The 2024 BV Umpire Seminar is set for 21-22 September at Knox Baseball Club.
If you’re interested in becoming an umpire and completing our Community Umpire Course, or you wish to brush up on your skills behind the plate, we would love to see you there.
Please click HERE to register.
Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce Online Strength Coaching has joined the BV Diamond Partnership Program at the Home Run Level.
Owner and coach Scott Simpson is leading strength and conditioning programs for BV Performance Pathway athletes and has been working with Prospects and Select squads to elevate their strength, speed and resilience.
In addition to strength training and tailored baseball coaching, Simpson provides a comprehensive approach to enhancing skills, refining techniques, and maximising performance on the field.
With firsthand experience and a passion for helping aspiring athletes perform at their peak for longer, he offers specialised coaching to elevate skills and extend career potential.
Online Strength Coaching is helping to create a learning environment where players can perform under pressure and reach their goals.
“We are excited to offer our BV Performance Pathway athletes access to the invaluable guidance and support of Online Strength Coaching,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “Scott Simpson is an expert in strength and conditioning and it’s great to see his collaboration with our coaches to benefit baseballers on their journey to the next level.”
Check out behind-the-scenes training clips on Facebook and visit the official website to learn more about Online Strength Coaching: www.scottsimpson.coach
The 2024 Under 12 State Winter Champions were crowned on Sunday, with Geelong winning the Division 1 grand final and North Eastern staying undefeated to win Division 2.
Thank you to Werribee Giants Baseball Club for hosting a great weekend and well done to all players and teams on their efforts throughout the tournament.
Check out Field of View Sports Photography images HERE and read Sunday GameChanger recaps below.
U12 Division 1
City West 9, Dandenong 5
Brodie L struck out 11 batters as the starting pitcher led City West past Dandenong 9-5 on Sunday. Brodie allowed one hit and zero runs over four innings while walking two.
City West got on board in the bottom of the first inning after Brodie singled and stole home, Ashton N walked, Ben S walked, and Ainslie H was struck by a pitch, each scoring one run.
City West added to their early lead in the bottom of the thid inning after Brodie singled, Oliver C singled, and Oliver stole home, each scoring one run.
Dandenong scored five runs on one hit in the top of the fifth. Riley D drew a walk, scoring one run, Oscar F drew a walk, scoring one run, and Marius F doubled, scoring two runs.
Levi D stepped on the bump first for Dandenong, giving up three hits and five runs with four walks and two strikeouts.
Rhyder R appeared in relief for City West while Brodie and Oliver were a force together in the lineup, both collecting two hits while hitting back-to-back. Brodie led with two runs batted in on a 2-for-2 day.
City West took ten walks with two apiece for Ben H and Hugo H. The team had nine stolen bases with two each for Brodie and Oliver. The defense didn't commit any errors as Ben had the most chances in the field with 12.
Marius led Dandenong with two runs batted in from the number nine spot in the lineup. The third baseman went 1-for-2 on the day. Kaygan N also picked up a hit while the team took a toal of seven walks and turned a double play on defense.
Ringwood 8, Geelong 8
Geelong scored in the top of the first after Trace L singled, Max W walked, and Hunter W grounded out, each scoring one run. They added to their early lead after Trace doubled and Henry T grounded out, each scoring one run in the second.
In the third, Lawson M doubled, Jasper H singled, and Harper W singled, each scoring one run. AidenP's single helped Ringwood tie the game at eight in the bottom of the fourth.
Archie G led things off on the bump for Ringwood, allowing three hits and six runs (five earned) over two innings, striking out one.
Evan C started for Geelong, giving up one hit and three runs over one and one-third innings, striking out three and walking four.
Aiden, Lachlan R, Archie, Tate S, Elliot A, and Tanner K each collected one hit for Ringwood. Lachlan went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead the team with two runs batted in. Aiden J took two of the team's six walks. Aiden, Archie, and Tanner each stole multiple bases with nine total in the game.
Trace provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Geelong with two runs batted in. The infielder went 2-for-3 on the day.
Jasper and Trace each collected two hits while Max took two of the team's nine walks. Hunter stole two bases with eight overall while the defense didn't make any errors. Jex M had the most plays with eight.
City West 8, Geelong 8
City West scored in the bottom of the first when Oliver C singled, bringing home two runs. Geelong tied it up in the top of the third thanks to a double by Trace L and a single by Evan C.
Geelong flipped the game on its head in the top of the fourth, scoring five runs on four hits to take an 8-3 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Trace that drove in two.
City West tied the game in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a single by Ashton N, walks to Ben S and Ainslie H, a groundout by Hunter L, and a single by David R.
David stepped on the mound first for City West, giving up three hits and three runs over three innings with five strikeouts and five walks.
Lawson M led things off on the mound for Geelong, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) over two innings, striking out four and walking two.
Oliver drove the middle of the lineup, leading City West with two runs batted in on a 1-for-2 day for the cleanup hitter. Leadoff batter David led City West with three hits in three at-bats while Hugo H took two of the team's eight walks. David stole two bases and turned one double play.
Trace provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Geelong with four runs batted in on a 3-for-3 day. Evan collected two hits in two at-bats while Jex M led with two of the team's seven walks. Trace had two stolen bases with eight total for Geelong.
Dandenong 8, Diamond Valley 6
Despite seeing their seven-run lead whittled down by the end, Dandenong still held on for an 8-6 victory on Sunday. Diamond Valley closed the gap by scoring on a walk, two singles, a groundout, and another base hit.
Dandenong opened scoring in the top of the first when Henry J singled, scoring one run. They added five runs on four hits in the top of the third. Kaygan N singled, scoring one run, Levi D doubled, scoring two runs, and Henry singled, scoring two more.
Diamond Valley plated five runs on three hits in the bottom of the third. Drayden J drew a walk, scoring one run, Luca L singled, scoring two runs, Dylan A singled, scoring one run, and Harvey G grounded out, scoring one.
Hugh W opened the game for Dandenong, giving up two hits and five runs over two innings with four strikeouts. Eryk A appeared in relief.
Dylan stepped on the bump first for Diamond Valley, allowing seven hits and seven runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out five and walking two.
Henry and Levi were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, each driving in two runs for Dandenong. Henry stole two bases.
Luca went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead Diamond Valley with two runs batted in while Micah P batted 2-for-2. The team took seven walks with two apiece for Ryan B and Ryder E.
Consolation Final: City West 10, Diamond Valley 2
City West won big over Diamond Valley, with a single by Brodie L putting them on the board in the top of the first. They added five runs on two hits in the top of the third. Two errors, a single by Oliver C, and a groundout by Lachlan S scored runs.
Oliver stepped on the hill first for City West, giving up three hits and zero runs over five and one-thid innings, striking out eight and walking one. Ashton N appeared in relief.
Luca L started on the hill, allowing six hits and six runs (one earned) over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking none.
Ari M and Oliver each collected two hits for City West. David R and Oliver drove in two runs while the defense turned two double plays.
Dane P went 1-for-2 at the plate as the third baseman led the team with one run batted in. Micah P, Ryan B, Harvey G, Dane, and Malcom S each had one hit. The defense turned a double play, too.
Grand Final: Geelong 8, Ringwood 7
Geelong took Sunday's grand final in dramatic fashion with an 8-7 walk-off victory over Ringwood. It was tied at seven in the bottom of the fifth when Hunter J singled, scoring one run.
Ringwood scored five runs on four hits to take a 5-1 lead in the third. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Aiden J that drove in two. Geelong managed to rally and eventually took the win after first scoring on an error in the second.
Geelong brought home five runs on four hits to make it 8-7 in the fifth. Gus M singled to drive in two.
Trace L started the game for Geelong, giving up seven hits and five runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out five and walking five. Max W appeared in relief.
Ringwood starter Aiden gave up five hits and five runs (four earned) over four innings, striking out five and walking three.
Gus went 1-for-2 with two runs batted in from Geelong's number seven spot in the lineup. Evan C went 2-for-3 as the leadoff batter while Lawson M, Hunter W, and Jasper H each stole multiple bases with 10 total in the game.
Aiden and Tate S both collected two hits for Ringwood while Felix F, Aiden, and Tate drove in two runs apiece. Felix, Aiden, and Elliot A stole multiple bases with 11 overall, plus six walks.
U12 Division 2
North East 11, Diamond Valley 4
Jordan D collected three hits in three at-bats as North East defeated Diamond Valley 11-4 on Sunday. Jordan singled in the first, third, and fourth innings.
North East got on board in the bottom of the first after Mack C doubled, Charlie D singled, Gray H hit into a fielder's choice, and Jaxon H was struck by a pitch, each scoring one run. An error also added a run.
A single by Seleyne extended the North East lead to 6-4 in the bottom of the third. They added five runs on two hits in the fourth when Mack took a bases-loaded walk, Jordan hit an RBI single, and Grayson H induced Harlen G to hit into a fielder's choice but one run scored. Flynn V was struck by a pitch and Seleyne drew a walk, both scoring a run.
Harlen started on the bump for North East, giving up zero hits and three runs over two and one-third innings, striking out six and walking two. Seleyne and Jordan appeared in relief.
Diamond Valley starter Oakley E allowed four hits and five runs (four earned) over one-third of an inning, striking out one and walking one.
Seleyne and Mack each drove in two runs for North East while Lucas H went 2-for-2 with two stolen bases. The team stole six bases total.
Oakley provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Diamond Valley with two runs batted in on a 1-for-2 day. The team took nine walks with two apiece for Harvey J, Xavier W, and Lucas G. Oakley, Harvey, Xavier, and Lucas stole multiple bases with 15 total in the game.
Latrobe Valley 8, Bendigo 3
Bendigo fell 8-3 to Latrobe Valley despite out-hitting them six to four. Cody led Bendigo with two hits as the team opened scoring in the first on Camden's single.
Latrobe Valley went back into the lead in the third after Oscar C singled, Ruben A hit into a fielder's choice, Hunter D walked, Jaxon B singled, and Hunter stole home, each scoring one run.
Ethan V opened the game for Bendigo, giving up one hit and three runs over two and one-third innings, striking out four and walking five.
Ryan M stepped on the mound first for Latrobe Valley, giving up five hits and three runs over two innings, striking out four and walking two.
Bendigo's Bailey S went 1-for-1 at the plate as the shortstop led the team with two runs batted in. Bailey, Camden, and Cody each stole multiple bases with 11 total in the game.
Bendigo was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error as Chad S had the most chances with seven.
Jaxon, Hunter, Ryan, and Oscar each collected one hit for Latrobe Valley. Jaxon and Ryan drove in two runs while Hudson D and Quin M took two walks apiece with 10 total in the game.
Jaxon, Hunter, Hudson, Quin, Oscar, Kieron S, and Ruben stole multiple bases for 16 overall. The defense turned a double play, too.
North East 13, Latrobe Valley 4
North East got on board in the bottom of the first inning after Jordan D singled and Flynn V grounded out, each scoring one run. They added to their early lead in the second with Mack C's bases-loaded walk and Jordan's groundout.
A double by Charlie D, a groundout by Gray H, and a single by Hudson S helped North East extend their early lead in the third.
North East scored five runs on one hit in the bottom of the fourth. Seleyne singled, scoring one run, Charlie drew a walk, scoring one run, and Quin M induced Jaxon H to hit into a fielder's choice but three runs scored.
Ryan M opened the game for Latrobe Valley, giving up two hits and three runs (one earned) over an inning.
North East starter Harlen G gave up one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out four and walking one.
Ryan and Bailey S both had hits for Latrobe Valley while Quin took two of the team's six walks and also stole multiple bases alongside Mitch D.
Charlie, North East's number seven hitter, led the way with three runs batted in. Jaxon and Seleyne had two hits while Lucas H and Charlie took two walks with nine total in the game. Jaxon, Seleyne, and Hudson stole multiple bases for nine overall.
Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Photo: Sally Simmons
The Under 12 State Winter Championships are underway at Werribee Giants Baseball Club, with teams from all across Victoria taking part in the junior baseball fun.
Stay tuned for updates and check out available GameChanger recaps from the opening day of Under 12 Division 1 and Under 12 Division 2.
U12 Division 1
Geelong 10, Diamond Valley 7
Geelong got on board in the top of the first after an error, bases-loaded walk, and groundout, each scoring one run. Trace L walked and Hunter J grounded out.
Diamond Valley tied it up at three on an error in the bottom of the first. Hunter W hit an RBI single to make it 5-3 Geelong in the second.
Geelong added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Gus M singled, Hunter, Jasper H, and Trace walked, and Hunter singled, each scoring one run.
Jasper stepped on the bump first for Geelong, giving up zero hits and four runs (one earned) over two innings with three strikeouts. Lawson M and Hunter each appeared in relief.
Dane P led things off on the mound for Diamond Valley, allowing zero hits and five runs (three earned) with two strikeouts.
Gus and Hunter each collected one hit for Geelong while Jasper drove in two runs. The team took ten walks with two apiece for Evan C, Trace, Hunter, and Harper W. Hunter, Harper, and Jasper each stole two multiple bases with seven total in the game.
Drayden J, Luca L, Dylan A, and Malcom S each drove in one run for Diamond Valley. Quorra R went 1-for-1 while Drayden and Luca led the team with three walks each and 12 total for the day.
Ringwood 5, City West 1
Ringwood won 5-1 although City West scored first on an Ashton N single in the second. Ringwood flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the fourth, scoring five runs on one hit to take a 5-1 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Tate S that drove in three.
Tate started the game for Ringwood, giving up zero hits and one run over one inning, striking out one and walking two. Tanner K tossed two and one-third innings of shutout ball in relief with one hit, two walks, and three strikeouts.
Brodie L stepped on the hill first for City West, giving up zero hits and zero runs over one and one-third innings with a walk and a strikeout.
Archie G, Tate, and Tanner each drove in one run for Ringwood. Tate went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead the side in hits while Tanner took two of their eight walks.
Ringwood was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Aiden J made the most plays with five.
Ashton went 1-for-1 at the plate as the right fielder led the side with one run batted in. Oliver C stole two bases.
Diamond Valley 8, Ringwood 4
Harvey G collected three hits in four at-bats as Diamond Valley defeated Ringwood 8-4 on Saturday. Harvey tripled in the first and singled in the third and fourth innings.
After Harvey's first-inning triple, Drayden J singled and Harriet T, Malcolm S, and Ryder E walked, each scoring one run. Luca L's single extended the DV lead to 7-0 in the second while Ryan B's bases-loaded walk made it 8-0 in the third.
Malcolm led things off on the hill for Diamond Valley, allowing zero hits and zero runs over one and two-thirds innings with no walks and a strikeout. Micah P appeared in relief.
Finley H stepped on the mound first for Ringwood, giving up two hits and three runs over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one and walking one.
Drayden, Ryder, Harvey, and Luca each drove in two runs while Ryder took three of the inning team's 13 walks. Ryder and Luca stole multiple bases with eight total in the game.
Cooper M, Nate K, and Aiden J each collected one hit for Ringwood. Aiden J went 1-for-2 at the plate as the infielder led the side with two runs batted in.
Geelong 5, Dandenong 1
Geelong opened scoring in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Jasper H. They added a run in the second after Ed F singled and a base hit by Wil K extended the lead to 4-0 in the third.
Starter Evan C gave up zero hits and zero runs over one inning, walking two and striking out two. Henry T pitched three innings in relief for Geelong, giving up three hits and one run with a walk and four strikeouts.
Levi D started on the bump for Dandenong, allowing two hits and two runs (one earned) over two-thirds of an inning, walking one and striking out one.
Hunter J and Will each collected two hits for Geelong. Ed, Trace L, Hunter, Jasper, and Wil each drove in one run while the lineup stole ten bases throughout the game.
Geelong was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error as Jex M had the most chances with eight.
Levi led Dandenong with one run batted in on a 1-for-2 day. Henry J, Levi, and Samuel F all had one hit while Henry, Eryk A, and Joey C stole multiple bases. There were eight SBs in the game.
Ringwood 10, Dandenong 0
Ringwood won big over Dandenong 10-0, scoring early after first-inning singles by Lachlan R and Archie G. Aiden J doubled to score two runs and a steal of home brought in another.
Ringwood scored five runs on three hits in the top of the second. Tanner K drew a walk, scoring one run, Nate K singled, scoring one run, and Felix F singled, scoring two. Lila F also drew a bases-loaded walk.
Archie started the game for Ringwood, giving up zero hits over a scoreless inning with one walk and three strikeouts. Nate and Lila threw in relief.
Aiden, the number seven hitter for Ringwood, led the way with two runs batted in as the infielder went 1-for-1 on the day.
Finley H, Lachlan, Archie, Felix, Nate, and Aiden collected one hit while Tate S took two of the team's eight walks. Finley, Lachlan, Tate, Nate, and Aiden stole multiple bases, too.
Ringwood's defense didn't commit a single error in the field as Felix had the most chances with three.
Levi D led Dandenong with one hit in one at-bat.
Diamond Valley 10, City West 2
Diamond Valley got on board in the top of the second inning after Luca L singled and Ryder E and Harvey G took bases-loaded walks. Two HBP also got runners on.
They added five runs on two hits in the top of the third. Malcolm S and Micah took bases-loaded walks while Dane grounded out, scoring two, and Harriet T singled, scoring one.
Luca started the game for Diamond Valley, giving up one hit and one run over one and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking one. Ryan B pitched in relief.
David R started the game for City West, giving up zero hits and one run over one inning with two walks and one strikeout.
Micah and Dane were a one-two punch in the lineup, both driving in two runs for Diamond Valley. Ryan, Luca, and Harriet each collected one hit while Malcom and Drayden J took two walks with 10 total for the tea.
Diamond Valley was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Drayden made the most plays with four.
Ainslie H and Oliver C each collected one hit for City West while Azlan V and Hunter L each drove in a run.
U12 Division 2
North East 15, Diamond Valley 6
North East jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Mack C and Harlen G hit RBI singles. An error scored two runs and Jaxon H grounded out, scoring one run.
North East scored five runs in the second with a couple of HBP and bases-loaded walks. Jasper R induced Charlie D to hit into a fielder's choice but one run scored.
They added five in the third on a string of walks and Flynn V's RBI single. Diamond Valley got five back in the bottom half with patient batting from Oakley E, Harvey J, Xavier W, Austin D, and Jasper.
Mack led things off on the hill for North East, giving up zero hits and one run (none earned) over two innings, striking out three and walking two. Gray H appeared in relief.
Harlen, Jordan, Mack, and Flynn each collected one hit while Harlen and Mack drove in three runs for North East. They took 12 walks with two apiece for Harlen, Seleyne, and Hudson S, plus seven stolen bases.
Oakley, Austin, Xavier, Harvey, and Jasper each drove in one run for Diamond Valley. Luas G led the team with two out of ten walks.
Latrobe Valley 9, Bendigo 9
Latrobe Valley tied Bendigo 9-9 on Saturday as Ryan M had three hits in three at-bats. Ryan singled in the first and doubled in the second and fifth innings.
Latrobe Valley got on board in the top of the first inning after Ryan singled, scoring two runs, Ruben A singled, scoring one run, and Alex M and Hudson D drew bases-loaded walks.
Latrobe Valley added to their early lead in the top of the second when an error scored one run and Ryan hit a 3-RBI double.
Bendigo got back five runs on three hits in the bottom of the fourth. Julian A doubled, scoring one run, Oliver H drew a walk, scoring one run, Ethan V doubled, scoring two runs, and Xavier D grounded out, scoring one run.
In the top of the fifth, Latrobe Valley broke up the tie when Quin M doubled, scoring one run. Ryan followed with an extra-base hit.
Oscar C led things off on the hill for Latrobe Valley, giving up three hits and one run over an inning with no walks and one strikeout.
Henry S led things off on the mound for Bendigo, giving up three hits and four runs over two-thirds of an inning with a walk and a strikeout.
Hunter D collected two hits in two at-bats for Latrobe Valley while Jaxon B took two of the team's nine walks. Ryan, Hunter, and Ruben stole multiple bases with 10 total in the game. They were also solid defensively with no errors as Oscar made the most plays with five.
Ethan and Oliver were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, both driving in two runs for Bendigo. Bailey S set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading with two hits in two at-bats. Kayden B, Harland C, Bailey, Oliver, and Chad S stole multiple bases with 17 overall plus 10 walks.
Bendigo turned one double play in the game.
Latrobe Valley 7, Diamond Valley 6
Latrobe Valley beat Diamond Valley 7-6 after taking the lead late in the game. It was tied at six in the bottom of the third when an error scored one run.
The winning team rallied despite trailing 6-1 in the second. Diamond Valley was first on the board with a groundout by Mason W to score a run in the opening inning.
Hunter D hit into a fielder's choice, helping Latrobe Valley tie the game at one in the bottom of the first.
Diamond Valley took the lead in the top of the second after Xavier W and Austin D walked before Quinn D, Hudson F, and Mason singled, each scoring one run.
In the bottom of the third, Latrobe Valley regained the lead after two errors.
Ruben A started the game for Latrobe Valley, giving up one hit and five runs over one and one-third innings, striking out three. Beau S pitched in relief.
Lucas G started for Diamond Valley, allowing one hit and one run over one-third of an inning with a strikeout and two walks.
Oscar C set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Latrobe Valley with two hits in two at-bats. Jaxon B, Bailey S, and Hunter each drove in a run while Quin M, Oscar, and Hunter stole multiple bases for 10 total in the game.
Mason provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Diamond Valley with two runs batted in on the infielder's 1-for-2 day. Hudson, Quinn, Harvey J, and Mason each collected one hit while the team took nine walks, including two apiece for Harry P and Jasper R. Austin, Hudson, Xavier, and Harvey stole multiple bases with 15 total in the game.
North East 10, Bendigo 1
Bendigo was first on the board when Harlan C drew a bases-loaded walk, but North East quickly flipped the game on its head. In the bottom of the second, they scored five runs on two hits to take a 5-1 lead.
North East added to their early lead in the bottom of the third after Harlen G and Flynn V walked, Charlie D singled, and Gray H and Jaxon H walked, each scoring one run.
Ethan V started the game for Bendigo, striking out three in a quick inning of work.
North East started Harlen gave up one hit and one run over two-thirds of an inning, striking out two and walking one.
Harland led Bendigo with one run batted in while leadoff batter Ethan went 2-for-2 and also stole multiple bases alongside Julian A.
Harlen, Lucas H, Charlie, Jordan D, and Flynn each collected one hit for North East. Gray and Jaxon were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, both driving in two runs and taking two walks.
North East tallied nine walks in the game while the defense was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Lucas made the most plays with eight.
North East 7, Latrobe Valley 4
North East scored in the first on RBI singles from Harlen G, Flynn V, Seleyne I, and Charlie D, plus a bases-loaded walk by Gray H.
A groundout by Angel T extended their lead to 6-0 in the top of the second before another run scored on Charlie's groundout in the third.
Charlie was the starting pitcher, giving up two hits and four runs (three earned) over two innings with four strikeouts and seven walks. Mack C pitched one inning of shutout ball in relief with no hits and just one walk.
Charlie had two runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup while Seleyne and Finn collected two hits batting back-to-back.
Latrobe Valley's Bailey S and Oscar C were a force together in the lineup, each collecting one hit while Ruben A led the team with two runs batted in. Bailey and Hunter D stole multiple bases with eight total in the game, plus eight walks.
Latrobe Valley was sure-handed in the field and didn't make any errors as Quin M led the way with four.
Diamond Valley 5, Bendigo 5
Both sides scored five runs in the opening frame. Bendigo took three walks before a groundout by Leith Boston and a single by Cody Isaac in the first.
Diamond Valley hit big on a fielder's choice and a couple of stolen bases to even the score.
Harry Cain pitched for Bendigo while Xavier W and Harvey J shared duties for Diamond Valley.
Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Under 12 State Winter Championships will return to Werribee Giants Baseball Club this weekend, wrapping up the successful 2024 winter tournament season in style.
Running from 20-21 July, the event will feature two divisions at Presidents Park. City West, Dandenong, Diamond Valley, Geelong, and Ringwood are in Division 1 while Bendigo, Diamond Valley, Latrobe Valley, and North Eastern are competing in Division 2.
“It’s been a fantastic run for our 2024 State Winter Championships, and we look forward to finishing the season on a high with an action-packed weekend of U12 baseball,” BV Tournament Officer Tony McPherson said. “Thank you to Werribee Giants Baseball Club for once again stepping up to the plate to host this beloved tradition, and good luck to all the players and teams!”
There will be 12 games on Saturday to kick things off before finalists are decided on Sunday.
“Werribee Giants Baseball Club is excited to welcome U12 players and teams from across Victoria to our great facilities for an awesome weekend of on-field fun,” Club President David Bishop-Worn said. “Thank you to Baseball Victoria and Wyndham City Council for this opportunity and the ongoing support, and of course all our wonderful volunteers who make these events possible.”
Baseball Victoria’s official photography partner Field of View will capture the action all weekend long. Check out all 2024 SWC photo galleries HERE.
Ausport Superstore’s Hugo and Claire will be out on Saturday from 8:30am to 2:30pm offering great deals on baseball gear.
Stay tuned to BV Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates from the tournament and follow along on GameChanger: Under 12 Division 1 and Under 12 Division 2.
That's a wrap on the 2024 Under 16 State Winter Championships, hosted by Latrobe Valley Baseball Association at Morwell Cougars and Traralgon Red Sox Baseball Clubs.
Congratulations to U16 State Winter Championship winners Diamond Valley (Division 1) and Latrobe Valley (Division 2)!
Diamond Valley defeated Ringwood 5-2 in the Div 1 grand final and Latrobe Valley won 12-7 over Diamond Valley in the Div 2 grand final.
Well done to MVPs: Kade Henry (Dandenong), Hunter Mudford (City West), Angus Saggers (Ringwood), Jack Northfield (Geelong), Ethan Kent (Diamond Valley Div 1), Makayla Poole (North East), Alex Smith (Latrobe Valley), Chase Messinger (Diamond Valley Div 2), and Fletcher Cain (Bendigo).
Thank you to all volunteers and supporters for an amazing weekend!
Check out Field of View Sports Photography images HERE and read Sunday GameChanger recaps below.
U16 Division 1
Dandenong 13, City West 4
Dandenong won big over City West 13-4 on Sunday at Traralgon, scoring early on an error and bases-loaded walks to Joash Xavier and Jensen Turner.
City West took the lead in the bottom of the first after Hunter Mudford singled, a HBP, and an error. Dandenong made it 8-4 their next time up.
Dandenong added five runs in the third on bases-loaded walks to Kian Yates and Hunter Rouse, plus a sacrifice fly by Henry.
City West starter Mudford gave up zero hits and struck out four in one and one-third innings.
Yates tossed two and two-thirds innings of no-run ball for Dandenong in relief, giving up one hit with two strikeouts and five walks.
Henry and Xavier were a one-two punch in the lineup, both driving in two runs for Dandenong. The team took 13 walks including two apiece for Finn Sculley, Yates, Xavier, and Turner. Henry and Yates stole multiple bases with nine total in the game.
Dandenong's defense turned one double play. Meanwhile, Mudford and Harley Chamberlain collected one hit and one RBI for City West. Jamieson also knocked in a run while Lacey Tompkins took two of the team's seven walks.
Ringwood 5, Geelong 0
Ringwood were triumphant over Geelong 5-0 on Sunday after scoring in the first inning on four walks. They added to their tally with a solo home run to left field by Angus Saggers in the fourth.
Saggers started the game for Ringwood, giving up zero hits and zero runs over two innings with one walk and three strikeouts.
Connor Barron stepped on the mound first for Geelong, giving up three hits and four runs (zero earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking six.
Brian Gallagher and Archie Hooper came on in relief for Ringwood, shutting down Geelong.
Saggers, Gallagher, Nate Bugeja, Joseph Matyear, and Matthews each drove in one run for Ringwood. Gallagher took two of the team's six walks.
The winning defense didn't make any errors while Matyear had the most fielding chances with six.
Jared Loader led Geelong with one hit in one at-bats while Charlie Bell took two of the team's six walks.
Geelong 5, Dandenong 5
Geelong and Dandenong tied 5-5 on Sunday. Dandenong scored early in the top of the first inning after Joash Xavier drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, and Jensen Turner singled, scoring one run. They added one run in the second after Kade Henry grounded out.
Geelong tied it up in the bottom of the third thanks to walks by Jared Loader and Edrin Berisha, a hit by pitch, and a walk by Cruz Appeldorff.
Ash Kaberry stepped on the bump first for Geelong, giving up four hits and five runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out three and walking four.
Xavier stepped on the hill first for Dandenong, giving up zero hits and five runs (four earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking seven.
Berisha, Appeldorff, Loader, and Connor Barrow each drove in one run while Geelong had a strong eye at the plate, tallying 10 walks in the game. Kaberry and Loader led the team with two bases on balls each.
Brooke Edwards, Hunter Rouse, Oscar Mckeown, and Turner each collected one hit for Dandenong. Turner went 1-for-2 and led the team with one run batted in, while Henry and Kian Yates stole multiple bases for six total in the game.
Diamond Valley 12, City West 0
Diamond Valley won big over City West 12-0 on Sunday, scoring in the first inning on bases-loaded walks to Marcus Murphy and Kalan Ellis plus a wild pitch.
They added five runs on one hit in the bottom of the second. Oliver Baillargeon singled, scoring three, an error scored one run, and Riley Harrington induced Darcy Squire to hit into a fielder's choice but one run scored. Two more runs scored in the third.
Baillargeon stepped on the mound first for DV, giving up zero hits and zero runs over two innings, striking out two and walking two. Ellis tossed one scoreless inning in relief, giving up one hit and three walks.
Murphy, Yang, Squire, Baillargeon, and Kent each drove in one run for Diamond Valley. Baillargeon went 1-for-1 and had two of the team's six stolen bases. Lachlan Brennan and Leo McAndrew took two walks each with 11 total in the game.
The DV defense didn't commit a single error as Squire made the most plays with three.
Ethan Castle led City West with one hit in one at-bat.
Consolation Final: Geelong 4, Dandenong 3
Geelong came back late, scoring on a wild pitch to take the 4-3 victory. Charlie Davenport grounded out, Reid Sexton hit into a fielder's choice, and Dandenong committed an error, each scoring a run for Geelong in the first.
Kade Henry hit a sacrifice fly to help Dandenong tie things up at the bottom of the fifth. The starting pitcher gave up one hit and three runs (two earned) over four innings, striking out four and walking six. He also led Dandenong with one hit in two at-bats.
Davenport led things off on the bump for Geelong, giving up one hit and three runs (one earned) over four and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking four.
Davenport and Sexton each drove in one run for Geelong while Jack Northfield took three out of the team's ten walks. The defense turned one double play.
U16 Division 2
Diamond Valley 2, Latrobe Valley 1
Diamond Valley took Sunday's game in dramatic fashion with a 2-1 walk-off victory over Latrobe Valley. The game was tied at one in the bottom of the third when Oliver Blakely drew a walk, scoring one run.
Both teams were strong on the bump. DV pitchers struck out four while LV sat down five.
A groundout by Liam Duncan put LV on the board in the top of the second. Kay Zhang walked to help DV tie it up at one in the bottom frame.
Rhys Rayner led things off on the hill for DV, with no hits or walks allowed in a scoreless inning, just two strikeouts. Hudson Castle appeared in relief.
LV starter Alex Smith gave up one hit and one run over one and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking two.
Chase Messinger went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead DV in hits. Zhang and Blakely each drove in one run.
DV had a strong eye at the plate, tallying nine walks for the game with two free passes for Jack Cooper-Blair and Castle.
Duncan led LV with one run batted in and two stolen bases. The defense was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error as Duncan made the most plays with six.
North East 8, Bendigo 5
North East opened scoring in the top of the first when Michael Nitisco singled, scoring one run. Bendigo quickly responded, scoring on an error, a fielder's choice by Zachary Banks-Broome, and a walk by Tahlia Dickinson, each scoring one run.
North East tied it up at three in the top of the second, although Bendigo soon made it 4-3 on an RBI single by James Grainger in the bottom half.
Four walks helped North East make it 8-4 in the third.
Alaric Tibbitt led things off for Bendigo, giving up three hits and two runs over one inning, striking out two and walking one.
Josh Wells, Cruz Wayneberg, and Grace Castello each appeared in relief for North East. Nitisco, Wells, and Wayneberg collected one hit each Nitisco, Wells, Sophie Berry, Castello, and Oscar Maiden drove in one run each.
North East had patience at the plate, collecting 11 walks for the game as Berry and Taylor Jones led with two walks each.
Grainger and Banks-Broome drove in one run apiece for Bendigo while Deon Strahan took two out of seven walks. Grainger also stole two bases with seven total in the game.
Diamond Valley 8, Bendigo 4
Diamond Valley prevailed 8-4 on Sunday after scoring in the first on Chase Messiner's RBI single and Nathan Love's 2-RBI double.
They added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Rhys Rayner doubled, Messinger singled, and Oliver Blakely grounded out, each scoring one run.
Rayner stepped on the hill first for Diamond Valley, allowing three hits and one run (zero earned) over four innings, striking out seven and walking six. Mathew Robinson and Henry Rossa appeared in relief.
Alaric Tibbett started the game for Bendigo, giving up eight hits and eight runs over four innings, striking out six and walking three.
Messinger led Diamond Valley with two hits in two at-bats, plus multiple stolen bases alongside Robinson, Hudson Castle, and Zach Papadimitriou for 11 total in the game.
Josh Ralston, Mason Strahan, and Zachary Banks-Broome each collected one hit for Bendigo. Strahan and Banks-Broome were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, both driving in one run.
Thomas Ward took three of Bendigo's 11 walks while Ralston and Tibbett stole multiple bases with eight total in the game.
Diamond Valley 11, North East 9
Despite seeing their seven-run lead whittled down by the end, Diamond Valley still held on for an 11-9 victory on Sunday. North East closed the gap on a couple of errors, a single, and a walk.
Diamond Valley opened scoring in the top of the first when Chase Messinger singled, scoring one run. They added five runs on two hits in the top of the third. Two errors and RBI singles to Hudson Castle and Rhys Rayner did the trick.
Kay Zhang started the game for Diamond Valley, giving up two hits and five runs (four earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking six. Messinger appeared in relief.
Cruz Wayneberg led things off on the mound for North East, allowing seven hits and 12 runs (three earned) over three innings, striking out four and walking five.
Messinger led Diamond Valley with two hits in two at-bats. Jack Cooper-Blair, Zhang, Castle, and Zach Papadimitriou drove in two runs while Nathan Love took two of the team's seven walks.
Messinger, Castle, Papadimitriou, and Oliver Blakely both stole multiple bases with 14 total in the game. Meanwhile, the defense turned one double play.
Wayneberg provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading North East with four runs batted in on a 1-for-2 day. Wayneberg, Taylor Jones, Oscar Maiden, and Micheal Nistico collected one hit while Tanner Godenzi took three of the team's ten walks.
Wayneberg, Godenzi, Jones, Maiden, and Nistico stole multiple bases with 16 overall.
Latrobe Valley 5, North East 3
Latrobe Valley won 5-3 over North East after starting the scoring early. Harry Kus doubled and Connor McKenzie grounded out, each scoring one run in the first.
North East tied it up in the bottom frame thanks to a groundout by Cruz Wayenberg and a passed ball. A groundout by Josh Dortmans put Latrobe Valley back in front 3-2 in the top of the second.
Wayenberg grounded out, helping North East tie the game at three in the bottom of the second. Latrobe Valley broke up the tie in the top of the fourth when Kus singled, scoring one run. An error followed to extend the lead to 5-3.
McKenzie stepped on the hill first for Latrobe Valley, giving up one hit and two runs (zero earned) over one inning, striking out three and walking one. Alex Smith and Kus both appeared in relief.
Sophi Berry led things off on the mound for North East, allowing two hits and three runs over three innings with one strikeout and two walks.
Kus drove the middle of Latrobe Valley's lineup with two runs batted in on a 2-for-3 day. Liam Duncan stole two bases while the defense was sure-handed in the field and didn't make any errors. Lachie Marsh made the most plays with eight.
Josh Wells led North East with two hits in two at-bats. Oscar Maiden stole three bases.
Latrobe Valley 7, Bendigo 1
Latrobe Valley defeated Bendigo 7-1 on Sunday thanks in part to five runs in the fifth inning. Bendigo scored first on James Grainger's RBI single in the opening frame. Alex Smith helped Latrobe Valley tie it up at one in the top of the third.
Latrobe Valley took the lead in the top of the fourth as Cooper Boyes drew a bases-loaded walk, making it 2-1. They added five runs on two hits in the top of the fifth inning with bases-loaded walks to Harry Kus, Connor McKenzie, Harry Russ, and Josh Dortmans. An error also scored a run.
Deon Strahan stepped on the mound first for Bendigo, giving up two hits and one run over three innings, walking three and striking out three.
Latrobe Valley starter Smith allowed two hits and one run (zero earned) over two innings, striking out five and walking one.
Grainger led Bendigo with one run batted in on a 1-for-2 day. Grainger and Josh Ralston each collected one hit.
Smith and Liam Duncan were a force together in the lineup, picking up two hits for Latrobe Valley. Smith, Jus, McKenzie, and Boyes each drove in one run while McKenzie took three of the team's 11 walks.
Consolation Final: North East 8, Bendigo 0
North East defeated Bendigo 8-0 on Sunday thanks in part to five runs in the first inning. Josh Wells singled, scoring two runs, Tanner Godenzi tripled, scoring two runs, and Oscar Maiden drew a walk, scoring one run.
Godenzi stepped on the hill first for North East, giving up one hit over four scoreless innings with a walk and eight strikeouts.
Archer Etherton pitched for Bendigo, giving up three hits and five runs with a strikeout and five walks.
Michael Nitisco and Godenzi were a force together in the lineup, both collecting two hits for North East while hitting back-to-back. Godenzi led North East with three runs batted in on a 2-for-3 day.
Maiden paced North East with three out of eight walks while Godenzi stole two bases (six total in the game). The winning side was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error as Wells made the most plays with eight.
Deon Strahan led Bendigo with one hit in two at-bats.
Grand Final: Latrobe Valley 12, Diamond Valley 7
Even though Diamond Valley collected nine hits to Latrobe Valley's three, LV came away with the 12-7 grand final victory.
LV jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first after Harry Kus was struck by a pitch with bases loaded and an error scored two more. They add to their tally with an error and a groundout in the second.
DV scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the fourth. Nathan Clough drew a walk, Henry Rossa singled, and Jack Cooper-Blair grounded out, each scoring one run. Zach Papadimitriou singled and Rhys Rayner grounded out to also bring home runs.
Kus led things off on the mound for LV, giving up eight hits and seven runs (six earned) over three and two-thids innings, striking out three and walking two.
Chase Messinger drove the middle of the lineup, leading DV with two runs batted in on a 1-for-3 day. Hudson Castle picked up two hits and Papadimitriou stole two bases while the defense turned a double play.
LV's Connor Mckenzie had three runs batted in while Blake Duncan, Russ, and Kus collected one hit each. Liam Duncan took four of the team's eight walks and also stole multiple bases alongside Alex Smith and Kus for 13 total in the game. They had a double play on defense, too.
Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
The 2024 Under 16 State Winter Championships got off to a fantastic start, hosted by Latrobe Valley Baseball Association at Morwell Cougars and Traralgon Red Sox Baseball Clubs.
Stay tuned to BV Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates from the tournament and follow along with Sunday's finals on GameChanger - Saturday recaps are published below.
U16 Division 1
Ringwood 2, Dandenong 2
Ringwood and Dandenong ended in a draw, although Ringwood scored first with a Harvey Devlin RBI single in the second. An error helped Dandenong tie it up at one in the bottom half.
A single by Archie Hooper gave Ringwood a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth. Dandenong made it 2-all with a bases-loaded walk by Hunter Rouse their next time up.
Angus Saggers led things off on the bump for Ringwood, giving up one hit and one run (zero earned) over two and one-third innings, striking out four and walking none.
Kade Henry stepped on the hill first for Dandenong, giving up zero hits and one run over one and one-third innings, striking out two and walking none.
Hooper and Devlin were a force together in the lineup, each collecting one hit and an RBI for Ringwood. They also had multiple stolen bases with seven total in the game.
Henry, Joash Xavier, and Rouse all collected one hit for Dandenong. The defense was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error as Rouse made the most plays with eight.
Diamond Valley 9, Geelong 1
Diamond Valley got on the board early, scoring on a Geelong error and an RBI groundout by Eric Webster in the first. They added two runs in the second as Ethan Kent singled on the sixth pitch of the at-bat, making it 4-0.
Diamond Valley scored five runs on one hit in the top of the third. Seth Stott singled, scoring one run, before bases-loaded walks to Kent, Bailey Stewart, Lachlan Brennan, and Marcus Murphy brought home four more.
Murphy led things off on the hill for Diamond Valley, giving up zero hits or runs over one and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking one. Webster appeared in relief.
Charlie Davenport started the game for Geelong, giving up one hit and two runs over one inning, striking out two and walking two.
Kent led Diamond Valley with two hits in two at-bats from the leadoff position. The team practiced patience at the plate, tallying 16 walks in the game as Brennan and Leo McAndrew took three each. Oliver Baillargeon, Stott, Brennan, and McAndrew stole multiple bases with 11 total in the game.
Davenport led Geelong with one run batted in.
Geelong 10, City West 2
Geelong took care of business 10-2 over City West on Saturday, starting the scoring early with Charlie Davenport's RBI single in the first. Lucas Joel also doubled, scoring two runs, and Reid Sexton doubled, scoring one, before an error brought home another.
Geelong scored five runs on three hits in the top of the fourth. Jared Loader, Jack Northfield, and Cruz Appeldorff picked up RBI singles while Joel drew a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch scored one more run.
Loader started on the hill for Geelong, giving up three hits and two runs over one inning with two strikeouts and two walks. Ash Kaberry and Connor Barrow threw shutout innings in relief.
City West starter Ryan Harris gave up three hits and five runs (four earned) over two and one-third innings, striking out four and walking four.
Joel provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Geelong with two runs batted in on a 1-for-1 day. Davenport, Northfield, Sexton, Appeldorff, Joel, and Loader each had one hit.
Geelong's patience at the plate led to seven walks with two apiece for Joel and Kaberry. Davenport, Northfield, Edrin Berisha, and Joel stole multiple bases with 13 total in the game.
Geelong didn't commit a single error in the field, having the most chances with eight.
Hunter Mudford led City West with two hits in two at-bats.
Diamond Valley 13, Ringwood 3
Diamond Valley won big over Ringwood 13-3 on Saturday, although Ringwood scored first with a Harvey Devlin RBI single. Oliver Baillargeon singled to give Diamond Valley a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first.
Diamond Valley scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the second inning. Bailey Stewart singled, Eric Webster drew a walk, and Marcus Murphy was struck by a pitch, all scoring one run. Darcy Squire took a bases-loaded walk and Baillargeon singled to add two more.
Diamond Valley also scored five runs on five hits in the third. Kai-Jie Yang doubled, scoring one run, Stewart singled, scoring two, and Webster hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one. Kalan Ellis brought home the last run of the inning on a base hit.
Squire stepped on the bump first for Diamond Valley, giving up three hits and three runs over four innings, striking out two and walking two.
Nate Bugeja opened the game for Ringwood, giving up five hits and eight runs over one inning, striking out one and walking four.
Diamond Valley tallied 11 hits in the game, including two apiece for Yang, Baillargeon, Stewart, and Ellis. Baillargeon and Stewart both drove in three runs while Squire and Lachlan took two walks apiee with eight total in the game.
The DV defense turned one double play.
Alessio Petruzzielo, Cassius Matthews, and Devlin each collected one hit for Ringwood while Royce Pirera, Matthews, and Devlin each drove in a run. Tom Bowden stole two bases.
Ringwood's defense turned one double play and didn't make any errors as Devlin led the charge with three chances in the field.
Diamond Valley 8, Dandenong 2
Diamond Valley scored five runs in the third inning to defeat Dandenong 8-2. Joash Xavier's RBI double gave Dandenong an early start, but Eric Webster's bases-loaded walk quickly tied things up for Diamond Valley.
Diamond Valley took the lead in the bottom of the second when a wild pitch scored two runs.
Seth Stott started on the mound for Diamond Valley, giving up two hits and one run over two innings with two walks and three strikeouts. Baillargeon appeared in relief.
Xavier led things off on the hill for Dandenong, giving up zero hits and one run over one and one-third innings, striking out four and walking two.
Baillargeon, Kalan Ellis, and Leo McAndrew each drove in one run for Diamond Valley. Ethan Kent took two of the team's eight walks while Marcus Murphy, Webster, and Kent stole multiple bases with 12 total in the game.
Brooke Edwards and Xavier both had one hit for Dandenong with the latter knocking in a run. Kade Henry stole four bases.
Ringwood 7, City West 4
Ringwood won 7-4 over City West, scoring in the bottom of the first after Harvey Devlin hit a 2-RBI single and Cassius Matthews had an RBI groundout.
Ringwood added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after a walk by Alessio Petruzzielo and singles to Devlin, Tom Bowden, and Matthews, each scoring one run.
Matthews started the game for Ringwood, giving up one hit and four runs (three earned) over three innings with seven walks and three strikeouts.
Hunter Mudford started the game for City West, giving up one hit and three runs over one inning, striking out none and walking four.
Devlin drove the middle of the lineup, leading Ringwood with three runs batted in on a 2-for-2 day. The team was patient at the plate, tallying nine walks with two bases on balls for Nate Bugeja and Archie Hooper.
Neon Khadka and Lacey Tompkins were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, each driving in a run. Riley Harrington led City West with one hit in two at-bats. They had seven walks total with two apiece for Mudford and Tompkins.
U16 Division 2
Latrobe Valley 11, North East 4
Latrobe Valley won big over North East 11-4 on Saturday, starting with an RBI double by Alex Smith in the first inning, when two runs also scored on an error.
A walk by Connor McKenzie and an error helped Latrobe Valley extend their early lead in the second. They added to their tally in the third after Liam Duncan and McKenzie grounded out, Cooper Boyes was struck by a pitch, and Josh Smith walked, each scoring one run on top of an error.
McKenzie started the game for Latrobe Valley with no hits, walks, or runs in one inning of work, just three strikeouts. Smith, Harry Russ, and Blake Duncan appeared in relief.
Grace Castello stepped on the bump first for North East, giving up one hit and six runs (two earned) with two strikeouts.
Michael Coulthard provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Latrobe Valley with four runs batted in. Smith went 1-for-1 and took two walks alongside Duncan and McKenzie. The team had 10 walks total and eight stolen bases, including multiple SBs for Smith, Duncan, and Harry Kus.
Oscar Maiden led North East with one run batted in while Makayla Pool picked up a timely hit. They walked six times overall.
North East 10, Diamond Valley 6
Despite trailing by as many as four runs, North East rallied to beat Diamond Valley 10-6 on Saturday.
Diamond Valley jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning after Henry Rossa drew a bases-loaded walk. An error and a groundout by Caleb Szeremeta added to the tally.
North East flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first, scoring five runs on one hit to take a 5-4 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a groundout by Jessie Hoare that drove in two.
Diamond Valley captured the 6-5 lead in the top of the second after an error and a wild pitch. North East responded with five runs in the bottom half, including a bases-loaded walk by Taylor Jones.
Darcey Sanders stepped on the mound first for North East, giving up two hits and six runs (one earned) over two innings, striking out three and walking four. Tanner Godenzi and Micheal Nistico appeared in relief.
Zach Papadimitriou stepped on the hill first for Diamond Valley, giving up one hit and five runs (four earned) with four walks and a strikeout.
Hoare led North East with two runs batted in while the lineup collected 11 walks overall, including two apiece for Jones, Josh Wells, Grace Castello, and Ayla McCalloin. Wells stole three bases with six total in the game.
Diamond Valley's Hudson Castle led the team with two runs batted in while Chase Messinger and Kay Zhang had one hit each. They walked nine time with two free passes for Castle, Rossa, and Charlize Chilcott. Messinger and Zhang stole multiple bases with 10 total in the game.
Bendigo 10, Latrobe Valley 6
Bendigo rallied to top Latrobe Valley 10-6 on Saturday despite trailing by as many as five runs during the game.
Latrobe Valley got on board in the top of the first inning after RBI singles to Alex Smith, Harry Kus, and Cooper Boyes. Josh Dortmans hit a 2-RBI double as well.
Bendigo scored five runs on one hit in the bottom of the first. A dropped third strike, Deon Strahan single, and bases-loaded walks to Tahlia Dickinson and Sierra Morgan brought home runs. Thomas Ward grounded out to score another before the inning was over.
Latrobe Valley took the lead in the top of the second when Kus singled to score one and make it 6-5. Bendigo flipped the game on its head in the bottom frame, scoring five runs on two hits to take a 10-6 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Josh Ralston that drove in one.
Fletcher Cain opened the game for Bendigo, giving up seven hits and six runs over one and one-third innings, striking out one and walking two.
Ward, the number seven hitter for Bendigo, led the way with two runs batted in on a 1-for-2 day. Ward, Strahan, and Ralston each collected one hit while the team took 10 walks. Morgan, Dickinson, Archer Etherton, and Mason Strahan led the side with two walks each. Strahan, Etherton, and Ralston also stole multiple bases with 11 total in the game.
Bendigo didn't commit a single error in the field as Ward had the most chances.
Smith and Kus were a force together in the lineup, both collecting two hits and multiple stolen bases for Latrobe Valley. Kus and Dortmans drove in two runs while the team piled up 10 stolen bases.
Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
For the third straight year, the Under 16 State Winter Championships will be hosted by Latrobe Valley Baseball Association at Morwell Cougars and Traralgon Red Sox Baseball Clubs.
The U16 SWC will run from 13-14 July, with Morwell hosting Division 1 games between City West, Dandenong, Diamond Valley, Geelong, and Ringwood.
Over at Traralgon, Latrobe Valley, Bendigo, Diamond Valley, North East, and Ringwood will play in Division 2.
“We’ve had a great time at all our State Winter Championships so far, and we can’t wait to see what the Under 16 teams bring to the table as they play hard and have fun,” BV Tournament Officer Tony McPherson said. “Thank you to Latrobe Valley Baseball Association and all the dedicated volunteers at Morwell and Traralgon Baseball Clubs who are making this event possible.”
There will be 20 games across Saturday and Sunday morning to decide the semi-finalists leading into an action-packed afternoon of finals.
“Latrobe Valley Baseball Association is excited to once again host the Under 16 State Winter Championship, and we wish everyone the best of luck,” President Brad Jones said. “Thank you to Baseball Victoria and Latrobe City Council for the ongoing opportunity and support, and of course all the club volunteers who bring these events to life.”
Baseball Victoria’s official photography partner Field of View will be around the grounds snapping pictures throughout the weekend, while Claire and Hugo from Ausport Superstore will be at Morwell on Saturday from 8:30am-2:30pm.
Stay tuned to BV Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates from the tournament and follow along on GameChanger: Under 16 Division 1 and Under 16 Division 2.
With a grand final score of 7-6 over Geelong, Latrobe Valley prevailed as winners of the 2024 Under 18 State Winter Championship, played at Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Club from 6-7 July.
Congrats to the finalists and well done to everyone involved on a fantastic weekend. A special shoutout to MVPs Austin McConville (LV), Callum Boltan (Bendigo), Nate D'Atri (Diamond Valley), Josh Wells (NEBA), Ebony Sutherland (Ringwood), and Riley Peoples (Geelong).
Thank you to Wangaratta Rangers and North Eastern Baseball Association for the wonderful hospitality.
You can check out Field of View Sports Photography images HERE.
Stay tuned to BV Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more SWC updates and read GameChanger recaps published below.
Latrobe Valley 12, Ringwood 5
Latrobe Valley won big over Ringwood 12-5 on Sunday. They got started early, scoring in the top of the first on a Jarrod Thomas single and a wild pitch.
Ringwood took the lead in the bottom frame after an error, an RBI groundout by Ebony Sutherland, a single by Paul Schultz, and a bases-loaded walk by Archie Hooper, each scoring one run.
A groundout by Cameron Branson extended the Ringwood lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the second inning.
Latrobe Valley flipped the game on its head in the top of the third, scoring five runs on three hits to take a 8-5 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Austin McConville that drove in two.
Jesse Wilson opened the game for Latrobe Valley, giving up two hits and five runs (one earned) over two innings, striking out three and walking four.
Rui Ota led things off on the mound for Ringwood, giving up five hits and eight runs (seven earned) over two and one-third innings, striking out two and walking six.
Connor McKenzie tossed two innings of zero-run ball for Latrobe Valley in relief, giving up one hit with two walks and three strikeouts.
McConville set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Latrobe Valley with two hits in three at-bats. McConville joined Liam Duncan and Tristan White with 3 RBIs in the game.
Latrobe Valley had a strong eye at the plate, tallying nine walks with two apiece for Kaiden Hicks, Thomas, and White. Hicks and McConville also stole multiple bases with seven total in the game.
Number seven hitter Schultz showed the depth of Ringwood’s lineup, leading them with two hits in two at-bats. Hooper, Schultz, and Sutherland each drove in one run while Macy Priamo stole two bases and took two of the team’s six walks.
Bendigo 9, North East 7
Bendigo built a seven-run lead in the second inning and then held off North East’s charge for a 9-7 victory on Sunday. North East closed the gap by scoring on three singles and two errors.
Bendigo got on board in the bottom of the second inning after and error and 2-RBI base hits by Marcus Murphy, Callum Bolton, and Elliot Harrington.
North East scored six runs on four hits in the top of the third inning. Josh Wells and Austin Clear singled, both scoring one run, and Liam Quinton singled to bring home two. An error scored two more runs before the end of the inning.
Bendigo added one run in the third as Bolton hit a sacrifice fly to make it 8-6.
Bolton led things off on the bump for Bendigo, giving up four hits and six runs (five earned) over three innings, striking out six and walking four. Murphy appeared in relief.
Clear stepped on the hill first for North East, giving up five hits and seven runs (four earned) over one and two-thirds innings, striking out none and walking four.
Bolton provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Bendigo with three runs batted in as the 3-hole hitter went 1-for-2 on the day. Hayden Rogers set the tone at the top of the lineup, going 2-for-2.
Rogers joined Hudson Castle and Travis Shanahan with multiple stolen bases – 10 total in the game plus six walks.
Wells, Clear, Quinton, and Tanner Godenzi each collected one hit for North East. Clear and Quinton drove in one run while Lachlan Rosser led the team with two out of six walks.
Wells, Clear, Rosser, Quinton, Michael Nistico, and Oliver Clear each stole multiple bases with 18 total in the game.
Geelong 10, Diamond Valley 3
Geelong scored seven runs in the third inning on their way to a big victory over Diamond Valley.
Bradyn Barker singled, Jordan Ellis and Luca Delaney doubled, and Zack Hurstfield drew a walk, each scoring one run. Josef Glass followed up with a 2-RBI double and Athena Koulis grounded out to score another.
Diamond Valley got on board in the second inning after Jordan Bell grounded out, scoring two runs.
An error extended the Diamond Valley lead to 3-0 in the top of the third inning.
Thomas McKee stepped on the hill first for Geelong, giving up three hits and three runs (two earned) over four innings, striking out seven and walking three. Hurstfield appeared in relief.
Samuel Blakely started for Diamond Valley, allowing six hits and seven runs over two and one-third innings, striking out four and walking one.
Glass and Ellis each collected two hits and 2 RBIs for Geelong. Hurstfield also plated two while Barker, McKee, and Ellis stole multiple bases for eight total in the game.
Joshua Antonacci went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Diamond Valley in hits. Blakely and Bell each drove in one run while Jai Mithen stole two bases.
The DV defense was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error as Nate D’Atri made the most plays with five.
Latrobe Valley 19, North East 1
Jesse Wilson drove in six runs on two hits to lead Latrobe Valley past North East 19-1 on Sunday. Wilson doubled in the first inning, scoring one, and tripled in the fifth inning, scoring three.
North East got on board in the first inning after Josh Wells drew a walk, scoring one run.
Latrobe Valley jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Wilson doubled, Kaiden Hicks grounded out, and Tristan White singled, each scoring one run.
Latrobe Valley added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Michael Coulthard, Jack Thomas, and Hicks singled, all scoring one run. A passed ball added another to the tally.
Austin McConville singled, Wilson grounded out, and North East made an error to add three runs in the bottom of the third.
Latrobe Valley scored five runs on three hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. Riley Duncan drew a walk, scoring one run, McConville singled, scoring one run, and Wilson tripled, scoring three runs.
Thomas started the game for Latrobe Valley, allowing one hit and one run over three innings with three walks and three strikeouts. Connor McKenzie tossed two innings of shutout ball in relief, giving up zero hits or walks with three strikeouts.
North East starter Wells struck out three and walked three in three innings with nine hits and 10 runs (five earned).
Latrobe Valley tallied 15 hits in the game, including three apiece for McConville and Ryan Glass plus a 2-for-2 day by Duncan. They stole six bases and were sure-handed in the field with zero errors as Wilson had eight chances, the most on the team.
Michael Nistico went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead North East in hits.
Ringwood 6, Geelong 5
Ringwood prevailed over Geelong, although the latter scored on an error in the first and added a run on Cruz Appeldorff’s single in the second.
Geelong added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Jordan Ellis doubled and Riley Peoples singled, each scoring one run.
Ringwood jumped into the lead in the top of the fifth when Aiden Burt drew a walk, scoring one run, Cameron Branson doubled, scoring two runs, and a wild pitch scored another.
Macy Priamo started the game for Ringwood, giving up three hits and five runs (zero earned) over three and one-third innings, striking out one and walking three.
Bradyn Barker started the game for Geelong, allowing one hit and zero runs or walks over two innings with four strikeouts.
Archie Hooper tossed two and one-third innings of zero-run ball for Ringwood in relief, giving up one hit with two strikeouts and no walks.
Paul Schultz went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead the winning team with two runs batted in. Branson went 3-for-4 while Rui Ota went 2-for-3. Schultz paced the team with two out of seven walks. The defense turned a double play, too.
Ellis went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Geelong in hits. Peoples, Ellis, and Appeldorff each drove in one run. Tyson Sherry, Barker, Peoples, Diego Appeldorff, and Ellis stole multiple bases with 12 total in the game.
Bendigo 10, Diamond Valley 9
Bendigo got out to a seven-run lead in the first inning and held on for a 10-9 victory over Diamond Valley on Sunday. DV closed the gap on a single, four walks, and a groundout.
Bendigo took an early lead in the top of the first after Callum Bolton walked, James Grainger singled, Lachlan Dennis doubled, Phoebe Martin walked, and Hudson Castle walked, each scoring one run. A wild pitch added another.
Bendigo added to their early lead in the top of the second inning after Bolton singled and Grainger doubled, each scoring one run. They added one run in the third as Josh Ralston stole home, making it 10-4.
Diamond Valley scored five runs on two hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Joshua Antonacci singled, scoring two runs, Samuel Blakely grounded out, scoring one run, Ethan Raynor drew a walk, scoring one run, and a wild pitch scored another.
Marcus Murphy earned the win for Bendigo, giving up zero hits and four runs (one earned) over one and one-third innings, striking out five and walking seven.
Kay-er Yang struck out six in three and one-third innings for Diamond Valley.
Bolton tossed one and two-thirds innings of zero-run ball for Bendigo in relief, giving up zero hits or walks with two strikeouts.
Grainger provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Bendigo with two runs batted in on a 2-for-2 day.
Grainger and Deon Strahan each collected two hits for Bendigo. Grainger, Strahan, Martin, and Ralston stole multiple bases with 13 total in the game.
Nate D’Atri and Antonacci each collected one hit for Diamond Valley. Blakely, Antonacci, and Diego Surace each drove in one run. Blakely and Yang took two walks with 11 total in the game while Antonacci and Yang stole multiple bases for 12 total in the game.
Grand Final: Latrobe Valley 7, Geelong 6
Despite a five-run deficit in the third inning, Geelong almost came all the way back, but Latrobe Valley hung on for the 7-6 grand final win. Geelong closed the gap by scoring on three singles and a double.
Latrobe Valley got on board in the first inning after Jesse Wilson singled, scoring one run. They added one in the second on Austin McConville’s doubled, making it 2-0.
Geelong tied it up in the bottom of the second thanks to a single by Rivi Zdraveski and a steal of home by Luca Delaney.
Latrobe Valley flipped the game on its head in the top of the third, scoring five runs on five hits to take a 7-2 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Rhys McKenzie that drove in two.
Riley Peoples stepped on the mound first for Geelong, giving up two hits and one run over one inning, striking out one and walking none.
Jarrod Thomas stepped on the hill first for Latrobe Valley, allowing eight hits and five runs over four and one-third innings, striking out four and walking two.
Geelong tallied 10 hits in the game as Tyson Sherry and Bradyn Barker collected two hits. Barker, Peoples, Zdraveski, Diego Appeldorff, and Jordan Ellis each drove in one run.
Geelong’s defense turned two double plays in the game.
Latrobe Valley tallied 11 hits as leadoff hitter McConville went 3-for-3. Thomas, Tristan, White, and Wilson also collected multiple hits while the steady defense didn’t commit a single error. Liam Duncan had the most chances in the field with six.
3rd Ringwood 13, 4th Bendigo 0
Ringwood finished in third place after a shutout victory over Bendigo.
They scored seven runs in the first inning as Rui Ota scored after tagging up and Matthew Brache hit an RBI single. Zach Berryman drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, and Ota drew another bases-loaded walk. A wild pitch added one more.
Ringwood added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Ebony Sutherland singled, Berryman walked, and Hayley Mather grounded out, each scoring one run.
Ringwood added to their tally in the bottom of the third inning after Bendigo committed an error, Sutherland hit a sacrifice fly, and Brache grounded out, each scoring one run.
Cameron Branson started on the mound for Ringwood, allowing one hit and zero runs over four innings, striking out nine and walking three.
Deon Strahan stepped on the mound first for Bendigo, giving up four hits and nine runs (seven earned) with a strikeout.
Brache and Sutherland were a one-two punch in the lineup, both driving in two runs for Ringwood. Sutherland led the side with two hits in two at-bats while Berryman took three of the team’s nine walks.
Patrick Watson stole two out of six bases while Ringwood’s defense was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Sutherland made ten plays, the most on the team.
Marcus Murphy went 1-for-1 at the plate to lead Bendigo in hits.
6th Diamond Valley 11, 5th North East 3
Diamond Valley scored seven runs in the fifth inning, helping them defeat North East 11-3 on Sunday. They got on board in the top of the first inning after Baxter Maynard hit a sacrifice fly and Jordan Bell grounded out, each scoring one run.
North East tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a single by Tanner Godenzi and a wild pitch.
Diamond Valley took a 3-2 lead on a wild pitch in the top of the second before Austin Clear’s groundout helped North East tie it back up in the bottom frame.
A groundout by Ethan Raynor gave Diamond Valley a 4-3 lead in the top of the third. They scored seven runs on three hits in the top of the fifth with bases-loaded walks to Maynard, Lincoln Dauparas, and Hugh Clivaz, plus an error and RBI singles by Kay-er Yang and Nate D’Atri.
Godenzi started the game for North East, allowing two hits and three runs (two earned) over two innings, striking out four and walking two.
Maynard stepped on the bump first for Diamond Valley, giving up two hits and three runs over four innings, striking out five and walking five.
Liam Quinton and Godenzi were a force together in the lineup, each collecting one hit while batting back-to-back. Godenzi went 1-for-1 with an RBI and multiple stolen bases alongside Rosser. There were seven SBs total in the game.
Leadoff hitter D’Atri led Diamond Valley with three hits in three at-bats. Maynard, Raynor, and Yang each drove in one run while Maynard took two of the team’s nine walks. Maynard, Jai Mithen, Clivaz, and D’Atri stole multiple bases, too.
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