Sunshine may have entered Game 1 of the Division 2 Finals Series boasting the best pitching staff in the league but it was Upwey's Jarred Turner that owned the night, guiding the Tigers to a first up 2-0 win, leaving them just one win away from a Division 2 Premiership.
Upwey’s two-run fifth inning was to be the night’s only score as Turner completely shutdown the dangerous Sunshine bats.
The right-hander's game was simply breathtaking, allowing just three hits and striking out seven in a 116-pitch complete game shutout. His performance, arguably the best showing from a Division 2 pitcher all season.
Sunshine’s Taylor Rowe would pick up the loss but was far from disgraced. The league’s leading strikeout pitcher fanned six in his 5.2 innings but would give up Upwey’s two runs on eight hits.
Jordan Elliot was the pick of the hitters for Upwey, picking up two hits on the night and reaching base a third time with one of the games few walks.
FULL STATS AND SCORE FROM GAME 1
WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR SUNSHINE?
It’s a pretty simple equation for the Eagles. They simply need to get on base more.
Managing just three hits on the night was uncharacteristically low for this quality Sunshine outfit. With one of the league’s most dangerous hitting line-ups I can’t see them being overpowered again in Game 2.
Expect them to be back in the cages later in the week and come out swinging some aggressive bats on Saturday and with Jared Van Hoon slated to start Game 2, we could be in for yet anothe rpitcher's duel.
CAN UPWEY WRAP IT UP IN TWO?
Absolutely they can! The Tigers managed nine hits against a quality pitching outfit and were made to earn their runs. They are a dangerous team with base runners and aren't afraid to sacrifice outs to move runners across and keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Evan Phillips will be Upwey's likely Game 2 starter with Upwey's game style well and truly suited to playing tight finals baseball.
Game 2, Saturday 11 March, 1.00PM
Game 3 (if required), Sunday 12 March, 1.00PM
All games played at Melbourne Ballpark.