Central Coast vs. Hills
In one of the most remarkable games in recent memory, Central Coast turned a six run final innings deficit into a four run lead, plating 10 runs to claim the unlikeliest of victories. An offensive onslaught early from Hills broke the game wide open, with day 1 hero Jack Dormor claiming three hits and an RBI and Kaiden Costa driving in two runs. For Central Coast, the comeback began in the seventh with Jeremy Scott being hit by a pitch with bases loaded, and ended with the second bases loaded triple of the tournament, this time it came from the bat of Bryce Calderon.
Eastern Athletics vs. Adelaide Armada
The Eastern Athletics and Adelaide Armada traded blows early and often, but ultimately, offence dominated and the Armada picked up a hard fought 11-8 victory. Brendan Kane impressed for the Athletics, pitching two innings for no earned runs, no mean feat in a game with 18 hits. For the Armada, Ethan Marchioro was the offensive standout, going 2-for-3 and collecting an impressive 4 RBIs. Luke Cartwright and James Wolstencroft proved a handful in the middle of the Athletics lineup, combining for four hits and five RBIs.
Adelaide Titans vs. Southern Mariners
After a tense first two innings, the Southern Mariners offence exploded in the third, piling on six runs and putting the game out of reach for the Adelaide Titans. Two insurance runs in the 7th proved the icing on the cake, as the Mariners ran away 9-3 victors. Jackson Boyd gave the Mariners a strong start on the mound, going three innings that included five strikeouts and no earned runs. Jayson Arthur provided the offensive spark for the Mariners, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. For the Titans, Nick Platten handled the Mariners pitchers with ease, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Sean Maple impressed on the mound, throwing two innings of one hit relief for the Titans.
Eastern Athletics vs. Eastern Phantoms
Lead by a strong out from starting pitcher Mason Talbot (5.2IP, 3K, 0ER), the Eastern Phantoms cruised past the Eastern Athletics, running out 6-0 winners on Diamond one. Eastern Athletics starter Liam Evans worked hard for his four strikeouts, having to throw 60 pitches in just over three innings of work. Jayson Miller took a liking to the Athletics’ pitching rotation, picking up a game high three hits and two RBIs. Blake Hodgson proved some offensive resistance for the Athletics, picking up two hits. Tiernan Culbert also picked up a pair of hits in a tough match.
Manly vs. Cronulla
The first real blowout of the tournament came late on day two, as Cronulla defeated Manly 14-2 in five innings. Hits came early and often for Cronulla with every player in the starting lineup collecting at least one hit. Heath Fisher picked up three RBIs for Cronulla, while Darcy Edwards’ form continues, going 3-for-4 and driving in a pair of runs. Manly’s offense just couldn’t get going in this one, however Sam Hurwit proved the only real issue for Cronulla’s pitching staff, picking up two of Manly’s three hits.
Brisbane South vs. Adelaide Titans
In the final game of the day on Diamond three, Brisbane South had to bide their time until a monster fifth inning offensive onslaught. Five runs blew the game wide open and proved the difference, with Brisbane South taking the game 6-1. Conor Laverty was unstoppable on the mound for Brisbane South, throwing five innings conceding only one hit and striking out six Adelaide Titans. Brisbane South’s lineup took a little while to get going, with Andrew Cusick the only player with a multi-hit game. Tom White was consistent in his start for the Adelaide Titans, only giving up one earned run through four innings on the mound.
Hills vs. Eastern Phantoms
Two teams that have looked strong for the first couple of days did battle on Diamond two, and it was the Eastern Phantoms that came out on top, defeating Hills 13-6 The Phantoms got off to an incredible start, scoring 10 runs in the first two innings. Mason Talbot continued his great start to the tournament, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs for the Phantoms as well as nailing an impressive home run. Kaiden Costa threw well for Hills, not conceding a hit in two innings of relief. Liam Holm was electric at the plate and speedy along the base paths, with his two hits both turning into triples, Holm also claimed two RBIs.
Southern Mariners vs. Cronulla
Two undefeated teams coming into the final game on Diamond one, but only one team could remain without a loss, and that team was the Southern Mariners, defeating Cronulla 14-2. The Mariners fired early and often, with every player in the starting lineup claiming a hit. Jai Lyttleton went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and history was made, with Ciaran Palmer nailing a home run live on ABL.tv for the Mariners. The Mariners pitching staff worked wonders, with Joshua Meyer and John Paul Calill teaming up to only give up five hits and one walk through five innings, striking out five.
Day three is the final day of pool play, and it kicks off at 9.15am with Cronulla and the Adelaide Titans doing battle.
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