Brisbane Metro and Western Suns will go head-to-head in the 2019 Australian Senior League Championship gold medal game on Friday.

Metro advanced to the gold medal game with a thrilling win over Macarthur after the Suns earlier topped Twins.

Catch up on all of Thursday’s action here:

 

Hills Blue 9, Adelaide Titans 1

Hills Blue will play for fifth spot at #ASLC2019 after recording a 9-1 win over the Adelaide Titans on Day 5 in Lismore.

Hills took a 2-0 lead after the first inning and hit back with three runs in the third after the Titans got on the board.

Alessandro Ranieri picked up four hits and drove in three runs for Hills.

Roan North drove in two runs.

Starting pitcher Riley Watson struck out four Titans in 4 2/3 innings for Hills Blue.

 

Western Suns 4, Twins 2

Western Suns booked their place in the #ASLC2019 gold medal game with a 4-2 win over Twins in their semi-final.

Starting pitcher Bailey-Jay Cooke starred, striking out 11 batters and working into the sixth inning.

Western broke a scoreless deadlock in the fourth inning when Cooke stole home.

Daniel Carter’s two-run single in the fifth extended the Suns’ lead to 3-0.

Twins rallied, adding a pair of runs in the top of the sixth to close within a run.

Jaycob Pascuzzi scored on a Nathan Smith groundout ahead of Connor Schibeci’s RBI-single.

Western Suns added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a single from Ashton Hamilton.

Dustin Brown closed the door for the Suns, recording the final four outs to punch their gold medal game ticket.

 

Manly 11, Sunraysia Giants 3

Manly set up an all-New South Wales fifth-place playoff against Hills Blue after powering past Sunraysia Giants.

The Giants built an early 2-0 lead but could not hold off a fast-finishing Manly outfit.

Manly took the lead with a three-run fifth and padded its advantage with six runs in the top of the seventh.

Thomas Butler led the way with three runs batted in.

Max Milner and Wilson Spinks each drove in two runs.

Jackson Malycha drove in two runs for Sunraysia.

 

Brisbane Metro 6, Macarthur 5

Brisbane is through to the #ASLC2019 gold medal game against Western Suns after downing a thrilling walk-off win over Macarthur on Thursday night.

Metro scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh with Damon Orr delivering the walk-off single.

Caylan Van Hilst’s double pulled Brisbane within a run before Orr’s double scored two runs.

The New South Wales charter struck in the first and extended its lead to 4-0 in the third inning.

Owen Glover singled to drive in a run ahead of two more scoring on a triple from Tommy Stanton.

Joshua Anthony’s RBI-single put Metro on the board.

A bases loaded walk in the fourth pulled Brisbane within two runs.

Jaxon Forbes singled to drive in an insurance run for Macarthur in the sixth but Brisbane Metro were not done yet.

  

Day 6 action gets underway with a consolation game between Adelaide Titans and Hills Blue at 9.15am.

The bronze medal game between Macarthur and Twins starts at 1.15pm with the gold medal game to start at 5pm.

Both the bronze and gold medal game will be streamed on the Baseball Australia Facebook page.

 

Twins will face Macarthur in the bronze medal game of the 2019 Australian Senior League Championships, while Brisbane Metro and Western Suns will go head-to-head in Friday's the 2019 gold medal game.

Catch up on all of Thursday’s action here:

 

Hills Blue 9, Adelaide Titans 1

Hills Blue will play for fifth spot at #ASLC2019 after recording a 9-1 win over the Adelaide Titans on Day 5 in Lismore.

Hills took a 2-0 lead after the first inning and hit back with three runs in the third after the Titans got on the board.

Alessandro Ranieri picked up four hits and drove in three runs for Hills.

Roan North drove in two runs.

Starting pitcher Riley Watson struck out four Titans in 4 2/3 innings for Hills Blue.

 

Western Suns 4, Twins 2

Western Suns booked their place in the #ASLC2019 gold medal game with a 4-2 win over Twins in their semi-final.

Starting pitcher Bailey-Jay Cooke starred, striking out 11 batters and working into the sixth inning.

Western broke a scoreless deadlock in the fourth inning when Cooke stole home.

Daniel Carter’s two-run single in the fifth extended the Suns’ lead to 3-0.

Twins rallied, adding a pair of runs in the top of the sixth to close within a run.

Jaycob Pascuzzi scored on a Nathan Smith groundout ahead of Connor Schibeci’s RBI-single.

Western Suns added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a single from Ashton Hamilton.

Dustin Brown closed the door for the Suns, recording the final four outs to punch their gold medal game ticket.

 

Manly 11, Sunraysia Giants 3

Manly set up an all-New South Wales fifth-place playoff against Hills Blue after powering past Sunraysia Giants.

The Giants built an early 2-0 lead but could not hold off a fast-finishing Manly outfit.

Manly took the lead with a three-run fifth and padded its advantage with six runs in the top of the seventh.

Thomas Butler led the way with three runs batted in.

Max Milner and Wilson Spinks each drove in two runs.

Jackson Malycha drove in two runs for Sunraysia.

 

Brisbane Metro 6, Macarthur 5

Brisbane is through to the #ASLC2019 gold medal game against Western Suns after downing a thrilling walk-off win over Macarthur on Thursday night.

Metro scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh with Damon Orr delivering the walk-off single.

Caylan Van Hilst’s double pulled Brisbane within a run before Orr’s double scored two runs.

The New South Wales charter struck in the first and extended its lead to 4-0 in the third inning.

Owen Glover singled to drive in a run ahead of two more scoring on a triple from Tommy Stanton.

Joshua Anthony’s RBI-single put Metro on the board.

A bases loaded walk in the fourth pulled Brisbane within two runs.

Jaxon Forbes singled to drive in an insurance run for Macarthur in the sixth but Brisbane Metro were not done yet.

  

Day 6 action gets underway with a consolation game between Adelaide Titans and Hills Blue at 9.15am.

The bronze medal game between Macarthur and Twins starts at 1.15pm with the gold medal game to start at 5pm.

Both the bronze and gold medal game will be streamed on the Baseball Australia Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BaseballAustralia

Preston Pirates Baseball Club is seeking expressions of interest for a Head Coach for the 2019/20 VSBL season.  

This role will involve heading up the senior coaching panel who are responsible for the whole playing group.

Most people will recognise that the club offers some of the best baseball facilities in Victoria, which allows for high quality training sessions and game day experience.

In the first instance interested parties are invited to contact the club to arrange an interview with Preston's coaching subcommittee.

This is a tremendous long term opportunity for a player coach or coach to be part of Preston’s long and successful history and bright future. Preston has a quality senior group and a very strong junior program, so they’re looking for a committed individual with a passion for success and a desire to assist every player in their quest to achieve their desired baseball goals.  

You can contact Alex 0411 701 122 to arrange a confidential discussion.

Malvern Baseball Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Dale as Head of Baseball Operations.  Phil brings to the club a wealth of experience as a player, coach and scout. 

 

Phil Dale has represented Australia as a junior and senior player and coach. He was the first Australian ever awarded a four-year baseball scholarship to an American university and was the first Victorian to be signed by a Major League club, pitching four seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organisation.  He was also the first Australian to ever coach in a Major League organisation while with the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. 

 

Phil has been successful at every level of coaching, winning 10 Division 1 Grand Finals, a Claxton Shield, several ABL titles and a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics.  He is a member of the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame and is a life member of the Waverley Baseball Club.

 

Phil is a long-time professional scout and is presently the Pac Rim Coordinator of Scouting for a Major League team.  He is also the Club Coach at North Balwyn during the winter baseball season.

 

Joining Phil as one of Malvern’s club coaches is Neil Burke.  Neil has a wealth of coaching experience and is a former Australian player and coach. Neil will be instrumental in both training and game day operations as well as in the growth of Malvern’s junior program.

 

Joining Phil as one of Malvern’s club coaches is Neil Burke.  Neil has a wealth of coaching experience and is a former Australian player and coach. Neil will be instrumental in both training and game day operations as well as in the growth of Malvern’s junior program.

When asked his reasons for joining Malvern, Phil said, “The Malvern Baseball Club has had a long heritage and tradition in baseball where so many great players have played.  Recently, I have noticed the successful development of the junior program through the hard work of individuals at the club. I will look to help further the abilities of both our junior and senior players and hope to provide an enjoyable playing experience for all members”.  Phil went on to add that “the ground has always been a great place and location to play baseball which makes it even more fun to be involved in the game in this area. It will be a privilege to be a part of the future of this club.”

Malvern Baseball Club President Andrew Othen stated, “We are excited to have this unique opportunity to bring one of the most decorated players and coaches Australia has ever produced to the Malvern Baseball Club.  Together with Phil and Neil, we look forward to seeing Malvern continue to grow and improve on and off the field and in doing our part in producing the next generation of baseball players.”

 

Announcements regarding other members of the junior and senior coaching teams will be made in due course. 

 

The club wishes to acknowledge the outstanding contributions the past two years of Nic Unland and Travis Cutt.  The players and committee appreciate all the work that they have put in to the club during their stint as club coaches.  

 

Preston Pirates Baseball Club is seeking expressions of interest for a Head Coach for the 2019/20 VSBL season.  

This role will involve heading up the senior coaching panel who are responsible for the whole playing group.

Most people will recognise that the club offers some of the best baseball facilities in Victoria, which allows for high quality training sessions and game day experience.

In the first instance interested parties are invited to contact the club to arrange an interview with Preston's coaching subcommittee.

This is a tremendous long term opportunity for a player coach or coach to be part of Preston’s long and successful history and bright future. Preston has a quality senior group and a very strong junior program, so they’re looking for a committed individual with a passion for success and a desire to assist every player in their quest to achieve their desired baseball goals.  

You can contact Alex 0411 701 122 to arrange a confidential discussion.

Brisbane Metro, Macarthur, Twins and Western Suns remain in contention for the gold medal after Day 4 of the 2019 Australian Senior League Championship in Lismore.

Catch up on all Wednesday’s action here:

 

Western Suns 9, Adelaide Titans 1 | Box Score

The Western Suns through to the final four in Lismore for a second-straight year following a 9-1 win over the Adelaide Titans.

Western raced to a 4-0 lead after the first inning and never looked back.

Maddux Stivey opened the scoring with an RBI-single before Bailey-Jay Cooke stole home to double their advantage.

Conor Parry’s two-run single extended the Suns’ lead to four runs.

The Titans answered back with a run in the second but struggled to produce offence.

Adelaide was kept to just one hit by Stivey and Western Suns relief pitchers Joshua Dass and Michael West.

Dass worked two scoreless innings after Stivey struck out six batters in four and 2/3 innings.

Parry finished with a game-high four runs batted in for the Suns.

 

Brisbane Metro 7, Manly 5 | Box Score

Brisbane Metro survived a late rally from Manly to prevail 7-5 and book its spot in the final four at #ASLC2019.

Metro starter Jackson Grounds worked six impressive innings, striking out eight batters.

Grounds and Caylan Van Hilst led Brisbane’s offence with two runs batted in.

Billy Richters, Callum Wallace and John Lemm also drove in runs for the Queensland charter.

Thomas Butler and Luke Brown led Manly’s offence, both recording two runs batted in.

 

Twins 10, Hills Blue 5 | Box Score

Twins advanced to an #ASLC2019 semi-final against Western Suns after topping Hills Blue 10-5 on diamond one.

The Twins fell behind in the first inning ahead of taking the lead with a four-run third.

They pulled away further in the sixth-inning.

Connor Schibeci and Keenan Spence both drove in two runs for the Victoria charter.

McLeod Sell struck out five in four relief innings after starter Nathan Smith worked three innings without allowing an earned run.

Alessandro Ranieri and William Edwards each struck out five for Hills Blue.

Ranieri also drove in a couple of runs.

 

Macarthur 15, Sunraysia Giants 5 | Box Score

Macarthur will meet Brisbane Metro for a spot in the #ASLC2019 gold medal game after overpowering Sunraysia Giants on Wednesday night.

Jacob Veres drove in three runs as Macarthur stayed undefeated with a 15-5 win on diamond one.

Sunraysia scored first, striking on a Lindsay Barbary double in the second inning.

Macarthur took a 2-1 lead after three and added four runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to extend its advantage.

Tyrone Fergie and Jack Bennetts recorded three hits.

Cody Morrish and Raiden Wakefield had three knocks each for the Giants.

 

Day 5 action gets underway with a consolation game between Adelaide Titans and Hills Blue at 9.45am.

Click here for the updated Day 5 schedule.

Head to the #ASLC2019 Hub for schedules, results and rosters.

 

Brisbane Metro, Macarthur, Twins and Western Suns remain in contention for the gold medal after Day 4 of the 2019 Australian Senior League Championship in Lismore.

Catch up on all Wednesday’s action here:

Twins 10, Hills Blue 5

Twins advanced to an #ASLC2019 semi-final against Western Suns after topping Hills Blue 10-5 on diamond one.

The Twins fell behind in the first inning ahead of taking the lead with a four-run third.

They pulled away further in the sixth-inning.

Connor Schibeci and Keenan Spence both drove in two runs for the Victoria charter.

McLeod Sell struck out five in four relief innings after starter Nathan Smith worked three innings without allowing an earned run.

Alessandro Ranieri and William Edwards each struck out five for Hills Blue.

Ranieri also drove in a couple of runs.

 

Macarthur 15, Sunraysia Giants 5

Macarthur will meet Brisbane Metro for a spot in the #ASLC2019 gold medal game after overpowering Sunraysia Giants on Wednesday night.

Jacob Veres drove in three runs as Macarthur stayed undefeated with a 15-5 win on diamond one.

Sunraysia scored first, striking on a Lindsay Barbary double in the second inning.

Macarthur took a 2-1 lead after three and added four runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to extend its advantage.

Tyrone Fergie and Jack Bennetts recorded three hits.

Cody Morrish and Raiden Wakefield had three knocks each for the Giants.

 

Day 5 action gets underway with a consolation game between Adelaide Titans and Hills Blue at 9.45am.

Twins 10, Hills Blue 5

Twins advanced to an #ASLC2019 semi-final against Western Suns after topping Hills Blue 10-5 on diamond one.

The Twins fell behind in the first inning ahead of taking the lead with a four-run third.

They pulled away further in the sixth-inning.

Connor Schibeci and Keenan Spence both drove in two runs for the Victoria charter.

McLeod Sell struck out five in four relief innings after starter Nathan Smith worked three innings without allowing an earned run.

Alessandro Ranieri and William Edwards each struck out five for Hills Blue.

Ranieri also drove in a couple of runs.

 

Macarthur 15, Sunraysia Giants 5

Macarthur will meet Brisbane Metro for a spot in the #ASLC2019 gold medal game after overpowering Sunraysia Giants on Wednesday night.

Jacob Veres drove in three runs as Macarthur stayed undefeated with a 15-5 win on diamond one.

Sunraysia scored first, striking on a Lindsay Barbary double in the second inning.

Macarthur took a 2-1 lead after three and added four runs in the fourth and five in the fifth to extend its advantage.

Tyrone Fergie and Jack Bennetts recorded three hits.

Cody Morrish and Raiden Wakefield had three knocks each for the Giants.

 

Day 5 action gets underway with a consolation game between Adelaide Titans and Hills Blue at 9.45am.

Click here for the updated Day 5 schedule.

Head to the #ASLC2019 Hub for schedules, results and rosters.

The Board of Baseball Victoria announces the resignation of CEO Justin Huber effective 1 June 2019.

Huber will be returning to his previous role as General Manager of the Melbourne Aces. 

Huber has led Baseball Victoria through several years of positive changes, during which numerous improvements have been made to the VSBL competition, development pathway and the organisation overall. During his tenure, Huber has remained dedicated to guiding Baseball Victoria to a bigger and brighter future, and he says he feels confident the organisation will continue to thrive after his departure. “It was not an easy decision to make, but one I feel will benefit every level of Victorian baseball, from the grassroots community clubs to the professional ABL team,” Huber said. “I am so grateful for the hard work and accomplishments of the BV team over the past 18 months, and we are in such a better position than a few years ago.”

Huber will continue to serve the Victorian baseball community in his role with the Aces.  Huber says he’s excited for the future of Victorian Baseball.  “I’m thrilled to see what’s ahead for Baseball Victoria, as our organisation is making leaps and bounds to progress our beloved sport and open up new opportunities for Victorians to play and get involved,” Huber said. “This next chapter will be a fantastic one for the organisation, and I’m looking forward to seeing how our hard work has laid the foundation for the future.”

President of Baseball Victoria, Myles Foreman said “We are thankful for Justin Huber and his tireless efforts in the past two years to improve our organisation and make baseball a more inclusive sport for all Victorians and we wish him good luck in his next journey.”

Baseball Victoria would like to thank Justin Huber for his countless contributions to the organisation and the Victorian baseball community as a whole over the last two years, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours! 

An announcement from the Baseball Victoria Board of Directors regarding the CEO vacancy will be released shortly, and in the meantime General Manager of Baseball Operations Jeff Paull will be appointed Acting CEO.

The Board of Baseball Victoria announces the resignation of CEO Justin Huber effective 1 June 2019.

Huber will be returning to his previous role as General Manager of the Melbourne Aces. 

Huber has led Baseball Victoria through several years of positive changes, during which numerous improvements have been made to the VSBL competition, development pathway and the organisation overall. During his tenure, Huber has remained dedicated to guiding Baseball Victoria to a bigger and brighter future, and he says he feels confident the organisation will continue to thrive after his departure. “It was not an easy decision to make, but one I feel will benefit every level of Victorian baseball, from the grassroots community clubs to the professional ABL team,” Huber said. “I am so grateful for the hard work and accomplishments of the BV team over the past 18 months, and we are in such a better position than a few years ago.”

Huber will continue to serve the Victorian baseball community in his role with the Aces.  Huber says he’s excited for the future of Victorian Baseball.  “I’m thrilled to see what’s ahead for Baseball Victoria, as our organisation is making leaps and bounds to progress our beloved sport and open up new opportunities for Victorians to play and get involved,” Huber said. “This next chapter will be a fantastic one for the organisation, and I’m looking forward to seeing how our hard work has laid the foundation for the future.”

President of Baseball Victoria, Myles Foreman said “We are thankful for Justin Huber and his tireless efforts in the past two years to improve our organisation and make baseball a more inclusive sport for all Victorians and we wish him good luck in his next journey.”

Baseball Victoria would like to thank Justin Huber for his countless contributions to the organisation and the Victorian baseball community as a whole over the last two years, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors! 

An announcement from the Baseball Victoria Board of Directors regarding the CEO vacancy will be released shortly, and in the meantime General Manager of Baseball Operations Jeff Paull will be appointed Acting CEO.