The Baseball Victoria ACES BASEBALL ACADEMY are opening their training facility for private and small group training sessions.
Located at Melbourne Ballpark, the home of the Melbourne Aces, the facility has a gym, access to fields and hitting cages.
These sessions are open to all ages but are ideal for those baseball players who would like to improve their performance this summer season. Damian Shanahan will work with you on specific skills such as hitting, pitching, fielding and catching or you can use your time in the gym.
Each session goes for one hour and has the maximum of two people per time slot. Cost per person per session is $30.
If you would like a private, one on one session it is $40.
Phone 0419 466 394 for available times
Game reports by: Neil Barrowcliff
The Australian School boys team continues their tour down the West Coast of the United States. They played a double header versus Lower Columbia Community College and a single header versus Clarke College, both who have been divisional champions either last year or recently.
Game 5 vs Lower Columbia Community College
Our hitters were unable to bunch together any hits and this was a product of quality opposition pitching, combined with some superb defence. Their outfielders took three great diving catches which if not caught would have resulted in some runs for us.
DeJong threw brilliantly to keep the same score line going until some lucky hits started a rally for Lower Columbia that produced seven base hits in a row that scored five runs, making the final score 10-0.
Game 6 vs Lower Columbia Community College
Columbia scored twice in the first when a routine out early in the innings ended up proving to be costly. We threatened in the top of the 5th and went close to scoring after hits to McCallum and King and a walk to Turnbull, loaded the bases but we were unable to score the runners. Then Colombia, with a walk, a hit and another costly error scored a further two runs to extend their lead to 4 – 0.
In the 6th, we loaded the bases again after singles to Turnbull and McCallum, and Holding drew a walk. Then King stepped to the plate, and with one swing of the bat, tied the game up with a monster grand slam home run over left centre, King now has 12 RBIs in just six games.
Whitehead was continuing to shut down the opposing hitters and in the last innings we had a chance to win the game after McCallum tripled with two out but we were unable to bring him in. Whitehead shut out the game and so it ended at a 4 – 4 draw.
Game 7 vs Clarke College
Inn/Team
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
V
Australia
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
4
1
H
Clarke College
0
4
0
0
0
0
2
1
X
7
10
1
A good start to the game with opening pitcher Steedman shutting out Clarke College in the first. In the 2nd McCallum led off with a single and Holding’s hard hit ground ball forced an error, which allowed McCallum to scamper through to third. Our RBI machine, Tristan King, then hit a deep sacrifice fly to centre field to bring him home and we’d taken an early 1 – 0 lead.
Clarke hit back straight away with two hits and a walk to load the bases with none out. An infield single scored one, and then another two hits and an error scored a further three runs, and so at the end of the 2nd we were down 4 – 1.
Despite getting our lead off hitter on in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th innings we couldn’t score a run. In the meantime, Steedman was doing an outstanding job keeping Clarke also scoreless and so at the end of six innings it was still a 4 – 1 game.
Again in the 7th we got our lead off on via a Holding walk but this time he ended up scoring on Bourke’s infield ground ball so it was now 4 – 2. Leskiw came on to pitch for the start of the 7th but unfortunately threw three straight walks to load the bases with none out. Whitley came on to relieve Leskiw and was able to minimize the damage to two runs which meant we were now down 6 – 2. Clarke added another in the 8th to make the final score 7-2.
The team will now play single header games in Oregon, before attending a College football game and playing a double header against Corbin University.
For more updates about the tour visit baseball.com.au or schoolsports.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 5.01 ERA in 57 appearances, 55.2 innings, for the Tampa Bay Rays this season. He has recorded 11 saves from 14 opportunities while allowing 31 runs, all earned, on 46 hits, two homeruns, and 40 walks while striking out 50.
The Rays are 71 - 77 (.480) in 4th place in the American League East, eliminated from the pennant race and 10 games behind in the Wild Card race.
· 3 September – Grant pitched one inning striking out two in the Rays 7-4 loss to visiting Toronto. He came on in the 9th with the final score in place and faced three batters: Jose Bautista struck out swinging; Edwin Encarnacion was called out on strikes; and Adam Lind flied out to left.
· 9 September – Grant pitched 2/3 of an inning in the Rays 4-3 win at New York. He came on in the 7th with one out recorded and a runner on first. He got Stephen Drew to fly into a double play with the runner doubled off 2nd.
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 80-66 (.548) in 2nd place in the American League Central half a game behind Detroit. They are tied for the second Wild Card slot with Seattle and half a game behind Oakland for the first Wild Card slot.
· 6 September – Liam wore the 6-2 loss at the Yankees pitching four innings allowing three earned runs on seven hits, he issued no walks and struck out three. Liam came on to replace the scheduled starter, Danny Duffy, who suffered an injury throwing one pitch to the first batter of the first inning. He faced four batters in the first allowing one run to score on a double and a single; in the second he faced three batters striking out one; in the third he faced six batters allowing two runs to score on a double, triple and sacrifice fly while striking out one; and in the fourth he allowed one run to score on two singles and a throwing error while striking out one.
· 11 September – Liam copped the 6-3 loss to visiting Boston allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits and two walks while striking out one in 2.1 innings. In the first he faced four batters, allowing one single. In the second he faced five batters allowing one run on a double and fielding error. In the third he allowed two runs on two singles, a walk and a hit batsman over five batters before being relieved.
AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE IMPORTS IN THE MAJORS
Brandon Barnes (Sydney Blue Sox) is batting .248 for the Colorado Rockies with 22 RBI, 14 doubles, four triples and seven homeruns in 262 at bats over 120 games while playing right field. Over his last ten games, dating to 24 August, he’s batting .150 with three hits in 20 at-bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Rockies are 59 - 88 (.401), in fifth place and eliminated from contention in the National League West and 19 games behind the Wild Card.
Tyler Collins (Sydney Blue Sox) is batting .222 for the Detroit Tigers with three RBI, one homerun in 18 at bats over 11 games while playing left field. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Tigers are 81 - 66 (.551), in 1st place in the National League Central leading Kansas City by a half game.
Didi Gregorious (Canberra Cavalry) is batting .204 for the Arizona Diamondbacks with 23 RBI, six doubles, four triples and six homeruns in 221 at bats over 67 games while playing short stop. Over his last ten games, dating to 30 August, he’s batting .143 with four runs and three RBI, in 28 at-bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Diamondbacks are 59 - 88 (.401) in fourth place and eliminated for contention in the NL West they are 19 game behind the Wild Card.
John Holdzkom (Canberra Cavalry, Adelaide Bite) is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA and one Save over five innings in five appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s allowed only one hit and one walk while striking out nine. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Pirates are 78 - 69 (.531) in second place in the NL Central, 2.5 games behind St Louis, and hold the second Wild Card slot by 1.5 games ahead of Milwaukee .
James Jones (Adelaide Bite) is batting .250 for the Seattle Mariners with nine RBI, nine doubles, and 25 stolen bases in 304 at bats over 94 games while playing centre field. Over his last ten games, dating to 31 August, he’s batting .143 with three runs in seven at-bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Mariners are 80 - 66 (.548) in third place in the AL West 11.5 games behind the Los Angeles Angels. They are tied for the second Wild Card slot with Kansas City and half a game behind Oakland for the first Wild Card slot.
Kevin Kiermaier (Canberra Cavalry) is batting .270 for the Tampa Bay Rays with 33 RBI, 16 doubles, six triples and 10 home runs in 293 at bats over 96 games playing right field. He’s scored 33 runs on 79 hits and has stolen five bases. Over his last ten games, dating to 1 September, he’s batting .280 with two runs on seven hits with two RBI over 25 at bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Rays are 71 - 77 (.480) in 4th place in the American League East, eliminated from the pennant race and 10 games behind in the Wild Card race.
Donald Lutz (Canberra Cavalry) is batting .186 for the Cincinnati Reds with 1 RBI and four doubles in 43 at bats over 23 games playing 1st base. He’s scored two runs on eight hits. Over his last ten games, dating to 27 July, he’s batting .158 with one run on three hits with one RBI over 19 at bats. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Reds are 70 - 78 (.473) in 4th place in the National League Central, 11 games behind St Louis and 8.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.
Brandon Maurer (Adelaide Bite) is 1-4 with a 5.00 ERA over 63.2 innings in 32 games for the Seattle Mariners. He’s allowed only 37 runs, 35 earned, on 67 hit and 19 walks while striking out 49. He’s made several video highlights which can be viewed here. The Mariners are 80 - 66 (.548) in third place in the AL West 11.5 games behind the Los Angeles Angels. They are tied for the second Wild Card slot with Kansas City and half a game behind Oakland for the first Wild Card slot.
AUSTRALIAN ESPN BROADCAST SCHEDULE (All times AEST)
MLB ANNOUNCES 2014 POSTSEASON SCHEDULE
The 110th World Series Set to Start on Tuesday 21 October
Major League Baseball today announced the schedule for the 2014 Postseason.
Following the last day of the MLB regular season on Sunday, September 28th, any necessary Tiebreaker Games would be played on Monday, September 29th.
The A.L. Wild Card Game will be played on Tuesday, September 30th, followed by the N.L. Wild Card Game on Wednesday, October 1st.
Both A.L. Division Series will begin on Thursday, October 2nd. The first full slate of Division Series games, featuring two N.L. Division Series openers and a pair of ALDS Game Twos, will be held on Friday, October 3rd. Overall, the Division Series will be scheduled from Thursday, October 2nd through Thursday, October 9th, with a pair of potential Game Fives possible on Wednesday, October 8th (ALDS) and Thursday, October 9th (NLDS).
The American League Championship Series will begin on Friday, October 10th and the National League Championship Series begins on Saturday, October 11th. A potential Game Seven of the ALCS is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, while a potential Game Seven of the NLCS is set for Sunday, October 19th.
Game One of the 2014 World Series is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st in the city of the American League Champions. This will mark the first time that the World Series will start on a day other than Wednesday since the 2006 Fall Classic, which began on a Saturday. From 1991-2006, the World Series was scheduled to open on Saturday each year. The World Series has not begun on a Tuesday since 1990. Overall, the Postseason schedule has been shortened by one day, removing one of the two off days that had been between the last potential LCS game and the first game of the World Series.
The Fall Classic will shift to the ballpark of the National League Champions for Game Three on Friday, October 24th. A Game Seven, if necessary, would be played on Wednesday, October 29th back in the A.L. city. The scheduled off days during the World Series are Thursday, October 23rd and Monday, October 27th.
ABL ALUMNI ARE ENJOYING MLB SUCCESS
Ten ABL alumni now active in the big leagues
Nina Zimmerman, TheABL.com.au – 5 September
GRANT BALFOUR DELIVERS ON MADDON SAVE CHANCE
Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay.com – 12 September
PLUS How To Speak Australian with Grant Balfour, watch here.
HOLDZKOM’S PATH TO BIGS TOOK MANY TWISTS
JJ Cooper, Baseball America – 5 September
NO ‘JOHNNY KIWI’ BUT PROUD TO WEAR BLACK OF NZ
Sam Worthington, Dominion Post – 6 September
DOUBLE-A LEAGUES:
WELCH HOMERS TWICE AS SEA DOGS TIE SERIES
Danny Wild, MiLB.com – 4 September
Stefan Welch admits he might have had some luck on his side Thursday.
SINGLE-A LEAGUES:
WHITECAPS MANAGER ANDREW GRAHAM REFLECTS ON SEASON: ‘THERE’S A LOT TO BE PROUD OF’
Peter J Wallner, MLive.com – 6 September
TODD VAN STEENSEL GETS SOME BLING
The Baseball Digest – 10 September
AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE:
MELBOURNE ACES SIGN WHITE SOX PROSPECTS
Baseball Digest – 11 September
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
AUSTRALIAN EMERALDS WIN BRONZE AT WOMEN’S BASEBALL WORLD CUP
The Emeralds defeated Canada 3-2 to take out the Bronze at the IBAF Women’s World Cup in Miyazaki, Japan, and win their second medal in World Cup history
Trish Quayle, Baseball Australia
The Aussie side erased an early 2-0 deficit, with New South Wales’ Stephanie Gaynor earning the win off relief in the second inning.
After Canada had tagged starting pitcher Melinda Latimer for two runs on two hits to start the game, Gaynor was brought in and silenced the Canadian offense, allowing only 1 hit over the next 5 1/3 innings.
Australia struck for one run in each of the second-, fifth- and seven/final inning to complete the comeback victory. Victorian and Professional Japanese League player, Shae Lillywhite had two hits on the day, including, a laced single down the right-field line to tie the game at 2-2.
The win for Australia was payback for Canada’s bronze medal victory over the Emeralds two years ago at the 2012 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Edmonton, Canada, and the second time they beat Canada in two days through semi-playoffs.
SHINING GEMS
With the win, Australia’s Leigh Godfrey from Western Australia becomes the first player in history to win medals at both baseball and softball world championships.Shae Lillywhite earned the honours of “Best Second Basewoman” of this VI Women’s World Cup.
MAJOR LEAGUE INFLUENCE
Two former Major League Baseball stars on the coaching roster bolstered the Emeralds to this bronze medal performance:
Two-time New York Yankees World Series Champion and Australian Sporting Hall of Famer, Graeme Lloyd, is the Emeralds Pitching Coach. Lloyd is also assistance coach of the National Men’s team, the Southern Thunder, and the Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat.
Luke Hughes swapped from Southern Thunder infielder to Emeralds Assistant Coach for this World Cup. Hughes was the 106th person to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat in 2010, and is a two-time ABL Champion with the Alcohol. Think Again Perth Heat.
LEAVING THEIR MARK
With Australia’s bronze medal performance, the Emeralds now take sole possession of being ranked No. 3 in the world behind No. 1 Japan and No. 2 USA.
Australia now hold a Bronze and Silver medal in the trophy cabinet, with their 2010 second-place Women’s World Cup performance in Maracay, Venezuela.
Game reports by: Neil Barrowcliff
The Australian schoolboys team has played their first four games of a 23 game tour across Oregon, Washington, California and Arizona. Over the weekend they played two days of double headers against Clackamas Community College in Oregon and Showtime Baseball, a team made up of high school All-Stars from Washington.
Game 1 vs. Clackamas Community College, Oregon
Barrett was the starting pitcher and retired the first three hitters in good style. Clackamas opened the scoring in the 2nd on the back of two hits and a walk to take an early 1 – 0 lead. Australia was able to tie the game in the 4th when McCallum walked, stole second and scored on Rawlinson’s base hit up the middle. Rawlinson was then able to move over to third on Holding’s deep fly ball to left field and scored on King’s single to right field, resulting in a 2-1 lead. However, Clackamas scored four for the innings and were now back in front 5 – 2.
We responded in great style in the 5th when Neunborn led off with a single, Frew walked, Turnbull singled and we had loaded bases with none out. McCallum then doubled to left centre to score two, and then a wild pitch and an overthrow on the same play, resulted in Turnbull and McCallum both coming home, scoring four of our own and once again taking the lead.
Clackamas were able to tie it up again in the 6th, so going into the final innings the game was locked up at 6 – 6.
Frew drew a lead off walk, and then Turnbull also walked. McCallum laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move them over to second and third. With two out, Holding also walked and then King, in a great piece of two out clutch hitting, doubled to right centre to score all three and retake the lead. Dejong then shut them down in the 7th and we had taken out the first game of the tour 9 – 6.
Game 2 vs. Clackamas Community College, Oregon
We opened the scoring in the second when McCallum walked and stole second. Holding moved him over to third and then he scored on King’s fielder’s choice. Clackamas replied straight away with two runs so they were now in front 2 – 1.
Clackamas bunched together another bunch of hits in the 3rd to score another three and the scoreline was out to 5 – 1.
D’Avoine came on to pitch for the start of the 4th and after keeping them scoreless that inning, Clackamas were then able to score a further three runs in the 5th and it was now 8-1 their way. Our own bats were struggling a little with only three base hits in the first five innings.
Clackamas scored a further run in the 6th and the final scoreline was 9-1.
Game 3 vs. Showtime Baseball, Washington
It was a real pitcher’s duel to start with the first three innings being scoreless from both teams. Enciondo was our starting pitcher and he was doing a great job, striking out four without conceding a hit.
Then in the 4th innings our bats really came to life when our first five hitters in Neunborn, Frew, Turnbull, McCallum and Holding all hit consecutive singles. We did leave loaded bases out there but scored three runs to take the lead 3 – 0.
Quirk singled to lead off the 5th and was moved to second on Neunborn’s hit-run. Frew then singled to bring Quirk home and we had extended our lead to 4 – 0.
We scored again in the 6th in what Head Coach, Peter Giles, calls a team run. McCallum led off with a double, then Holding ground out the opposite way to move him over to third, and he scored on King’s sacrifice fly. Showtime opened their account in the 6th mainly due to two costly fielding errors and scored twice to make it a 5 – 2 scoreline going into the last innings.
Enciondo came out of the game after throwing six innings and giving up only three hits while striking out six, and giving up no earned runs. Whitehead came on to start the 7th and threw a tidy inning to close out the game with a 5-2 win.
Game 4 vs. Showtime Baseball, Washington
Whitehead led off the game with a double, and Turnbull walked. A successful double steal saw us with runners on second and third but we left them both out there. Steedman started for us and was immediately on song striking out three in his first two innings.
We got on the scoreboard in the 3rd when Frew led off with a single and then stole second. Turnbull moved him over to third and Frew, in a great piece of heads up running, was able to score on a pass ball, which really didn’t get that far away from the catcher. McCallum then smashed a double to right field, moved to third on a wild pitch, and was scored on a nice piece of team hitting by D’Avoine. In the meantime, Steedman was doing a great job keeping the opposition hitters quiet and so at the end of three innings we were up 2 - 0.
In the 4th, Steedman gave up a run and was relieved by Rawlinson. He’d been terribly unlucky with a cheap error, a chinker over second base, and a soft ground ball which King had covered at first but it hit the base and deflected away from him. Rawlinson did a terrific job coming on with loaded bases and one out and not allowing another run to score. He was helped out by Quirk who threw a runner out at home plate from right field. So at the end of four innings it was 2 – 1 our way.
We gave ourselves a little insurance run in the 5th when McCallum and D’Avoine hit consecutive doubles to extend our lead to 3 – 1. Rawlinson then struck out three hitters to take us into the 6th.
Another three runs in the 6th and we were out to 6 – 1 courtesy of three walks and a hit to Frew. Showtime hit back with two runs of their own but were aided by a couple of infield hits and an error from ourselves.
Then in the 7th, we scored seven runs to blow the game apart with three walks and hits to King (two for the innings), Whitehead and Frew. Rawlinson came out of the game and he’d done a sterling job coming in in a tough situation and really getting us out of trouble. For the second time today, Whitehead came on to pitch in the 7th and had another cheap innings to finish off the game winners 13 – 3.
All three pitchers had done a really good job and eight out of the nine starters had scored a run, and seven different guys had got a base hit so it was a real team effort. Frew did well with the bat collecting three hits and three RBIs.
The team had a rest day yesterday, today they play a double header against Lower Columbia Community College in Washington.
For more updates about the tour visit baseball.com.au or schoolsports.edu.au.
Welcome to Baseball Australia’s new look E-Newsletter “Line-Up” for September 2014. Moving forward, this newsletter will be sent out monthly and will include up to date information and resources for all our members and community.
The new baseball season has begun and registrations for the 2014/2015 membership year have been open for many weeks now. It is pleasing to see the increased usage of the new membership system with more and more members choosing to self-register using the sports IMG system. We have already seen a strong increase in self registrations, which is extremely satisfying as the more our sport collectively utilises this system, the better we will be positioned to continue to grow.
What a year it has been so far for Australian Baseball, with the staging of the 2014 Major League Baseball Opening Series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, wonderful displays of skill and sportsmanship by our various teams in all corners of the world, the Australian Baseball League finalising its 5th season and continuing to grow, and participation and engagement in our sport continuing to expand.
Congratulations must go to our two (2) National teams the Southern Thunder and the Emeralds. After a heart breaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Southern Thunder bounced back to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the exhibition games prior to the Opening Series. It was a historical moment not only for the coaches and players but also for all fans of Australian Baseball.
The national women’s team, the Emeralds, also did us all extremely proud by winning the bronze medal at the recent Women’s World Cup in Japan. Congratulations to first time head coach Simone Wearne on a great world cup campaign and for continuing to demonstrate that we have some of the best women’s baseball players in the world.
The Perth Northern Metros Little League team also made history recently by becoming the first ever Australian Little League team to win a game at the Little League World Series. Our Little League teams have fast become fan favorites at the annual World Series due to their exemplary sportsmanship and never say die attitude.
To the army of volunteers who are about to embark on a summer of coaching, umpiring, cutting grass, marking lines, washing uniforms or organising players, I wish you the best of luck for a wonderful and fulfilling season and send my sincere thank you for all that you do for our great sport.
Make sure you visit baseball.com.au regularly to keep up to date with everything baseball in Australia!
The Australian schoolboys team has left for a three-week tour in the US. The team is travelling over 3,000km and playing twenty-three games across Oregon, Washington State, California and Arizona.
Australian Schools Roster 2014
For more updates about the tour visit baseball.com.au or schoolsport.edu.au.
If you are considering participating in the inaugural Dingo World Series – Gold Coast Jan 2-9 2015, we are happy to announce that Victoria will have 2 teams competing for top honors.
There are two places left on the team. If you are interested in joining the team contact Ashleigh Harman
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - DINGO WORLD SERIES
Victorian boys and girls under the age of 14 years* are invited to fill in an online expression of interest form to play in a touring team traveling to the Gold Coast this January.
The Dingo World Series is an exciting experience the whole family can enjoy. Located on the Gold Coast, near beaches, golf courses and with Dreamworld as a partner, there is something at this tournament for everyone in the family!
There are 32 available roster spots for participants. In the event that expressions of interest exceed 32, Baseball Victoria will conduct an appropriate team selection process.
Baseball Victoria will be scheduling information evenings in the coming weeks and encourages all interested parties to attend.
A Baseball Victoria staff member will contact you in the coming weeks with further information.
For any immediate or urgent queries please contact our office on 9645 8000 or playball@baseballvictoria.com.au
*Please note - Player can not turn 14 before January 10 2015
There will be a cost of $2,300 per player (plus up to $200 BV Admin Fees), which includes:
Introducing the Dingo World Series 2015
Dingo International are pleased to introduce the Dingo World Series, a baseball experience to
be held on the Gold Coast, Australia, in January 2015, the first of its kind.
The Under 14 aged event, invites teams from around Australia and the World to qualify to be
a part of this once in a lifetime experience. The Dingo World Series (DWS) will be a worldclass
event, with an international baseball tournament precinct located right in the heart of the
Gold Coast’s playground of family entertainment and fun.
The creative brainchild of former Australian Olympic Team Captain and MLB All-Star, David
Nilsson, the DWS is hosted in partnership with Baseball Queensland and sanctioned by
Baseball Australia.
Leaning on his background growing up and playing in Australian junior tournaments, David
hopes to create unique opportunities and experiences for baseball families and organizations.
“I am excited to host a first of its kind junior baseball event, where all players across Australia
have the chance to experience International games in our own backyard”
David Nilsson
The Women’s National Team, the Emeralds, have won the bronze at the 2014 ENEOS presents VI IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup. Coming back from an early 2-0 deficit, the Emeralds were able to beat Canada in 7 innings with a final score of 3-2.
After Canada put two runs on the board in the top of the first and an extensive rain delay, which caused the teams to have to change fields, the Emeralds came back fighting. Putting a run on the board in each of the second, fifth and seventh innings, as well as holding Canada scoreless for the remainder of the game.
Shae Lillywhite and Christina Kreppold each had two hits with an RBI and Leigh Godfrey, Taylah Welch and Bronwyn Gell each had a hit apiece. Stephanie Gaynor was awarded the victory after coming in to replace Melinda Latimer in the second, only giving up one hit and no runs in her best performance for the Emeralds.
Helping coach them to their Bronze victory were two Major league Baseball stars. Two-time New York Yankees World Series Champion and Australian Sporting Hall of Famer, Graeme Lloyd as the pitching coach. As well as Luke Hughes who was the 106th person to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat.
This is the second medal for the Emeralds, after their silver medal at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Venezuela in 2010. As well as payback for Canada's bronze medal victory over the Emeralds two years ago at the 2012 World Cup in Canada. The Emeralds are now ranked No. 3 in the world behind no.1 Japan and no. 2 USA.
After an impressive tournament for Shae Lillywhite, she earned the honours of "best second base woman" and named on the All-Star team. Leigh Godfrey also makes history being the first player in history to win medals at both baseball and softball world championships.
For more updates about the Emeralds visit emeralds.baseball.com.au or follow the official Facebook and Twitter pages.
#EpicEmeralds #Emeralds2014
Photo by Sharon Gell
The Emeralds played Canada yesterday in a practice session for the real game on Sunday at the 2014 Women's World Cup. The team battled for 9 innings before taking home the win against a tough Canadian team 6-5.
The game had remained scoreless until the Emeralds came on to score in the bottom of the 5th. Canada fought back adding two runs in the top of the 6th with the Emeralds tying it up in the top of the 7th.
With the tie breaker rule in effect, each team added three runs in the 8th and in the 9th catcher Tahnee Lovering came up big with a walk-off single up the middle to secure the victory.
Maddison Lenard made a fantastic start on the mound, throwing 5 innings and keeping the team in the game. Jacinda Barclay and Lauren McGrath both did well out of the pen.
Overall it was bats that did the talking, Shae Lillywhite biting back after a no hit game against the USA to go 4 from 4 with 2 runs, and Taylah Welch came up big with two hits.
The Emeralds will play Canada for the Bronze medal today at 10:00 am (11:00 am AEST) at Sun Marine Stadium, followed by the Gold medal game between Japan and the USA.
To follow the Emerald’s progress visit emeralds.baseball.com.au or follow the team on the official Facebook or Twitter page.
#EpicEmeralds #Emeralds2014