Ten days ago the Under 16 and Under 18 National Youth Championships finished in Sydney.
72 games of baseball were played over ten days with 4185 at bats, 824 runs, 1082 hits, 734 strikeouts and 666 walks.
Six home runs were hit and an amazing triple play was turned in the Under 18 Gold Medal game by New South Wales.
For all game results, statistics, rosters and photos visit the various event pages or follow us on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
Under 16 National Youth Championships presented by Rawlings
Under 18 National Youth Championships presented by New Era
Statistics were compiled by Maree Griffiths, NSW Scorers
Baseball Australia is pleased to announce the Diamond Award finalists for the season ending 2014. The annual awards celebration, in it’s tenth year, recognises and rewards the achievements, contributions and excellence at all levels of our sport, whilst further developing and preserving the heritage of Baseball in Australia.
The award winners will be presented at the Australian Baseball Gala, celebrating the Diamond Awards and Hall of Fame, Saturday 28 February, at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
The new look Gala format will for the first time acknowledge all award finalists as well as the winners. The night also awards the Australian Baseball League performance awards for the 2014/15 Season and Helms Award MVP.
Two 2015 Hall of Fame inductees have also been announced, with Trent Durrington and John Galloway poised to accept the sports highest honours on the night.
2015 Baseball Australia Diamond Award Finalists
|
Award Category |
Finalists |
State |
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Volunteer of the Year |
Geoff Wade, Pine Rivers Rapids Baseball Club |
QLD |
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Kerry Jackson, NSW State League / Sydney Winter Baseball League |
NSW |
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William “Spider” Sinclair, Masters League of WA / Perth Baseball Club |
WA |
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Club of the Year |
Baulkham Hills Baseball Club |
NSW |
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Essendon Baseball Club |
VIC |
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Plumpton Braves Baseball Club |
NSW |
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Club Coach of the Year |
Adrian Lamb, Windsor Royals Baseball Club |
QLD |
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Arnold Noel, Swan Districts Baseball Club |
WA |
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Shane Summersford, Marrickville District Baseball Club and Penrith Major League |
NSW |
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| Performance Coach of the Year | Michael Collins, Canberra Cavalry | ACT |
| Jon Deeble, National Teams | QLD | |
| Steve Fish, Baseball WA | WA | |
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Administrator of the Year |
Di Mount-Bryson, Tee-Ball Association of WA (TBAWA) |
WA |
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Mark Snelgrove, South Australian Baseball League |
SA |
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Official of the Year |
Brett Robson, Umpire |
WA |
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James Shields, Umpire |
QLD |
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Jon Byrne, Umpire |
WA |
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Youth Player of the Year |
Jake Turnball, Catcher |
WA |
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Lachlan Wells, Left-hand Pitcher |
NSW |
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Sam Kennelly, Infield |
WA |
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Player of the Year – Open Female |
Christina Kreppold, Infield |
WA |
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Stephanie Gaynor, Right-hand Pitcher |
NSW |
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Tahnee Lovering, Catcher |
NSW |
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Player of the Year – Open Male |
Chris Oxspring, Right-hand Pitcher |
NSW |
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James Beresford, Infield |
VIC |
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Liam Hendriks, Right-hand Pitcher |
WA |
Baseball Australia is pleased to announce the Diamond Award finalists for the season ending 2014. The annual awards celebration, in it’s tenth year, recognises and rewards the achievements, contributions and excellence at all levels of our sport, whilst further developing and preserving the heritage of Baseball in Australia.
The award winners will be presented at the Australian Baseball Gala, celebrating the Diamond Awards and Hall of Fame, Saturday 28 February, at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
The new look Gala format will for the first time acknowledge all award finalists as well as the winners. The night also awards the Australian Baseball League performance awards for the 2014/15 Season and Helms Award MVP.
Two 2015 Hall of Fame inductees have also been announced, with Trent Durrington and John Galloway poised to accept the sports highest honours on the night.
2015 Baseball Australia Diamond Award Finalists
Award Category
Finalists
State
Volunteer of the Year
Geoff Wade, Pine Rivers Rapids Baseball Club
QLD
Kerry Jackson, NSW State League / Sydney Winter Baseball League
NSW
William “Spider” Sinclair, Masters League of WA / Perth Baseball Club
WA
Club of the Year
Baulkham Hills Baseball Club
NSW
Essendon Baseball Club
VIC
Plumpton Braves Baseball Club
NSW
Club Coach of the Year
Adrian Lamb, Windsor Royals Baseball Club
QLD
Arnold Noel, Swan Districts Baseball Club
WA
Shane Summersford, Marrickville District Baseball Club and Penrith Major League
NSW
Administrator of the Year
Di Mount-Bryson, Tee-Ball Association of WA (TBAWA)
WA
Mark Snelgrove, South Australian Baseball League
SA
Official of the Year
Brett Robson, Umpire
WA
James Shields, Umpire
QLD
Jon Byrne, Umpire
WA
Youth Player of the Year
Jake Turnball, Catcher
WA
Lachlan Wells, Left-hand Pitcher
NSW
Sam Kennelly, Infield
WA
Player of the Year – Open Female
Christina Kreppold, Infield
WA
Stephanie Gaynor, Right-hand Pitcher
NSW
Tahnee Lovering, Catcher
NSW
Player of the Year – Open Male
Chris Oxspring, Right-hand Pitcher
NSW
James Beresford, Infield
VIC
Liam Hendriks, Right-hand Pitcher
WA
The State Association of the Year and Presidents Award will be announced on the night, with no finalists format for these categories.
Baseball Australia invites all friends, family and colleagues to join our Award Finalists and celebrate with them at the Australian Baseball Gala.
Also celebrated on the night will be the Ten Year Reunion of Australia’s Silver Medal winning team from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Australian Baseball Gala – celebrating the Hall of Fame and Annual Diamond Awards
Date: Saturday 28 February 2015
Time: Arrivals and red carpet from 6:00pm
Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Who: The largest gathering of Australian baseball past and present players, coaches and community, plus the Ten Year Reunion of the 2004 Olympic Silver Medal winning team.
Awards: Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, ABL Helms Award MVP, 2014/15 ABL Season playing categories, National High Performance and Grassroots Community Awards.
Early bird tickets are now on sale, click here for ticketing information.
The State Association of the Year and Presidents Award will be announced on the night, with no finalists format for these categories.
Baseball Australia invites all friends, family and colleagues to join our Award Finalists and celebrate with them at the Australian Baseball Gala.
Also celebrated on the night will be the Ten Year Reunion of Australia’s Silver Medal winning team from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Australian Baseball Gala – celebrating the Hall of Fame and Annual Diamond Awards
Date: Saturday 28 February 2015
Time: Arrivals and red carpet from 6:00pm
Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Who: The largest gathering of Australian baseball past and present players, coaches and community, plus the Ten Year Reunion of the 2004 Olympic Silver Medal winning team.
Awards: Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, ABL Helms Award MVP, 2014/15 ABL Season playing categories, National High Performance and Grassroots Community Awards.
Early bird tickets are now on sale, click here for ticketing information.
To see the game blogged innings by innings go to this link.
Div 1 Geelong vs Preston at MBP Tues 27th Jan 2015 #vsbl
Geelong have won two in a row to take second place in conference two. With two games separating them in third spot Preston need to win tonight to avoid a three game deficit with only five left to play. Expect to see the Pirates throwing everything at this one.
Starting line ups
Geelong- Spence 5, Fraim 3, Lyons 7, Snarey 6, Forbes 1, Larkin 4, Huisman 2, DeLorenzo 8, Medew 9.
Preston- Evans 6, Edgar 2, Collins 3, Godbould 1, Marshall 5, Sutherland 8, Chambers 9, Parsons 4, Cross 7.
Top 1st- Godbould started for the Pirates and made a good running infield play on a slow roller towards third base for the third out. That was after he sat the first two batters down in order. Score 0-0
Bottom 1st - Edgar drew a walk and was there with two out when Godbould hit to right but Forbes steadied and threw a strikeout to end the dig. Score 0-0
Top 2nd- Adam Marshall took a sharp catch at 3rd then Larkins singled to left but Godbould had too much control and ended it with a strikeout.
Bottom 2nd- Forbes sat the Preston batters down in order with two strikeouts.
Top 3rd- Marshall of Preston made a good bare handed play to rob DeLorenzo of a hit. Parsons showed off his arm at 2nd for the middle out then caught a hard hit line drive off Spence to end it. Score 0-0.
Bottom 3rd- Cross drew a walk and that brought up the top of the Pirates order. He advanced on a wild pitch with one out, then Edgar hit to left to make it 1st and 3rd occupied. Collins attempted to squeeze bunt unsuccessfully, then the substitute runner stole 2nd. Larkins snagged a blooper for the second out and the he picked up a grounder to strand the two runners and keep the score even. Score 0-0.
Top 4th- Ryan Evans of Preston made a tight play to get Lyons at 1st, then Snarey held his hands back on a curve ball and singled up the middle with two out. Forbes, at bat, provided a good cover swing for the steal at 2nd, then singled to right to provide the first score of the game. The innings ended with a pop up back to the pitcher.
Score Geelong 1 Preston 0.
Marshall of Preston stamped his name on the game again with a hit to right. Then Forbes worked a strikeout from an unsuccessful bunt attempt for the first out. Larkins made a good running play from 2nd for the next out and it ended with a groundout at 1st.
Top 5th- Huisman of Geelong singled with a line drive up the middle, then advanced on a groundout form DeLarenzo. Medew hit to right to make it 1st and 3rd occupied with one out and the top of the order up again. Medew stole 2nd on a strikeout pitch to Spence and then Godbould showed his class on the hill for the Pirates and sat them all down with another strikeout.
Score Geelong 1 Preston 0.
Bottom 5th- Forbes was honing in on the Baycat hill as he sat the first two batters down, then Larkins showed good footwork and a good arm to get the third out at 1st.
Score Geelong 1 Preston 0.
Top 6th - Both pitchers are well into their counts with half an hour left to play. Godbould of the Pirates wasn’t looking like he was fading though as he threw a gnarly curve for a strikeout to start it off. Snarey singled to left then Forbes did the same, a fielder’s choice at 3rd made the second out and a groundout ended it leaving two stranded.
Bottom 6th- Forbes wasn’t looking like he was going anywhere on the hill for Geelong as he sat the batters down as they came up.
Top 7th- Evans at short for the Pirates made a sharp play at 1 then Medew hit up the middle. Spence advanced him to 3rd on a hit run play that involved a tight call at 1st. Then Spence stole 2nd and forced an error on the throw over and Medew scored the second run of the game. Parsons is now in to pitch for Godbould after an impressive performance from Hayden. Two groundouts ended it there and sent Preston in to bat with all the work to do.
Bottom 7th Forbes still looked in control on the hill for Geelong well into his pitch count. He sat the batters down in order again.
Score Geelong 2 Preston 0.
Top 8th- Snarey got on for the Baycats after an error and the pass ball on the same play advanced him to 2nd. He then stole 3rd on the first pitch. Forbes worked the count full and drew a walk with none out. Hockey came in to bat for Larkins and the sub runner stole 2nd then two runners scored on errors in right and at 2nd base. Parsons got a strikeout and then the runner at 2nd got doubled off on a pop-up to end it. With time up Preston need 4 runs to tie and Geelong need 3 outs to win.
Score Geelong 4 Preston 0.
Bottom 8th- Forbes capped off a dominant performance with the ball and with the bat as he sat the batters down in order again.
Geelong win. 4-0
Score Geelong 4 Preston 0
Report by Cam Gleeson
Div 1 Geelong vs Preston at MBP Tues 27th Jan 2015 #vsbl
Geelong have won two in a row to take second place in conference two. With two games separating them in third spot Preston need to win tonight to avoid a three game deficit with only five left to play. Expect to see the Pirates throwing everything at this one.
Starting line ups
Geelong- Spence 5, Fraim 3, Lyons 7, Snarey 6, Forbes 1, Larkin 4, Huisman 2, DeLorenzo 8, Medew 9.
Preston- Evans 6, Edgar 2, Collins 3, Godbould 1, Marshall 5, Sutherland 8, Chambers 9, Parsons 4, Cross 7.
Top 1st- Godbould started for the Pirates and made a good running infield play on a slow roller towards third base for the third out. That was after he sat the first two batters down in order. Score 0-0
Bottom 1st - Edgar drew a walk and was there with two out when Godbould hit to right but Forbes steadied and threw a strikeout to end the dig. Score 0-0
Top 2nd- Adam Marshall took a sharp catch at 3rd then Larkins singled to left but Godbould had too much control and ended it with a strikeout.
Bottom 2nd- Forbes sat the Preston batters down in order with two strikeouts.
Top 3rd- Marshall of Preston made a good bare handed play to rob DeLorenzo of a hit. Parsons showed off his arm at 2nd for the middle out then caught a hard hit line drive off Spence to end it. Score 0-0.
Bottom 3rd- Cross drew a walk and that brought up the top of the Pirates order. He advanced on a wild pitch with one out, then Edgar hit to left to make it 1st and 3rd occupied. Collins attempted to squeeze bunt unsuccessfully, then the substitute runner stole 2nd. Larkins snagged a blooper for the second out and the he picked up a grounder to strand the two runners and keep the score even. Score 0-0.
Top 4th- Ryan Evans of Preston made a tight play to get Lyons at 1st, then Snarey held his hands back on a curve ball and singled up the middle with two out. Forbes, at bat, provided a good cover swing for the steal at 2nd, then singled to right to provide the first score of the game. The innings ended with a pop up back to the pitcher.
Score Geelong 1 Preston 0.
Marshall of Preston stamped his name on the game again with a hit to right. Then Forbes worked a strikeout from an unsuccessful bunt attempt for the first out. Larkins made a good running play from 2nd for the next out and it ended with a groundout at 1st.
Top 5th- Huisman of Geelong singled with a line drive up the middle, then advanced on a groundout form DeLarenzo. Medew hit to right to make it 1st and 3rd occupied with one out and the top of the order up again. Medew stole 2nd on a strikeout pitch to Spence and then Godbould showed his class on the hill for the Pirates and sat them all down with another strikeout.
Score Geelong 1 Preston 0.
Bottom 5th- Forbes was honing in on the Baycat hill as he sat the first two batters down, then Larkins showed good footwork and a good arm to get the third out at 1st.
Score Geelong 1 Preston 0.
Top 6th - Both pitchers are well into their counts with half an hour left to play. Godbould of the Pirates wasn’t looking like he was fading though as he threw a gnarly curve for a strikeout to start it off. Snarey singled to left then Forbes did the same, a fielder’s choice at 3rd made the second out and a groundout ended it leaving two stranded.
Bottom 6th- Forbes wasn’t looking like he was going anywhere on the hill for Geelong as he sat the batters down as they came up.
Top 7th- Evans at short for the Pirates made a sharp play at 1 then Medew hit up the middle. Spence advanced him to 3rd on a hit run play that involved a tight call at 1st. Then Spence stole 2nd and forced an error on the throw over and Medew scored the second run of the game. Parsons is now in to pitch for Godbould after an impressive performance from Hayden. Two groundouts ended it there and sent Preston in to bat with all the work to do.
Bottom 7th Forbes still looked in control on the hill for Geelong well into his pitch count. He sat the batters down in order again.
Score Geelong 2 Preston 0.
Top 8th- Snarey got on for the Baycats after an error and the pass ball on the same play advanced him to 2nd. He then stole 3rd on the first pitch. Forbes worked the count full and drew a walk with none out. Hockey came in to bat for Larkins and the sub runner stole 2nd then two runners scored on errors in right and at 2nd base. Parsons got a strikeout and then the runner at 2nd got doubled off on a pop-up to end it. With time up Preston need 4 runs to tie and Geelong need 3 outs to win.
Score Geelong 4 Preston 0.
Bottom 8th- Forbes capped off a dominant performance with the ball and with the bat as he sat the batters down in order again.
Geelong win. 4-0
Score Geelong 4 Preston 0
Report by Cam Gleeson
All Images accompanying this article are kindly supplied by
STEVE DILKS
of
SAA IMAGING
Ph- 0400258309
STEVE DILKS
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SAA IMAGING
Ph- 0400258309
Peter Giles Postmatch. Direct link is here.
Audio Interview with Sean Arnott. Manager of Geelong Baseball Club. Click here for direct link.
Interview with Tim Sullivan Essendon Baseball Club. Direct link.
Match Report
Innings by innings report first update at 3.40pm Saturday 31st Jan 2015.
Game start has been delayed to 3.45pm.
Starting line-up for Geelong- Durston 8, Fraim 3, Zablan 6, Snarey 5, Gibbons 4, Medew 2, Forbes 7, Wood J 1, Webb 9.
Essendon- McIntyre S 5, Dicker 4, Sullivan 8, Davies 3, Stokes DH, Moon S, McIntyre D 9, Cruz J 7, McDonald T 2. Jones C 1 Pitcher.
Both teams came into this game with confidence after Geelong won three in a row and Essendon got their ABL players back. Davies played first base, Cruz batted six and Stokes at DH were big inclusions for the Bombers. Meanwhile, the Baycats are looking to their young starter Wood who is carrying his own bat at number 8 in the line up. Zablan and Snarey look like the other ones to watch with the bat but the Baycats, like the Bombers, can get their hits from anywhere in the order.
Top 1st - Jones was throwing low for the Bombers and started with a strikeout then Fraim of the Baycats saw a high one and lined it into centerfield for a single. Zablan looked aggressive at the plate from the first pitch then blooped into right to make it 1st and 3rd with one out. Midweek hero Snarey continued where he left off when he singled to left to score one and make it 1st and 2nd occupied. Jones hit back with another strikeout throwing low then an error in left let one run in a runner tagged at the plate ended the innings.
Geelong 2, Essendon 0
Bottom 1st - Zablan of the Baycats made a good play deep in the hole at short for the first out. Dicker drew a walk then Gibbons stole a hit off Sullivan with a stylish diving catch at 2nd. Davies pushed a double that bounced off the fence in right and that scored Dicker from 1st to halve the lead. Stokes also made hard contact but was caught by Durston running back in centre.
Geelong 2, Essendon 1
Top 2nd - Cruz looked good in left as three Geelong batters in row holed out to him.
Geelong 2, Essendon 1
Bottom 2nd – Cruz walked with one out then stole 2nd without a throw over. Tristan McDonald singled with a hard hit to left that scored Cruz and tied the game. S McDonald also hit hard to the first baseman and forced an error then both runners advanced on a pass ball. Position on the diamond didn’t make much difference though as Dicker hit a home run over left field that scored another 3.
Geelong 2, Essendon 5
Top 3rd- Durston helped Geelong join the festive atmosphere when he set sail on one and homered over right reducing the Baycats deficit to two. Moon made it look easy at short with one out and McIntyre recovered to get the out after he had knocked one into the dirt and that took us to the bottom of the third innings.
Geelong 3, Essendon 5
Bottom 3rd- Stokes singled to left with one out then stole 2nd as Moon grounded out to short but Wood recovered and ended the innings with two routine outs.
Geelong 3, Essendon 5
Top 4th - Gibbons made it look easy when he put a solo bomb over centre and make it a one run game. Wood then singled to left with two out and Webb fought out a long at bat but struck out to end the innings.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Bottom 4th - Zablan at short for the Baycats made another tight play as he bounced one to first for the first out. Wood then induced two pop-ups to shut it down with no change to the score.
Top 5th - Kyle Bedford took the mound from Jones for Essendon.and started with two strikeouts. Zablan worked the count full and walked then Bedford nearly picked him off. A groundball to short ended it.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Bottom 5th – Trent Evans took the mound from Wood of Geelong. Sullivan doubled to deep centre right with one out then Davies grounded out on a hard hit to short to advance him to 3rd. Another groundout ended it there.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Top 6th - Bedford looked in control as he got the Baycats with two contact outs and a strikeout swinging.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Bottom 6th – McIntyre singled to right with one out then we saw a two run Cruz missile that lined over the centerfield fence and increased the Bombers lead to 3. Forbes took a skilled catch running sideways in left to end it.
Top 7th - G Formasano in to pitch for the Bombers. Evans doubled for Geelong with one out then Webb advanced him on a single to left when the top of the order came up again. Webb stole 2nd but the fielders dropped the ball and Evans stayed at 3rd. Fraim tried for a sac fly but Dean McIntyre in rightfield threw a bullet after he caught the ball to get the runner at home and end the innings.
Geelong 4, Essendon 7
Bottom 7th - Dicker doubled with one bounce over centre, then Sullivan pounded the fence in right again to score him and increase the Bomber’s lead to four. Davies walked to the vacant base then Stokes lined (a single plus one) to deep centre to score Dicker. Davies also came in on a wild throw during the same play. Moon hit to left to advance Stokes then advanced to third on an error after the run crossed the plate. Dean McIntyre scored another on a sacfly to make the Bomber’s lead eight.
Barnes took the mound for Geelong then Tristan McDonald and Scott McIntyre singled with two out. Tom Dicker also singled to score one and Sullivan did the same to end it on the mercy rule.
A great hitting game and not a good day to be a pitcher.
Final score Geelong 4, Essendon 14
To see the article and photos by the Bendigo Advertiser on this game click here.
Article by Cam Gleeson
All Images accompanying this article are kindly supplied by
STEVE DILKS
of
SAA IMAGING
Ph- 0400258309
Innings by innings report first update at 3.40pm Saturday 31st Jan 2015.
Game start has been delayed to 3.45pm.
Starting line-up for Geelong- Durston 8, Fraim 3, Zablan 6, Snarey 5, Gibbons 4, Medew 2, Forbes 7, Wood J 1, Webb 9.
Essendon- McIntyre S 5, Dicker 4, Sullivan 8, Davies 3, Stokes DH, Moon S, McIntyre D 9, Cruz J 7, McDonald T 2. Jones C 1 Pitcher.
Both teams came into this game with confidence after Geelong won three in a row and Essendon got their ABL players back. Davies played first base, Cruz batted six and Stokes at DH were big inclusions for the Bombers. Meanwhile, the Baycats are looking to their young starter Wood who is carrying his own bat at number 8 in the line up. Zablan and Snarey look like the other ones to watch with the bat but the Baycats, like the Bombers, can get their hits from anywhere in the order.
Top 1st - Jones was throwing low for the Bombers and started with a strikeout then Fraim of the Baycats saw a high one and lined it into centerfield for a single. Zablan looked aggressive at the plate from the first pitch then blooped into right to make it 1st and 3rd with one out. Midweek hero Snarey continued where he left off when he singled to left to score one and make it 1st and 2nd occupied. Jones hit back with another strikeout throwing low then an error in left let one run in a runner tagged at the plate ended the innings.
Geelong 2, Essendon 0
Bottom 1st - Zablan of the Baycats made a good play deep in the hole at short for the first out. Dicker drew a walk then Gibbons stole a hit off Sullivan with a stylish diving catch at 2nd. Davies pushed a double that bounced off the fence in right and that scored Dicker from 1st to halve the lead. Stokes also made hard contact but was caught by Durston running back in centre.
Geelong 2, Essendon 1
Top 2nd - Cruz looked good in left as three Geelong batters in row holed out to him.
Geelong 2, Essendon 1
Bottom 2nd – Cruz walked with one out then stole 2nd without a throw over. Tristan McDonald singled with a hard hit to left that scored Cruz and tied the game. S McDonald also hit hard to the first baseman and forced an error then both runners advanced on a pass ball. Position on the diamond didn’t make much difference though as Dicker hit a home run over left field that scored another 3.
Geelong 2, Essendon 5
Top 3rd- Durston helped Geelong join the festive atmosphere when he set sail on one and homered over right reducing the Baycats deficit to two. Moon made it look easy at short with one out and McIntyre recovered to get the out after he had knocked one into the dirt and that took us to the bottom of the third innings.
Geelong 3, Essendon 5
Bottom 3rd- Stokes singled to left with one out then stole 2nd as Moon grounded out to short but Wood recovered and ended the innings with two routine outs.
Geelong 3, Essendon 5
Top 4th - Gibbons made it look easy when he put a solo bomb over centre and make it a one run game. Wood then singled to left with two out and Webb fought out a long at bat but struck out to end the innings.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Bottom 4th - Zablan at short for the Baycats made another tight play as he bounced one to first for the first out. Wood then induced two pop-ups to shut it down with no change to the score.
Top 5th - Kyle Bedford took the mound from Jones for Essendon.and started with two strikeouts. Zablan worked the count full and walked then Bedford nearly picked him off. A groundball to short ended it.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Bottom 5th – Trent Evans took the mound from Wood of Geelong. Sullivan doubled to deep centre right with one out then Davies grounded out on a hard hit to short to advance him to 3rd. Another groundout ended it there.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Top 6th - Bedford looked in control as he got the Baycats with two contact outs and a strikeout swinging.
Geelong 4, Essendon 5
Bottom 6th – McIntyre singled to right with one out then we saw a two run Cruz missile that lined over the centerfield fence and increased the Bombers lead to 3. Forbes took a skilled catch running sideways in left to end it.
Top 7th - G Formasano in to pitch for the Bombers. Evans doubled for Geelong with one out then Webb advanced him on a single to left when the top of the order came up again. Webb stole 2nd but the fielders dropped the ball and Evans stayed at 3rd. Fraim tried for a sac fly but Dean McIntyre in rightfield threw a bullet after he caught the ball to get the runner at home and end the innings.
Geelong 4, Essendon 7
Bottom 7th - Dicker doubled with one bounce over centre, then Sullivan pounded the fence in right again to score him and increase the Bomber’s lead to four. Davies walked to the vacant base then Stokes lined (a single plus one) to deep centre to score Dicker. Davies also came in on a wild throw during the same play. Moon hit to left to advance Stokes then advanced to third on an error after the run crossed the plate. Dean McIntyre scored another on a sacfly to make the Bomber’s lead eight.
Barnes took the mound for Geelong then Tristan McDonald and Scott McIntyre singled with two out. Tom Dicker also singled to score one and Sullivan did the same to end it on the mercy rule.
A great hitting game and not a good day to be a pitcher.
Final score Geelong 4, Essendon 14
To see the article and photos by the Bendigo Advertiser on this game click here.
Article by Cam Gleeson
STEVE DILKS
of
SAA IMAGING
Ph- 0400258309
Photo By: Tim McCallum
Australia has been crowned the baseball champions of Oceania and have qualified for the 2015 18U Baseball World Cup in Japan. Australia went through the 18U Oceania Championships undefeated, winning their last game today against Guam 10-0.
Guam managed only one hit off the Aussie pitcher Bradley Simon who allowed no earned runs, struck out two and walked none. Lachlan MacDonald was also impressive on the mound in his two innings of work, giving up only one hit and being credited with the win.
Australia scored ten runs from ten hits during the game, including a massive triple from Joshua Rawlinson in the third.
Follow the team on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
Division 1, 2 and Women’s
Division 1
With six games left to play Essendon and Blackburn sit on top of their respective conferences. Although both teams look solid and have held those spots for most of the season nothing is assured as the lower teams clamour for the second position in each conference. Play-off spots go to the top two teams in each.
Geelong stamped their intentions on the competition with a one run win over Preston yesterday, their second in a row. That win put them two wins clear of the Pirates in second spot in conference two. Theses two teams meet up again tomorrow night (Tuesday 27th Jan) at 8.50pm at MBP. Expect to see them playing like their season depends on the result, because it just might.
In conference one Cheltenham host Melbourne who are three games ahead of them in second place. The Demons split a series with Blackburn last week and had a ten run victory over the Rustlers yesterday so are in good form in the twilight of the season. Another loss for Cheltenham will put them four games behind with only five to play. Their two drawn results may come into play if they can put a stop to the Demons form.
The resurgent Doncaster takes on Blackburn as the Dragons are looking to keep their slim play off chances alive. They, like Cheltenham, currently sit three games behind Melbourne who are in second spot, the Dragons are currently fourth as the Rustler’s have two drawn games as a buffer in third spot. Meanwhile, league leaders Essendon who are on sixteen wins take on Newport on nine wins.
In summary, Blackburn and Essendon look like they have the two top spots whilst Melbourne and Geelong are close to clinching the two second places. Meanwhile, Preston and Cheltenham have everything to play for as they fight for a finals berth.
Division 2
In Division 2 there are currently seven games left to play. Sunshine, Werribee and Moorabbin look steady in the top three spots. Malvern are holding fourth spot with the two drawn results as a buffer. Springvale (who now have their representative players back), Fitzroy and Berwick are all chances to make the top four but will need to show improved form if they want to be a serious threat to the top teams. A resurgent Port Melbourne look out of contention for play offs but could have a say in the results as they have won three out of their last four.
Women’s Division 1
In Women’s Division 1 there are three games left to play. The dominant Springvale suffered their first defeat when Doncaster beat them by one run yesterday. The Dragons sit in second spot seven wins clear of fourth. Essendon, in third spot, have matured as a team as the season has progressed and are starting to show good form. The young Bombers create concerns for the two teams above them and will put the pressure on come finals time. Footscray in fourth will need to maintain their advantage of two drawn games over Malvern who are fifth. The Bulldogs have a lot of talent in their line-up but their form will need to improve if they want to be a realistic chance in the finals.
Report by Cam Gleeson
Australia captured their second victory against Guam this morning at the 18U Oceania Championships in New Zealand. Scoring twelve runs in the first two innings Australia took the lead early on and finished the game with a convincing 19-0 win.
Bats were alive in the first two innings with RBI singles from Louis Baker, Nate Vankan, and Dean Frew. As well as RBI doubles from Joshua Rawlinson, George Callil, and Nick Boys and a RBI Triple from James Percival and a two run triple from Mitch Holding.
Max Barrett brought the heat during his outing on the mound, allowing no runs, walking none and striking out three. Jye Deeble closed out the game and picked up the win, striking out three, walking none and only giving up one hit.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E | |
| Guam | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Australia | 3 | 9 | 0 | 7 | x | 19 | 15 | 0 |
In the second game of the day against New Zealand, Australia piled on the runs in the first innings ending the game with an 11-2 score.
A two-run double by Alex Wells, a two-run triple by Nate Vankan, a two run single by George Callil and a sacrifice fly from James Percival helped Australia put seven runs on the board in the first.
Brad Inglis was credited with the win for Australia, pitching five innings and allowing only one hit and striking out seven. Mitchell Neunborn and Nate Vankan were impressive with the bat with a cumulative four hits and five RBI's.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Australia | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 1 |
| New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
Australia will play their last game against Guam tomorrow at 3:30pm NZDT (1:30pm AEDT) to complete the championships.
Follow the team on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
Showing their dominance, Australia wins their third straight game at the 18U Oceania Championships, defeating New Zealand for the second time with a score of 8-1.
An outstanding effort by winning pitcher Alexander Wells, giving up only one hit in six shutout innings and striking out eleven. The team was able to put seven hits on the board including three runs in the 9th. James Percival had a great day at the plate going two from five and scoring three of Australia's eight runs.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
Commentary and updates from manager Jon Deeble to follow.
Australia will play a double header tomorrow, taking on Guam first at 11:30 am NZDT (9:30 am AEDT) followed by New Zealand at 3:30pm NZDT (1:30pm AEDT). A win against Guam will qualify Australia for the 18U IBAF World Cup in Japan.
Follow the team on Facebook/baseballaustralia, Instagram @BaseballAustralia and Twitter @AustBaseball
Interview with Colin Penny of Essendon Baseball Club. Can't see the link? Then click here.
Footscray went to Essendon to open up the new year and to test out the Bomber’s form from late 2014. Essendon were 3rd, four games ahead of the Bulldogs. With only three games left after this one Footscray needed to win to consolidate their spot in the four whilst Essendon confirmed their status as a contender and a real threat to the undefeated Springvale.
Starting line-up for Footscray- Sandoval 4, L McLellan 6, Tanaka 1, A McLellan 2, Hamilton 3, Kappler 5, Cedelland 7, Napier 8, Mifsud 9.
Essendon- Gell 6, Deeble 7, Pedersen 9, A Kelly 1, Page 4, Foura 8, Gibson 2, Collins 5, French 3.
Top 1st- A Kelly of Essendon started with a strikeout then Lisa Mclellan worked the count before she hit to centre left for a stand up double. Tanaka walked to the empty base with one out then the Bulldog runners got a good jump on a double steal. Kelly soaked it up and got another swinging then Hamilton scored two with a single up the middle. The innings ended when Hamilton stretched for 3rd and got tagged out after Kappler hit to centre.
Bottom 1st- Gell started by drawing a walk then advanced two bases on a pass ball. Pedersen got on after an infield error to score her then A Kelly hit to left to make it 1st and 3rd occupied for the Bombers. Page dropped one into right to score Pedersen and Mifsud made a great 9 to 3 to get Foura and A Kelly scored on that play. Gibson punched one into right to score Page and make it 4 runs for Essendon. Collins joined in and hit to left but Tanaka finished it with a strikeout with two on.
Top 2nd- Kelly was on target and looked dangerous when she struck out the side in order.
Bottom 2nd- Back at the top of the Bombers batting order and Gell hit to left to lead off then stole 2nd. Deeble hit hard up the middle to score her, then Pedersen lobbed one into centre right and A Kelly tripled to score the two runs. Page then joined in the hit fest and scored another. Sandoval made a good catch at 2nd for the first out. Tanaka kept The Bulldogs spirits up with a strikeout to make it two down. The innings ended with a flyball to right.
Top 3rd- L McLellan and Tanaka started it off with a hit each then advanced on a pass ball. However, Kelly soaked it up and showed her class when she doubled off at 3rd after a comebacker catch to make it two out. Hamilton singled to score Tanaka but again Kelly was too good and sent her side to the dugout with another K.
Bottom 3rd- Cedelland came in to pitch for Tanaka of Footscray. French started it off with a long double over the left fielder’s head then she scored on a hit from Deeble after Gell had earlier grounded out and advanced her to 3rd. Kelly continued to stamp her influence on the game when she scored Deeble with a long double to centre with two out. Tanaka made another good out from short to end the dig.
Top 4th – Napier and Sandoval hit to keep the Bulldogs fire alight but Kelly was in control and got three contact outs.
Bottom 4th- Foura walked for the Bombers then stole 2nd and Gibson worked a pass to the vacant base. Essendon took the double steal and Garafolo batted in one with a hit to right. French did the same and the game started to blow out. Gell bot HBP and M Kelly came into the game for Deeble, she batted in one run on a ground out. Pedersen got HBP and loaded the bases, which really ramped up the pressure on Footscray. Two more scored on an error at home plate then Page got HBP to load them up again. A pop up got the second out then Garofolo singled to centre to score two more. French hit again and the top of the order was up but it ended there after a groundout.
Footscray refused to lay down when Tanaka started with a long double to the left field fence. Gell took the hill from Kelly after a dominant performance from the young Essendon star. A McLellan got on after an error but Gell showed real class and struck out the side.
Footscray showed some good form with the bat and were well led by Tanaka and A McLellan but Essendon led by Kelly were too strong.
Score Footscray 3, Essendon 18.