Moorabbin secured the club's first VSBL Division 2 Premiership since the 2015/16 season, sweeping Newport in two games with a 4-2 win on Thursday and a 7-6 win this afternoon at Melbourne Ballpark.

Moorabbin defeated a resilient Rams side that kept battling all the way through the final out, staging a comeback after falling behind 4-0 in the seventh and 7-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Both teams had 12 hits on the day with two errors charged to Moorabbin and none to Newport.

Moorabbin scored first in the third on a groundout from Kieran Lewis. Newport had back-to-back singles in the bottom frame from Scot Malthouse and Nathan Smith but the runners were left stranded.

The Panthers scored one on a groundout in the third and two in the fourth on a Matt Hardie single and a wild pitch. The fourth Moorabbin run scored on a groundout in the seventh.

Newport's first run came in the bottom of the eighth on a home run from Troy Malthouse. Scot Malthouse doubled but was left stranded.

Moorabbin added two in the top of the ninth with a double from Travis Finney and a groundout from Nick Bertucci.

Things got interesting in the bottom of the ninth as Newport fought back, putting on five runs and keeping the game alive with two outs.

Mason Wray had a lead-off double to left and Matt Lawman followed up with a two-run homer. Moorabbin calmed things down to get two outs, but Newport loaded the bases with singles from Aaron Robson and Connor Schibeci plus an error at third as Trenell Hutchins reached first.

Scot Malthouse made it a 7-4 ballgame with an RBI single, while Nathan Smith grounded out into a fielder's choice that scored two runs. A final groundout saved Moorabbin's lead as the Panthers celebrated a hard-earned victory after a strong season.

Chris Nielsen got the win after throwing eight and two-thirds innings, allowing six runs on 12 hits with no walks and six K's. Michael McGillivray threw one-third of an inning to record the last out and earn the save.

Newport's Tyler Comben took the loss despite a solid performance, throwing six and two-third innings with nine hits, four runs, and five strikeouts.

Congratulations to Moorabbin and well done to Newport on a terrific season!

Click HERE to read the recap from the first game of the grand final series.

Moorabbin came away with the first win in the 2020/21 VSBL Division 2 Grand Final Series, meaning the Panthers need just one win over the weekend to secure their first premiership since the 2015/16 season, while Newport will need to take the next two to win it all.

Moorabbin Panthers 4 v Newport Rams 2

Newport opened the scoring with an RBI double from Matt Lawman on this first pitch of his at-bat.

Moorabbin wasn't deterred, knotting the game up at two in the bottom of the first inning with a Mitch Barr single.

It was in the third when Moorabbin pulled away for good with Nick Bertucci's solo home run.

Mike McGillvray earned the victory on the pitcher's mound for Moorabbin with eight solid innings, giving up just six hits and two runs with a pair of strikeouts. Chris Nielsen threw one inning in relief and recorded the last three outs to earn the save as Moorabbin left Melbourne Ballpark victorious.

David Asp took the loss, surrendering four runs on seven hits across five innings with one walk and three strikeouts.

Mason Wray went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Newport in hits as the team had seven hits overall.

Moorabbin racked up 11 hits including multiple from Kieran Lewis and Matt Hardie. Stewart Mathieson had the most chances in the field with 13 as the team made no errors on the night.

Game 2 is Saturday 27 March at 1:00pm and Game 3 will be Sunday if required.

The Victorian School Sports Awards will be announced on Friday 26 March 2021 with a livestream starting at noon.

Learn more about the awards HERE.

The 2020/21 VSBL Division 1 season all comes down to Waverley and Essendon in the grand final. Essendon took the first game with the next two set for Saturday 27 March and Sunday 28 March.

Waverley Wildcats 4 v Essendon Bombers 6

Waverley fell behind early and couldn't quite bounce back, despite out-hitting Essendon nine to eight.

Essendon scored on a 2-RBI single by Michael Formisano in the first inning and a groundout by Scott McIntyre in the second inning.

Essendon Bombers scored three runs in the third inning with RBIs from Cody Rodwell and Shoma Ikehata.

Sam Street led Essendon with a strong pitching performance, throwing six and two-thirds innings. He allowed four runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts. Formisano threw two and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen, recording the last seven outs to get the save.

Luke Papanicolaou took the loss for Waverley after allowing five hits and six runs over three innings, striking out one.

Ben Aslett, Jordan Ley, and Damon Hill had two hits apiece for Waverley. The team didn't commit an error as Oscar Hargreaves took the most fielding chances with 11.

Jared Cruz went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Essendon in hits.

Watch the game replay on Facebook and tune in for game two at 4:30 pm on Saturday 27 March.

For the full VSBL Finals livestreaming schedule with My Sport Live, click HERE.

Baseball Victoria is excited to continue our partnership with My Sport Live to livestream the 2020/21 Victorian Summer Baseball League Grand Finals this week.

Game will be streamed on the Baseball Victoria and VSBL Facebook pages as well as the MSL Livestream channel. The streaming schedule includes:

• Men’s Division 1 - Waverley v Essendon at Melbourne Ballpark on Tuesday 23 March (6:30pm), Saturday 27 March (4:30pm), and Sunday 28 March (4:30pm) if required.
• Women’s Division 1 – Essendon v Springvale at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (3:30pm on diamond 1)
• Men’s Division 2 – Moorabbin v Newport at Melbourne Ballpark on Thursday 25 March (6:30pm), Saturday 27 March, (1:00pm), and Sunday 28 March (1:00pm) if required.
• Women’s Division 2 – Footscray v Springvale at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (1:00pm on diamond 1)
• Women’s Division 3 West – Melbourne v Doncaster at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (10:00am on diamond 1)

Due to the livestream availability for earlier setup on Essendon’s Diamond 1, we have the capacity to stream the VSBL Women’s Division 3 West game between Melbourne and Doncaster starting at 10:00am. This has been determined after streaming the VSBL Women’s Division 3 East game last year due to a similar logistical opportunity.

My Sport Live and Baseball Victoria previously worked together to deliver quality streaming for the 2019/20 VSBL Grand Finals at Melbourne Ballpark and Springvale Lions Baseball Club, as well as the 2020 Baseball Victoria Awards.

“After working with My Sport Live to deliver quality streaming last year, we are excited to provide accessible streams once again for our Victorian Baseball community,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We hope our clubs, teams, and baseball supporters across the state and beyond enjoy the coverage as we wrap up a safe and successful summer season.”

My Sport Live is pleased to be continue collaborating with Baseball Victoria.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight Victorian baseball and we can’t wait to bring exciting baseball action to Victorian supporters,” My Sport Live Managing Director Andrew Weiss said. “We look forward to connecting the community with their beloved baseball throughout this big week of finals.”

You can access the livestreams on the BV Facebook, VSBL Facebook, or MSL Livestream channel.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce that Essendon Baseball Club will host the 2020/21 VSBL Women’s Grand Finals.

Four finals will be played at the Women’s Super Saturday, including:

• Women’s Division 1 – Essendon v Springvale at 3:30pm
• Women’s Division 2 – Footscray v Springvale at 1:00pm
• Women’s Division 3 East – Moorabbin v Warriors at 1:00pm (diamond 2)
• Women’s Division 3 West – Melbourne v Doncaster at 10:00am

The club is looking forward to the big day highlighting women’s baseball, including their growing women’s program with the Women’s Division 1 team looking for their second premiership in three years.

“We hope all the girls and spectators enjoy the day and the sport itself is showcased at the highest level to encourage growth of baseball,” Essendon Club President Tony Cornish said. “Over the past few years, EBC has created a premium facility which is fitting to showcase such a great event. We are excited as a club to ensure everyone that attends the day is proud to be part of our great game.”

With brand new facilities for players and officials, Essendon is prepared for a memorable grand final day complete with a digital scoreboard, BBQ, canteen, coffee and more. 

“Thank you to Essendon Baseball Club for hosting VSBL Women’s Grand Finals, which will be a great way to finish off a safe and successful summer season,“ Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We hope the Victorian baseball community can get out and enjoy a fantastic day of women’s baseball.”

Click HERE to view VSBL finals fixtures and semi-final results.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to confirm grand final fixtures for VSBL Women’s and Men’s Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3.

The exciting VSBL final series will include:

• Men’s Division 1 - Waverley v Essendon at Melbourne Ballpark on Tuesday 23 March (6:30pm), Saturday 27 March (4:30pm), and Sunday 28 March (4:30pm) if required.
• Women’s Division 1 – Essendon v Springvale at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (3:30pm on diamond 1)
• Men’s Division 2 – Moorabbin v Newport at Melbourne Ballpark on Thursday 25 March (6:30pm), Saturday 27 March, (1:00pm), and Sunday 28 March (1:00pm) if required.
• Women’s Division 2 – Footscray v Springvale at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (1:00pm on diamond 1)
• Men’s Division 3 Firsts – Springvale v North Western at Springvale on Sunday 28 March (2:30pm on diamond 1)
• Men’s Division 3 Seconds – Springvale v Footscray at Springvale on Sunday 28 March (2:00pm on diamond 2)
• Women’s Division 3 East – Moorabbin v Warriors at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (1:00pm on diamond 2)
• Women’s Division 3 West – Melbourne v Doncaster at Essendon on Saturday 27 March (10:00am on diamond 1)

Please note if only one game is required on Sunday 28 March at Melbourne Ballpark, the game will start at 2:00pm.

The Division 1 Fourths game between Melbourne and Essendon that was unable to be completed yesterday due to the rain has been rescheduled to Sunday 28 March at 2:00pm at Melbourne.

Click HERE to view all fixtures.

Click HERE to read more about Women’s Super Saturday at Essendon.

The 2020/21 VSBL season culminated in thrilling grand finals for many competitions over the weekend.

The grand final fixtures for VSBL Women’s and Men’s Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 have been confirmed HERE.

Congratulations to all the VSBL Grand Final winners from a big weekend of games!

Click HERE to view winning photos.

Division 1 Seconds

Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers 3 v Essendon Bombers 13

Second-placed Essendon celebrated its first Division 1 Reserves premiership since the 2011/12 season, beating third-placed Upwey Ferntree Gully in seven innings after a monster seventh inning stretch.

Upwey Ferntree Gully got on the board first, scoring a run in the second but the scores were tied once again as the third inning drew to a close when Essendon brought in its first score of the afternoon.

The Bombers would add another in the fifth after a scoreless fourth inning from each side but increased the margin to five runs with a four-run effort in the sixth.

The Tigers came back and looked ready to reply, scoring two runs to keep the game going however Essendon was keen to put the game to bed, scoring seven runs to win at the bottom of the seventh.

Luke Abels was on the mound for Essendon, giving up three runs from seven hits in seven innings while striking out seven batters.

Keeley Ronalds Greatbatch started on the hill for Upwey Ferntree Gully, lasting four innings and allowing one run on four hits, striking out five. Mitch John and Josh Yung entered from the bullpen in relief.

Mark Jones was the pick of the hitters for the Tigers, collecting two hits in three at bats while the Bombers tallied 10 hits for the game with Declan Spiers, Harrison Fitzgerald, Adam Merzel, and Lachlan Condie each racking up multiple hits. Spiers was fast on the base paths, stealing three bases.

Division 1 Thirds

Berwick City Cougars 11 v Geelong Baycats 5

Berwick, who finished the season in fourth place and scraping through to get into the top four on a head-to-head record have provided another upset after last weekend's win over ladder-leaders Sandringham, beating second-placed Geelong to claim its first Division 1 Thirds title.

Berwick got off to the best possible start, leading off the game with two runs in the first and three runs in the second as Geelong was forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the afternoon.

After two scoreless frames Berwick got back on the board with a run scoring in the fifth before another four runs in the sixth inning had the lead at 10.

The Baycats had a challenge in front of them and slowly started to bring the margin back, starting with one run at the bottom of the sixth. However, it was quickly cancelled out as the Cougars responded with one of their own the next innings.

Geelong put together a nice rally at the bottom part of the inning but the four runs wasn't enough to keep the game going, the spirited fightback not working out.

Joel Hector saw out the seven innings on the mound for the Cougars with 14 first-pitch strikes and four strikeouts overall.

Cooper Rickard had four innings on the mound for the Baycats with four strikeouts while James Lappen had two innings to ply his trade, amassing two strikeouts.

Jacob Dickenson lead the way with the bat for Berwick, collecting three hits while Hector had two hits on the day. Brodie McTolridge brought in two runs.

Maxton Sherry had two hits for Geelong as Cooper Tipping was disciplined in the box, drawing three walks.

Division 1 Fourths

The Melbourne v Essendon game was washed out and has been rescheduled to Sunday 28 March at 2:00pm at Melbourne.

Division 2 Seconds

Werribee Giants 7 v Moorabbin Panthers 5

Werribee and Moorabbin played out a close grand final as the home team and defending champions were required to recover from a 7-0 deficit after the top of the fourth inning, a five-run first inning helping the Giants to a big advantage. Instead of back-to-back Division 2 Seconds Moorabbin wins, the first-placed side were beaten by second-placed Werribee, who won its first title in the division.

As well as the offence working, the defensive unit were equally as good during the second half of the game. Despite not scoring within the first three times they came up to bat, Moorabbin got on the board in the fourth and was slowly clawing back to score, adding another two in the fifth.

The Panthers added two more to their score in the seventh but tight defense from both sides for the final two innings ensured no further runs were scored, Werribee maintaining its lead, and the win.

Mitch Sheldon-Collins had six innings working his craft on the mound for Moorabbin with three strikeouts. Felix Brunner also saw time in the middle.

Harry Garrett and John Curnow pitched four and three innings respectively for the Giants while Cameron McNish also came on to pitch, recording an equal game-high three strikeouts.

Garrett was the only Werribee player who recorded multiple hits with two for the day. Jacob Sigismondi tallied two RBIs.

For Moorabbin, Tom Brookes was the teams only one who scored multiple hits with two also with Sheldon-Collins collecting two RBIs.

Division 2 Thirds

Doncaster Dragons 11 v Newport Rams 12

A one-run ballgame that went the way of Newport courtesy of a walk-off RBI single from Ayden Ham to bring Kevin Johnson home allowed the Rams to record their first premiership in Division 2 Thirds.

Newport was the team to beat all season long, going undefeated at 10-0 while the second-placed Doncaster gave the Rams a run for their money.

Division 2 Fourths

Ormond Glenhuntly Hunters 12 v Williamstown Wolves 2

Williamstown was unable to improve its Division 2 Fourths grand final record to three in four years, going down to Ormond Glenhuntly, instead the Hunters celebrating their first win in this division since the 2008/09 season.

The undefeated Wolves were outclassed by the third-placed Hunters, a dominant outing by the away side however they left their chance to get runs late, an eight-run fifth inning changing the landscape of the game.

Williamstown was first to score with two in the first inning where Ormond Glenhuntly halved the deficit at the next available chance before two scoreless frames.

Ormond Glenhuntly added three more insurance runs at the top of the sixth to have a 10-run lead which remained as the Hunters kept the Wolves scoreless to end the game.

Division 4 East

Melbourne Demons Blue 7 v Waverley Wildcats Black 6

Second-placed Melbourne Blue has won a second Division 4 East title after claiming the premiership last year, beating undefeated ladder-leaders Waverley Black in a close contest.

After three scoreless innings, Waverley Black scored took a three-run lead after four innings before Melbourne Blue scored one at the top of the fifth.

The Wildcats doubled their score in the sixth to lead by five runs but the Demons weren't feeling down, picking up the bats in the seventh to take the lead by scoring six runs to force the game to continue and for Waverley Black a chance to bat to which the Demons defense were on point, restricting the Wildcats to claim a comeback grand final win.

Division 4 North

North Coburg Rebels B 12 v Fitzroy Lions A 2

It was a heart-breaking loss for the undefeated Fitzroy A side with third-placed North Coburg B upsetting the ladder-leaders in the Division 4 North grand final.

North Coburg got off to a flyer with multiple two and three-base hits, scoring three runs in the first but backing it up with a further seven runs in the second before Fitzroy brought in two runs of its own at the bottom of the second.

A scoreless third frame saw the scores remain the same until the Rebels batted in two for a 10-run lead once again, with no further scores being made.

Division 4 South

Mordialloc Ducks 3 v Bonbeach Bluejays B 13

Bonbeach B finished the season on top of the division ladder and came away with the premiership over first-time VSBL team Mordialloc, who finished third after the home and away season.

This grand final was a tight game through three innings with a scoreless first frame before two one-run innings from each side saw the score two-all after three, the Ducks the first to score on a bases-loaded walk.

Mordialloc didn't score at the top of the fourth and Bonbeach B took full advantage, plating six runs at the bottom. The final frame resulted in one run to the Ducks as the Bluejays got the bats working again, scoring five for the win.

The action happened quickly when Bonbeach batted in the runs as the Bluejays had six consecutive batters recording a hit with the Ducks unable to record an out during that onslaught. Unfortunately for the Ducks, some mistakes and errors were costly as the Bluejays lead jumped up and triggered the mercy result.

Division 4 West

Essendon Jets 0 v Footscray Bulldogs 3

After beating ladder-leaders Essendon Bombers last weekend, the fourth-placed Jets were keen to continue their run with a grand final win over second-placed Footscray, however it wasn't to be.

A shutout win for the Bulldogs continued the club's winning ways after Footscray White won the Division 4 North West division last year.

Footscray got on the board early in the first inning and didn't score again until they penciled in another two runs at the bottom of the sixth as the defensive units from each team worked well to make it a pitcher's duel, the batting from Footscray being the edge the side needed.

Baseball Victoria is monitoring the weather forecast for VSBL Finals on Sunday, 21 March 2021.

As a reminder, games will continue in accordance with the VSBL Playing Conditions and the Baseball Victoria By-Laws.

The appropriate rules will be applied to games based on the weather conditions to ensure player safety and the integrity of the game.

Finals fixture are available HERE.

Any relevant updates will be provided on our website and the VSBL Facebook page.