Semi Final 1: Northern Metros vs. Ryde
After two early runs, the Northern Metros hit the wall, and the Ryde Hawks stormed home to take a memorable semi-final 3-2. Javier Pelkonen had a sacrifice fly in the first to extend the lead after an error scored Carter Dowling early. Both starting pitchers threw strongly, with Metros’ Nick Riley throwing seven strikeouts in a complete game. Luke Livian also struck out seven in his 6.2 innings of work for Ryde, giving up only two earned runs in a strong performance. The deadlock was broken in the bottom of the 6th, when Liam Spinks singled to right field to score Kiyan Dolatshahi. Harry Rockwell struck out the final hitter to give Ryde a famous victory.
Semi Final 2: Cronulla vs. Manly
Cronulla scored early and often in their semi final against Manly, and the Sharks held on 9-1 despite a late home run from Thomas Newbold. Blake Cavill and Josh Pearl teamed up well on the mound for Cronulla, giving up only one earned run and striking out nine in a strong showing. Offensively, three hits from Cavill, and two from leadoff man Zac Lawrence enabled the Sharks to strike early and often. Akira Bolek and Oliver Stokes both managed hits for Manly, and Jaylin Rae threw well in relief, striking out four in four innings of work.
Championship Game: Ryde vs. Cronulla
In a battle for the ages, Cronulla took out fellow New South Wales side Ryde 7-4 in an entertaining final at Glenelg Baseball Club. Blake Cavill threw exceptionally well for Cronulla, striking out nine and not giving up a hit in 4.1 innings of work. Cavill also showed promise with bat in hand too, picking up a 2-RBI triple to blow the game open in the middle innings. Jake Burns was perfect at the plate for Cronulla, going 3-for-3 with an RBI. Pinch hitter Adam Mustow hit well, claiming two hits and an RBI in the nine hole for Cronulla. Ryde’s offence stumbled early, but came home with a bang, with Kobe Kunce’s triple and Kiyan Dolatshahi’s double in the 6th to wrestle back some momentum for Ryde. Harry Rockwell mixed his speeds up well in the starting role for Ryde, giving up hits, but working hard to get himself out of some tough situations.
Cronulla will represent the Australian region at the 2016 Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan in August this year, stay tuned to Baseball Australia for updates.