The 2018/19 VSBL season concluded in thrilling fashion with two teams clinching their respective premierships. In the Division 2 game, Cheltenham Rustlers got the job done in a close battle against Newport Rams, while the Division 1 clash saw reigning premiers Geelong Baycats go down to a strong Blackburn Orioles team. Congratulations to the premiers Blackburn and Cheltenham, as well as the runners-up on their amazing accomplishments!
Division 2
Newport Rams vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
0 2
After a convincing win on Thursday night when the Rustlers broke through with a couple of late runs, Cheltenham returned to Melbourne Ballpark on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to seal the deal. The score remained 0-0 as both sides were in top form, and it wasn't until the Rustlers got a few runners on base in the 8th that they were able to grab the lead with a clutch hit. Newport had some remarkable plays and solid hits to be very proud of, but ultimately they just couldn't score when they really needed to.
The Rustlers' star pitcher Jesse Remington handled all 9 innings on the mound, throwing 27 first-pitch strikes and recording 12 strikeouts. Newport's David Asp wasn't far behind, with 17 first-pitch strikes and two strikeouts in 7.1 innings. Talented junior Nikau Pouaka-Grego made an impressive appearance in relief, but the Rams lineup struggled to produce a huge hit to turn the game in their favour.
Jackson Hunkin had two hits on the day for Cheltenham, including an RBI, and Kane Davidson knocked in the other run. Dean Malthouse had a pair of hits for Newport.
Congratulations, Rustlers on an outstanding season to secure their return to Division 1 next year!
Check out the game replay on the VSBL Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VicSummerLeague/videos/2809288229098870/
Division 1
Blackburn Orioles vs. Geelong Baycats
4 1
After a close game on Tuesday that saw the Burners shutout the Orioles 2-0, this was a make-it-or-break it game for the reigning premiers. Unfortunately for Geelong, a few big hits for Blackburn saw them take an early lead. One run in the 1st on a sacrifice fly and another in the 4th put the Orioles in good shape, and the Baycats weren't able to answer.
Two more runs in the 6th inning sealed Blackburn's fate, and although Geelong's Kelli Zablan sent one over the fence in the final inning, their comeback goals were left unfulfilled. Blackburn had seven hits on the day compared to Geelong's three, and starting pitcher Andrew Jones was fantastic for the Burners, throwing 7.1 innings with seven strikeouts. The Baycats had Rudy Jarramillo on the mound for six innings, and he recorded 18 first-pitch strikes and two strikeouts.
Luke Hughes was named the Division 1 Grand Final MVP after smashing a double and a home run for 2 RBI's, and David Dicker also had two timely hits to keep things moving for Blackburn. 20 years after they earned their first premiership flag, Blackburn has done it again and their fans and families couldn't be happier!
Congratulations to Blackburn on being the 2018/19 Division 1 premiers, and well done to runners-up Geelong Baycats!
Division 2
Newport Rams vs. Cheltenham Rustlers
0 2
After a convincing win on Thursday night when the Rustlers broke through with a couple of late runs, Cheltenham returned to Melbourne Ballpark on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to seal the deal. The score remained 0-0 as both sides were in top form, and it wasn't until the Rustlers got a few runners on base in the 8th that they were able to grab the lead with a clutch hit. Newport had some remarkable plays and solid hits to be very proud of, but ultimately they just couldn't score when they really needed to.
The Rustlers' star pitcher Jesse Remington handled all 9 innings on the mound, throwing 27 first-pitch strikes and recording 12 strikeouts. Newport's David Asp wasn't far behind, with 17 first-pitch strikes and two strikeouts in 7.1 innings. Talented junior Nikau Pouaka-Grego made an impressive appearance in relief, but the Rams lineup struggled to produce a huge hit to turn the game in their favour.
Jackson Hunkin had two hits on the day for Cheltenham, including an RBI, and Kane Davidson knocked in the other run. Dean Malthouse had a pair of hits for Newport.
Congratulations, Rustlers on an outstanding season to secure their return to Division 1 next year!
Check out the game replay on the VSBL Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VicSummerLeague/videos/2809288229098870/
Division 1
Blackburn Orioles vs. Geelong Baycats
4 1
After a close game on Tuesday that saw the Burners shutout the Orioles 2-0, this was a make-it-or-break it game for the reigning premiers. Unfortunately for Geelong, a few big hits for Blackburn saw them take an early lead. One run in the 1st on a sacrifice fly and another in the 4th put the Orioles in good shape, and the Baycats weren't able to answer.
Two more runs in the 6th inning sealed Blackburn's fate, and although Geelong's Kelli Zablan sent one over the fence in the final inning, their comeback goals were left unfulfilled. Blackburn had seven hits on the day compared to Geelong's three, and starting pitcher Andrew Jones was fantastic for the Burners, throwing 7.1 innings with seven strikeouts. The Baycats had Rudy Jarramillo on the mound for six innings, and he recorded 18 first-pitch strikes and two strikeouts.
Luke Hughes was named the Division 1 Grand Final MVP after smashing a double and a home run for 2 RBI's, and David Dicker also had two timely hits to keep things moving for Blackburn. 20 years after they earned their first premiership flag, Blackburn has done it again and their fans and families couldn't be happier!
Congratulations to Blackburn on being the 2018/19 Division 1 premiers, and well done to runners-up Geelong Baycats!