Cronulla vs. Adelaide Titans
The opening game on day three saw Cronulla take on the Adelaide Titans on Diamond 3, and it was the Titans who got the win 7-5 in an entertaining game of baseball. After an incredible pitched performance on day one, Jack O’Loughlin is proving a menace with bat in hand also, nailing two hits and picking up two RBIs in a powerful display of hitting. Jack Stead impressed on the mound for the Titans in his start, giving up only one earned run through four innings of work, and striking out five strikeouts in the process. Zane Ross showed patience and power at the plate for Cronulla, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and drawing two walks.
Southern Mariners vs. Manly
In another unique game of baseball, Manly skipped away early to a 7-1 lead against the undefeated Southern Mariners, but the Mariners pulled back the lead and then some, defeating Manly 17-7 after scoring a mammoth 16 runs in the 5th and 6th innings. Sam Hurwit struck early for Manly, and finished with three RBIs to his name. However Hurwit’s efforts weren’t enough as a determined and powerful Southern Mariners side rallied in the fifth. Jayson Arthur continued his strong tournament, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs. Arthur was ably supported by Jai Lyttleton on the mound, with the righty throwing 3.2 scoreless innings to settle the Mariners side.
Central Coast vs. Adelaide Armada
The hits came early and often for both Central Coast and Adelaide Armada, and it was the Armada who capitalised in the middle innings, pulling away to run out 10-4 winners. The Adelaide Armada have been building this week, and have been lead extremely well by Mason Clavell. Clavell has been selected in the Major League Baseball Australian Academy Program for 2016, and showed his talents against Central Coast, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs and a home run. Bryce Calderon continued his good form for Central Coast, driving in a pair of runs.
Hills vs. Eastern Athletics
A tight tussle between Hills and Eastern Athletics on Diamond 3 looked headed for a close finish, until a five run final inning blew the game wide open for Hills, who took the victory 8-3. Oliver McMahon put in a monster effort for the Athletics, throwing 3.2 innings for no earned runs and three strikeouts, as well as going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. For Hills, Liam Holm continued to maintain his form, claiming two RBIs and hustled around the bases to claim a triple. Lachlan McCarthy has also had a good tournament so far, and his 3.2 innings of relief conceding no earned runs helped Hills fend off the Athletics.
Eastern Phantoms vs. Central Coast
The Eastern Phantoms maintained their perfect start to the Australian Senior League Championship with a 9-4 victory over Central Coast. The Phantoms got off to the best possible start, with Jess Williams doubling a ball to right field to score Alex Hall, and Williams wasn’t done giving the Central Coast pitchers some trouble, mashing a home run later in the game, and finishing with four RBIs. Sam King got the win, pitching 2 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Anthony Moanaroa-Taylor muscled three hits for Central Coast and picked up two RBIs in the process.
Manly vs. Brisbane South
Manly and Brisbane South played out an extra innings ball game on Diamond 1 to finish pool play, and it was the Queensland side that came out on top thanks to two 8th inning RBIs. Manly’s Josh Gessner drove in two runs after blasting a triple to centre field in the first after Conor Laverty crossed the plate in the first for Brisbane South. Laverty was the only Brisbane South player to record two hits in the game, with Andrew Cusick also contributing well with two RBIs. Adam Smidt needed to come up clutch for Brisbane South on the mound and he performed perfectly, giving no hits and striking out three Manly hitters when it was needed most.
Day four sees the first round of Qualifying Finals get underway, with games beginning from 9.15am.
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