Brisbane South vs. Eastern Athletics
Diamond 2 hosted a tight game early, but both Eastern Athletics and Brisbane South’s offences came alive in the middle innings, Brisbane South however just pipped the Athletics at the post, winning 12-11 in extra innings. Adam Smidt was the man on the mound for Brisbane South, throwing 3.2 innings of shutout baseball, striking out five in a solid performance. Offensively, the hits were shared for Brisbane South, however Nick Johnstone claimed three hits and an RBI in the nine-hole. Blake Townsend picked up three RBIs for the Athletics, and starting pitcher Oliver McMahon also picked up two RBIs.
Central Coast vs. Adelaide Armada
A tight tussle between Central Coast and the Adelaide Armada was blown wide open in the fifth inning, when the Armada’s Morgan Ruchel belted a 3-RBI triple that proved the difference as the Armada took the game 8-4. Despite being out hit nine to six, the Armada made the most of their opportunities, scoring six in the 5th inning. Anthony Moanaroa-Taylor threw five strong innings of relief, only conceding one earned run to go with his one hit on the day. Ethan Marchioro also nailed a triple for the Armada, while Will Kortekaas had two RBIs to his name.
BRONZE MEDAL GAME:
Eastern Phantoms vs. Adelaide Titans
The Eastern Phantoms have taken bronze in the inaugural Australian Senior League Championship after defeating the Adelaide Titans 12-2. Jack O’Loughlin got the Titans off to the best possible start, driving in the opening run in the ball game in the first. However the Phantoms were quick to respond, with starting pitcher Jess Williams driving two after legging out another triple. Williams also threw a complete game for the Phantoms, striking out nine and giving up two earned runs in a strong performance. Sam Collier had three hits and three RBIs in the game and was one of Eastern Phantoms’ best offensive players.
Manly vs. Cronulla
Cronulla defeated Manly 7-6 in a see-sawing battle on Diamond 2. Manly’s bullpen came through strong, as Sam Blagg and Daniel Hill threw the final four innings giving up only one earned run between them. Hill also claimed two RBIs in a complete performance. Josh Gessner again continued his strong tournament, going 2-for-4 with an RBI for Manly. Cronulla leadoff man Zane Ross finished two hits and two RBIs on the game. Simon Parker threw strongly in relief for Cronulla, conceding only two hits and no earned runs from three innings.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
Hills vs. Southern Mariners
The Southern Mariners have booked their ticket to the Philippines after defeating Hills 6-1 in a fantastic final at Albert Park Baseball Complex.
Jackson Boyd starred on the mound for the Mariners, throwing a complete game and conceding only one earned run in a standout performance. Boyd lost his perfect game in the top of the seventh, after Kaiden Costa nailed a groundball to left field. Jai Lyttleton was strong offensively, driving in three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Southern Mariners Head Coach Jack Larner was ecstatic with his team’s victory. “It was a great team effort, especially from Jackson Boyd.” Larner said.
“He was massive for us today, and we couldn’t be prouder of his efforts.”
“We’re really excited to represent Australia in the Philippines later this year, it’s going to be an amazing experience for the guys.”
The scoring didn’t get underway until the fourth inning, after Jayson Arthur drove in the first run of the game with a hit to right field. Hills pulled a run back in the top of the seventh, but the damage was done, with the Mariners claiming a famous victory.