Cheltenham 8, Sunshine 3
One big inning was all it took for the Rustlers to hand the Eagles another tough defeat. Pitching dominated early with no runs crossing the plate through the first three innings. Each side tallied one marker in the fourth and then visiting Cheltenham plated one in the fifth to take a lead they would not relinquish.
The big blow came in the eighth, however, as the Rustlers had five cross the plate. They added an insurance run in the ninth before the Eagles plated two of their own in the bottom half to provide the winning five-run margin.
Geelong 3, Blackburn 0
As it has so often this season, pitching carried the day for the Baycats. In whitewashing the visiting Orioles, 3-0, Geelong improved their record to 10-2-1 on the season, a game ahead of Essendon. With the loss, Blackburn fell to 8-5, good for second place in their division behind Melbourne.
The Baycats scored one run in the third and then two in the seventh. The Orioles did have their chances, collecting seven hits (all singles) scattered throughout. Ryan Berg and Luke Cartwright each had two knocks for Blackburn.
Essendon 7, Melbourne 2
In a highly anticipated matchup between perennial powers it was the host Bombers who won this battle, 7-2.
Starting fast, Essendon scored twice in the first and then after ceding a run in the sixth exploded for four in the bottom half to take a commanding 6-1 lead. The two teams then traded single markers in the eighth to provide the final margin.
The Demons only managed five hits on the day (two from Robert Hondromatidis, including a double) while Rhys De Highden and Scott Moore also contributed two baggers to the cause.
For the victors Sam Moon starred, going 3-3 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. Andy Radevski, Peter Stokes, Tim Sullivan, and Brett Tamburrino also had multiple knocks for the Bombers.
Preston 2, Waverley 1
In a well-pitched, well-played game, the Pirates edged the visiting Wildcats, 2-1. With the win, Preston upped their mark to 5-8, matching Waverley’s record.
Despite the dearth of runs, Waverley batted well, recording six hits including a double by Jamie Papanicolaou. Tyler Dale had the lone run batted in.
Sandringham 2, Doncaster 1
One thing that can always be said about the Dragons is that they never stop competing. Sunday’s game was a great example as they battled the Royals to the last, ultimately falling 2-1 on the road.
Marcel D’Avoine and Nicolaas Unland led Doncaster with two hits each, including an RBI by Unland. Five others—Rhys Aldenhoven, Scott Carr, Justin Lawrence, Callum Lethborg, and Michael Mazzocato—also contributed a hit apiece.
For the victors, no one had multiple hits but four players did add single knocks to the box score. More importantly, Jordan Barnett and Nicholas Macleod (as a pinch runner) crossed the plate for the Royals.
Springvale 7, Newport 1
Implementing to perfection the ideal road strategy—get an early lead, score in multiple innings and immediately answer a run with more runs—the Lions mauled the Rams, 7-1.
Starring for Springvale were Glenn Mascoll (4-5 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI), Sammy Drummond (3-5 with two runs), and Matthew Hayle (2-4).
Across the diamond Gabriel Sandersius was the only Ram with multiple knocks. In total, Newport did bang out seven hits, including Sandersius’ double. Samuel Fraser knocked in the ever present Sandersius with Newport’s only run.
One big inning was all it took for the Rustlers to hand the Eagles another tough defeat. Pitching dominated early with no runs crossing the plate through the first three innings. Each side tallied one marker in the fourth and then visiting Cheltenham plated one in the fifth to take a lead they would not relinquish.
The big blow came in the eighth, however, as the Rustlers had five cross the plate. They added an insurance run in the ninth before the Eagles plated two of their own in the bottom half to provide the winning five-run margin.
Geelong 3, Blackburn 0
As it has so often this season, pitching carried the day for the Baycats. In whitewashing the visiting Orioles, 3-0, Geelong improved their record to 10-2-1 on the season, a game ahead of Essendon. With the loss, Blackburn fell to 8-5, good for second place in their division behind Melbourne.
The Baycats scored one run in the third and then two in the seventh. The Orioles did have their chances, collecting seven hits (all singles) scattered throughout. Ryan Berg and Luke Cartwright each had two knocks for Blackburn.
Essendon 7, Melbourne 2
In a highly anticipated matchup between perennial powers it was the host Bombers who won this battle, 7-2.
Starting fast, Essendon scored twice in the first and then after ceding a run in the sixth exploded for four in the bottom half to take a commanding 6-1 lead. The two teams then traded single markers in the eighth to provide the final margin.
The Demons only managed five hits on the day (two from Robert Hondromatidis, including a double) while Rhys De Highden and Scott Moore also contributed two baggers to the cause.
For the victors Sam Moon starred, going 3-3 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. Andy Radevski, Peter Stokes, Tim Sullivan, and Brett Tamburrino also had multiple knocks for the Bombers.
Preston 2, Waverley 1
In a well-pitched, well-played game, the Pirates edged the visiting Wildcats, 2-1. With the win, Preston upped their mark to 5-8, matching Waverley’s record.
Despite the dearth of runs, Waverley batted well, recording six hits including a double by Jamie Papanicolaou. Tyler Dale had the lone run batted in.
Sandringham 2, Doncaster 1
One thing that can always be said about the Dragons is that they never stop competing. Sunday’s game was a great example as they battled the Royals to the last, ultimately falling 2-1 on the road.
Marcel D’Avoine and Nicolaas Unland led Doncaster with two hits each, including an RBI by Unland. Five others—Rhys Aldenhoven, Scott Carr, Justin Lawrence, Callum Lethborg, and Michael Mazzocato—also contributed a hit apiece.
For the victors, no one had multiple hits but four players did add single knocks to the box score. More importantly, Jordan Barnett and Nicholas Macleod (as a pinch runner) crossed the plate for the Royals.
Springvale 7, Newport 1
Implementing to perfection the ideal road strategy—get an early lead, score in multiple innings and immediately answer a run with more runs—the Lions mauled the Rams, 7-1.
Starring for Springvale were Glenn Mascoll (4-5 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI), Sammy Drummond (3-5 with two runs), and Matthew Hayle (2-4).
Across the diamond Gabriel Sandersius was the only Ram with multiple knocks. In total, Newport did bang out seven hits, including Sandersius’ double. Samuel Fraser knocked in the ever present Sandersius with Newport’s only run.
The Footscray Baseball Club is looking for a club coach for the 2016 Melbourne Winter Baseball League season commencing in April 2016. Last year they entered teams into C, C Reserve and EE Grades and their intention this season is to recruit more players so that we can enter teams into the B and B Reserves Grades and have the EE team as a development team—or possibly even enter 4 teams into the MWBL competition.
For additional information please see the attached PDF.
Summer Camp is one of the most popular events for juniors for the year.
Traditionally known for the fun, Summer Camp is where the elite players and coaches let their hair down and show the juniors how to mix baseball skills and training with water games, pranks and memories to last a lifetime.
Train with professionals such as Tanner, Trey and Joe Vavra, Virgil Vasquez, Darryl George, Luke Abels, Mike Hill, Keith Curcio and Logan Moon. (subject to availability)
For 2016 we are taking Summer Camp to a whole new level. We are moving the whole show to Melbourne Ballpark, the home of the Aces, and spreading the camp over four fun days.
Tuesday 12 January - 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 13 January - 10am - 3pm
Thursday 14 January - 12pm - 5pm * FREE BBQ dinner for kids, and FREE entry for campers to the Aces Game.
Friday 15 January - 12pm - 5pm * FREE entry for campers to the Aces Game
$60 per person discounts for families
To find out more click here.
Register here.
Footscray 16, Malvern 6
When the game entered the bottom of the third inning scoreless few thought 22 runs would cross the plate before it ended. But that’s exactly what happened as the Braves and Bulldogs busted out the bats on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Footscray opened the scoring with a lone run in the third. Then the floodgates opened. After the Braves scored twice in the fourth the Bulldogs answered with four. Three for the visitor and then six for the home side. One more for Malvern and then five in the sixth to provide the final margin of victory for Footscray.
The Bulldogs finished with 17 hits with six players accounting for multiple knocks. Heidi Northcott, Tiffaney Colquhoun and Brittney Cedelland all contributed three hits and Abbey McLellan knocked in five runs.
The victory pushed Footscray’s record to 3-6 while Malvern fell to 2-7.
Essendon 5, Doncaster 4
With Springvale idle this weekend, Essendon had to win to stay tied atop the ladder. Prevail they did in a cracker of a contest, 5-4, over Doncaster.
The Bombers face off in a highly anticipated showdown with the Lions on Wednesday 9 December at Essendon’s home grounds.
When the game entered the bottom of the third inning scoreless few thought 22 runs would cross the plate before it ended. But that’s exactly what happened as the Braves and Bulldogs busted out the bats on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Footscray opened the scoring with a lone run in the third. Then the floodgates opened. After the Braves scored twice in the fourth the Bulldogs answered with four. Three for the visitor and then six for the home side. One more for Malvern and then five in the sixth to provide the final margin of victory for Footscray.
The Bulldogs finished with 17 hits with six players accounting for multiple knocks. Heidi Northcott, Tiffaney Colquhoun and Brittney Cedelland all contributed three hits and Abbey McLellan knocked in five runs.
The victory pushed Footscray’s record to 3-6 while Malvern fell to 2-7.
Essendon 5, Doncaster 4
With Springvale idle this weekend, Essendon had to win to stay tied atop the ladder. Prevail they did in a cracker of a contest, 5-4, over Doncaster.
The Bombers face off in a highly anticipated showdown with the Lions on Wednesday 9 December at Essendon’s home grounds.
Mulgrave 13, Ormond Glenhuntly 1
Runs are fun! A silly baseball saying, certainly, but that doesn’t make it any less true. In their über-successful season so far, the Rebels usually have had little trouble scoring, tallying 102 runs, six more than Pakenham, their nearest competitor.
Sunday was a similar story. They plated four in the first, one in the second, six in the third and—after surrendering a lone run in the bottom of the fourth—they scored two more in the sixth to invoke a mercy-rule shortened seven inning contest.
Matthew Young pitched well for the victors, throwing six solid innings before being relieved by Stuart Phillips.
The win pushes Mulgrave to 8-0-1 on the season—their only blemish a home tie with St Kilda. The Hunters dropped to sixth, one point ahead of the Saints.
Original report supplied by Lincoln Ladds of the Mulgrave Baseball Club
Chelsea 12, Research 10
The Roadrunners had them right where they wanted. Leading 6-0 after one and 8-0 after two, Research seemed in complete control of what would have been a huge win against a team one rung above them on the ladder.
But that’s why they play nine innings.
The Dolphins scored six of their own in the fifth to narrow the deficit to two, only to see the Roadrunners respond with a couple of their own in bottom half of the sixth.
After eight complete: Research 10, Chelsea 6.
In the ninth, the Dolphins erupted for six runs to take the lead. They closed out their improbable victory with a scoreless bottom half.
A swing game in the standings, Chelsea now have a four point lead on Research.
Pakenham 12, St Kilda 2
Bolstered by strong hitting and aided considerably by the Saints poor fielding, the Pumas won their road contest at Tom O’Halloran Field going away, 12-2.
Club coach Brett Elliott started for St Kilda and mostly pitched well, succumbing to some long innings—notably the fifth—due to easy misplays by his fielders.
Pakenham tallied single runs in every inning save the fifth. The Saints runs came in the fifth and sixth.
The Pumas remain just a point behind the Rebels but have played one additional game.
Footscray had a bye this weekend.
Runs are fun! A silly baseball saying, certainly, but that doesn’t make it any less true. In their über-successful season so far, the Rebels usually have had little trouble scoring, tallying 102 runs, six more than Pakenham, their nearest competitor.
Sunday was a similar story. They plated four in the first, one in the second, six in the third and—after surrendering a lone run in the bottom of the fourth—they scored two more in the sixth to invoke a mercy-rule shortened seven inning contest.
Matthew Young pitched well for the victors, throwing six solid innings before being relieved by Stuart Phillips.
The win pushes Mulgrave to 8-0-1 on the season—their only blemish a home tie with St Kilda. The Hunters dropped to sixth, one point ahead of the Saints.
Original report supplied by Lincoln Ladds of the Mulgrave Baseball Club
Chelsea 12, Research 10
The Roadrunners had them right where they wanted. Leading 6-0 after one and 8-0 after two, Research seemed in complete control of what would have been a huge win against a team one rung above them on the ladder.
But that’s why they play nine innings.
The Dolphins scored six of their own in the fifth to narrow the deficit to two, only to see the Roadrunners respond with a couple of their own in bottom half of the sixth.
After eight complete: Research 10, Chelsea 6.
In the ninth, the Dolphins erupted for six runs to take the lead. They closed out their improbable victory with a scoreless bottom half.
A swing game in the standings, Chelsea now have a four point lead on Research.
Pakenham 12, St Kilda 2
Bolstered by strong hitting and aided considerably by the Saints poor fielding, the Pumas won their road contest at Tom O’Halloran Field going away, 12-2.
Club coach Brett Elliott started for St Kilda and mostly pitched well, succumbing to some long innings—notably the fifth—due to easy misplays by his fielders.
Pakenham tallied single runs in every inning save the fifth. The Saints runs came in the fifth and sixth.
The Pumas remain just a point behind the Rebels but have played one additional game.
Footscray had a bye this weekend.
Ballarat 4, Upwey Ferntree Gully 1
If they still entertained hopes of playing finals, the Brewers had to win this game. And prevail they did at home, 4-1, to improve their record to 4-8 on the season. The loss leaves the Tigers just one rung above Ballart on the ladder.
Moorabbin 7, Werribee 2
Though they started slowly, the Panthers used two big innings to record a huge road win. Four runs in the fifth and another three in the sixth were all Moorabbin needed to stay atop the standings with an über-impressive 10-2 mark.
Tallying single runs in the second and sixth, the Giants swung the bats well in a losing effort. Wade Balzer, Evan McPherson, and Simon Riches all had two hits while Oliver Box, Daine Gregory, and Reece Haywood all contributed a knock apiece. Balzer and Gregory recorded the lone RBI.
Fitzroy 12, Malvern 1
Scoring early and often, the Lions plated runs in all six innings, including two in third, four in the fourth and three in the fifth. The only run they allowed came in to the top of the fifth.
Among their 12 hits, Luke McLean had three, Taylor Eichhorst, Alex Turlea, and Thomas Wilson all pounded out two each. Brock Pawley and Turlea had the doubles and Eichhorst blasted the game’s lone home run.
For the visitors, Chris Godrey, Geoffrey Holland, Peter Kerr-Chapman and Stephen Lawrence supplied the four hits.
Port Melbourne 6, Bonbeach 5
Though he struggled late, Mariners fireballer Will Musson was excellent when he had to be, striking out 14 batters in a complete game victory.
His teammates gave him a comfortable lead early, tallying thrice in both the second and fourth innings to lead 6-0 after six. The Bluejays continued to grind out at bats, however, and scratched across one run in the seventh before erupting for four in the eighth.
Into the ninth, down by a run, Matty Prior led off with a hit before Adam Major and Mitchell Sheldon-Collins struck out. Jon Bannister and Dayle Selleck then rattled off a pair of hits to load the bases, before Musson got Andy Webber to induce a pop fly to seal it.
The Mariners swatted 11 hits, led by Lindsay Webb’s three and two knocks each from Anthony White and Musson. All three also had doubles and Musson led the team with two RBI.
Bonbeach used four pitchers—Bannister, Prior, Ben Donald and Sheldon-Collins—who all threw two innings each.
Original report supplied by Matty Prior of Bonbeach Baseball Club
Williamstown 9, Berwick City 5
Continuing their hot-hitting ways, the host Wolves scored two runs each in the second and third, another three in the fourth and two in the fifth to topple the Cougars, 9-5.
Berwick City plated their runs in the fifth (three), sixth (one) and seventh (one) to make a game of it.
Williamstown’s offense was led by Scott Meager who went 3-5 for two runs scored, a double, a home run and two runs batted in. Justin Gourlay also had two hits for the victors. He also knocked in four runs.
Geelong 9, Doncaster 3
Buoyed by 16 hits—five of which went for extra bases—the host Baycats downed the Dragons, 9-3. The hit parade’s grand marshal was Mark Rigby who went 3-5 with two doubles, a run and a RBI. Matthew Zablan also had three hits (all singles) and scored twice. Other Baycats with two hits: Rohan Brashar, Christopher Durston, Cameron Gibbons, and Rudy Jaramillo. Gibbons also knocked in four runs.
Across the diamond, Rhys Aldenhoven and Michael Mazzocato contributed four of the Dragons seven hits.
With the loss, Doncaster falls to 3-8-1 (fifth place in their division) while Geelong sits top-of-the-ladder with a 9-2-1 mark, one game ahead of Essendon in the other division.
Blackburn 8, Sandringham 1
Deuces were wild in the Orioles win on Sunday. Blackburn scored two runs in the second, third, fifth and sixth to bring home the victory. The lone marker for the Royals came in the top of the ninth courtesy of Nicholas Dunn knocking in pinch hitter Cameron Beaumont. Marko Lezaic had two of Sandringham’s eight knocks.
Blackburn, meanwhile, pounded out 17 hits, including four from David Dicker and three each from Jimmy Bent, Ryan Berg, and David Tierney. Steven Bookluck contributed the game’s only home run.
Essendon 10, Waverley 0
In a dominant performance from start to mercy-rule shortened finish, the Bombers whitewashed the Wildcats, 10-0. Essendon plated five runs in the second, one in the fourth, another in the sixth, and three more in the last of the seventh to provide the winning margin.
Tom Dicker led Essendon with three hits (including two doubles) and two runs batted in while Dean and Scott McIntyre each had two hits. Ditto for Michael Formisano, who also led the team with three RBI.
Cheltenham 9, Newport 4
In a tilt between two teams trying to establish their identities nearly halfway through the campaign, the Rustlers downed the Rams, 9-4. Visiting Cheltenham scored in the top of the first but then ceded two in the bottom of the frame. The exact same scenario played out in the third. Trailing 4-1 in the fifth, the Rustles tallied twice then followed that up with three in the seventh and two in the eighth to make it 9-4.
The victory evens their record at 6-6 while the Rams fall to 5-6 with the loss.
Melbourne 8, Preston 1
With yet another win, the visiting Demons solidified their spot atop the ladder with a sterling 10-1-1 mark, a full 2.5 games ahead of Blackburn. The Pirates now sit at 4-8, a half-game ahead of Sunshine in the battle to stay out of the cellar.
Springvale 2, Sunshine 1
Easily the most well-pitched game of the weekend saw the Lions eke past the Eagles, 2-1. After trading single runs in the first, blanks were de rigueur until Springvale plated what would turn out to be the winning run in the top of the fifth. The victory improves the Lions record to 3-9 while the Eagles are now 3-8.
Buoyed by 16 hits—five of which went for extra bases—the host Baycats downed the Dragons, 9-3. The hit parade’s grand marshal was Mark Rigby who went 3-5 with two doubles, a run and a RBI. Matthew Zablan also had three hits (all singles) and scored twice. Other Baycats with two hits: Rohan Brashar, Christopher Durston, Cameron Gibbons, and Rudy Jaramillo. Gibbons also knocked in four runs.
Across the diamond, Rhys Aldenhoven and Michael Mazzocato contributed four of the Dragons seven hits.
With the loss, Doncaster falls to 3-8-1 (fifth place in their division) while Geelong sits top-of-the-ladder with a 9-2-1 mark, one game ahead of Essendon in the other division.
Blackburn 8, Sandringham 1
Deuces were wild in the Orioles win on Sunday. Blackburn scored two runs in the second, third, fifth and sixth to bring home the victory. The lone marker for the Royals came in the top of the ninth courtesy of Nicholas Dunn knocking in pinch hitter Cameron Beaumont. Marko Lezaic had two of Sandringham’s eight knocks.
Blackburn, meanwhile, pounded out 17 hits, including four from David Dicker and three each from Jimmy Bent, Ryan Berg, and David Tierney. Steven Bookluck contributed the game’s only home run.
Essendon 10, Waverley 0
In a dominant performance from start to mercy-rule shortened finish, the Bombers whitewashed the Wildcats, 10-0. Essendon plated five runs in the second, one in the fourth, another in the sixth, and three more in the last of the seventh to provide the winning margin.
Tom Dicker led Essendon with three hits (including two doubles) and two runs batted in while Dean and Scott McIntyre each had two hits. Ditto for Michael Formisano, who also led the team with three RBI.
Cheltenham 9, Newport 4
In a tilt between two teams trying to establish their identities nearly halfway through the campaign, the Rustlers downed the Rams, 9-4. Visiting Cheltenham scored in the top of the first but then ceded two in the bottom of the frame. The exact same scenario played out in the third. Trailing 4-1 in the fifth, the Rustles tallied twice then followed that up with three in the seventh and two in the eighth to make it 9-4.
The victory evens their record at 6-6 while the Rams fall to 5-6 with the loss.
Melbourne 8, Preston 1
With yet another win, the visiting Demons solidified their spot atop the ladder with a sterling 10-1-1 mark, a full 2.5 games ahead of Blackburn. The Pirates now sit at 4-8, a half-game ahead of Sunshine in the battle to stay out of the cellar.
Springvale 2, Sunshine 1
Easily the most well-pitched game of the weekend saw the Lions eke past the Eagles, 2-1. After trading single runs in the first, blanks were de rigueur until Springvale plated what would turn out to be the winning run in the top of the fifth. The victory improves the Lions record to 3-9 while the Eagles are now 3-8.
Fitzroy and Geelong hosted this week’s Under 12 members of the Little League Charter & Junior League Charter Academy. The Under 14s played last week. All previous iterations of the weekly wraps are also available.
Geelong Baycats 10, Southern Mariners (A) 9
Dramatic walk-off home runs are not just reserved for major leaguers. Baycats cleanup hitter Jordan Peoples provided ample evidence of that as his two run shot to right field—his second of the game—capped off a thrilling four run rally in the bottom of the last to give Geelong a scintillating victory.
Of all the Charter games so far this was easily the most exciting. The Baycats opened the scoring by tallying three times in the bottom of the first. Undaunted, the Mariners fought back, plating six in the top of the second to enjoy their own three run cushion.
Geelong then scored once in the second but it could have been much worse. Southern turned a slick 5-4-3 double play to limit the damage. Both teams then traded runs in the third before the exhilarating final frame. Leading 8-6, the Mariners added an insurance marker in the top of the fourth but it was simply not enough to withstand Peoples’ heroics.
The young Baycat finished with five runs batted in and was joined in the mutli-hit parade by Jordan Baumann (three) and Cooper Rickond (two). For the Mariners, they were led by Angus Newman (three), Tyler Ellis (two) and the dynamic duo from St Kilda: Ferris Salka (two) and Millar Kuhl, who the hit the ball hard all day.
On the mound, Hudson Canter started and Cooper Tipping got the win for Geelong. Luke Anson, Salka, Charlie Pierson and Jordan Doughty threw for the Mariners.
Eastern Athletics (Gold) 12, Northern Diamondbacks (Green) 3
One thing both Eastern Athletics teams have done very well over the first two weekends of Little League play has been to score early. And often. True to form, the A’s plated five runs in the top of the first and then added single runs in the second and third before exploding for another five in the final inning, the fourth. The D’Backs hit well also, scoring a single run in the first and two in the third.
Jack Romanin started and threw 38 pitches for the winning side; he was followed first by Ryan Othen and then Ethan Scalzo. For the D’Backs it was Billy Kolyniuk, Denizel Pelle-Lopeti and Cuttor Harris doing the dealing.
Zac Clorman caught the first three innings and Josh Dawson was behind the dish for the final frame. James Richardson and Blake Mitchell handled the catching duties for the Northern side.
Eastern Athletics (Green) 11, Northern Diamondbacks (Orange) 8
Three games and three wins for the Eastern Athletics (Green) team. But it didn’t come easy. Plating their traditional five runs in the top of the first, the A’s did something unusual: they allowed their opponent to immediately respond. Answer the call they did as the D’Backs scored three of their own to make it a game.
Eastern then tacked on a marker in the second while holding Northern scoreless. More fireworks followed in the last inning when both teams plated five runs apiece.
Sam Skinner started for the home team, pitching the first two innings. He was relieved by Lachlan Davis. The former threw 51 pitches and the latter 36. Mitch Nolan caught the entire game for the D’Backs.
Across the diamond, Finn Weichard started before giving way to Kynan Jones, Sam Pritchard, and Ewan Jones.
The loss dropped the Northern Diamondbacks (Orange) squad to 0-3 early in the season.
Southern Mariners (B) 8, Geelong Baycats 2
Seeing their brethren lose in such heartbreaking fashion provided the Southern Mariners (B side) all the motivation they needed to thump the Geelong Baycats, 8-2. The Mariners started fast, scoring four times in the first to take the early lead. After two scoreless innings for the home side, they upped their lead to six by scoring a couple in the top of the third. After the Baycats answered with two of their own, the Mariners effectively put the game away with an additional two markers.
Starring on the hill were a sextet of Southerners: Tom Connolly, Tyler Ellis, Josh Tribe, Matt Kaplan, James Lynch, and Lachlan Smith.
Cooper Rickard, Brayden Barker, and Peoples took the mound for the Baycats.
Geelong only mustered three total hits while the Mariners had six, led by Tyler Ellis’ two knocks.
Eastern Athletics (Green) 10, Northern Diamondbacks (Green) 2
In the Eastern Athletics second victory over the Northern Diamondbacks squad, victory wasn’t assured until the very last. This one was never in doubt. The A’s scored three times in the first, once in the second, added another in the third and put up a resounding five in the fifth to take a 10-0 lead in to the bottom of the last. The D’Backs showed some impressive moxie to score twice in the fifth to provide the final margin.
Tyler Evans started for the victors, throwing 52 pitches in a winning performance. Nick Parton, Zac Danes, and Hudson Priamo also took the mound for the A’s. For the D’Backs it was Zac Corman, Campbell Hutton and Josh Dawson on the hill.
Eastern Athletics (Gold) 16, Northern Diamondbacks (Orange) 9
There are pitching duels and then there is what broke out in Fitzroy on Saturday morning. Twenty-five runs in four innings. Two hundred and four pitches from eight different hurlers. And two exhausted third base coaches. In the end, it was the A’s victorious, 16-9, completing the four game weekend sweep of the Diamondbacks from the north.
Eastern scored five in the first, three in the second, and five more in the third before topping up their total to 16 with three in the fourth. Northern only scored in two innings but made them count, plating five in the second and four in the fourth.
For posterity the pitchers for the D’Backs were Mace Poole, Band Leuga, Wartky Miller and Jaycob Pascuzzi. The A’s sent Blake Mitchell, Kecky Ronalds-Greatbatch, Will Stone and James Richardson to the hill.
Here is how the comp stands after two rounds: https://sportsdesq.imgstg.com/portal/index.cfm?fuseaction=competition&competitionID=10393&OrgID=16724&clubOrganisationId=0#ladder.
The Under 14s are scheduled to take the field again next Saturday. Check back here for a full report of all six games.
Geelong Baycats 10, Southern Mariners (A) 9
Dramatic walk-off home runs are not just reserved for major leaguers. Baycats cleanup hitter Jordan Peoples provided ample evidence of that as his two run shot to right field—his second of the game—capped off a thrilling four run rally in the bottom of the last to give Geelong a scintillating victory.
Of all the Charter games so far this was easily the most exciting. The Baycats opened the scoring by tallying three times in the bottom of the first. Undaunted, the Mariners fought back, plating six in the top of the second to enjoy their own three run cushion.
Geelong then scored once in the second but it could have been much worse. Southern turned a slick 5-4-3 double play to limit the damage. Both teams then traded runs in the third before the exhilarating final frame. Leading 8-6, the Mariners added an insurance marker in the top of the fourth but it was simply not enough to withstand Peoples’ heroics.
The young Baycat finished with five runs batted in and was joined in the mutli-hit parade by Jordan Baumann (three) and Cooper Rickond (two). For the Mariners, they were led by Angus Newman (three), Tyler Ellis (two) and the dynamic duo from St Kilda: Ferris Salka (two) and Millar Kuhl, who the hit the ball hard all day.
On the mound, Hudson Canter started and Cooper Tipping got the win for Geelong. Luke Anson, Salka, Charlie Pierson and Jordan Doughty threw for the Mariners.
Eastern Athletics (Gold) 12, Northern Diamondbacks (Green) 3
One thing both Eastern Athletics teams have done very well over the first two weekends of Little League play has been to score early. And often. True to form, the A’s plated five runs in the top of the first and then added single runs in the second and third before exploding for another five in the final inning, the fourth. The D’Backs hit well also, scoring a single run in the first and two in the third.
Jack Romanin started and threw 38 pitches for the winning side; he was followed first by Ryan Othen and then Ethan Scalzo. For the D’Backs it was Billy Kolyniuk, Denizel Pelle-Lopeti and Cuttor Harris doing the dealing.
Zac Clorman caught the first three innings and Josh Dawson was behind the dish for the final frame. James Richardson and Blake Mitchell handled the catching duties for the Northern side.
Eastern Athletics (Green) 11, Northern Diamondbacks (Orange) 8
Three games and three wins for the Eastern Athletics (Green) team. But it didn’t come easy. Plating their traditional five runs in the top of the first, the A’s did something unusual: they allowed their opponent to immediately respond. Answer the call they did as the D’Backs scored three of their own to make it a game.
Eastern then tacked on a marker in the second while holding Northern scoreless. More fireworks followed in the last inning when both teams plated five runs apiece.
Sam Skinner started for the home team, pitching the first two innings. He was relieved by Lachlan Davis. The former threw 51 pitches and the latter 36. Mitch Nolan caught the entire game for the D’Backs.
Across the diamond, Finn Weichard started before giving way to Kynan Jones, Sam Pritchard, and Ewan Jones.
The loss dropped the Northern Diamondbacks (Orange) squad to 0-3 early in the season.
Southern Mariners (B) 8, Geelong Baycats 2
Seeing their brethren lose in such heartbreaking fashion provided the Southern Mariners (B side) all the motivation they needed to thump the Geelong Baycats, 8-2. The Mariners started fast, scoring four times in the first to take the early lead. After two scoreless innings for the home side, they upped their lead to six by scoring a couple in the top of the third. After the Baycats answered with two of their own, the Mariners effectively put the game away with an additional two markers.
Starring on the hill were a sextet of Southerners: Tom Connolly, Tyler Ellis, Josh Tribe, Matt Kaplan, James Lynch, and Lachlan Smith.
Cooper Rickard, Brayden Barker, and Peoples took the mound for the Baycats.
Geelong only mustered three total hits while the Mariners had six, led by Tyler Ellis’ two knocks.
Eastern Athletics (Green) 10, Northern Diamondbacks (Green) 2
In the Eastern Athletics second victory over the Northern Diamondbacks squad, victory wasn’t assured until the very last. This one was never in doubt. The A’s scored three times in the first, once in the second, added another in the third and put up a resounding five in the fifth to take a 10-0 lead in to the bottom of the last. The D’Backs showed some impressive moxie to score twice in the fifth to provide the final margin.
Tyler Evans started for the victors, throwing 52 pitches in a winning performance. Nick Parton, Zac Danes, and Hudson Priamo also took the mound for the A’s. For the D’Backs it was Zac Corman, Campbell Hutton and Josh Dawson on the hill.
Eastern Athletics (Gold) 16, Northern Diamondbacks (Orange) 9
There are pitching duels and then there is what broke out in Fitzroy on Saturday morning. Twenty-five runs in four innings. Two hundred and four pitches from eight different hurlers. And two exhausted third base coaches. In the end, it was the A’s victorious, 16-9, completing the four game weekend sweep of the Diamondbacks from the north.
Eastern scored five in the first, three in the second, and five more in the third before topping up their total to 16 with three in the fourth. Northern only scored in two innings but made them count, plating five in the second and four in the fourth.
For posterity the pitchers for the D’Backs were Mace Poole, Band Leuga, Wartky Miller and Jaycob Pascuzzi. The A’s sent Blake Mitchell, Kecky Ronalds-Greatbatch, Will Stone and James Richardson to the hill.
Here is how the comp stands after two rounds: https://sportsdesq.imgstg.com/portal/index.cfm?fuseaction=competition&competitionID=10393&OrgID=16724&clubOrganisationId=0#ladder.
The Under 14s are scheduled to take the field again next Saturday. Check back here for a full report of all six games.