Baseball Victoria will once again enter teams to participate in the Australian U16 and U18 National Championships to be held in January 2025 at Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW.

"Our teams have a very rich and successful history competing at the National Championship level and we are seeking coaches who want to lead our teams to future success," BV CEO Chet Gray said.

Expressions of interest are now open for the following positions:

Under 16 Team:

• Manager (Head Coach)
• Assistant Coach
• Pitching Coach
• Executive Officer

Under 18 Team:

• Manager (Head Coach)
• Assistant Coach
• Pitching Coach
• Executive Officer

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria to apply:

• Minimum Level three (3) Coaching Accreditation (Level four (4) may also apply) in the “old” Coaching Accreditation System, until this expires.
• Minimum Level C Certification in the “new” USA Coach Certification system (Manager/Head Coaches)
• Minimum Level B Certification in the “new” USA Coach Certification system (Assistant & Pitching Coaches)
• Hold a current Working with Children Check
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practice models and strategy
• Work within the Baseball Victoria Performance Pathway programs & Philosophies
• Minimum Level C Certification in the “new” USA Coach Certification system (Manager/Head Coach)

This commitment period for these teams includes a trial period in September followed by a two-day per week commitment from October 2024 through to the Championships in January 2025.

Position descriptions for coaches and officials can be found HERE.

Applications close Friday 31 May 2024 at midday and can be submitted via SurveyMonkey HERE.

The Victoria Aces roster has been revealed ahead of the 2024 Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase, which will run from 9-12 May in Lismore, NSW.

Victoria Aces, Adelaide Giants, and Brisbane Bandits will play a four-day professional baseball tournament thanks to support from the NSW Government, with the showcase running alongside the first-ever Australian Little League Girls Division Championships.

Each day, there will be Little League games (13U) in the morning, followed by world-class women’s baseball in the evening.

After winning the 2022 showcase, Victoria Aces are eager to go back-to-back.

“We have such a talented roster featuring Australian Emeralds, #AWC2024 award winners, next-gen rookies, and international players,” Head Coach Samantha Hamilton said. “This is such an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of women’s baseball in Australia as we set our sights on a second straight title.”

Baseball Victoria acknowledges the support of Melbourne Aces through a joint venture to promote and manage the Victoria Aces.

“After the success of our Victorian Women’s State Team at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championship in April, we are so excited to see many of our top women’s baseballers get another opportunity to represent on a major stage,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “We wish Victoria Aces the best of luck as they head to the Women’s Showcase and continue chasing their baseball dreams.”

The action kicks off on Thursday 9 May, with each team playing each other twice over the first three days. The top two teams at the end of the round-robin advance to Sunday’s Championship game.

All games will be broadcast on Baseball+.

Visit the Australian Women’s Showcase hub for more details and check out the full Victoria Aces roster below. Stay tuned to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.

2024 Victoria Aces Roster

PLAYERS 

Allie Bebbere (VIC)

Everything that is green turns golden. Bebbere has emerged over the past five seasons to become one of the nation’s premier pitchers. Not only has she claimed dual National Championship gold with Victoria (2019 & 2024), but her prowess on the mound has twice bagged the ‘Golden Arm’ Pitching Award (2022, 2024). At the 2024 Nationals, Bebbere tossed 9.2 innings across three games, struck out ten and left with a 0.72 ERA. While on her Team Australia debut at the 2023 World Cup, she shone in the green and gold Emeralds jersey, with a 1.24 ERA in two outings against the might of the USA and Canada.

Jamie Bastian (VIC)

Growing up baseball, living the dream. It is poetic that Bastian, who played the 2015 Australian Little League Championships in Lismore will return to the same diamond ten years later as one of the country’s leading athletes. A five-time Victorian representative (2019-2024) and dual national champion (2019, 2024), Bastian went close to making her Emeralds debut last year when she was a reserve for Team Australia for the 2023 World Cup.  Expect the versatile Bastian to shine wherever she lines up in Lismore, whether it be at the hot corner, outfield, or behind the dish.

Lily Bell-Tanner (VIC)

Lionhearted lefthander. Still only 19, Bell-Tanner has graduated from Victoria’s junior state team (2019) into the elite ranks with honours, solidifying her spot as one of the state’s top outfielders across three National Championships (2022-24). One of the hardest workers you'll come across who constantly pushes herself to new heights, she packs a powerful bat and rocket arm, and LBT, well, she is also one of the team’s biggest vibes.

Jasmine Bentley (VIC)

Great things come in small packages. Despite only recently celebrating her 21st birthday, Bentley is already a veteran of the Victorian scene, boasting amassing experience from both the elite junior state teams since 2017. Some think Jaz might also be the team’s good luck charm with a medal in every appearance for Victoria, including two national crowns. Having risen to become one of the game’s very best in the outfield, expect this versatile pocket rocket to be ready to fire whenever and wherever the Aces call on her.

Belinda Cannington (VIC)

Quiet achiever, loud results. The Cannington surname has adorned the Victorian jersey across ten National Championships for Victoria since 2012, claiming four crowns (2013, 17, 19, 24). A perennial Australian squad member and former Victorian League MVP, Canninton is one of the country’s leading middle infielders and has unassumingly developed into a feared power hitter, recently became the first Doncaster Baseball Club woman to hit a home run over the infamous Deep Creek Fence.

Lili Cavanagh (VIC)

A star was born and the galaxy awakened.  Lili Cavanagh didn’t just announce herself as one of the game’s elite at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships, she launched herself into another dimension. The 2023 Team Australia World Cup outfielder was entrusted with shortstop, the two-hole in the lineup and on the bullpen roster in relief for team Victoria. She delivered with a .688 AVG, 0.778 OPB, 10 RBI and 5SB. Defensively, she was flawless. On the mound she was brilliant in three of Victoria’s biggest moments, slamming the door shut each time.

Morgan Doty (VIC)

Wherever she plays, domination follows. The Perth-native turned adopted-Victorian has tasted national championship success with both Western Australia and Victoria, with her individual brilliance snagging the event’s Golden Arm (2019) and Golden Bat (2022) awards. On the international stage with Australian Emeralds across three World Cups (2016, 2018, 2023), Doty has left the world in awe whether it has been in the outfield, on the mound or at the plate.

Jess Johnson (VIC)

A seasoned maestro orchestrating her career destiny. After making her National Championships debut with Victoria in 2010, in 2015 Johnson switched from baseball cowhide to American Football leather after being selected to the inaugural Australian women's gridiron team for the World Championships in 2017. Returning to baseball after COVID, Johnson led the Doncaster Dragons to the 2021/22 Victorian Women’s Premiership from the mound. Johnson was a reserve for the Team Australia Emeralds for the 2023 World Cup, while at the recent 2024 National Championships, Johnson was brilliant on the hill in two outings, punctuated by a stirring win in the elimination round to send the Victorians into the gold medal game.

Kira Jansen (VIC)

Debutant delivers. From a Victorian junior rep, to Victorian elite team reserve, Jansen tasted her first elite Nationals experience with a New South development squad in 2023. Jansen then honed her skills in Baseball Victoria’s Winter Prospects Pathways Program in late 2023 and it paid off with the 20yo shining on her Victorian team debut last month, powering to stand with Championship MVP Cavanagh as Victoria’s equal RBI leader during the team’s gold medal-winning campaign. Whether patrolling the outfield, up the middle, or on the basepaths, her power, speed and agility will turn heads.

Abbey Kelly (VIC)

Put me in coach, I’m ready to play. Known for her exploits on the mound, at the hot corner, and up the middle, Kelly soared to new heights in 2024 at first base. A flawless fielding display at the 2024 National Championships with Victoria secured the Golden Glove Award for her trophy cabinet which also includes the 2023 Golden Arm, 2019 MVP, and three national titles. On the international stage, Kelly has shone for the Emeralds notably as a pitcher where across three World Cups she boasts a 2.21 ERA, with her resume highlighted by a stunning debut performance on the mound where she picked up the win against the USA in 2016.

Anna Kimbrell (USA)

The trailblazer, the legend. From the first girl to play high school baseball in South Carolina, Kimbrell has crafted one of international baseball's most decorated careers. She has appeared in seven World Cups for the USA (2008-2023) and shows no signs of slowing down. A dual World Cup silver medallist (2012 and 2014), in 2015, Kimbrell caught Stacy Piagno’s no-hitter at the Pan American Games, the first no-hitter in women’s international baseball history.

Kira Kuwamoto (VIC)

Osaka’s finest in Blue. After honing her skills with the Geelong BayCats where she became a leading player across multiple leagues, Japan’s Kuwamoto shone while on her National Championships debut at third base, shortstop, and on the mound during Victoria’s gold medal-winning campaign. What also sets her apart is her capability to win over the hearts of her teammates, opposition and supporters, highlighted by her Spirit of the Game award at the recent Nationals.

Abbey McLellan (VIC)

When she steps into the box, don’t blink. One of the titans of our sport both on and off the field, McLellan’s resume continues to grow. Punctuated by dual World Cups with the Emeralds (2018, 2023), she led Victoria to national crowns in 2017 and 2019, powering to the Golden Bat Award in both years. Swinging one of the world’s most feared bats, you will not want to miss a McLellan moment.

Erika Nakae (JPN)

Utility Erika Nakae joins the Victorian Aces following a sensational debut year for Team Samurai Japan in 2023. Nakae hit .500 at the 2023 Women's Baseball Asian Cup in May, earning her maiden selection to contest the IX Women's Baseball World Cup Group B stage in Miyoshi City. There Nakae was primarily used as a pinch-hitter/first base utility and finished the event with a .333 average and a perfect fielding average, with her game highlights punctuated by a four-run effort against France.

Miwa Naraoka (JPN)

Outfielder Miwa Naraoka has been steadily compiling an impressive baseball resume across both the Japanese and international baseball scene for much of the past decade. While on her World Cup debut at the 2023 Group B event in Japan in September, Naraoka hit .417 across five games in Miyoshi City. Her slashline from May’s 2023 Women's Baseball Asian Cup was an eye-watering .613/.625/.923 with 7 runs, 4 doubles and 12 RBI in 5 games. Naraoka boasts a career .311 batting average in the Japan Women's Baseball League (JWBL) where she bagged multiple gold gloves and Best 9 awards.

Lilly Simpson (VIC)

Crocs off the field, a bite on it. Everyone knows this 18-year-old reps some mean crocs off the field, but her on-field skills are even nastier with the speedy right-hander set to showcase her lightning-fast moves in the outfield and on the basepaths. And don't be surprised if you catch her behind the plate too, expertly catching up to this stellar pitching staff. But it's not just her baseball skills that make her stand out. You’ll find it hard to meet anyone who enjoys playing the game as much as Lilly does and even fewer who can bring such an infectious energy to the clubrooms. Because after all, baseball with your mates, it's just, yay.

Saeko Suzuki (VIC)

The dynamo from Tokyo. The Newport Ram dazzled for Victoria at the 2024 National Championships with her remarkable versatility on the diamond meaning she was a force to be reckoned with whether she was patrolling the outfield, commanding on the mound or up to bat. Suzuki was also one of the heartbeats of the team, sending the team bananas with her positivity and infectious energy.

COACHES

Samantha Hamilton - Head Coach

As a player, Hamilton was a member of the inaugural Australian national team that won bronze at the 2001 World Series in Canada, and was one of just six players in the history of the game to compete at all five IBAF Women's World Cups between 2004-2012, and was an integral member of Australia's 2010 World Cup silver medal-winning team. As a Coach, Hamilton took the reins at the Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club in Melbourne in 2006 and has built it to become one of Australia's largest women's programs. In 2004 Hamilton became the first woman to coach a Baseball Victoria Boys / Men's State Team, was part of the VIS Coaching Staff and was an assistant coach for the Team Australia Under 19 Women's National Team in 2014. Hamilton has been the Head Coach of the Victorian Women's Team since 2022, boasting two silvers and the 2024 Championships, and was at the helm when the Aces won the 2022 Showcase.

Stephen Black - Pitching Coach

Over 50 years of involvement in all aspects of the club, state and national baseball. Began with the Coburg Baseball Club as a nine-year-old, played Division 1 First Nine, and represented Melbourne Bushrangers in the ABL and Victorian Provincial at Senior Level. Has held the Head Coach role with Australian Under 13 National Team Head Coach at the Cal Ripken World Series, Victorian Rubberball, Victorian State Under 23’s Head Coach and Victorian Provincial senior team.  Pitching Coach of the Victorian Women's Team since 2022 and was part of the staff that saw the Aces win the 2022 Women’s Showcase.

Tim Ballard - Assistant Coach

Boasts more than 50 years in organised baseball having played, coached, been an administrator, or scouted at every level across the USA and Australia. In Australia, he has coached Club ball across both Summer & Winter, in the VIS Baseball Academy, Melbourne Aces Baseball Academy, and Claxton Shield. At a national level, in the MLBAAP, MLB U14 Camp, ABL, and multiple national teams. Was the Pitching Coach when Australia won the 2010 World Cup silver medal. Was part of the staff that saw the Aces win the 2022 Women’s Showcase.

Donavon Hendricks - Assistant Coach

A returning member of the staff that saw the Aces win the 2022 Women’s Showcase. A stalwart of the VSBL Division 1 competition, Hendricks recently coached the Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club to the 2021/22 Premiership, the club’s first in twenty years. Has previously coached for Waverley Baseball Club (Winter), the Victorian Under 16 team, and Victorian Academy. His playing resume includes the Victorian Claxton Shield 2005 to 2010, ABL Melbourne Aces 2011 – 2012, Australian Team 2006-08, South Africa National Team Roster 2009–11 and the Atlanta Braves Farm system 2006-08.

Congratulations to two Victorian umpires recently recognised for their excellent work behind the plate.

Paul Carthy won the NO MORE Spirit of the Game Award for all umpires at the Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships. This award was presented to Paul for setting a positive example through his commitment to fair play, teamwork, community, and respect on and off the field.

VSBL Umpire of the Year Denis Dalzotto received this award for his hard work umpiring each week and his support of the umpiring community. He plays a pivotal role in managing the umpire assignment platform, providing clarity on rules, and helping to recruit additional umpires into the fold.

We appreciate these umpires and acknowledge everything they do to ensure our great game is fair and enjoyable for all.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce an upcoming tryout for the 2024 Performance Pathway Prospects Squad. This session will be held on Wednesday 1 May at Melbourne Ballpark from 5:30pm to 7pm.

This tryout is only open to those players born 2006/2007/2008/2009 who have NOT previously attended a tryout for a 2024 State Team Program (AYC/AWC/AYWC) or the 2024 Futures Program.

Click HERE to register or visit the BV Performance Pathway hub for more details on the program.

Rangers are the 2024 Junior League and Senior League State Champions!

Congrats to Rangers, runners-up Athletics, and all the teams, players, and supporters who made this weekend a success. Thank you to Guild All-Stars and East Belmont Saints for hosting another year of State Championships.

Check out available GameChanger recaps from the final day of Junior League and Senior League play.

Junior League

Athletics 7, Twins 2

Athletics advanced to the final with a 7-2 win over Twins on Sunday morning. Ned Richards was dominant on the mound, striking out 15 with five hits, two walks, and one run over six and one-third innings.

Athletics were first on the board when Richards doubled to score a run in the opening frame. Twins tied it up at one in the top of the second.

Athletics took a 2-1 lead in the fourth as Nikau Galligan singled, scoring one run.

Twins starter Andy Zdihan gave up one hit and one run in one inning with a walk and a strikeout.

Darcy Squire pitched in relief for Athletics.

Oliver Von Tunk went 2-for-3 to lead Athletics in hits. Noah Azrein, Matthew Godden, Michael Newman, Jacob Turner, Galligan, Von Tunk, and Richards all picked up an RBI.

The winning defense was solid in the field with no errors on the day. Hamish Willemsen had the most fielding chances with 15.

Brody Stokes led Twins with one run batted in as the shortstop went 2-for-3.

Mets 13, Mariners 6

Theo Hedt drove in four runs on three hits to lead Mets past Mariners 13-6 on Sunday. Hedt hit an RBI single in the first, a 2-RBI single in the third, and an RBI double in the fifth.

Mets were first on the board although Mariners tied it up at one in the top of the second on an Oliver Kimura single. A double by Tyler Wood gave Mets a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the second.

Mets added to their lead in the third when Jack Northfield doubled, scoring one run, and Hedt singled, scoring two more.

Mets scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth. An error scored one run before Harper Slattery induced Parks Halasz to hit into a fielder's choice but one run scored. Hedt doubled, scoring one run, and Lucas Joel grounded out, scoring two.

Cale Morris started the game for Mets. The lefty gave up four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out five and walking four. Keith Respondek pitched in relief.

James Quiney opened the game for Mariners. The right-handed pitcher surrendered eight hits and six runs over three innings, striking out four and walking one.

Mets tallied 14 hits in the game. Wood and Morris had multiple hits while Halasz had two of the team's six stolen bases.

Mets turned one double play in the game and didn't make any errors. Joel recorded the most plays with seven.

Quiney went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Mariners in hits. Fletcher Cowan took two of the team's seven walks and stole multiple bases alongside Grayson Corrington and Kade Henry, with 10 total in the game.

Rangers 16, Athletics 2

Chase Potts drove in four runs on three hits to lead Rangers past Athletics 16-2 in the final game. Potts had RBI singles in the first and third and a 2-RBI base hit in the fourth.

Rangers got on the board in the bottom of the first with two singles, including Jackson Burton's RBI base hit.

Noah Azrein singled to help Athletics tie it up at two in the top of the second.

Rangers flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the third, scoring seven runs on six hits to take a 9-2 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Spencer Tyers that drove in two.

Rangers added seven runs on four hits in the bottom of the fourth. Potts singled, scoring two runs, Cliff Neilson singled, scoring one run, and Tyers drew a walk to bring home another. Connor McKenzie hit a 2-RBI double before Matthew Brache was struck by a pitch with bases loaded.

Burton started the game for Rangers, giving up five hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out four and walking two.

Athletics starter Darcy Squire struck out five and walked three with six hits and seven runs allowed in two and one-third innings.

Rangers piled up 12 hits and nine walks in the game. Burton, Neilson, and Jonathan Park each collected multiple hits and Burton stole two bases.

The winning side didn't make any errors in the field as McKenzie had the most chances with eight.

Azrein led Athletics with two runs batted in from the number nine spot. The third baseman went 1-for-1 on the day while Oliver Baillargeon, Nikau Galligan, Oliver Von Tunk, and Ned Richards also picked up hits.

Senior League

Athletics 5, Mariners 2

Athletics made it to the grand final after beating Mariners 5-2. Mariners got on board with an error in the bottom of the fourth before Athletics took a 3-1 lead in the top of the fifth on singles by Cassius Matthews and Ethan Kent.

Sawyer Fisher led things off on the hill for Athletics. The right-handed pitcher gave up four hits and two runs (one earned) over six innings with three walks and zero strikeouts.

Jarrod Thomas started on the bump for Mariners. He gave up six hits and five unearned runs over five and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking three.

Kent tossed one inning of shutout ball for Athletics in relief. The righty didn't give up any hits, just two walks.

Kent went 1-for-4 at the plate to lead Athletics with one run batted in as Patrick Watson went 2-for-3 for the most hits on the team. The defense turned one double play.

Jesus Camacho, Thomas, Takuma Yamane, and Euan Clarkin each collected one hit for Mariners. Cai Batey-Smith led the team with one run batted in.

Twins 9, Mets 6

Twins took down Mets 9-6 after a big fist inning, scoring three runs on Marcus Murphy's double. The eventual winners added to their early lead in the bottom of the second when an error scored two runs and Iter Le Fevre doubled, scoring one.

Liam Coster started on the hill for Twins. The righty gave up three hits and four runs (three earned) over five innings, striking out three and walking four. Patrick Matthews pitched in relief.

Oscar Shimakura started the game for Mets. He surrendered five hits and six runs (three earned) over one and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking one.

Matthews and Le Fevre were a force together in the lineup, each collecting two hits for Twins while hitting back-to-back. Murphy went 1-for-3 at the plate as the center fielder led the team with three runs batted in. Ryley Shanks and Matthews had multiple stolen bases with 10 total for the team.

Patrick Johnson led Mets with two runs batted in as the outfielder went 1-for-2 on the day. Johnson, Miles Paulley, Allistaire Lang, Alexandros Papadopoulous, and Ash Kaberry all had one hit.

Rangers 6, Athletics 0

Rangers remain undefeated with a strong start by Sam Walk in the grand final. He threw six scoreless innings with four hits, zero walks, and four strikeouts before handing over to Ethan Johnston for a quick inning of relief with one hit and three strikeouts.

Rangers got on board in the bottom of the first with a walk, an error, and a groundout, followed by singles for Oliver Hill and Nicholas Kane. Aonghus Walsh hit an RBI single in the third, too.

Three walks saw Rangers score their final two runs in the fifth. Overall, they had six hits compared to five for Athletics.

Zachary Locklier threw four innings for Athletics, giving up six hits and four runs (only one earned) with four walks and three strikeouts. Patrick Watson and Cassius Matthews pitched in relief.

Rangers took eight walks in the game while their pitchers avoided bases on balls. Hill had two hits and Daniel Williams, Johnston, Kane, and Walsh had one each.

Athletics offense was led by Lachlan Brennan with a big double, plus singles for Declan Tayler, Bailey Stewart, Declan Marshall, and Watson.

Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

The 2024 Junior League and Senior League State Championships continued at Geelong Baseball Centre with an action-packed Saturday featuring ten competitive games of baseball.

Thank you to Guild All-Stars and East Belmont Saints for hosting and best of luck to all players - we hope you keep having fun on the field!

Stay tuned to BV Facebook and Instagram for updates and check out Day 2 GameChanger recaps below.

Junior League

Rangers 21, Mariners 7

Jonathan Park collected three hits in four at-bats as Rangers defeated Mariners 21-7 on Saturday. Park hit an inside-the-park home run and a single the first inning before another base hit in the fourth.

Rangers' big first inning also included a 2-RBI single from Chase Potts, two runs scoring on a wild pitch, and another runner coming home on an error.

Matthew Brache drew a walk, scoring one run, Jiah Cosgrove singled, scoring two runs, Ryder Ochoa grounded out, scoring one run, and Park's home run scored two. Cliff Neilson and Spencer Tyers hit 2-RBI doubles and Connor McKenzie finished with an RBI base hit.

Rangers added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning when an error scored two runs. Jackson Burton doubled, scoring one run, and Potts drew a walk, scoring another.

Mariners scored six runs on three hits in the top of the fourth inning. Kade Henry hit an RBI single before a wild pitch and bases-loaded walk scored two more. Oliver Kimura doubled, scoring one run, and Leo Stillwell grounded out, scoring two runs.

Neilson earned the win for Rangers, giving up one hit and zero runs over one-third of an inning with no strikeouts or walks.

Potts stepped on the hill first for Rangers, giving up five hits and seven runs (four earned) over four and two-thirds innings, striking out five and walking five.

Rangers tallied 12 hits in the game as Burton, Neilson, Park, and Cosgrove drove in two runs apiece. Burton and Potts led the team with two walks each and nine total in the game. Burton and Park stole multiple bases with eight total for the team.

Henry went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Mariners in hits. Grayson Corrington and Henry each stole multiple bases with six overall.

Athletics 11, Twins 1

Athletics won big over Twins 11-1 on Saturday after taking the lead in the bottom of the third on Harvey Devlin's RBI single and Ned Richards' 2-RBI double.

Athletics scored five runs on five hits in the bottom of the sixth inning. Darcy Squire and Matthew Godden both hit 2-RBI doubles before Alessio Petruzziello singled to score another.

Hamish Willemsen led things off on the hill for Athletics, allowing four hits and one run over five innings with nine strikeouts and five walks.

Twins starterDaniel Hwang gave up three hits and six runs (one earned) over four and one-third innings, striking out three and walking five.

Petruzziello threw one inning of no-run ball for Athletics in relief. He gave up one hit with two strikeouts and no walks while also going 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the side in hits.

Noah Azrein, Godden, Richards, and Squire drove in two runs for Athletics. The team practiced patience at the plate, accumulating eight walks with two free passes for Michael Newman and Richards.

Athletics didn't commit a single error in the field as Richards had the most chances with 11.

Andy Zdihan went 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI as Twins number three hitter. Seth Stott, Brody Stokes, Zdihan,and Leo McAndrew each collected one hit. Stokes stole three bases, too.

Mariners 13, Mets 3

Mariners got a win on the board after scoring nine runs in the first inning, helping them defeat Mets 13-3 on Saturday. The winning side capitalised on a few errors in the opening frame, plus a 2-RBI double by Aiden Robey and an RBI single by Tobey Browning.

Theo Hedt and Lucas Joel hit sacrifice flys to score one run apiece for Mets in the first. However, Mariners kept up the pressure and added to their early lead in the bottom of the second when Oscar Rey-Benguigui singled, scoring one run. Alyssa Jamieson drew a bases-loaded walk and Oliver Kimura hit an RBI single, too.

Grayson Corrington earned the win for Mariners. The right-handed pitcher gave up two hits and three runs (zero earned) over five innings, striking out four and walking four.

Isy Zurawel threw two and two-thirds innings for Mets, giving up zero runs on three hits.

Joel started the game for Mets as the right-handed pitcher gave up five hits and 13 runs (four earned) over one and one-third innings, striking out two and walking six.

Kimura led Mariners with three runs batted in from the number eight spot in the lineup. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-2 on the day. Leadoff hitter Browning went 2-for-3 as Jamieson took three of the team's 12 walks. Corrington and Jamieson stole multiple bases with nine total.

Hedt and Joel were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup as each drove in one run for Mets. Parks Halasz and Zurawel collected one hit and Riley Harrington stole two bases. The defense turned one double play, too.

Athletics 9, Mets 8

Despite trailing by as many as four runs, Athletics rallied to defeat Mets 9-8 on Saturday. Athletics didn't take the lead until later in the game when it was tied at eight in the bottom of the sixth and Noah Azrein doubled to score the deciding run.

Mets got on board in the first inning after Parks Halasz hit an RBI single. An error and a walk by Connor Barrow helped extend their lead in the second. Lucas Joel doubled to make it 5-2 in the third.

Athletics took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning after Jacob Turner singled, Michael Newman grounded out, Harvey Devlin walked, and Riley Harrington balked, each scoring one run.

Mets jumped back into the lead in the top of the sixth inning after Joel doubled, George Steer hit into a fielder's choice, and Harrington singled, each scoring one run.

Athletics retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth after Oliver Von Tunk grounded out, Darcy Squire laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Azrein doubled, each scoring one run.

Nikau Galligan led things off on the mound for Athletics, giving up one hit and four runs (two earned) over one inning, striking out two and walking four.

Alessio Petruzziello pitched four innings in relief for Athletics, allowing four hits and three runs with eight strikeouts and a walk.

Theo Hedt started the game for Mets, giving up eight hits and five runs over four and one-third innings, striking out one and walking two.

Athletics tallied 10 hits in the game. Squire, the number eight hitter, led the way with two runs batted in. Oliver Baillargeon had two hits in three at-bats and stole multiple bases along with Devlin and Galligan. The team had 13 stolen bases total in the game.

Halasz and Joel each collected two hits for Mets with an RBI. Jacob Young, Harrington, and Steer also plated runs while Keith Respondek and Jack Northfield took two walks each with nine total in the game. Northfield stole three bases, too.

Rangers 15, Twins 2

Rangers took care of business 15-2 after taking an early lead. Jackson Burton hit a 2-RBI home run in the top of the first. Connor McKenzie was struck by a pitch with bases loaded and Cruz Salerno drew a walk to score another.

Rangers added to their early lead in the second with Jonathan Park's single and Burton's double. An error, a dropped third strike, a groundout, and a wild pitch saw Rangers add four in the third.

The winning side scored five runs on three hits in the top of the fifth. Sam Stafilis doubled, McKenzie and Matthew Brache singled, and Blake Pickard walked, each scoring one run. Jiah Cosgrove hit into a fielder's choice as one more run scored.

Cliff Neilson started on the bump for Rangers, giving up three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out six and walking two.

Seth Stott stepped on the hill first for Twins. He gave up two hits and four runs over one inning, striking out one and walking three.

Rangers piled up 10 hits in the game with two apiece for Burton, Neilson, and Stafilis. Burton, McKenzie, and Salerno each drove in two runs.

Rangers collected eight walks in the game, with two free passes for Spencer Tyers and Salerno. McKenziee, Ryder Ochoa, Park, Cosgrove, and Stafilis allstole multiple bases with 14 total.

Mason McKelvie provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Twins with two runs batted in. The first baseman went 1-for-2 on the day while Brody Stokes and McKelvie also recorded hits.

Senior League

Rangers 10, Mariners 8

Rangers built a nine-run lead in the fourth inning and then held off Mariners' late charge for a 10-8 victory on Saturday. Mariners closed the gap by scoring on two doubles, a groundout, a walk, and a fielder's choice.

Rangers got on board in the bottom of the first when Samuel Walk drew a walk, scoring one run. They added six runs on two hits in the bottom of the second. Ethan Johnston grounded out, scoring one run, Walk doubled, scoring two runs, and Oliver Hill doubled to score another. Morgan Tyers and Hunter Rouse both drew bases-loaded walks, too.

Buster Vos started on the mound for Rangers. He allowed eight hits and four runs (three earned) over five innings, striking out two and walking two. Daniel Williams pitched in relief.

Mariners starter Ned Johnson gave up two hits and eight runs (three earned) over one and two-thirds innings with three strikeouts.

Aonghus Walsh and Hill were a force together in the lineup as they each collected two hits for Rangers. Walk and Tyers drove in two runs apiece.

Rangers had patience at the plate, collecting 10 walks in the game including two apiece for Jarvis Johansen and Tyers. Johansen also stole two bases while the defense turned one double play.

Mariners tallied 10 hits in the game as Euan Clarkin and Lachlan Wright had three apiece. Clarkin led the side with four runs batted in while William Ferguson took two of the team's six walks.

Mariners 11, Mets 10

Mariners got out to an eight-run lead in the second inning and held on for an 11-10 victory over Mets on Saturday. Mets closed the gap by scoring on a triple, two singles, a hit by pitch, and two walks.

Mariners collected 10 hits and Mets had four in the high-scoring affair. Mariners jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Jarrod Thomas singled, scoring two runs, George Elliott singled, scoring one, and Charlie Dolan plated two with a big base hit. An error scored two more runs in the frame.

Ned Johnson's sacrifice fly extended Mariners lead to 8-0 in the bottom of the second.

Takuma Yamane stepped on the mound first for Mariners, giving up zero hits and zero runs in two innings with one strikeout and no walks.

Theo Rutgers pitched three and one-third innings in relief for Mariners. The right-handed pitcher gave up three hits and eight runs (five earned) while striking out two and walking six.

Mets starter Thomas Romes allowed eight hits and eight runs (six earned) over three innings, striking out three and walking four.

Mariners tallied 10 hits in the game. Jesus Camacho went 2-for-2 as Dolan and Thomas drove in two runs apiece. Euan Clarkin took two of the team's eight walks.

Alexandros Papadopoulos provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Mets with four runs batted in. The left-handed hitter went 1-for-2 on the day. Papadopoulos, Cooper Bishop-Worn, Cruz Appeldorff, and Miles Paulley each collected one hit for Mets.

Papadopoulos paced Mets with two walks out of nine total in the game. Bishop-Worn had two of the team's six stolen bases.

Athletics 12, Twins 11

Twins stayed in it until the end, but Athletics pulled away late for a 12-11 victory. The game was tied at 11 in the bottom of the sixth when Bailey Stewart singled, scoring one run.

Ryley Shanks collected three hits in three at-bats in the loss. Shanks tripled in the first inning, singled in the third, and singled again in the fifth.

Twins jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Iter Le Fevre doubled, scoring one run, Liam Coster grounded out, scoring one run, and an error scored two runs. Christopher Woodney drew a walk, scoring one run, and Shanks tripled, scoring three.

A triple by Le Fevre and an error helped Twins extend their early lead in the third. Athletics tied the game in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a walk by Declan Marshall and a groundout by Ethan Kent.

Samuel Blakely pitched three innings in relief for Twins, giving up zero hits and five runs (three earned) with four walks and four strikeouts.

Le Fevre stepped on the mound first for Twins. He gave up five hits and six runs over one and one-third innings, striking out three and walking three.

Lachlan Brennan started the game for Athletics, allowing one hit and six runs (two earned) over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one and walking four.

Le Fevre drove the middle of the lineup, leading Twins with three runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-4 on the day as Shanks stole three bases.

Declan Tayler drove the middle of the lineup, leading Athletics with two runs batted in on a 1-for-2 day. Stewart, Kent, Zachary Locklier, Angus Saggrs, Patrick Watson, and Tayler each collected one hit.

Cassius Matthews paced Athletics with three walks as the team had 10 walks overall. Brennan and Matthews each stole multiple bases with nine total in the game.

Rangers 17, Twins 2

Rangers won big over Twins, scoring in the first when Jarvis Johansen hit a sacrifice fly.

They added seven runs on four hits in the second inning as Nicholas Kane hit a 2-RBI double and Samuel Walk and Oliver Hill plated two apiece with base hits. Johansen drew a bases-loaded walk, too.

A double by Kane, a hit by pitch, and a fielder's choice by Hill helped Rangers extend their early lead in the third.

They scored five more runs on four hits in the fourth. Ethan Johnston tripled, scoring two runs, an error scored one run, Johansen hit an RBI sacrifice fly, and Hill doubled to score a run.

Johansen started the game for Rangers, giving up three hits and two runs (zero earned) over four innings, striking out one and walking one.

Christopher Woodney opened the game for Twins. The starting pitcher gave up eight hits and six earned runs over three and one-third innings, striking out two and walking four.

Rangers tallied 10 hits in the game. Hill provided pop in the middle of the lineup with five runs batted in on a 2-for-4 day. Hill, Johnston, Walk, and Kane each had two hits. Meanwhile the defense turned one double play.

Samuel Blakely, Sean Roach, and Patrick Matthew each collected one hit for Twins. Roach picked up the team's RBI.

Athletics 10, Mets 2

Athletics opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to two singles. Zachary Locklier hit an RBI base hit to start things off.

They extended their lead on the way to a 10-2 win with a single by Locklier, a groundout by Patrick Watson, and an error in the second.

Angus Saggers stepped on the mound first for Athletics. He allowed five hits and two runs over five and two-thirds innings, striking out seven and walking one.

Ryan Kinkade started on the mound for Mets. He allowed three hits and four runs over one and one-third innings with five walks.

Declan Tayler pitched one and one-third innings of shutout ball for Athletics in relief. He gave up one hit with a walk and a strikeout.

Locklier and Tayler were a one-two punch in the lineup, each driving in two runs for Athletics. Sawyer Fisher paced the team with three out of nine total walks. Fisher, Locklier, and Ethan Kent stole multiple bases with nine overall, plus one double play on defense.

Toby Arnott went 2-for-2 at the plate as the shortstop led Mets with one run batted in. The defense turned a double play, too.

Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

The 2024 Junior League and Senior League State Championships are underway at Geelong Baseball Centre.

Thank you to Guild All-Stars and East Belmont Saints for hosting an action-packed weekend of baseball. Best of luck to all players - we hope you have an awesome time on the field!

Stay tuned to BV Facebook and Instagram for updates and check out Day 1 GameChanger recaps below.

Junior League

Mets 6, Twins 5

Mets narrowly beat Twins 6-5 on Friday. Twins were first on the board when a wild pitch scored two runs in the opening frame.

Mets took a 4-2 lead on two errors in the bottom of the first. A sacrifice fly by Jack Northfield made it 5-2 in favour of Mets by the end of the third.

George Steer opened the game for Mets, allowing six hits and four runs (three earned) over four and one-third innings with seven strikeouts and two walks. Parks Halasz and Cale Morris both pitched in relief.

Brody Stokes threw first for Twins, giving up two hits and four runs (zero earned) over two-thirds of an inning with one strikeout and two walks.

Lucas Joel drove the middle of the lineup, leading Mets with three runs batted in as the right-handed hitter went 1-for-3. Leadoff hitter Morris went 3-for-3 while Steer collected two hits in two at-bats.

Stokes led Twins with two hits in three at-bats from the leadoff position. Mason McKelvie, Eli Gunther, and Mitchell Liersch each drove in one run. Daniel Hwang and Stokes stole multiple bases with six total for the team, plus six walks. The defense turned one double play, too.

Rangers 9, Mets 5

Rangers defeated Mets 9-5 after jumping out to an early lead when Spencer Tyers hit an RBI single in the first.

Mets captured the lead 4-2 in the bottom of the first when Parks Halasz doubled, scoring two runs, Theo Hedt tripled, scoring one run, and Lucas Joel grounded out, scoring one run.

Rangers tied it up in the top of the second thanks to a walk by Jiah Cosgrove and a hit by pitch. Cliff Nelson's sacrifice fly gave Rangers a 5-4 edge in the fifth.

Connor McKenzie drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 7-5 Rangers in the sixth.

Ryder Ochoa pitched five innings in relief for Rangers, giving up one hit and zero runs with three strikeouts and three walks. McKenzie stepped on the mound first, giving up four hits and four runs (three earned) over one and one-third innings, striking out two and walking one.

Barrow started on the hill for Mets, giving up five hits and four runs over three and one-third innings, striking out four and walking four.

Rangers piled up 10 hits in the game as leadoff hitter Jonathan Park went 3-for-4. Neilson led the side with three runs batted in as the first baseman went 1-for-1. Tyers and Chase Potts collected multiple hits while Ochoa and Cruz Salerno had four of the team's nine walks. Park stole two bases.

Halasz provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Mets with two runs batted in going 1-for-2 on the day. Halasz, Hedt, Tyler Wood, Riley Harrington, and Edrin Berisha each collected one hit. Halasz stole two bases.

Athletics 11, Mariners 3

Athletics won big over Mariners, scoring in the first inning on an error, a walk by Hamish Willemsen, and groundouts by Nikau Galligan and Oliver Baillargeon.

Athletics added one run in the third after Ned Richards grounded out.

Richards started the game for Athletics, throwing two scoreless innings with no hits, six strikeouts, and one walk. Harvey Devlin pitched four and one-third innings in relief, giving up two hits and one run while striking out four and walking three.

Cooper Griggs started the game fro Mariners. The right-handed pitcher surrendered two hits and five runs (two earned) over one inning, striking out none and walking two.

Baillargeon and Oliver Von Tunk were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in two runs for Athletics. Alessio Petruzziello, Devlin, Galligan, Von Tunk, and Richards each collected one hit. Willemsen took two of the team's eight walks while Galligan and Michael Newman stole multiple bases.

Athletics were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Willemsen made the most plays with 13.

Fletcher Cowan, Griggs, Harper Slattery, and Tobey Browning each collected one hit for Mariners. Grayson Corrington, Kade Henry, and Griggs drove in one run while Slattery and Aiden Robey had multiple stolen bases. The team stole six bases and walked six times.

Twins 10, Mariners 0

Twins got started in the bottom of the second inning after Reeve Hammond grounded out and a wild pitch scored a run. A double by Daniel Hwang and a walk by Andy Zdihan helped them extend their lead in the third on the way to a 10-0 victory.

Twins scored five runs on five hits in the bottom of the fifth. Hwang singled, scoring one run, Zdihan lined out, scoring one run, and Mason McKelvie singled to score another. An error brought home one more run.

McKelvie led things off on the hill for Twins. The righty surrendered four hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out nine and walking two.

Mariners starter Harper Slattery gave up two hits and two runs over one and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking three.

Hwang and McKelvie each collected two hits for Twins. Hwang went 2-for-3 with two runs batted in.

Twins totaled eight walks in the game with two apiece for Zdihan and Mitchell Liersch. Hwang, Brody Stokes, and Seth Stott all stole multiple bases with nine total in the game.

Twins were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error.

Kade Henry, Oscar Rey-Benguigui, Slattery, and Aiden Robey collected one hit for Mariners. Henry and Rey-Benguigui stole multiple bases with six total for the team.

Rangers 15, Athletics 6

Rangers trailed by as many as four but came back to beat Athletics 15-6 on Friday.

Athletics opened the scoring in the top of the first after Ned Richards and Nikau Galligan got on base with singles. Oliver Von Tunk grounded out and Oliver Baillargeon singled, each scoring one run.

Rangers flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first, scoring five runs on three hits to take a 5-4 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Jackson Burton on a full count to drive in one.

A lineout by Jonathan Park, a double by Burton, and a single by Chase Potts helped Rangers extend their early lead in the second. Rangers added to their lead in the third after Cruz Salerno walked and Blake Pickard singled, each scoring one run.

Park started on the hill for Rangers, giving up five hits and four runs over one and one-third innings, striking out one and walking none. Burton, Cliff Neilson, and Spencer Tyers each threw scoreless innings in relief.

Baillargeon started on the mound for Athletics, allowing three hits and five runs over one inning with one strikeout and two walks.

Burton, Neilson, and Potts each collected two hits for Rangers. Burton and Potts were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, each driving in two runs.

Rangers tallied 10 walks in the game with two apiece for Tyers, Jiah Cosgrove, and Sam Stafilis. Burton, Park, and Stafilis stole multiple bases with 11 total in the game.

The winning defense was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit any errors. Stafilis made the most plays with seven.

Baillargeon, Alessio Petruzziello, Galligan, Harvey Devlin, Richards, and Jacob Turner each collected one hit for Athletics as Von Tunk led the team with two runs batted in.

Senior League

Twins 10, Mets 3

Twins won big over Mets 10-3 on Friday after opening the scoring with a big 2-RBI double off the bat of Marcus Murphy in the third.

Liam Coster started the game for Twins, giving up two hits over three scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk. Christopher Woodney, Fynn Murphy, and Iter Le Fevre appeared in relief.

Mets starter Cooper Bishop-Worn gave up two hits and two runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking four.

Le Fevre provided pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Twins with four runs batted in on a 2-for-4 day. Patrick Matthews had three of the team's 11 walks while Ryley Shanks and Matthews stole multiple bases with 10 total in the game.

Cruz Appeldorff went 2-for-3 from the number seven spot for Mets.

Mariners 11, Athletics 1

Mariners took care of business 11-1 over Athletics, getting on board in the first inning after Euan Clarkin tripled to score two runs.

Mariners scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the second inning. An error scored one run, Cai Batey-Smith hit an RBI single, Jarrod Thomas drew a bases-loaded walk, and Jesus Camacho plated two with a base hit.

The winning team added to their early lead in the bottom of the third after Clarkin and Thomas walked and Camacho singled, each scoring one run.

Thomas led things off on the mound for Mariners. The right-handed pitcher gave up three hits and one run (zero earned) over two innings, striking out three and walking two.

Charlie Dolan pitched three innings in relief for Mariners. The right-handed pitcher gave up one hit and zero runs with three strikeouts and two walks.

Athletics starter Declan Marshall gave up three hits and three runs over one and two-thirds innings with no strikeouts, just one walk.

Camacho, Lachlan Wright, and Ned Johnson each collected two hits for Mariners. Camacho and Clarkin drove in three runs apiece while Thomas paced the team with two out of seven walks.

Bailey Stewart, Ethan Kent, Angus Saggers, and Patrick Watson each collected one hit for Athletics. Kent stole two bases while the defense turned one double play.

Rangers 12, Mets 2

Samuel Walk collected three hits in three at-bats as Rangers defeated Mets 12-2 on Friday. Walk picked up base hits in the first, fourth, and fifth innings.

Rangers got on the board in the top of the first after Walk singled, Oliver Hill doubled and Buster Vos walked, each scoring one run. They added one more in the second on a double by Zak Stafilis.

Walk led things off on the mound for Rangers. The starting pitcher surrendered one hit and one run (zero earned) over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking one.

Vos tossed one inning of shutout ball for Rangers in relief. He gave up one hit, striking out one and walking none.

Mets starter Oscar Shimakura gave up tow hits and four runs (three earned) over one-third of an inning, striking out one and walking three.

Rangers tallied 10 hits in the game as Stafilis went 2-for-4. Ethan Johnston and Daniel Williams both stole multiple bases with six total on the team along with six walks.

Ryan Kinkade went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Mets in hits.

Mariners 8, Twins 5

Jesus Camacho collected three hits in four at-bats as Mariners defeated Twins 8-5 on Friday. Camacho singled in the first, fifth, and seventh innings.

Mariners got on board early in the first with Camacho's RBI base hit before Twins tied it up at one in the bottom frame on Liam Coster's bases-loaded walk.

A sacrifice fly by Joseph Browning gave Mariners the 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth. Twins made it 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth when Nate D'Atri doubled, scoring two runs, and Patrick Matthews drew a walk, scoring one.

Mariners flipped the game on its head in the top of the seventh, scoring five runs on two hits and an error to take an 8-5 lead.

George Elliott started the game for Mariners, giving up zero hits and one run over two innings with three strikeouts and five walks.

William Ferguson pitched three and one-third innings in relief for Mariners, allowing one hit and three runs (two earned) with three strikeouts and two walks.

Matthews stepped on the hill first for Twins. The right-handed pitcher gave up two hits and two runs (one earned) over three and one-third innings, striking out two and walking three.

Jarrod Thomas paced Mariners with two out of eight walks while the defense turned one double play.

D'Atri and Coster each collected one hit and one RBI for Twins as Le Fevre also plated a run. Matthews had three of the team's 10 walks and four stolen bases, with eight total for the game.

Rangers 12, Athletics 10

There were runs aplenty on Friday afternoon as Rangers topped Athletics 12-10. Rangers collected 13 hits and Atheltics had two.

Samuel Walk had a strong eye at the plate in the win as the cleanup hitter walked three times in five plate appearances.

Rangers opened scoring in the top of the first thanks to two singles, including an RBI base hit by Walk. Athletics tied it up in the bottom half with a walk by Angus Saggers and a groundout by Zachary Locklier.

Athletics took the lead in the bottom of the second. Declan Marshall singled, scoring two runs, to make it 4-2. Rangers tied it back up in the top of the third on an error and a walk by Buster Vos.

Athletics jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the third after Thomas King, Ethan Kent, and Lachlan Brennan walked, plus a dropped third strike and an error scored a run.

Rangers captured the 12-10 lead in the top of the seventh. Zak Stafilis, Jarvis Johansen, and Oliver Hill each singled and Joash Xavier walked, all scoring a run.

Stafilis stepped on the bump first for Rangers. He allowed one hit and four runs (three earned) over two innings, striking out none and walking three.

Sawyer Fisher led things off on the hill for Athletics. The righty allowed four hits and four runs (two earned) over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking one.

Ethan Johnston threw two innings of zero-run ball for Rangers in relief, allowing one hit with five strikeouts and three walks.

Rangers had 13 hits throughout the game as Johansen drove the middle of the lineup with two runs batted in on a 3-for-4 day for the third baseman. Johnston also had three hits while Stafilis and Walk had two apiece.

Walk paced Rangers with three of the team's nine walks and three stolen bases. They stole six total in the game.

Marshall and Declan Tayler each collected one hit for Athletics. Kent led the team with two runs batted in, plus three walks alongside Saggers. The team stole six bases.

Copyright © 2024 GameChanger Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Our Victorian Women's State Team won gold at the 2024 Australian Women's Championship!

The national title was crowned on Monday night at Melbourne Ballpark.

After careful consideration and heavy rain, the gold medal game was washed out and Victoria was named the winner, having finished with the best record at 7-0.