Division One Finals Round One
1sts
The 1sts wrapped up their regular season on Saturday, with Melbourne, Blackburn, Essendon and Geelong making up the top four moving on to finals. Melbourne narrowly lost 8-9 to Essendon, while Blackburn beat Fitzroy on the road 1-10. Geelong fell short in their 3-9 loss to Moorabbin, but looks to rebound Tuesday night vs. Essendon at Melbourne Ballpark. First pitch is at 7:00 pm.
At the same time, close rivals Blackburn and Melbourne will face off at Preston in a competitive, exciting game. The Orioles have been a thorn in the Demons’ side, dashing their Grand Final dreams several seasons in a row before Melbourne finally captured a semifinal series win last season. Melbourne has won two of their three meetings this season, including a 7-5 win in round two and a 3-4 road win in round 11, but Blackburn has shown their stellar pitching can blank their opponents. Such was the case in their 0-4 shutout victory at Melbourne in round 8. Game two will be held at 2:00 pm at Surrey Park on Saturday, with game three if necessary slated for Sunday at Blackburn.
While that fierce rivalry unfolds, Essendon and Geelong will face off at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona on Tuesday night. Essendon is coming off a big win at Melbourne last weekend, while Geelong looks to rebound from a 3-8 home loss to Moorabbin. It was a close match between the two teams in round 18, when Geelong pulled off a 5-4 victory. Game two is scheduled for Saturday at Melbourne Ballpark, while game three if needed will take place at Geelong.
2nds
Melbourne vs. Geelong 4-6
First-place Melbourne couldn’t hold off fourth-place Geelong at home in their 4-6 loss. Geelong advances to the Grand Final, where they will head on the road to face Blackburn in the final test of the season. The game starts at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 4th at Billabong Park.
Photo: Michelle De Highden
Blackburn vs. Cheltenham 14-7
The Orioles overpowered the Rustlers with strong team batting, sealing the deal for their Grand Final Appearance. Blackburn will head into the Grand Final with redemption on their minds after falling to Geelong in round 16.
3rds
Blackburn vs. Fitzroy 10-0
Strong pitching and an all-around team effort from Blackburn put the brakes on Fitzroy’s playoff run. The Orioles advance to the Grand Final, where they will face their toughest competition in Geelong. Blackburn suffered a 3-6 home loss to Geelong back in round 16, and they remained in a close race for first place throughout the season, with the Baycats ending up on top.
Geelong vs. Melbourne 11-5
Fourth-place Melbourne fell short in their hopes of a big upset of division leader Geelong. The Baycats will host the Orioles on Sunday at 2:00 pm as the Grand Final match gets underway.
4ths
Fitzroy vs. Melbourne 5-6
Melbourne is through to the Grand Final after an intense game. The Demons led early but allowed the Lions back into the game, with Fitzroy scoring five runs to tie it up in the fourth inning. Melbourne broke through in the ninth and edged ahead with a big run scored. Melbourne pitcher Trent Ryan faced a bottom of the ninth with runners on second and third with no outs. He held it together, getting two key strikeouts and a pop-up to win it. Melbourne will play at Sunshine for Sunday’s Grand Final at 2:00 pm.
Sunshine vs. Blackburn 9-1
Sunshine dominated Blackburn both on the mound and at the plate, sending the Eagles onward to the Grand Final on Sunday vs. Melbourne. Sunshine won 6-9 at Melbourne back in round six, and they’ll look to repeat as they face the team that tied them for third place in the standings.