Game reports by Neil Barrowcliff
The Australian Schoolboys team has played four games in Southern California, before travelling to Arizona for the Chandler Bat Fall Classic Tournament.
Game 12 vs Fullerton College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
V
Australia
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
3
4
3
H
Fullerton
3
3
0
2
1
0
X
9
8
0
Down by 6 runs by the 4th inning, Australia got two runs back when, with two out, Frew walked and was brought in by a double down the right field line from Turnbull and McCallum singled to score Turnbull. Fullerton came right back scoring another two runs in the 4th and one in the 5th.
In the 7th, Turnbull hit his second double of the game, this time down the left field line. Baker, then had a great bat, fouling off several strike two pitches before doubling over the left fielder’s head to score Turnbull. The final score was 9-3 to Fullerton College.
Game 13 vs Fullerton College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
V
Australia
0
1
2
0
0
0
3
7
0
H
Fullerton
3
4
3
3
2
X
15
16
0
After giving up two runs in the 1st, Australia got one back in the 2nd when McCallum was hit by a pitched ball, Baker singled and King singled to score a run. Fullerton kept their own score ticking over when a walk and another four hits scored another four runs. So at the end of the 2nd it was 7 – 1 their way.
Consecutive singles to Bourke and Neunborn saw Australia with runners on first and second with none out. D’Avoine’s doubled to score Bourke and Baker singled to score another run, making the score 7-3. However Fullerton put together four base hits to score another three and it was now back out to 10 – 3.
Leskiw came on to pitch in the 4th but still the runs came with another four Fullerton runs, all coming with two out. Whitley then threw the 5th for a further two runs and the game finished early at a 15 – 3 score line.
Game 14 vs Irvine Valley College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
V
Australia
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
1
H
Irvine Valley
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
7
1
With Enciondo starting for us, Irvine got away to a good start when a two walks and a hit scored a run to give them an early 1- 0 lead in the 1st, and 2-0 by the second. DeJong came on to relieve Enciondo for the start of the 3rd. He did a good job to keep Irvine quiet for the next two innings but in the mean time, we were not troubling the scorers ourselves. So at the end of four complete innings, it was still 2 – 0 their way.
Steedman came on for DeJong and threw two tidy scoreless innings but we continued to fail to score and so through six innings, it was still a 2 – 0 game. Rawlinson also chipped in with a tidy innings to keep it that way until the end of the 7th.
We had limited opportunities but threatened in the 8th when Neunborn singled and Frew’s ground ball was errored and we had runners on first and second with none out, but again we ran ourselves out of the innings. Irvine were finally able to score another two runs in the 8th, both unearned, and the final score was 4 – 0.
Game 15 vs Placentia Mustangs
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
V
Australia
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
2
8
1
H
Placentia Mustangs
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
1
First game of the Chandler Bat Fall Classic tournament in Phoenix, Arizona at the Angels spring training complex.
Pitching was on top early with neither team scoring a run in the first two innings. D’Avoine led off the third for us with a walk. Leskiw laid down a perfect bunt for a base hit then Neunborn put down a perfect sacrifice bunt so we had runners on second and third with one out. Frew’s hard hit ball was knocked down by the shortstop but D’Avoine was able to score and Australia had taken the lead 1 – 0.
Barrett was our starting pitcher and was in control from the outset, keeping them scoreless for the first three innings.
We threatened again in the 4th when walks to McCallum and Holding and King’s infield single loaded the bases with one out but they turned a sharp double play to finish the innings and kept us from scoring. They then looked dangerous when a lead off walk and a single meant they had runners on first and second with none out but Barrett and our defence responded in great style to shut them down. The Placentia Mustangs was able to put a run on the board in the 5th making the score 1-1.
Baker led off the 6th with a triple down the left field line, Holding then hit a clutch double with two strikes to bring him in and so we were now in front 2 – 1. Barrett was continuing to keep Placentia scoreless so it was still a one run ball game going into the last.
Placentia got a lead off single and ended up with the tying run on third with one out. Barrett, as he continued to do all game, responded under great pressure to again keep them out and we had ended up winning 2 – 1.
Australia will continue to play in the Chandler Bat Fall Classic Tournament before returning to California to play 3 final games. For more updates visit baseball.com.au or schoolsport.edu.au
The 2014 Baseball National Under 25 Championships commence today in Cairns, Queensland, bringing together the countries best talent from each State to battle out to be crowned Australia’s best.
The tournament, previously called the National Under 23 Championships, has extended the age group from Under 23 to Under 25 to provide further opportunity for players to represent their state, in particular to players returning from College and professional tenures in the US.
This is the fourth year this championship has been held with New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia all holding titles.
The event is held in conjunction with host partner Cairns Baseball League and is the first National Championship to be held in North Queensland.
For more updates visit baseball.com.au or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the trials for the Victorian Teams that will compete at the 2015 National Youth Baseball Championships.
The dates and location of the 2015 National Youth Championships have recently been released by Baseball Australia. Below are the details:
Trial Dates
Cuts will be made after each trial
Trial Venue and times
Trials for the U16 and U18 State program will be held at Melbourne Ballpark (Merton St, Laverton – Mel 53 G9)
Under 18 Group 1: 8.30 - 10.00am
Under 18 Group 2: 10.00 - 11.30pm
Under 16 Group 1: 11.30 - 1.00pm
Under 16 Group 2: 1.30 - 3.00pm
Under 16 Group 3: 3.30 - 5.00pm
Players will be advised of their group and time by Tuesday 14 October 2014. Please note these times may vary after week 1.
A final squad will be selected by the 3 November. At this time these players will be advised of future training times and venues.
The stadium kiosk and coffee machine will operate on each day of the trials
Players are required to complete the online application form https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=9521&OrgID=16724 by Sunday 12th October 2014.
Player Eligibility
All players MUST meet the following requirements:
Uniform and Equipment
All players are requested not to wear a club or association uniform cap or top. Please wear suitable baseball clothing and a training top or tee-shirt
Players need to bring all personal baseball equipment for their positions including, gloves, helmet, bat, full catcher’s equipment, etc.
Drinks and sunscreen is not supplied during the trials.
Cost
The costs associated for players selected in any Victorian U16 or U18 Team will be confirmed once further details are received from the ABF, however we expect the cost per player to be approximately $2,600.
The ABF have employed a Registration and Participation package for all National Championships, which usually include accommodation, meal and ground transport arrangements for all teams, plus other tournament costs. Included within this, the ABF has installed a 'Fare Equalisation Policy' which attempts to ensure each player, regardless of their geographical location, pay an identical amount for their travel costs to attend a National Championship.
Any costs that the ABF request Victorian teams to pay to participate in a National Championship shall be portioned between the players without additional margins other than costs incurred directly by Baseball Victoria outside of the ABF package. Baseball Victoria costs typically include additional food and beverage requirements, fuel for ground transport, coach payments and costs, trials and training costs, uniform hire and launder and equipment supplies such as baseballs and helmets.
If you need any further information please contact Baseball Victoria on 9645 8000
The 2014 Baseball National Under 25 Championships commence Monday 29 September in Cairns, Queensland, bringing together the countries best talent from each state to battle out to be crowned Australia’s best.
Victoria starts the championship with a double-header on Day 1 with matches against New South Wales followed by a match against host state Queensland.
The 2014 Baseball National Under 25 Championship web site provides details on schedules, rosters, live scores and statistics.
The following players are representing Victoria:
| Luke Abels | Essendon |
| Jon Bannister | Heathmont |
| Daniel Beattie | Melbourne |
| Mitchell Bowen | Moorabbin |
| Josh Bride | Preston |
| Daniel Chircop | Williamstoen |
| James Darcy | Mornington |
| Cameron Deeble | Preston |
| Billy Findlay | Doncaster |
| Cameron Gibbens | Berwick City |
| Hayden Godbold | Greensborough |
| Lee Harty | Geelong |
| Alex Hondromatidis | Melbourne |
| Brad Kmet | Cheltenham |
| Ben Leslie | Cheltenham |
| Sam Moon | Essendon |
| Nick Rossell | Cheltenham |
| Liam Vicary-Lovegrove | Guild |
| Matthew Wilson | Waverley |
| Jeremy Young | Newport |
|
Jordan Young |
Newport |
| Kerry Gassner | Manager |
| Dean Marnell | Assistant Coach |
| David Clarkson | Assistant Coach |
| Tony Page | Executive Officer |
Jordan Young
Game reports by Neil Barrowcliff
The Australian Schoolboys team have completed the Oregon leg of their tour with 5 wins, 5 loses and a draw.
Game 8 vs. Mt. Hood College
A slow start to the game after Mt. Hood put 5 runs on the board in the 1st inning. A home run and RBI from Turnbull, and singles from Holding and King allowed Australia to reduce the deficit to 5-3. However Mt. Hood came right back and added a run making the score 6-3 going into the 4th.
D’Avoine was doing a terrific job on the mound keeping the Mt. Hood hitters quiet, and when Holding led off our 6th with a home run over left field, the deficit was down to two runs at 6 – 4. Mt. Hood quickly responded with two more hits of their own in the 6th, and another 5 runs in the 8th to make the final score 13-4.
Game 9 vs. Chemeketa Community College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
V
Australia
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
6
1
H
Chemeketa
0
5
0
0
0
1
0
0
X
6
4
3
Starting for us on the mound was Josh Hendrickson who threw a tidy first innings, highlighted by Whitley’s diving catch at left field.
In the 2nd, King doubled, Quirk beat out an infield hit and Whitley’s bunt scored King for us to score the first run of the game. Chemeketa responded with 5 runs of their own making the score 5-1 going into the third.
Hendrickson then threw two good innings to keep Chemeketa scoreless, but in the meantime our bats were also failing to produce, and so when DeJong relieved Hendrickson for the bottom of the 5th it was still 5 – 1. A lead off error in the 6th, followed by a botched pick off attempt and then a base hit, gave Chemeketa an easy but unearned, run to make it now 6 – 1 in their favour. Leskiw came in to throw a scoreless final inning, ending the game 6-1 to Chemeketa.
Game 10 vs. Linn Benton Community College
Linn Benton secured an early lead with three runs in the 1st, however Australia quickly responded when McCallum led off with a walk, Baker singled and Holding hit his second home run of the tour, a laser-like line drive over left centre to tie the game up at 3 – 3.
Barrett was now in his groove and retired Linn Benton without scoring in the 3rd and 4th. Then in the top of the 5th, D’Avoine got on via a walk and stole second, Rawlinson’s ground ball was errored, and D’Avoine scored on the play. Frew walked and then Turnbull smoked a double to right centre to bring home both Rawlinson and Frew and we were in front for the first time in the game at 6 – 3.
Barrett again shut them down in the 5th and was replaced at the start of the 6th by Whitehead who threw two strikeouts in a scoreless innings.
Rawlinson led off the 7th with a double which hit the left field fence on the full. Turnbull then hit a sharp single to right field for his 3rd RBI of the game to bring in Rawlinson and we were out to a 7 – 3 lead.
Again in the 8th we got a lead off single, this time from Holding. Quirk pinch ran for Holding and was moved over to second by King. Quirk then got to third after getting a good read on a ball in the dirt and the catcher threw the ball away attempting to get him out, bringing him home and it was now 8 -3. Linn Benton replied with a run of their own in the 8th courtesy of two hits, so it was 8 – 4 after the final inning.
Game 11 vs. Corban University
We got off to a great start when three walks loaded the bases, McCallum’s infield ground ball scored a run, as did Baker’s single. Two pass balls followed, and at the end of the innings we had scored four runs. Corban hit back straight away with four hits of their own and so the scores were locked up at 4 – 4 at the end of the 1st.
Enciondo threw a very tidy 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th innings to hold them out, but we were also failing to score ourselves, and so it was still tied up at the end of five innings.
Then in the 6th, Turnbull and McCallum both drew walks, and Baker singled again for another RBI to score Turnbull, and we had taken the lead 5 – 4. Steedman came on to replace Enciondo and Corban scored four runs for them to take the lead 8-5.
Whitley started things for us in the 7th with a pinch hit walk, and then Bourke also came in to pinch hit, and had a great at bat which resulted in a single to score Whitley making the score 8-6. DeJong replaced Steedman on the mound for the start of the 7th and kept them scoreless.
Turnbull led off the 8th with a walk and McCallum dropped down a great running bunt for a safe hit. Baker hit safely again to get his 3rd RBI of the game to score Turnbull, and McCallum moved over to third on the play and Baker was able to get through to second. A bad baulk by the pitcher and a wild pitch scored both McCallum and Baker, and our three runs for the innings saw us retake the lead 9 – 8. Although Corban threatened in the last innings, Australia was able to maintain their lead and win the game 9-8.
The Oregon leg of the tour has now been completed and the team will now fly to Los Angeles for the next part of their tour.
For more updates visit baseball.com.au or schoolsport.edu.au
The Pitch is a weekly news review of Australian’s in the Majors, Minors, College and other Professional Leagues compiled by Major League Baseball International (Australia).If you would like to subscribe directly to receive the pitch email majorleaguebaseball@bigpond.com
Current statistics of all active Australian and New Zealander players are attached.
AUSTRALIANS IN THE MAJORS
Week in Review
Here is the latest on the Australians participating in Major League Baseball. Note: hyperlinks in this section lead to MLB.com pages wrapping up these particular games, in-text hyperlinks are to video clips of those plays.
Grant Balfour (Glenwood NSW) is 2-6 with a 5.22 ERA in 58.2 appearances, 58.2 innings, for the Tampa Bay Rays this season. He has recorded 12 saves from 15 opportunities while allowing 34 runs, all earned, on 49 hits, three homeruns, and 40 walks while striking out 53.
The Rays are 74 - 80 (.481) in 4th place in the American League East, eliminated from the pennant race and Wild Card contention.
·12 September – Grant earned his 12th save of the season pitching one inning and striking out two in the Rays 1-0 win at Toronto. He came on in the bottom of the 9th and faced three batters: Edwin Encarnacion popped out to first; Adam Lind struck out swinging; and Dioner Navarro struck out swinging to end the game.
·14 September – Grant pitched 2/3 of an inning allowing three earned runs on three hits in the Rays 6-5 10-inning win at Toronto. He came on in the bottom 8th with the score 5-1 Tampa Bay and faced five batters: Anthony Gose grounded out to second; Jose Reyes singled to second; Jose Bautista singles to left advancing Reyes to 2nd; Adam Lind homers to left; and Edwin Encarnacion flied out to centre before Grant was relieved.
· 17 September – Grant pitched 1 1/3 innings striking out one in the Rays 3-2 loss to the visiting Yankees. He came on in the 7th with the final score and two outs recorded to face one batter – getting Derek Jeter to ground out to second. In the 8th he faced three batters: Brian McCann lined out to right; Mark Teixeira was called out on strikes; and Chris Young grounded out to short.
Liam Hendriks (Carine WA; Perth Heat) is 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA in six Major League appearances this season, three with Toronto and three with Kansas City. He’s pitched 26.2 innings allowing 15 runs on 27 hits, three homeruns, and six walks while striking out 17.
The Royals are 85 - 68 (.556) in 2nd place in the American League Central 1.5 games behind Detroit. They lead for the second Wild Card slot, half a game ahead of Seattle and half a game behind Oakland for the first Wild Card slot.
· 16 September – Liam recorded no-decision pitching three innings in his 7th MLB start of the season in the Royals 7 – 5 loss to the visiting White Sox. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three.
AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE IMPORTS IN THE MAJORS
Brandon Barnes (Sydney Blue Sox) is batting .253 for the Colorado Rockies with 25 RBI, 16 doubles, four triples and eight homeruns in 273 at bats over 124 games while playing right field. Over his last ten games, dating to 29 August, he’s batting .261 with six hits in 23 at-bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Rockies are 63 - 91 (.409), in fifth place and eliminated from contention in the National League West and for the Wild Card.
Tyler Collins (Sydney Blue Sox) is batting .263 for the Detroit Tigers with three RBI, one homerun in 19 at bats over 12 games while playing left field. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Tigers are 85 - 68 (.556), in 1st place in the National League Central leading Kansas City by 1 1/2 games.
Didi Gregorious (Canberra Cavalry) is batting .204 for the Arizona Diamondbacks with 24 RBI, six doubles, four triples and six homeruns in 235 at bats over 71 games while playing short stop. Over his last ten games, dating to 3 September, he’s batting .194 with seven runs and four RBI, in 31 at-bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Diamondbacks are 62 - 92 (.403) in fourth place and eliminated for contention in the NL West and the Wild Card.
John Holdzkom (Canberra Cavalry, Adelaide Bite) is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA and one Save over six innings in six appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s allowed only one hit and one walk while striking out 11. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Pirates are 83 - 70 (.542) in second place in the NL Central, 2.5 games behind St Louis, and hold the second Wild Card slot by 4.5 games ahead of Milwaukee .
James Jones (Adelaide Bite) is batting .252 for the Seattle Mariners with nine RBI, nine doubles, three triples, and 26 stolen bases in 310 at bats over 100 games while playing centre field. Over his last ten games, dating to 7 September, he’s batting .200 with three runs, on two hits, in 10 at-bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Mariners are 83 - 70 (.542) in third place in the AL West eliminated from pennant contention. They are half a game behind Kansas City for the second Wild Card slot.
Kevin Kiermaier (Canberra Cavalry) is batting .260 for the Tampa Bay Rays with 34 RBI, 16 doubles, six triples and 10 home runs in 308 at bats over 100 games playing right field. He’s scored 35 runs on 80 hits and has stolen five bases. Over his last ten games, dating to 5 September, he’s batting .207 with four runs on six hits with two RBI over 29 at bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Rays are 74 - 80 (.481) in 4th place in the American League East, eliminated from the pennant race and Wild Card contention.
Donald Lutz (Canberra Cavalry) is batting .180 for the Cincinnati Reds with 1 RBI and four doubles in 50 at bats over 27 games playing 1st base. He’s scored two runs on nine hits. Over his last ten games, dating to 4 August, he’s batting .167 with three hits with one RBI over 18 at bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Reds are 71 - 83 (.461) in 4th place in the National League Central, eliminated from pennant and Wild Card contention.
Brandon Maurer (Adelaide Bite) is 1-4 with a 4.87 ERA over 64.2 innings in 34 games for the Seattle Mariners. He’s allowed 37 runs, 35 earned, on 67 hits and 19 walks while striking out 49. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Mariners are 83 - 70 (.542) in third place in the AL West eliminated from pennant contention. They are half a game behind Kansas City for the second Wild Card slot.
AUSTRALIAN ESPN BROADCAST SCHEDULE (All times AEST)
AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE:
AUSTRALIAN SPORTING ALL-STAR NILSSON TO COACH BANDITS
Pat Ryan, TheABL.com.au – 14 September
BLUE SOX RE-SIGN KANDILAS, VAN STEENSEL, AND OELTJEN
Tom ‘Sparrow’ Handley, Sydney Blue Sox – 15 September
LLOYD, HUGHES HELP IN EMERALDS TRIUMPH
Perth coach, star infielder aid in women’s World Cup bronze
Alexis Brudnicki, The ABL.com – 16 September
MLB AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY & BASEBALL AUSTRALIA
BASEBALL AUSTRALIA NAMED FINALIST IN 2014 EXPORT AWARDS
Trish Quayle, Baseball Australia – 19 September
OCEANIA BASEBALL (ONCE REMOVED)
TU’IVAILALA BECOMES FIRST TONGAN TO PLAY IN BASEBALL’S BIG LEAGUE
Kalino Latu, NZ Kaniva Pacific – 14 September
AT A GLANCE
Check out this MLB advert in tribute to Derek Jeter upon his retirement: here.
Baseball Australia has been announced by the Export Council of Australia as a finalist in for the 2014 category of NSW Innovation in Export.
At the finalist announcement in Sydney on Wednesday, the Export Council of Australia explained that applicants were nominated from across a range of industry specific categories via a panel of judges, and that deciding on this year’s line up was no easy task.
Baseball Australia and the Major League Baseball Australian Academy have been recognised for the unique innovative success in providing export opportunities for homegrown baseball talent to play at the highest levels abroad.
These opportunities have provided over 150 young Australian ball players professional contracts with international clubs, which equates to over $20.6 million in signing bonus alone financial success.
The Council explained further at the announcement that International Trade is vital for growth and prosperity across NSW and it’s inspiring to learn about everyday people that push the boundaries in terms of innovation and resilience to succeed in this field.
Baseball Australia CEO, Brett Pickett, said that is it pleasing to see Baseball Australia’s recognition and alignment with other organisations in this field of international success and economic contribution.
“Baseball truly is a global sport and we work very hard to ensure that our pathways and international partnerships provide our athletes the best opportunity for success not only in Australia but around the World,” Mr Pickett said.
Baseball Australia is up against four other finalists in the diverse category of Innovation in Export: Flavourtech (process technology), Gammasonics Institute for Medical Research, Peloris Global Sourcing, and Proudex Australia (natural health supplements). The award will be announced on 23 October at Doltone House, Sydney.