Melbourne Aces are back-to-back Australian Baseball League champions after overpowering Perth 9-2 in Friday night’s Championship Game at Melbourne Ballpark.
Tyler Beardsley provided a strong start on the mound and the Aces’ offence did plenty of damage with two outs to secure Victoria’s 24th Claxton Shield.
GAME CENTRE: Box score and play-by-play
Melbourne scored all nine of its runs with two outs, including seven in the sixth to break the game open after the Heat had closed within a run.
The two-out damage supported a strong start by Beardsley.
He worked six one-run innings, striking out two and allowing six hits and a pair of walks.
Chris Burke drew a two-out walk following a seven-pitch battle against former big leaguer Warwick Saupold to prolong the bottom of the sixth and the Aces took advantage to blow a close game wide open.
Nine straight Aces reached as Melbourne turned a one-run lead into an eight-run cushion.
Jarryd Dale’s triple scored Burke and Jake Romanski (single) ahead of Blake Gailen’s two-run homer making it 5-1.
RBI singles from Delmon Young and Damek Tomscha followed by a wild pitch from Perth reliever Beau Sulser capped off a seven-run inning for the Aces.
Cameron Gibbens replaced Beardsley in the top of the seventh and struck out the bottom of lineup.
He struck out one more and recorded two outs in the eighth ahead of Josh Tols taking over on the mound.
Tols retired Jake Bowey to end the eighth
He returned in the ninth and gave up a solo shot to Alex Hall ahead of closing out a second-straight championship for Melbourne.
The Aces took the lead in the second on Burke’s two-out single after Tomscha doubled.
Melbourne doubled its lead in the third but left the bases loaded to miss out on adding more.
Dale and Willis singled to start the inning and Young drove in a run with a two-out base knock for the Aces.
Heat starter Dylan Unsworth hit Tomscha with a pitch to load the bases but was able to strand three runners and prevent more damage after striking out Gift Ngoepe.
Unsworth went 3 2/3 innings, allowing the two runs on seven hits.
He stuck out four.
Zac Reininger worked 1 1/3 scoreless relief innings ahead of Saupold entering.
Dale and Willis led the Aces with three hits each.
Jake Bowey and Alex Hall had two hits for Perth.
Friday night’s game became the Championship Game, rather than a Qualifying Final, under the ABL’s playoff protocols for the impact of COVID-19 or weather.
The protocols were called into action after Victoria announced a five-day lockdown from 11.59pm on Friday.
Following announcements made by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews this afternoon, Friday 12 February 2021, Baseball Victoria confirms that all baseball activity has been cancelled for the next five days to comply with the Victorian lockdown that comes into effect at 11:59 PM tonight.
For the health and safety of our entire community, Baseball Victoria has cancelled all VSBL games and baseball activities scheduled for the rest of today, Friday 12 February 2021 ahead of the lockdown commencing.
The lockdown is currently set to expire at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, 17 February 2021 and Baseball Victoria will provide further details as they are made available.
From 11:59 pm tonight, the restrictions in Victoria will be:
- Only four reasons to leave home (within 5km radius of home unless not available within):
- shopping for necessary goods
- caregiving/compassionate reasons
- essential work
- Two hours of exercise
- No public or private gatherings
- No community sport
“With the fast-moving COVID situation, it’s so important that our community stays safe. We have done this before and we can get through it again together as a community,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “Please stay home and stay safe while we monitor updates from the Victorian Government. Baseball Victoria will continue to work with clubs and stakeholders to provide timely updates throughout the lockdown and adjust our Return to Play Plan accordingly, including information on the future of the VSBL season, rescheduling games, ladders, eligibility and fees.”
As per the VSBL COVID Policy, Baseball Victoria acknowledges that VSBL ladder positions are determined on winning percentage and the result of games cancelled during this period will be considered as no game and entered into SportsTG by Baseball Victoria as a wash-out.
We expect further updates on the Australian Baseball League Championships that are being conducted at Melbourne Ballpark to be provided by Baseball Australia as soon as possible.
Full details on the Victorian Government alert, including exposure sites and testing information, are available HERE.
An updated COVIDSafe Plan will be available on our website later today. We expect detailed clarification within this plan in the coming days and will update the documentation when those details are available.
Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions.
We encourage our members to stay in touch with one another and prioritise their mental health. Click HERE for mental health resources.
To view more COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
This weekend’s Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase presented by Boral has been postponed due to the escalating COVID-19 situation in Melbourne.
Baseball Australia made the decision this morning to postpone the two games scheduled between the Victoria Aces and Brisbane Bandits at Melbourne Ballpark for Saturday and Sunday as the number of cases in Victoria rose again overnight.
"Baseball Victoria and the Melbourne Aces are disappointed the showcase was unable to proceed, but we continue to put the safety of our players and staff as our top priority," Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said.
Please click HERE to view the full release from Baseball Australia.
VSBL Division 4 teams continue to make the most of the the summer season as Waverley, Fitzroy, Bonbeach, and Essendon lead the way.
Division 4 East
Monash University Farmers 5 v Doncaster Dragons 13
Doncaster had an eight-run win over Monash University in Round 7 to even its record to 3-3. The Farmers remain in third place with a 4-2-1 record.
The Dragons take on Malvern at home in Round 8 while Monash University are at home, hosting Waverley Red.
Malvern Braves 1 v Melbourne Demons Blue 12
Melbourne Blue got off to a flying start, collecting six runs in the first and another five in the second with each side scoring a singular run in the fourth inning.
Melbourne Blue is 4-2 this season while Malvern is yet to find a win, sittinng 0-7. The Demons are home to Mornington and the Braves are in Doncaster for the upcoming round.
Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers Gold 18 v Mornington Pirates 14
It was a high-scoring first inning with Mornington leading 4-7 at the completion of one turn at bat each. The Pirates added two more in the second to lead by five.
Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold then put the bats to work, collecting back-to-back seven-run innings to take a 18-9 lead, which Mornington tried to make up but fell short after bringing five across the plate at the bottom of the fourth.
The Tigers sit sixth with a 3-2 record, at home to Blackburn next up. The Pirates are up against Melbourne Red, hoping to improve a 2-4-1 record.
Waverley Wildcats Black 15 v Waverley Wildcats Red 4
Waverley Black got the the jump over Waverley Red, starting the game with three runs at the top of the first before adding seven in the second. By the time the fourth inning got underway, the Wildcats Black side were up 11-0.
Waverley Red scored at the bottom of the fourth but the away side didn't slow down, adding four more to their score before Waverley Red ended the game after hitting three runs at the bottom.
Waverley Black continue its dominance at the top of the ladder, 7-0 ahead of hosting Melbourne Blue. Waverley Red travel to Monash University, holding onto a 4-2-1 fourth place.
Waverley Wildcats White 5 v Melbourne Demons Red 13
Melbourne Red recorded its third win of the season against Waverley White, seeing a 3-3-1 record which the side will hope to add to again against Mornington.
Waverley White is also 3-3-1, ahead of Melbourne Red on runs for and host Upwey Ferntree Gully Black this weekend.
Division 4 North
Mitchell Majors B 17 v North Coburg Rebels A 8
North Coburg looked good after scoring five runs in its first innings of the day but it was all Mitchell Majors B from then on.
Over the next three innings, the away side scored four, seven and six runs in the second, third and fourth innings respectively to lead 17-5. The Rebels scored three in response before the game ended after four.
Mitchell Majors B is 4-3 for the season, looking ahead to a trip to Fitzroy. North Coburg A will take a 1-6 record into a bye this weekend.
Fitzroy Lions A 9 v North Coburg Rebels B 6
It was a 1-2 lead to North Coburg B after the first innings with a seven-run third inning the allowing the Lions some breathing room.
The Rebels got one back at the bottom of the third and scored three more in the fourth in response to Fitzroy A's one before a scoreless fifth ended the game.
Fitzroy A are 6-0 for the season and host Mitchell Majors B this weekend. North Coburg B host Mitchell Majors A this weekend, sitting fourth with a 3-4 record.
Mitchell Majors B v BYE
Mitchell Majors B will be feeling refreshed after the week off, sitting third with a 4-3 record ahead of a clash with Fitzroy A at home this weekend.
Division 4 South
St Kilda Saints 6 v Berwick City Cougars 7
A walkoff win for Berwick who recorded four runs in the sixth inning, prevailing over St Kilda.
Each side ended the first inning with three runs but the Saints broke through with a run in the third, adding two more in the fifth before the final sixth inning effort by the Cougars.
St Kilda is 0-6 for the season and host Mordialloc this weekend. Berwick is third with a 5-2 record, facing Mornington away this weekend.
Bonbeach St Chads Bluejays A 3 v Pakenham Pumas 5
After two scoreless inning to start the game, Bonbeach ran ahead with a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth.
Pakenham replied with one at the bottom before bringing themselves to within one run after the fifth inning. A three-run effort at the bottom of the sixth ensured a Pumas win.
Pakenham improve to a 4-2 record, in fifth spot, behind fourth on runs for. The Pumas are in Bonbeach this week against Bluejays B.
Chelsea Dolphins 10 v Wheelers Hill Warriors 12
Chelsea and Wheelers Hill each scored three runs in the first but the Warriors broke through in the second to lead by two, adding another in the third.
The Warriors scored six at the bottom of the fourth with the Dolphins scoring seven and falling just short in the fifth and final inning.
Chelsea is 1-6 for the season, and go into the weekend with the bye while Wheelers Hill, who is 2-4, play Bonbeach A.
Bonbeach St Chads Bluejays B 10 v Mordialloc Ducks 1
Bonbeach B scored first with two at the top of the first and had a 6-0 lead after its third at bat.
Mordialloc scored its one run at the bottom of the third as Bonbeach B added four more across the next two innings.
Bonbeach B is still in first place with a 5-1 record, at home to Pakenham this weekend. The Ducks sit fourth with a 4-2 record, ahead of fifth-placed Pakenham on runs for. Mordialloc play St Kilda in Round 8.
Mornington Pirates v BYE
Mornington had the week off but return to the action, at home against Berwick this week. The Pirates are second with a 5-1 record, behind Bonbeach B on runs for.
Division 4 West
Geelong White 1 v Geelong Blue 11
Geelong Blue got the game going with two four-run innings to start the game, keeping Geelong White scoreless until the away side got a run across the plate in the fourth. Geelong Blue were able to score a few more at the bottom half, ending with a 10-run win.
Geelong White is at home to Essendon Bombers this week, sitting fifth with a 2-5 record while Geelong Blue is 4-3, also at home hosting Essendon Jets.
Footscray Bulldogs 0 v Essendon Jets 9
Essendon claimed its first win of the season in spectacular fashion, a shutout win over second-placed Footscray.
At home, the Jets scored three in the first inning adding six more across the fifth and sixth to storm to an emphatic victory.
Despite the win, Essendon is still in sixth, but the win will see a confident group take on Geelong Blue this week. Footscray is now one of two teams that hold a 4-3 record, but are the better of the two, sitting second when factoring in runs for and will look for more runs against Newport this week.
Essendon Bombers 6 v Newport Rams 3
Essendon was on the backfoot early with Newport scoring three at the bottom of the first but the Bombers defensive unit were tight for the remainder of the game as the bats swung too.
The Bombers first run came in the third inning, adding one more in the sixth before a four-run effort in the seventh saw the away side pinch the lead.
The win sees Essendon with a 7-0 record this season and will travel to Geelong to continue that winning run against Baycats White. Newport is still sitting in fourth spot with a 2-4-1 record, preparing to travel to Footscray in the next round.
Springvale has improved to 7-0 with Footscray and North Western not far behind as the top four positions aren't locked in just yet.
Division 3 Firsts
Pakenham Pumas 4 v North Western Titans 7
There was two scoreless innings to kick off this game until Pumas pulled through in the third, bringing three runs home. North Western though, went one better at the bottom to lead by one at the end of the third.
The Tians added three runs to their score during the remainder of their innings - one in each of the fifth, seventh and eighth, restricting Pakenham to nil until the Pumas scored one at the top of the ninth trying for victory.
North Western is one of two sides with a 5-2 record, sitting third behind Footscray when factoring in runs for. Pakenham is 2-5, fifth behind Bonbeach who is on the same record. The Titans face Bonbeach this weekend while the Pumas are home to Chelsea.
Chelsea Dolphins 2 v Footscray Bulldogs 9
Chelsea and Footscray each scored one in the first before the home side penciled in seven runs at the bottom of the third.
The Dolphins scored their second run at the top of the eighth and couldn't bring in any runs in the ninth, after the Bulldogs added another in the eighth.
Chelsea is 0-7 for the season and is away to Pakenham this weekend. Footscray sit in second place with a 5-2 record, away to Springvale this weekend.
Springvale Lions 11 v Bonbeach St Chads Bluejays 5
Both teams scored in the first inning, Bonbeach leading 2-5 as Springvale went into bat for the second time.
The Lions took a lead after the top of the second, scoring four runs to lead 6-5 which would remain the score up until the sixth when Springvale scored four more.
The Lions added two more in the seventh as they managed to shut out the Bluejays for the remainder of the game, besides that five-run first inning.
Springvale is at home against Footscray this weekend, sitting well in first at a 7-0 record. Bonbeach is clinging onto fourth place at 2-5, traveling to North Western this week.
Division 3 Seconds
Pakenham Pumas 7 v North Western Titans 8
The game was tied at two but the Pumas were quiet in the second as the Titans tacked on five. Both sides scored one in the third while the fourth and the fifth were scoreless, although Pakenham scored four final runs in the sixth.
2-5 Pakenham heads into the next round in fourth place with 57 runs for and 66 runs against. North Western has a 1-5-1 record. The Pumas play Chelsea and the Titans play the Bluejays next.
Springvale Lions 0 v Bonbeach Bluejays 6
The Bluejays managed a big shutout win over the Lions, handing them their first loss of the season. Bonbeach scored one in the first and four in the third, with a final run coming in the sixth.
3-3-1 Bonbeach has scored 55 runs and given up 24 while 5-1-1 Springvale has manufactured 71 runs and allowed just 26. Second-place Springvale hosts Footscray and third-place Bonbeach plays North Western.
Chelsea Dolphins 3 v Footscray Bulldogs 14
The first inning was full of scoring with Footscray leading 4-2 going into the second. That inning was scoreless but Chelsea tacked on one in the third.
Footscray scored 10 in the bottom of the fifth to seal the deal. The Bulldogs are at the top of the ladder with six wins and one draw on 81 runs for and 34 runs against. Chelsea sits fifth with a 1-4-2 inning and 36 runs for and 67 given up.
Chelsea plays Pakenham and Footscray plays Springvale next.
The 2020/21 VSBL season is heating up as we enter the final month of games with Waverley leading the pack in Division 1 and Cheltenham and Upwey Ferntree Gully not far behind.
Division 1 Firsts - Midweek Games (Tuesday, 2 February 2021)
Cheltenham Rustlers 2 v Waverley Wildcats 3
Cheltenham got on the board early, bringing its first run in at the top of the first. It wasn't until the third that Waverley fought back, and took the lead, with two runs in that frame.
Cheltenham drew level once again in the following inning but the Wildcats defense kept the Rustlers scoreless for the remainder of the game while its offence picked up the winning run in the sixth.
Luke Papanicolaou was the winning pitcher for Waverley who allowed one hit and one run in four innings with five strikeouts. Cody Caulfield pitched three innings on the mound for the Wildcats also.
Conor Myles was the losing pitcher for Cheltenham, pitching six innings for four hits, three runs (one earned) and five strikeouts.
Waverley's Damon Hill, Mohi Kahui, Jacob Sheldon-Collins and Finn Weichard each picked up a hit with runs credited to Ben Aslett, Kahui and Weichard.
Andrew Gribben and Michael Leslie each made contact with Gribben going deep with a home run, also scoring the Rustlers' second run after Leslie's RBI.
Fitzroy Lions 9 v Melbourne Demons 10
It was a high-scoring affair between Fitzroy and Melbourne in this midweek matchup with the Demons edging out their opponent, walking it off in the sixth.
Fitzroy got off to a blinding start, leading 8-0 after two innings after a mammoth seven-run inning to kick off the game in the first. The Demons didn't bat in a run until the fourth where they picked up two.
In the fifth, the Lions added one more to their score but the bottom of the fifth is where Melbourne fought back strongly, adding six and bringing the margin to one run. They were able to contain Fitzroy to zero in the seventh before securing two runs at the bottom to take the win.
Kurtis Smith pitched four innings for Melbourne and gave up nine hits for eight runs (six earned) with Mitchell Bowen and Nicholas Cleland contributing for the remaining two innings, the latter taking the win for the Demons.
Warwick Purchase pitched 4 and 2/3 innings for Cheltenham but took the loss as he gave up 13 hits for eight runs (six earned) and three strikeouts. Cooper de Hann also spent time on the mound and gave up three hits and two runs in 2/3 innings.
The Melbourne bats were strong with Harvey Mitchellhill picking up three hits including two triples while Oliver McMahon, Bronson Neave, Slade Squire and Ethan Scalzo each made it on base twice. McMahon, Mitchellhill and Scalzo came home two times each with Finn O'Connor and Ryan Pahos scoring too. Scalzo had two RBIs.
Tyler Trevaskis made it on base three times for Cheltenham including a triple while Jordan Hill and Purchase collected two hits apiece. Jordan Hill and Riley Hill scored two runs each with Gideon Van Twest Smith racking up four RBIs.
Berwick City Cougars 3 v Sandringham Royals 5
Sandringham got on the board first but by the end of the second, the scores were tied at one-all before Berwick took the lead at the top of the fourth. Sandringham scored three at the bottom and never surrendered the lead again as each team added one more to their totals in the fifth.
Grant Irving pitched six innings for the Royals to get the win, giving up five hits and two earned runs along with six strikeouts. Aaron Ouwehand and Matthew West combined on the mound for the Cougars, the latter credited with the loss.
Irving made contact to send the ball over the fence for one of Sandringham's runs. Timothy Lane and Sam Skinner had two hits each with Will Tucker picking up two RBIs and run.
John King had two hits for Berwick, one of which saw the ball sail over the fence for a home run. Brad Kmet had one hit and two RBIs while Andrew Gibbens had one of Berwick's hits also.
Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers 6 v Blackburn Orioles 4
Blackburn had a big task ahead of them at the bottom of the sixth, down by five runs after Upwey Ferntree Gully were on point early with both the bats and their fielding efforts.
The Tigers brought two runs across in the first and lead 4-0 until Blackburn got a score at the bottom of the fifth. Upwey Ferntree Gully improved their score by two at the top of the sixth and despite a spirited fightback from the Orioles, their three runs at the bottom wasn't enough to prolong the game.
Donavon Hendricks pitched six innings for 10 hits and three earned runs with four strikeouts to take the win. The Orioles trialed three separate pitchers on the mound but it was Charlie Collins who took the loss, giving up three runs from three hits from two innings.
Harvey Chinn picked up a hit and three RBIs, scoring a run himself while Donavan Hendricks had two RBIs from one hit. Riley Light scored twice after getting on base twice.
Sunshine Eagles 3 v Geelong Baycats 1
The defensive efforts from both Sunshine and Geelong were strong but the Eagles took the lead at the top of the third and never looked back, leading 2-1 after that inning, securing the win in the seventh with their third run of the night.
Billy Parsons was on the mound for five innings, the Sunshine pitcher giving up five hits and one run with two strikeouts. Jeremy Young came on as relief for two innings and gave up two hits as well as two strikeouts.
Kelii Zablan saw the most time on the mound for Geelong, pitching six innings, taking the loss after giving up five hits and two runs with three strikeouts. Rudy Jaramillo pitched the remaining one inning and gave up two hits for one run.
Bryce Aldridge and Jordan Young had two hits apiece for the Eagles, Young rounding to second base on each occassion and making it home each time while one of Aldridge's was a double. Aldridge has two RBIs while Allan de San Miguel batted in Sunshine's third run, Cameron Deeble the other runscorer.
Sam Moon had three hits for Geelong and batted in the team's only run, Ryan Darcy. Jaramillo had two hits for the game with singles to James Wood, Darcy and Zablan.
Essendon Bombers 3 v Malvern Braves 2
After each side scored two runs in the first inning, the defense were in control over the next five innings until Essendon broke through in the seventh with a run that Malvern couldn't peg back at the bottom.
Gareth Formisano pitched the whole seven innings and picked up the win after giving up four runs and zero earned runs along with two strikeouts.
Simon Pole also went the whole way on the mound for the loss. In seven innings, he gave up eight hits and two earned runs with two strikeouts.
Two of Essendon's three runs came via home runs, one each to Jared Cruz and Darby Sexton. Ross Bament scored the other run for the Bombers after a two-hit game.
Chris Burke and Henry Hayman each had one-hit, one-run games with Jack Hanger and Gavin Woolger collecting the RBIs.
Division 1 Firsts - Weekend Games (6 - 7 February 2021)
Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers 5 v Geelong Baycats 6
It was a walkoff win for Geelong at home after the Baycats came back from four runs down to beat Upwey Ferntree Gully. Geelong got on the board first with one run during their first chance in the batters box but Upwey Ferntree Gully piled on five runs across the next three innings, the score 5-2 to the Tigers after four.
Geelong's defensive efforts were on the money from then on, limiting Upwey Ferntree Gully's bats to zero for the rest of the game while clawing back the deficit. The Baycats scored one run in the sixth and again in the eighth, needing two runs for the win in the ninth, which they achieved.
Rudy Jaramillo pitched seven innings for Geelong and gave up eight hits for zero earned runs along with one strikeout but it was Hayden Peoples who got the win for pitching two innings with zero hits, zero runs and one strikeout.
Jarrod Turner saw seven innings on the mound for the Tigers, giving up 11 hits for three earned runs with four strikeouts. San Meldrum got the loss though as he gave up two hits for two runs across 1 and 1/3 innings.
Lewis Weldon was the best of the Baycats offence, collecting three hits including a home run and two doubles, along with three RBIs. James Wood had two hits with a triple while Josh Davies, Tyler Luther-Wilson and Jaramillo had two hits each too.
Jordan Elliot, Donavan Hendricks and Ashley Winton each collected two hits for the Tigers, Winton making it to second in one instance. Wade McKinnon scored two of his team's runs with Donavan Hendricks, Joshua Hendricks and Winton coming across the plate too.
Upwey Ferntree Gully has a 7-3 record this season and sit third ahead of a weekend matchup against Blackburn at home. Geelong is away to Sunshine next weekend and will need some wins as the club sits seventh with a 5-4 record.
Fitzroy Lions 2 v Blackburn Orioles 12
Fitzroy got off to the start it wanted with a run scored at the top of the first but after the inning was complete and Blackburn scored two, the Lions were on the backfoot.
A five-run effort in the third for the Orioles put them in a strong position, adding one more in the fifth. Fitzroy picked up its second run in the sixth but consecutive two-run innings in a row from Blackburn in the seventh and eighth ensured an Orioles win.
Sam Bucello pitched five innings on the mound for the Orioles and got the win after giving up five hits, one run and a strikeout. Jacob Evans and Rowan Johnstone each pitched in relief as the latter gave up one run from one hit.
Warwick Purchase took the loss for the Lions after pitching three innings for three hits and three earned runs with two strikeouts. Brock Pawley and Callum Stevens helped out on the mound for the Lions also.
Charlie Collins got four hits for Blackburn that included two doubles as he scored three times and had two RBIs while Liam Hopkins also tallied four hits with one run and two RBIs. Steven Bookluck got two doubles and Luke Hughes drove in two runs from one hit, a double.
For the Lions, Danny King and Purchase each had one-hit, one-run games. Ryan Mitchell and had an RBI single while Gideon Van Twest Smith brought in Fitzroy's other run.
Blackburn sits within the top four with a 6-3-1 record, just ahead of Sunshine on runs for. The Orioles take on Upwey Ferntree Gully next week while Fitzroy go into a matchup against Waverley with a 1-8 record.
Berwick City Cougars 4 v Cheltenham Rustlers 5
Cheltenham buckled down and claimed a come-from-behind win against Berwick in this game to improve their season record.
Berwick scored the first run of the game in the third before Cheltenham came back hard with three runs in the fifth. Those runs were cancelled out as Berwick then scored three at the top of the seventh and it was a tied game at four-all after the seventh when the Rustlers scored. The Rustlers held Berwick to zero runs in the eighth and ninth, their run in the eighth helping them to the win.
Russell Ferguson pitched eight innings for Cheltenham to pick up the win with 11 hits and one earned run given up, along with two strikeouts. Andrew Campbell came in for the ninth and collected the save, not giving up any hits or runs.
Craig Barnett was on the mound through six innings for Berwick, picking up the loss after giving up seven hits and three earned runs. Matthew West pitched the remaining two innings, giving up two hits and zero runs, with two strikeouts.
Michael Leslie racked up two hits and an RBI for the Rustlers, as did Mack Turley. Andrew Gribben scored two runs while Dante Caruso scored after hitting a double. Sam Michael batted in a run as Jack Dunn and Conor Myles scored also.
For the Cougars, Andrew Gibbens had two hits with an RBI double while Aiden Willis collected three hits and a run. Cain Bumpstead, John King and Barnett scored a run each too.
Cheltenham hold onto second place with a 7-3 record, just ahead of Upwey Ferntree Gully on runs for as the Rustlers prepare to meet Sandringham at home. Berwick sits ninth with a 3-7 record as they head to Mulgrave for a meeting with Essendon.
Malvern Braves 4 v Essendon Bombers 9
Essendon's defensive efforts were strong in the back half of the game after the scores were tied at four-all after three innings. Each team scored three runs in the second inning with a run to each team either side of that.
The Bombers got the lead after the fifth inning by scoring one and the next two innings were both two-run frames that saw them all the way to end of the game.
Sam Street pitched five innings for the Bombers and picked up the win, giving up nine hits and two earned runs with nine strikeouts. Gareth Formisano pitched four innings for three hits and zero runs with four strikeouts.
Tyler Dale pitched four innings for Malvern and gave up eight hits and four runs with two strikeouts but it was Eddie Gibbs who was credited with the loss after pitching 1 and 2/3 innings, giving up three hits, three runs and five base on balls.
Ross Bament tallied three hits on the day including a double and an RBI for the Bombers while Michael Formisano, Darby Sexton and Jarryd Rogers each had two hits. Rogers had two runs and two RBIs with his game. Michael Formisano, Jack Giles and Shoma Ikehata each had one-run, one-hit, one-RBi games.
Malvern's Scott Ashton, Justin Burke, Jack Hanger, Geoff Holland and Ryan Othen each tallied two hits, Ashton and Burke coming home for one run each. Lachlan Fuda had an RBI as well as Hanger, Holland and Othen.
The Bombers are sixth with a 6-4 record and take on Berwick next weekend while Malvern sits 11th with a 1-8-1 record and meets Melbourne at home next.
Sunshine Eagles 5 v Sandringham Royals 14
Sandringham was dominant across the board against Sunshine in this matchup, ballooning out to an eight-run lead after two innings, courtesy of a seven-run effort in the second.
Sunshine got on the scoreboard in the fifth with two runs, but Sandringham added one more also. The Eagles started to mount a comeback in the eighth with three runs but the Royals were again too strong, getting five runs in at the bottom of the eighth.
Connor Young pitched five innings for the Eagles and gave up three and one run along with four strikeouts. Young was backed up by Earl Byrne, Cameron Deeble, and Griffin Weir.
Allister Lovelock collected three RBIs from his three hits that included a home run as Rupert Fischer and Nathan Gatt had one-hit, one-run games for Sunshine.
Sunshine sits fifth, just out of the top four on runs for but hold a handy 6-3-1 record ahead of a meeting with Geelong while Sandringham is 5-4-1 going into a game at Cheltenham.
Waverley Wildcats 10 v Melbourne Demons 5
The Wildcats performed strongly in the middle innings as they managed to take the game away. It was an even game after four innings, locked at four-all before a four-run fifth and two-run sixth had Waverley with a big lead. The Demons got one back in the seventh before each side added one in the eighth.
Jamie Papanicolaou pitched three innings for Waverley and gave up five hits and one earned run along with five strikeouts. Cody Caulfield picked up the win through 1 and 2/3 innings, as he struck out two batters and gave up two hits.
Hayden Godbold had the loss for the Demons after pitching 4 and 2/3 innings where he allowed seven hits for five earned runs with three strikeouts. Kurtis Smith saw 3 and 2/3 innings on the mound where he allowed three hits and one run with two strikeouts.
Jacob Sheldon-Collins had three hits for Waverley that included a double, scoring two runs. Damon Hill and Mitchell Homfray had two hits each, the former hitting a double and coming home while the latter had two RBIs. Reece Longstaff totaled three runs.
Tim Sullivan collected four hits from five at bats including a double to score a run while Slade Squire had two hits. Charlie O'Connell had a one-hit, one-run game for Melbourne and Oliver McMahon collected one hit, a double, along with two runs.
Waverley improved their standing at the top of the table, seeing an 8-2 record ahead of hosting Fitzroy. Melbourne sits 10th with a 2-8 record and travel to Malvern this weekend.
Division 1 Seconds
Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers 5 v Geelong Baycats 3
Upwey Ferntree Gully scored four runs in a bumper first innings and never surrendered the lead, as Geelong scored one at the bottom. The Tigers scored their fifth in the third before the Baycats nabbed two more in the fourth but couldn't draw ahead as the fifth innings ended things.
A double from Michael Oxworth opened the scoring for Upwey Ferntree Gully while Keeley Ronalds-Greatbatch kept things under control on the hill, giving up one run on two hits with four K's in three innings.
Cooper Rickard was on the mound for Geelong, covering three innings with five hits, five runs, and three strikeouts. Blake Witham threw two innings in relief.
Geelong left eight runners on base total. Jordan Baumann, James Renouf and Jarrod Fraim all had hits with quality at-bats from Adam Jirik and Jake Elderfield. Dan Anson, Will Brennan and Chris Durston took two walks each.
The Tigers remain undefeated with a 7-0 record and look to improve that at home against Blackburn while the Baycats have a 2-5 record, sitting ninth, as they prepare to travel to Sunshine. All but one of Geelong's losses have been by two runs or less.
Fitzroy Lions 3 v Blackburn Orioles 7
Blackburn scored a run in each of the first two innings before a three-run third from Fitzroy changed the lead. It wasn't for long though as the Orioles picked up two runs at the bottom of the third, adding three more across the final two innings to round out the game.
The win sees Blackburn hold onto second place with a 6-1 record ahead of a meeting with Upwey Ferntree Gully while Fitzroy will aim for their second win of the season when they take on Waverley.
Malvern Braves 1 v Essendon Bombers 8
Essendon got themselves into a commanding position with a four-run second and three-run third before Malvern scored a run at the top of the fourth. The Bombers would cancel out that run at the bottom though as two scoreless frames followed.
The Bombers' win sees them tied with two other teams that have a 4-3 record, with the chance for another win against Berwick this weekend. Malvern is one of those 4-3 sides and plays Melbourne at home next.
Waverley Wildcats 4 v Melbourne Demons 5
Each team scored runs in the first innings, Melbourne leading 3-2 as the game headed into the second. Each team got on the board again in the third, and it was the Demons who edged out their opponent by a run, taking them two runs clear in front at 5-3. Waverley brought it back by a run in the sixth but no more as Melbourne secured the win.
Waverley sits fourth at 4-3, ahead of the pack as runs for are added up. The Wildcats come up against Fitzroy at home while Melbourne travels to Malvern as the Demons look to climb the ladder from 10th.
Berwick City Cougars 7 v Cheltenham Rustlers 4
Berwick got the early start with a run in the first before both the Cougars and Rustlers scored three in the second. Cheltenham made it an even game again in the fourth but Berwick found some more runs while keeping the Cheltenham offence quiet to claim victory.
Cheltenham sits third with a 5-2 record and hosts Sandringham this weekend while Berwick takes on Essendon as they look to continue a winning run, currently holding a 2-4 record.
Sunshine Eagles 9 v Sandringham Royals 4
Sunshine shot out of blocks in the first inning, securing two runs but by the time the end of the fourth rolled around, Sandringham had drawn even at two-all. A bumper five-run fifth from the Eagles gave them a slight buffer which the Royals responded to with two runs, before the Eagles got two more in the sixth.
At 3-3-1, Sunshine is keeping in touch with the mid-table but will want a win against Geelong this weekend while Sandringham travels to Cheltenham in search of their first win of the season.
Division 1 Thirds
Cheltenham Rustlers 5 v Berwick City Cougars 9
Both sides scored two in the first and one in the second, but five runs to Berwick in the third changed the tune of the game. Cheltenham scored twice towards the end of the game while Berwick got one more in the victory.
The Cougars improved their season record to 4-3, hovering around the middle of the table as they look to travel to Essendon this weekend.
Cheltenham languish at the bottom of the ladder with a 1-6 record and will be feeling a challenge this week against Sandringham.
Melbourne Demons 3 v Waverley Wildcats 6
Waverley produced a stunning come-from-behind win against Melbourne to record its fifth win of the season.
The Demons were looking good when they scored three runs across the first two innings and still led 3-1 after three innings before Waverley got the bats working in the fourth, recording three runs and taking the lead. Waverley added two runs in the fifth.
A win would've done nicely for Melbourne who sit ninth with a 2-5 record but the Demons will be hopeful of toppling Malvern this weekend. Waverley is away to Fitzroy, holding onto second place with a 5-1-1 record.
Blackburn Orioles 12 v Fitzroy Lions 2
Blackburn started its game with two runs in the first before adding a bundle more throughout the third and fifth innings. The Orioles doubled their score in the sixth, scoring six runs to take the game away from the Lions who scored two runs at the bottom of the sixth.
Blackburn sits sixth as one of three teams with a 4-3 record, hoping for another win this weekend against Upwey Ferntree Gully. Fitzroy is 1-6 and meets Waverley this weekend.
Essendon Bombers 19 v Malvern Braves 1
This was a dominant performance all round for Essendon as the Bombers got the bats swinging and the defensive unit held their opponent to a solitary run.
Essendon sits third with a 5-2 record, ahead of Geelong on runs for, as the Bombers host Berwick this weekend. Malvern travels to Melbourne to play the Demons and will be looking to climb the ladder and improve a 3-4 record.
Sandringham Royals 13 v Sunshine Eagles 3
Sandringham stormed home to complete this win against Sunshine on the weekend. The Royals got out to a two-run lead after two single-run digs to begin their offensive game but the Eagles scored two at the bottom of the second to bring the game level.
Sandringham scored two in the third and three in the fourth for a handy buffer which was cut down by a run when Sunshine scored at the bottom of the fourth. A six-run effort in the fifth by the Royals put the game to bed.
Sandringham continues its hot run of form this year, undefeated with a 6-0-1 record as they prepare to face Cheltenham this weekend. Sunshine will be looking for its second win of the season as Geelong comes to town this week.
Geelong Baycats 6 v Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers 4
The first two innings saw neither team make a dent in the score column but Geelong broke through with the first run of the game at the top of the third, which was followed up by Upwey Ferntree Gully's three-run effort at the bottom.
The Baycats clawed back at the top of the fourth, scoring four and taking the lead, shutting out the Tigers at the bottom. Each team scored one more in the fifth before a scoreless sixth inning.
Cameron Forbes had three singles and an RBI, while James Lappin and William Fitzgerald doubled. Jackson Viney and Matt Sage had RBI singles as Robert Hickey, Maxton Sherry, Cooper Tipping, and Dion Kirchner had base hits. Forbes, Sage, and Lappin split pitching duties for Geelong.
Geelong remain in fourth place due to the handy win and improve to a 5-2 record ahead of a trip to Sunshine while Upwey Ferntree Gully is just behind in fifth place with a 4-3 record. The Tigers host Blackburn this week.
Division 1 Fourths
Cheltenham Rustlers 10 v Berwick City Cougars 11
Cheltenham scored one run to open the game but it was nothing compared to the first dig that Berwick produced, the Cougars bringing in eight runs.
The Rustlers got another run in the second while each side scored three runs in the third inning, the Berwick lead at six. The Rustlers scored five at the top of the fourth and restricted the Cougars to no further runs but unfortunately for Cheltenham's momentum, the game ended in four innings.
Berwick sits third as one of two teams with a 5-1-1 record and travel to Essendon next while Cheltenham seeks its first win of the season in a matchup against Sandringham.
Geelong Baycats 0 v Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers 9
Each team was 2-4 prior to this game but a shutout win for Upwey Ferntree Gully against Geelong sees the Tigers edging ahead in the overall standings.
The Tigers scored a run in the first and third innings, doubling the score in the fourth before adding five more in the fifth inning.
Upwey Ferntree Gully is in seventh with a 3-4 record now and hosts Blackburn this week whereas Geelong is ninth at 2-5 ahead of a trip to Sunshine.
Blackburn Orioles 9 v Fitzroy Lions 3
Fitzroy got its account started with a run in the first but a big five-run effort for Blackburn in the second gave the Orioles some breathing room.
The Lions scored again in the third before the fourth resulted in a run apiece. Blackburn finished strongly too, with a three runs across the sixth and seventh innings.
Blackburn's win sees an improved record of 5-1-1 and a fourth placing, just behind Berwick on runs for. The Orioles travel to Upwey Ferntree Gully this week as Fitzroy holds a 2-5 record ahead of hosting Waverley on Sunday.
Essendon Bombers 8 v Malvern Braves 6
Essendon managed to hold onto a Malvern fightback, securing a two-run win to continue a strong season.
The Braves got the game started with a run in the first before Essendon scored five in the second, adding two more across the fourth and fifth innings.
Malvern fought back with four runs at the bottom of the fifth, adding one more in the sixth to bring the deficit to one run. The defense from both sides reigned supreme late until the Bombers got a late run in the ninth.
Essendon continues its stronghold on the competition in top spot, ahead of Melbourne on runs for with a record of 6-1. The Bombers face Berwick at home this weekend. 3-4 Malvern travels to Melbourne, hoping to keep in touch with the top four.
Melbourne Demons 8 v Waverley Wildcats 3
A two-run first dig for Melbourne set the tone and by the time the bottom of the fifth rolled around, the Demons were up by five runs. Waverley scored its first runs at the bottom of the fifth with two before a scoreless sixth frame. Melbourne improved the margin by three in the seventh, the Wildcats heading in to bat afterwards but managing to score one more only.
Melbourne improved to a 6-1 record, sitting second behind Essendon on runs for but will be hoping for another win against Malvern this weekend. Waverley is away to Fitzroy and will need to win to enter the top four and improve a 5-2 record as the season is creeping towards the end.
Sandringham Royals 4 v Sunshine Eagles 4
Sunshine scored two runs in the first and third innings and had that four-run lead after three but Sunshine were able to shut them out for the remainder of the game while bringing in runs themselves.
Sandringham cut the deficit by one in the fourth before two scoreless innings had the side nervous. The Royals knuckled down to bring in three runs in the seventh before holding their nerve in the field to end the game and claim a draw.
Sandringham is 2-4-1 in eighth spot for the season and takes on Cheltenham at home this weekend. Sunshine is 1-5-1 on the year and will prepare for Geelong at home on Sunday afternoon.
Essendon continues to lead the way in VSBL Women's Division 1 while Springvale and Footscray keep things interesting in Division 2.
Women's Division 1
Doncaster Dragons 15 v Newport Rams 9
Doncaster took control of the game against Newport on the weekend, beating the Rams by six runs.
Jessica Johnson had four innings on the mound for the Dragons, giving up five runs from five hits while striking out three. Belinda Cannington picked up the win, giving up six hits for zero earned runs with two strikeouts across three innings.
Morgan Doty was on the mound for three innings for Newport, giving up six earned runs from seven hits with three strikeouts. Bronwyn Gell pitched two innings for one hit but Leslie Anglin was credited with the loss. Anglin gave up nine hits and seven runs in two innings.
Keeley Harrison went four from five at the plate for Doncaster, crossing home three times while Jamie Bastian picked up three hits including a double, converting the hits to two runs and five RBIs. Hannah Sowden had three hits for three runs and Johnson had two doubles and three base on balls, coming home three times also. Erin Collins had a two-hit, one-run game, as did Maddison Weller.
For the Rams, Kira Jansen, Doty and Gell each had two hits, the former two scoring one run each and the latter scoring twice. Jansen hit a triple that brought in three runs with Doty and Anglin rounding to second safely through the match too. Zoe Allen had a one-hit, one-run game for two RBIs.
Doncaster is 4-3 this season, sitting second. Newport is searching for its first win of the season, sitting 0-7 as the two sides meet again this weekend at Doncaster.
Essendon Bombers 7 v Springvale Lions 5
Springvale was down 6-0 after two innings as the Bombers had back-to-back three-run digs to start the game. The Lions slowly began to crawl back in the later innings although they fell short in the seventh.
Springvale scored its first runs at the bottom of the third with two runs, adding one more in the fourth before a scoreless fifth.
Each side scored one run in the sixth and the Lions were able to keep the Bombers to zero at the top of the seventh, meaning the home side needed four runs to win, however they could only manage one.
Essendon's Emma French and Abbey Kelly combined across seven innings on the mound, the former picking up the win. French pitched four innings for five hits and one earned run. Kelly was in the middle for three innings with five hits and one earned run as well as two strikeouts.
On the bats for the Bombers, Kelly had four hits from five at bats and recorded two runs. Tayla Weldon went four from four, with a run and three RBIs. Kayla Adams knocked in two runs from two hits while Jasmine Bentley scored twice.
Essendon continues an unbeaten run, sitting first at 7-0 whereas Springvale is 3-4 in third as the sides prepare to meet again at Essendon this weekend.
Women's Division 2
Essendon Bombers 5 v Springvale Lions 7
After two scoreless innings to begin the game, Essendon got on the board first when three runs crossed the plate at the top of the third.
Springvale controlled the bottom half of the third to bring in five and take the lead, one the side added onto by two as the fourth innings came to an end.
Essendon needed five runs to keep the game going but at the top of the fifth, managed just two and fell a couple of runs short.
Essendon travels to Geelong with a 3-3 third-placing while Springvale takes a 5-1 record, first-placing into a bye.
Geelong Baycats 14 v Preston Pirates 7
Geelong won its second game of the season against the winless Preston team on the weekend with a total of 14 hits.
With seven runs in the top of the first, Geelong had a great start and just kept powering through. Geelong's pitcher Sarah Haouchar held Preston to four runs in the first inning, while the Pirates got two in the second and one in the third.
Nyah O'Brien smashed an inside the park home run to bring in three RBIs, Bri Telford, Teri Jackson, Emma Hill, and Katie Davenport all had two hits.
The Baycats are 2-3 this season, looking for back-to-back wins in the next round at home against Essendon. Preston hosts Footscray.
Footscray Bulldogs v BYE
Footscray has managed to remain in second place despite the bye last weekend, its record at 4-1 this season. The Bulldogs travel to Preston this weekend.
Women's Division 3 East
Pakenham Pumas White 6 v Berwick City Cougars 12
Pakenham White shot out to a five-run lead after its first turn at the plate, leading by one run as the first inning came to a close after Berwick scored four at the bottom.
The Pumas doubled the margin when they scored one in the second but the Cougars came to play, collecting five runs at the bottom to take a 9-6 lead into the next inning.
Berwick's defense didn't allow another Pakenham White run, while the Cougars added three more to their score to win by six runs.
Berwick hosts Sandringham this weekend as it looks to retain its spot in the top four, currently at a 2-2-2 record. Pakenham White are 0-6 but will hold out hope that its first win of the season might be against Wheelers Hill on Saturday.
Cheltenham Rustlers 11 v Sandringham Royals 15
Cheltenham wasn't able to recover from an eight-run Sandringham lead after the Royals saw two four-run innings to start the game.
The Rustlers halved the margin at the top of the third with four runs of their own but the Royals weren't going to let them back in that easily, bringing seven runs in at the bottom.
Cheltenham proved that it could match Sandringham, the Rustlers knocking seven runs in at the top of the fourth however it wasn't enough.
Cheltenham hosts Bonbeach this weekend as the club looks to break into the top four, currently fifth with a 2-3-1 record. Sandringham is sitting nicely in third with a 5-1 record, just behind Wheelers Hill on runs for. The Royals travel to Berwick on Saturday.
Springvale Lions 8 v Wheelers Hill Warriors 18
Springvale scored three at the top of the first but Wheelers Hill went one better and finished the first inning with a one-run lead.
The Warriors added six in the second and seven in the third to have the margin sit at 17-3 before each side scored one in the fourth.
The Lions pegged the margin back a little, scoring four runs in the fifth but a 10-run margin to Wheelers Hill was the end result.
Wheelers Hill will travel to Pakenham this week to take on Pumas White, the Warriors sitting second at 5-1. Springvale is 2-4-1 for the year, sitting sixth before hosting Pakenham White this week.
Moorabbin Panthers 14 v Bonbeach Bluejays 7
Moorabbin scored in all but one inning as it kick-started the game with three runs, Bonbeach clawing back by one at the bottom.
The Panthers scored the next three during the following two innings before the Bluejays scored two runs at the bottom of the fourth.
Moorabbin scored its next run at the top of the fifth but Bonbeach drew level at seven-all with four runs at the bottom.
The Panthers were determined not to let the game slip and came out with vengeance at the top of the sixth, scoring seven runs, which would become to final margin as they shut out the Bluejays at the end.
After the win, Moorabbin carries a 7-0 first-place record into a bye this weekend. Bonbeach on the other hand sits seventh with a 2-4 record, preparing for a game at Cheltenham.
Pakenham Pumas Black v BYE
Pakenham Black sits at 1-5 for the season and will be fresh off a bye, ready to travel to Springvale for the next game.
Women's Division 3 West
Doncaster Dragons 11 v North Western Titans 17
North Western has delivered Doncaster its first loss of the season, winning by six runs in this crucial top-four contest.
The Dragons surrendered top spot to Melbourne due to the loss, now sitting second with a record of 6-1, just behind the Demons on runs for. The Dragons will play Newport at home this weekend.
The Titans sit nicely in third place with a 4-3 record, looking towards Saturday's game at home against Fitzroy.
Fitzroy Lions 21 v Geelong Baycats 7
Fitzroy was in complete control against Geelong, beating the Baycats by 14 runs.
The Baycats tried mighty hard to stay in the contest as the score was 7-4 after the first inning.
However, the Lions added another seven in the second to Geelong's two before a third straight seven-run dig to blow the margin out of the water.
Geelong added one more at the bottom of the fourth before the game ended but still sit sixth with a 0-7 record.
Ella Wilson, Hannah Lindsey, and Katrina Edwards all pitched for Geelong with hits as well.
The Baycats play Melbourne away this weekend while the Lions are 3-4 and will be up against North Western.
Melbourne Demons 18 v Newport Rams 3
Melbourne and Newport each scored two runs in the first inning before the Demons pulled ahead by two in their second dig.
Melbourne then scored the next 14 runs from two seven-run innings while the Rams scored once more at the bottom of the fourth but couldn't come back enough to keep the game going.
Melbourne has moved into pole position at the top of the table with a 6-1 record, ahead of Doncaster when factoring in runs for. The Demons host Geelong this weekend whereas 2-5 Newport plays Doncaster.
Following announcements made by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on the changes to restrictions due to a COVID-19 case detected in a hotel quarantine worker, Baseball Victoria has updated our Return to Play Plan with guidelines for the remainder of the 2020/21 VSBL season.
Baseball Victoria is closely monitoring this situation as it continues to evolve and will provide any further updates as soon as possible.
As of Friday, 5 February 2021, the changes to restrictions are:
- Masks will be mandatory in public indoor spaces. If you have visitors in your home, it is strongly recommended that masks are worn during the visit. Masks must be worn in indoor public spaces apart from when eating or drinking. If you are planning to leave your home – take a mask.
- The limit on the number of people gathering in a household will be reduced from 30 to 15, meaning the household members plus 15 visitors (excluding children under 12 months of age).
- The 75 per cent ‘return to work’ cap in both public and private sectors scheduled for Monday 8 February will be paused and the current cap of 50% will remain in place.
For all baseball activity in Victoria, the main changes are that face masks must be worn at all times when inside club facilities. This includes clubrooms, changerooms, canteens, and scorer’s boxes. When socially distancing cannot be maintained in the dugout or on the field, players and coaches must wear a mask. All baseball participants must carry a mask with them when they leave the house.
Full details on the Victorian Government alert, including exposure sites and testing information, are available HERE.
An updated Return to Play COVIDSafe Plan has been created today and can be accessed HERE. We expect detailed clarification within this plan in the coming days and will update the documentation when those details are available.
As a reminder, all players and club officials must be registered with SportsTG to return to training and play. Click HERE to register to return to training and click HERE to register to return to play. All clubs must maintain and submit updated training registers for potential contact tracing.
Click HERE to view our frequently asked questions, which are regularly updated with answers regarding the VSBL season, COVID safe protocols and more.
We encourage our members to stay in touch with one another and prioritise their mental health. Click HERE for mental health resources.
To view more COVID-19 resources from the Victorian Government, click HERE.
VSBL Division 4 teams are continuing their great summer seasons with Waverley Black, Fitzroy, Mornington, and Essendon leading the way.
Division 4 East
Melbourne Demons Red 6 v Blackburn Orioles 8
A spirited fightback from Melbourne Red didn't produce enough runs to send Blackburn in to bat again, falling short by two runs.
The Orioles scored first in the second before the Demons crossed home plate three times at the top of the fourth to lead by two.
Blackburn were up to the challenge in the bottom half, collecting seven runs before a scoreless fifth. Melbourne Red needed six to forge ahead in the sixth, but fell short, adding three to their score.
Blackburn has improved to 3-2-1 for this season and face Upwey Ferntree Gully Black in Round 7. Melbourne Red isn't far behind with a 2-3-1 record, hosting Waverley White this weekend.
Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers Black 4 v Doncaster Dragons 8
Doncaster had a nice win over Upwey Ferntree Gully Black on the weekend, beating the Tigers by four runs.
It was Doncaster's second win of the season as the Dragons improve to a 2-3 record and look to get on a winning run against Monash University. Upwey Ferntree Gully Black are winless at 0-6 but will hope the home ground advantage against Blackburn works for the Tigers this week.
Malvern Braves 4 v Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers Gold 12
It was tied ballgame after the first inning after both Malvern and Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold batted in two runs but from there it was mostly all the Tigers, starting with seven runs in the second.
The Tigers added three more in the fourth, setting the Braves with a big ask, Malvern managing to add two in the fifth before the game was called.
The loss means Malvern is still to find a win this season, sitting at a 0-6 record but hope its fortune changes against Melbourne Blue. Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold is in Frankston this weekend to play Mornington, and at 2-2, searching for a way to break into the top four.
Mornington Pirates 6 v Waverley Wildcats Black 8
Waverley Black lead 0-5 after two innings while Mornington was able to get the game back to a two-run margin heading into the bottom of the fourth.
The Wildcats added three more to their score with neither side giving an inch throughout the next two innings. The Pirates needed more runs and they managed three at the top of the seventh, which wasn't enough to see them topple their opponent.
The win for Waverley Black means first place is still theirs, undeafted this season and looking for another win against Waverley Red. Mornington host Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold in search of win number three.
Melbourne Demons Blue 21 v Waverley Wildcats Red 1
Melbourne Blue was too strong for Waverley Red, collecting a mass of runs in each inning to beat the Wildcats.
A five-run first, six-run second and seven-run third saw the score 18-0 at the end of the three innings and the runs didn't stop there for the Demons who put three more on the board in the fourth. The hill was too big for the Wildcats to climb but they did nab a run to prevent a shutout.
Melbourne Blue remain within the top four with a 3-2 record and host Melbourne in Round 7 while Waverley Red sit third with a 4-1-1 record and are the home team against Waverley Black this week.
Waverley Wildcats White 20 v Monash University Farmers 2
Two seven-run innings allowed Waverley White a lot of breathing room as Monash University scored its first run at the bottom of the second.
The Wildcats followed it up with another five runs in the third while each side scored one run in the fifth and final inning.
Waverley White, who is just outside the top four travel to play Melbourne Red this weekend. The 4-1-1 Monash University, currently in second place, are away to Doncaster.
Division 4 North
North Coburg Rebels A 3 v Mitchell Majors A 13
Mitchell Majors A had a good first inning, bringing in seven runs after not allowing North Coburg A to trouble the scores at the top.
The Rebels got on the board in the second with two runs however, Mitchell Majors A brought in another three at the bottom and lead 2-11 after three.
Each side scored a run in the fourth, with Mitchell Majors A scoring one more at the bottom of the fifth, leading to a 10-run win.
Mitchell Majors A is second with a 5-1 record and go into the next round with a bye. North Coburg A is sitting fifth with a 1-5 record and host Mitchell Majors B next up.
North Coburg Rebels B 5 v Mitchell Majors B 1
North Coburg B had a good start, scoring two in the first before adding one in the third and another in the sixth. Mitchell Majors B secured a run at the bottom of the sixth before the seventh and final inning saw the Rebels score once more, and shut out the home side to claim to game.
North Coburg B sit fourth with a 3-3 record, behind Mitchell Majors B on runs for. The Rebels will take on Fitzroy A at home this weekend while Mitchell Majors B play North Coburg A.
Fitzroy Lions A v BYE
Fitzroy A enjoyed a week off but are back in action this weekend, playing away against North Coburg B. The Lions are 5-0 this season so will be hoping to continue the undefeated run.
Division 4 South
Pakenham Pumas 12 v Chelsea Dolphins 1
Chelsea drew first blood at the bottom of the first but it was a great team effort from Pakenham to control the rest of the game.
The Pumas got level after the third inning before adding seven in the fourth, scoring another four runs across the final two innings.
Pakenham sit fifth with a 3-2 record and come up against Bonbeach A this weekend. Chelsea is away to Wheelers Hill and looking to improve a 1-5 record.
Mornington Pirates 8 v St Kilda Saints 5
Mornington took a 1-0 lead after its first turn at the plate with the rest of the runs coming from the fourth inning onwards.
The Pirates added two in the fourth but found themselves even again when St Kilda piled on three runs at the bottom and it was even again after five innings when each team scored two runs.
The Pirates powered on and converted three runs before shutting out the Saints in the bottom half to take the victory.
Mornington is 5-1 this season, and head into a bye week for the Pirates. St Kilda is 0-5, searching for a win when it meets Berwick this week.
Berwick City Cougars 3 v Bonbeach St Chads Bluejays B 10
Scores were tied at one-all after two innings before Bonbeach B pulled ahead, scoring seven runs across the following two innings before each team knocked in two runs in the fifth.
Bonbeach B is now one of two teams locked in a 4-1 record, however the Bluejays are third on runs for. Berwick is fourth in the standings with a 4-2 record.
Mordialloc Ducks 14 v Bonbeach St Chads Bluejays A 2
Mordialloc got out to a 3-0 lead after the first inning and lead 8-0 after the Ducks scored one in the second and four in the fourth.
Bonbeach A claimed two runs at the bottom of the fourth but Mordialloc wasn't slowing down, bringing six runs in at the top of the fifith before shutting the Bluejays out.
Mordialloc are one of two teams that hold a 4-1 record, sitting second and will prepare to face Bonbeach B this weekend. Bonbeach A is an even 3-3 ahead of a trip to Pakenham.
Wheelers Hill Warriors v BYE
Wheelers Hill had the bye this week but will be back in action, at home against Chelsea. Currently this season, the Warriors are seventh at 1-4.
Division 4 West
Geelong Baycats Blue 3 v Essendon Bombers 10
Geelong Blue struck first but seven runs in the first two innings to the Bombers quickly changed the way the game was going.
The Bombers were up by nine as the sixth inning rolled around with Geelong Blue adding two more to its total, the final margin coming to seven runs.
Essendon's win continues its unbeaten form, 6-0 ahead of a meeting with Newport. Geelong Blue is still in the race, currently third with a 3-3 record. Geelong Blue is the home team against Geelong White in the next round.
Geelong Baycats White 3 v Footscray Bulldogs 19
Geelong White got on the board first with two runs in the first but the Bulldogs were more dominant with their run-scoring conversion, getting five runners across the plate at the bottom.
The Baycats added one more to get back into the game at the top of the third but a seven-run bottom from Footscray, followed by the same result in the fourth paved the way for an easy Bulldogs win.
Geelong White is 2-4, outside of the top four but will hope a win against Geelong Blue will see the side move up the ladder. Footscray sit comfortably in second at 4-2, a clash with the Jets on the cards.
Essendon Jets 7 v Newport Rams 7
Essendon was out to a six-run lead heading into the bottom of the third before Newport pulled through and collected seven in the bottom to take a one-run lead.
After a scoreless fourth inning, the Jets drew level once more however the Rams weren't able to bring a runner home when they had the chance in the final inning, the two sides settling for a draw.
Newport sit within the top four at the moment with a 2-4 record and hope to stay there with a positive result against the Bombers this weekend. Essendon is 0-5-1 this year and take on Footscray at home in Round 7.