Eastern Athletics vs. Manly
In the opening game of the day on Diamond 3, Manly took on Eastern Athletics in the early morning chill, and it was the Eastern Athletics who came out hot, defeating Manly 11-1. Blake Townsend weaved a web on the mound for the Athletics throwing a complete game, conceding no earned runs and striking out five. James Wosltencroft continued his strong tournament, driving in another two RBIs for the Athletics. Josh Gessner threw his heart out for Manly, throwing a mammoth 99 pitches in four innings of work. Thomas Amir’s patience at the plate was notable, drawing two walks for Manly.
Brisbane South vs. Hills
In the first of the qualifying finals, an old school pitchers duel ensued, with Liam Holm’s Hills side just getting the better of Brisbane South 2-1. Holm threw a complete game, only conceding three hits and striking out eight Brisbane South batters. His opposite number, Brisbane’s Duane Johannsen also threw a complete game, striking out five batters in a tight tussle worthy of a final. Hills’ Lachlan McCarthy was the only player to have a multi-hit game, going 3-for-3 with an RBI.
Southern Mariners vs. Cronulla
The undefeated Southern Mariners took on Cronulla on Diamond 1, and the Mariners proved too strong, taking out Cronulla 9-1 and qualifying for the Semi Finals on Wednesday. Lead by a strong starting pitching outing from Jayson Arthur (5IP, 6K, 0ER), the Mariners offence was rolling, with eight of the nine hitters in the starting lineup picking up a hit. Batting in the nine hole, Rydge Hogan proved tough to handle, picking up two hits and three RBIs for the Mariners. 2.2 innings of strong relief from Cronulla’s Simon Parker wasn’t enough though, as the consistency from the Mariners shone through.
Adelaide Armada vs. Adelaide Titans
After their victory over the Adelaide Armada, the Adelaide Titans will take on the Southern Mariners in the second semi final after a 3-1 win. Jack O’Loughlin threw six strong innings for the Titans, striking out nine and only conceding one earned run. In another tough game for the hitters, only six total batters managed hits. Austin McClure threw extremely well for the only giving up two hits in six innings of work.
Eastern Phantoms vs. Central Coast
The Eastern Phantoms took care of Central Coast 4-1 on the main diamond in the second qualifying final. After a near perfect performance in pool play, short stop Jess Williams had two RBIs and showed plenty of speed around the base paths to claim two triples. Proving his all-around ability on the mound, Williams also struck out five Central Coast hitters in the most complete performance of the tournament so far. Central Coast’s Thomas Holland gave it all he had on the mound, throwing a complete game and picking a hit and an RBI as well.
Adelaide Titans take on the Southern Mariners at 10am today in the first semi final, while the Hills will look to ruin the Eastern Phantoms undefeated run in the second semi final at 1pm.
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