The 2019/20 VSBL Division 2 competition heated up in round two, as Williamstown, Port Melbourne, Werribee and Moorabbin secured 2-0 starts to the summer season. Now heading into round three, series are on the line and everyone is eager to make an impact. Moorabbin's four Division 2 teams have yet to lose, while St Kilda and Malvern are also enjoying strong starts in the first few rounds.
Division 2 Firsts
Port Melbourne Mariners vs. Bonbeach Bluejays
11 0
The Mariners have made their mark once more against the Bluejays, shutting them out for the second week in a row. Port Melbourne scored 17 runs over the course of these two games, leaving Bonbeach without much offensive firepower.
Photo: Bonbeach Bluejays - Facebook
The Mariners were clicking on all cylinders as their offense kept chipping away, extending their advantage and earning their second straight win. Although Adam Shoppe was in fine form for the Bluejays, giving up seven hits and two earned runs throughout 5.1 innings, the Mariners were able to make the most of late scoring opportunities. Bonbeach gave up six unearned runs in one inning to seal their fate.
Jim Crowe and Mitch Sheldon-Collins both doubled for the Bluejays, the only two hits in the game for Bonbeach. Port Melbourne hosts game three as they go for the sweep.
Williamstown Wolves vs. Doncaster Dragons
16 1
Doncaster's pitching struggled once again as the Wolves racked up the runs and cruised to a massive victory. Williamstown swept Bonbeach on the day with all four Division 2 teams winning big. In the top nine, Dennis Neal was tough to beat out on the mound, throwing 68 pitches across five innings with just two hits and five strikeouts to protect his 0.00 ERA.
Justin Gourlay led the Wolves with three hits - including two doubles - for 3 RBIs and a stolen base. Robert Higginson and Jason McDonald also chipped in with 3 RBIs on two hits. Aaron Green, Daniel Chircop and Kevin Desmedt each had two base hits, while Bill Millar, Jayde Thorne and Nick Gray all got involved in the batting frenzy with hits of their own.
Errors in the field cost Doncaster dearly, as three unearned runs scored with Brian Chen on the mound and another three when Nic Unland was pitching. The Dragons had a bit of offensive activity with a double from Dakota Gibson and singles to Brendan McDonald, Mitch Ramsey and Marc Sandy, but it wasn't enough to mount any sort of comeback. There's still a chance for Doncaster to take game three at home on Sunday.
Moorabbin Panthers vs. Mulgrave Rebels
14 4
The Rebels were no match for Moorabbin's Zack Kamerman on the hill as he hurled 94 pitches across 6.2 innings with eight strikeouts and two earned runs for the win.
Kamerman also proved to be a tough out at the plate, collecting 3 RBIs on a blazing triple. Teammate Nick Veale joined in the fun with three singles and a double. Mulgrave later scored two unearned runs when Veale took over on the mound, but they couldn't come anywhere close to closing the gap as the Panthers prevailed.
Stewart Mathieson also made a difference for his team, collecting two singles and a double for a pair of RBIs, while Andrew Katz had an RBI base hit and Neil Johnston singled and tripled. Adam Harris and Mich Barr had a couple of hits, too.
After two tough losses, Mulgrave will look to regroup and rebound as they face Moorabbin once more on Sunday.
Preston Pirates vs. St Kilda Saints
1 7
The recently relegated Pirates opened their season on a strong note with a 5-2 win over St Kilda, but they couldn't replicate their same winning form in round two. The Saints were on fire on the mound, with starter Franco Caramia striking out four across six innings with no hits allowed. He was backed up by relievers Daisuke Hebara and Antonio Torres, who carried a no-hitter into the top of the ninth with two outs before surrendering a soft line drive up the middle to Mitch Legge.
Hebara and Robert Lewis both had 2 RBIs on the day to give the Saints a better score. Now with the series split, Sunday's deciding match at Preston could be anyone's game.
Malvern Braves vs. Werribee Giants
6 8
Werribee ran off with the lead late in the game in an 8-6 victory over Malvern Braves on Sunday. The game was tied at six with the Giants batting in the bottom of the eighth when Trent Pantalleresco singled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs. Pantalleresco had a great game, leading his team with four hits in five at bats, while Andrew Christou and Andrew Maki also managed multiple hits.
Both offenses were strong at the plate as Werribee Giants collected 14 hits and Malvern Braves five in the high-scoring affair. Malvern opened up scoring in the first inning as Ryan Dale drew a walk, scoring one run. The Braves struck again in the top of the second when Jarryd Dale tripled on a 1-1 count, scoring two runs. Facing a 4-0 deficit early in the game, the Giants powered back, putting three on the board in the bottom of the second with a much-needed single from Andrew Maki on a 1-1 count.
Werribee notched another three runs in the third inning, with the offensive firepower led by a Pantalleresco home run and Jacob Sigismondi, who also an had RBI in the inning. In the top of the fifth inning, Malvern tied things up at six when Mitch Kennedy homered on a 1-1 count, scoring two runs.
It wasn't until the eighth that Werribee was able to break free and secure the victory. Pantalleresco was credited with the victory for Werribee Giants. He went nine innings, allowing six runs on five hits and striking out 12, and his complete game effort was applauded and much appreciated by the club.
Kennedy took the loss for Malvern. He surrendered two runs on five hits over five innings, striking out ten. Tyler Dale started the game for Malvern Braves. He went three innings, allowing six runs on nine hits, striking out four and walking one.
Malvern Braves stole five bases during the game as two players stole more than one. Dale led the way with two.
Werribee notched another three runs in the third inning, with the offensive firepower led by a Pantalleresco home run and Jacob Sigismondi, who also an had RBI in the inning. In the top of the fifth inning, Malvern tied things up at six when Mitch Kennedy homered on a 1-1 count, scoring two runs.
It wasn't until the eighth that Werribee was able to break free and secure the victory. Pantalleresco was credited with the victory for Werribee Giants. He went nine innings, allowing six runs on five hits and striking out 12, and his complete game effort was applauded and much appreciated by the club.
Werribee leads the series 2-0, and the Braves will look to get ahead of the Giants in game three.
Division 2 Reserves
Port Melbourne Mariners vs. Bonbeach Bluejays
2 10
Although the Bonbeach top nine were bummed out by their shutout loss, the Reserves boosted the club with a huge victory over the Mariners. Port Melbourne's side struggled to connect and get runners around the bases, but Bonbeach had no problems in that area. The Mariners won game one by six runs, but their offense was much quieter this time around. Both sides will be eager to take a 2-1 record following Sunday's game.
Williamstown Wolves vs. Doncaster Dragons
9 3
Williamstown's sweep of Doncaster was aided by the reserves dynamic performance. After a 5-1 loss last week, Williamstown brought their A-game to even the series. Doncaster hosts the deciding game on Sunday as the Dragons look to avoid two straight losses.
Moorabbin Panthers vs. Mulgrave Rebels
3 2
David Bann and Jay Willis led the Panthers to their second victory of the season in a tight, highly competitive meeting with the Rebels. Mulgrave will hope to avoid another narrow loss when Sunday comes around.
Preston Pirates vs. St Kilda Saints
0 11
St Kilda won once again with a superb pitching performance from Malcom Davis. He recorded 15 strikeouts to blank the Pirates and give St Kilda's offence the chance to shine. Preston will try and prevent a three-game skid as they host the Saints this Sunday.
Malvern Braves vs. Werribee Giants
26 1
The Giants had a game they'd rather forget as the Braves ran wild on the base paths. In the first two games of the season, Malvern outscored Werribee 41-2. The Giants will have a chance to redeem themselves on Sunday.
Division 2 Reserves
Port Melbourne Mariners vs. Bonbeach Bluejays
2 10
Although the Bonbeach top nine were bummed out by their shutout loss, the Reserves boosted the club with a huge victory over the Mariners. Port Melbourne's side struggled to connect and get runners around the bases, but Bonbeach had no problems in that area. The Mariners won game one by six runs, but their offense was much quieter this time around. Both sides will be eager to take a 2-1 record following Sunday's game.
Williamstown Wolves vs. Doncaster Dragons
9 3
Williamstown's sweep of Doncaster was aided by the reserves dynamic performance. After a 5-1 loss last week, Williamstown brought their A-game to even the series. Doncaster hosts the deciding game on Sunday as the Dragons look to avoid two straight losses.
Moorabbin Panthers vs. Mulgrave Rebels
3 2
David Bann and Jay Willis led the Panthers to their second victory of the season in a tight, highly competitive meeting with the Rebels. Mulgrave will hope to avoid another narrow loss when Sunday comes around.
Preston Pirates vs. St Kilda Saints
0 11
St Kilda won once again with a superb pitching performance from Malcom Davis. He recorded 15 strikeouts to blank the Pirates and give St Kilda's offence the chance to shine. Preston will try and prevent a three-game skid as they host the Saints this Sunday.
Malvern Braves vs. Werribee Giants
26 1
The Giants had a game they'd rather forget as the Braves ran wild on the base paths. In the first two games of the season, Malvern outscored Werribee 41-2. The Giants will have a chance to redeem themselves on Sunday.
Division 2 Thirds
Doncaster Dragons vs. Williamstown Wolves
3 16
The Wolves lost in a heartbreaker by just one run last week, and they were determined not to let the same thing happen again in round two. Williamstown wasted no time putting their bats to work, tallying up the runs and putting the game out of reach for Doncaster. The Dragons head to the Wolves den for game three on Sunday.
Werribee Giants vs. Malvern Braves
3 24
Sam Whitney pitched well for Werribee, but Malvern was unbeatable with a great team effort. The Braves have outscored the Giants by 37 runs in the first two games, and Werribee will try and pick up the pace in their final meeting on Sunday.
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Moorabbin Panthers
6 7
This game ended in thrilling fashion as the Panthers pounced at the last moment with a walk-off bases loaded passed ball through the fence. Now 2-0, Moorabbin will hope to keep their season moving in the right direction with a possible sweep on the table this weekend.
Bonbeach St Chads vs. Port Melbourne Mariners
9 7
In another tight matchup, Bonbeach redeemed themselves after last week's one-run loss. The Bluejays hung on to overcome the Mariners and take a 1-1 record on the season. It's anyone's game on Sunday as both sides show plenty of potential.
St Kilda Saints vs. Preston Pirates
2 8
Preston's thirds are 2-0 after another solid performance against St Kilda. The first half of the game was extremely tight before the Saints gave up some late runs as the Pirates celebrated a huge win. St Kilda hosts the third game on Sunday.
Division 2 Fourths
Doncaster Dragons vs. Williamstown Wolves
8 10
The reigning premiers punched another victory against a hard-hitting and highly competitive Doncaster team. Williamstown has what it takes to repeat their premiership dreams, but teams like Doncaster are proving to be tough competition, as they may experience again on Sunday.
Werribee Giants vs. Malvern Braves
0 33
Chris Brian threw 100 pitches before transitioning to cover first base for Werribee as they suffered a difficult loss. The Giants won 13-4 in the first game, but the Braves came back with a ferocious offensive onslaught in round two. Sunday's game will be an interesting show as both sides look to take a 2-1 record several weeks into the season, and a high scoreline is anticipated.
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Moorabbin Panthers
2 17
For the second week in a row, Moorabbin made a huge statement with their bats and their pitching. The Panthers have scored 46 runs in the first two games while the Rebels have managed just seven. Mulgrave has a big test ahead of them in round three.
Bonbeach St Chads vs. Geelong Baycats
Forfeit 0
Geelong won the first meeting 12-9, and Bonbeach forfeited the second game, allowing Geelong to take a 2-0 record.
St Kilda Saints vs. Preston Pirates
3 5
St Kilda squeaked past Preston for a 5-4 win in the first game, but Preston had the upper hand in round two. Now both sides will battle it out in the series finale on Sunday.
Doncaster Dragons vs. Williamstown Wolves
8 10
The reigning premiers punched another victory against a hard-hitting and highly competitive Doncaster team. Williamstown has what it takes to repeat their premiership dreams, but teams like Doncaster are proving to be tough competition, as they may experience again on Sunday.
Werribee Giants vs. Malvern Braves
0 33
Chris Brian threw 100 pitches before transitioning to cover first base for Werribee as they suffered a difficult loss. The Giants won 13-4 in the first game, but the Braves came back with a ferocious offensive onslaught in round two. Sunday's game will be an interesting show as both sides look to take a 2-1 record several weeks into the season, and a high scoreline is anticipated.
Mulgrave Rebels vs. Moorabbin Panthers
2 17
For the second week in a row, Moorabbin made a huge statement with their bats and their pitching. The Panthers have scored 46 runs in the first two games while the Rebels have managed just seven. Mulgrave has a big test ahead of them in round three.
Bonbeach St Chads vs. Geelong Baycats
Forfeit 0
Geelong won the first meeting 12-9, and Bonbeach forfeited the second game, allowing Geelong to take a 2-0 record.
St Kilda Saints vs. Preston Pirates
3 5
St Kilda squeaked past Preston for a 5-4 win in the first game, but Preston had the upper hand in round two. Now both sides will battle it out in the series finale on Sunday.