup, and they will now focus on beating Essendon to get a win on the board. Sunshine has to overcome Cheltenham to achieve a 3-0 record.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
4 1
The first game was tight with Essendon coming out on top by one run, and the second meeting saw the Bombers pull away for a 2-0 record ahead of round three vs. Upwey FTG. Cheltenham will battle it out against Sunshine for a coveted victory.
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
1 17
In these first two games, Blackburn scored 38 runs while giving up just nine. The Orioles enjoyed a 10-run inning as their offence made the most of scoring opportunities. Aaron Wawra was fantastic in the field with two 9-3 outs as Blackburn dominated the entire game for a 2-0 record ahead of Saturday's meeting with Geelong. Sandringham heads to Berwick City as they look to boost their record with a win.
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
9 8
As reigning premiers, Geelong is a confident and capable competitor, and the Baycats team held together for a big win. Berwick had a three-run lead in the second half of the game, but Geelong stepped things up a notch to come back and take the win in the last dig. Geelong remains undefeated before Saturday's visit to Blackburn while Berwick is hungry for a victory against Sandringham.
Waverley Wildcats vs. Fitzroy Lions
7 0
The Lions endured another painful loss at the hands of the Wildcats. A 9-0 shutout in round one followed by this result gives Waverley momentum moving forward as they face Newport next, while Fitzroy will be eager to turn things around vs. Melbourne.
Melbourne Demons vs. Newport Rams
16 3
Melbourne's thirds won 20-4 in the first game, and their offence showed no signs of slowing down in their second meeting with Newport. Dean Kontopoulos, a new addition to the Demons, shined with three safe hits and five strikeouts during two innings of work on the mound. Newport will regroup as they return to the field for a big matchup vs. Waverley, while Melbourne goes toe-to-toe with Fitzroy.
Upwey FTG Tigers vs. Sunshine Eagles
11 3
The Tigers enjoyed a strong win away from home to go 2-0 on Sunday. The team has the winning recipe of youth and experience with good chemistry, as displayed throughout the game with great pitching from Harry Snoxell and reliable offence from top to bottom. Upwey FTG could be 3-0 if they win against Essendon this weekend, while Sunshine is taking on Cheltenham.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
2 2
Essendon won by two runs in the first game, but this one ended in a draw thanks to strong pitching on both sides. Essendon visits Upwey FTG on Sunday in search of another victory as Cheltenham heads to Sunshine to get a win on the board.
Division 1 Fourths
Sandringham Royals vs. Blackburn Orioles
9 6
In a much more competitive game than the first, in which Blackburn won 17-2, the Royals turned the tables and got their revenge. A three-run lead was enough for Sandringham to secure a big win before Sunday's game against Berwick, while Blackburn will search for a 2-1 record against Geelong.
Geelong Baycats vs. Berwick City Cougars
6 12
The first game ended in a 4-4 draw, and the Cougars were determined to get a win on the board in this matchup. They did just that, putting their bats to work and racking up the runs to stay ahead of Geelong. The Baycats visit Blackburn this weekend and Berwick City welcomes Sandringham at home.
Waverley Wildcats vs. Fitzroy Lions
13 8
Waverley evened the series with an exciting win over Fitzroy. Both teams are 1-1 now heading into round three, which will see Waverley at Newport and Fitzroy at Melbourne.
Melbourne Demons vs. Newport Rams
7 4
After a 12-2 loss last week, Newport was determined to get on the board early, and that's what they did with four runs at the start of the game. Unfortunately for the Rams, they couldn't hold on as Melbourne came back in the 3rd to win it 7-4. Melbourne relied on three hits from Aaron Hoskin and two from Arran Potter to get the job done, something they will need to do again this wekeend vs. Fitzroy. Newport hosts the Waverley Wildcats at home as they look for a victory.
Upwey FTG Tigers vs. Sunshine Eagles
5 13
Sunshine ran away with the first game 20-5, and the scoreline was similar this time around, although the Tigers created plenty of chances. Upwey FTG struggled to contain the hard-hitting Sunshine lineup, and they will now focus on beating Essendon to get a win on the board. Sunshine has to overcome Cheltenham to achieve a 3-0 record.
Essendon Bombers vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
4 1
The first game was tight with Essendon coming out on top by one run, and the second meeting saw the Bombers pull away for a 2-0 record ahead of round three vs. Upwey FTG. Cheltenham will battle it out against Sunshine for a coveted victory.