Division 1 Round 1
1sts
Saturday, Game 2: Essendon vs. Geelong 1-7
The Bombers couldn’t ignite the fire as they struggled to hit against the Baycats’ for the second straight game. The reigning champs were once again shut down by a complete start, this time from Geelong’s Rudy Jarramillo. Essendon’s Dean McIntyre hit a home run in the first, but their bats were silenced for the rest of the game, while the Baycats took an early lead with Keli Zablan’s three-run blast. Geelong continued to make the most of scoring opportunities to secure a comfortable lead and a trip to the Grand Final, denying Essendon their seventh straight premiership.
Photo: Alex McCulloch/Essendon Baseball Club Facebook
Saturday, Game 2: Melbourne vs. Blackburn 5-4
The fierce rivalry continued with Melbourne’s narrow win, forcing a game three on Sunday. While Blackburn’s pitching was shutout stellar on Wednesday, the Orioles struggled to start, with Melbourne racking up four of their five runs in the first inning. Blackburn managed to get within one run, and they had men on in the ninth but couldn’t bring them home as Melbourne hung on for the win.
Sunday, Game 3: Melbourne vs. Blackburn 10-8
This intense tiebreaker got out to a quick start as Melbourne took a 1-0 lead after the first, only to give up a three-run homer for Blackburn to take a 1-4 advantage. Both teams battled, with Blackburn ahead 10-8 in the seventh. Melbourne’s Andy Tierney went down with a leg injury, and time was called as the sun set at Billabong Park. Best wishes to Andy for a speedy recovery.
Grand Final Game 1 Geelong vs. Blackburn 4-2
Another fantastic start by Sam Gibbons and a two-run homer from Cameron Brown lifted Geelong over Blackburn. Although Scott Mitchinson had another solid start for the Orioles, giving up just two runs, the Baycats were able to break free in the tenth to secure the win. Now, Geelong will enjoy a 1-0 series lead as they meet again on Saturday for game two. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 pm at Melbourne Ballpark.
2nds
Blackburn vs. Geelong 3-8
The Baycats overpowered the Orioles to take home the division one premiership. Blackburn jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, but Geelong’s Duane Davenport settled down and threw four scoreless innings to keep the Baycats in the game. Geelong jumped on the board in the fifth, making it 3-1 and leaving bases loaded as they challenged Blackburn’s defense.
Photo: Katie Davenport/ Geelong BAYCATS Baseball Club Facebook
Geelong’s Emerson Richard took over the mound in the fifth, needing only eight pitches to get the job done. The Baycats were trailing 1-3 but tied it up in the sixth on a Kobe Greenhalgh two-run homer, giving Geelong the momentum to add three more on four hits to take a 3-6 lead. Jarryd Wood notched 3 RBI in that inning on a massive hit.
There was no turning back for Geelong, as Blackburn ran out of steam against Richard, managing only two base runners in the last four innings. The Baycats added one in the seventh and another in the ninth to round out their 3-8 Grand Final victory.
3rds
Geelong vs. Blackburn 2-1
Meanwhile, at home the Baycats were celebrating the thirds premiership after a close game fueled by on-the-spot pitching. In the end, Geelong got the edge over Blackburn to take home the Grand Final win.
Photo: Meryl McColl/ Geelong BAYCATS Baseball Club Facebook
4ths
Sunshine vs. Melbourne 8-5
First-place Sunshine earned their third consecutive flag in a competitive matchup vs. third-place Melbourne. Both teams fought hard, with the Eagles pulling away in the last few innings to secure the premiership.
Congrats to all teams on their Grand Finals success!