It's finals time for Victorian Summer Baseball League! The top teams in the competition are vying for a Grand Final finish, while their fellow players are not far behind with the finals for the seconds, thirds and fourths! Keep up with all the action with results and recaps below, and congratulations to all teams on such a successful season!
Division 1 Firsts – Semi Finals
Geelong Baycats vs. Sunshine Eagles
18 2
The Baycats left no doubt that they still have it in them to pull off another premiership, as they crushed the Eagles with a dominating performance. Feeling good after a game 1 victory, Geelong jumped on the board early with four runs in the 1st. Although Sunshine answered with one of their own in the bottom frame, they never regained control of the game. Geelong added another four runs in each of the next two innings to secure a 12-2 lead after three.
Sunshine's pitching and defense couldn't hold up against these hard-hitting Baycats. Geelong were relentless, with another run in the 4th and five more in the 5th. Things quieted down for the last two innings, but the damage was done and Geelong secured their ticket to the Grand Final, where they will go for a second straight premiership against Blackburn.
Overall, Geelong had 18 hits compared to just five for Sunshine. The Eagles made two errors while Geelong made just one, and starter Rudy Jaramillo was positively on-point during his six innings of work. He threw 20 first-pitch strikes and had eight strikeouts on the day, while Sunshine's Taylor Rowe had eight first pitches for strikes and three strikeouts.
Kelli Zablan and Elliot Biddle had four hits on the day to lead the Baycats, while Ryan Darcy followed in close pursuit with three of his own. Biddle had 7 RBI's while Zablan had six. These two and their hot bats will be keys to Geelong's success in the Grand Final.
Blackburn Orioles vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers
13 5
After winning the first game 4-0, the Burners came back strong for game two. It didn't take long for them to get the job done, as they hopped on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning thanks to a double from David Dicker. Blackburn's Adam Jones was reliable as ever on the mound, as his teammates worked their way to a 6-0 lead by the bottom of the 6th inning. Other offensive highlights for Blackburn included the RBI double by Liam Hopkins and a 3-run blast from Nicholas Rossell to make the score 11-2 in the 8th. While the Tigers were able to get a few more runs home, it wasn't enough to extend their season any further. This means there will be a replay of last year's Grand Final with Blackburn and Geelong facing off.
Reserves
Blackburn Orioles vs. Sandringham Royals
8 6
It was a close battle between these two dedicated teams, but ultimately the Orioles pulled away for the win, marking their first premiership in the reserves since the 2001/01 season. They had an 8-4 lead going into the bottom of the 5th, but gave a few more runs up before shutting down the Royals for good. Well done to both teams for their efforts as they gave the game everything they've got. One thing seems to be for sure: these two will continue to be tough competition in the upcoming seasons.
Thirds
Geelong Baycats vs. Essendon Bombers
7 4
The Baycats are unstoppable! They secured their third-straight premiership with a convincing performance vs. Essendon. Geelong was up 5-1 by the top of the 4th, and they added two more runs by the top of the 7th to seal the deal and finish their one-loss season on a high note. The Baycats family are thrilled with this final result as the thirds just keep on cruising!
The team's winning formula includes Cooper Rickard, Hayden Peoples, Chris Rickard, Alex Hockey, Duane Davenport, Chris Hockey, Mat Belfrage, Jason Peoples, Angus McNee, Stotty Lachlan, Tim Cruise, Liam Whiteside, Daniel Anson, Jordan Isbister, Josh Agius and Dion Kirchner.
Fourths
Essendon Bombers vs. Berwick City Cougars
8 6
The Bombers had a tough challenge with the determined Cougars hot on their heels, but ultimately Essendon pulled away for a fantastic Grand Final win. It's been a highly-anticipated premiership victory for Essendon, as they've finally got the job done once and for all after years of being so close. Congratulations Bombers on such a strong season!
Reserves
Blackburn Orioles vs. Sandringham Royals
8 6
It was a close battle between these two dedicated teams, but ultimately the Orioles pulled away for the win, marking their first premiership in the reserves since the 2001/01 season. They had an 8-4 lead going into the bottom of the 5th, but gave a few more runs up before shutting down the Royals for good. Well done to both teams for their efforts as they gave the game everything they've got. One thing seems to be for sure: these two will continue to be tough competition in the upcoming seasons.
Thirds
Geelong Baycats vs. Essendon Bombers
7 4
The Baycats are unstoppable! They secured their third-straight premiership with a convincing performance vs. Essendon. Geelong was up 5-1 by the top of the 4th, and they added two more runs by the top of the 7th to seal the deal and finish their one-loss season on a high note. The Baycats family are thrilled with this final result as the thirds just keep on cruising!
The team's winning formula includes Cooper Rickard, Hayden Peoples, Chris Rickard, Alex Hockey, Duane Davenport, Chris Hockey, Mat Belfrage, Jason Peoples, Angus McNee, Stotty Lachlan, Tim Cruise, Liam Whiteside, Daniel Anson, Jordan Isbister, Josh Agius and Dion Kirchner.
Fourths
Essendon Bombers vs. Berwick City Cougars
8 6
The Bombers had a tough challenge with the determined Cougars hot on their heels, but ultimately Essendon pulled away for a fantastic Grand Final win. It's been a highly-anticipated premiership victory for Essendon, as they've finally got the job done once and for all after years of being so close. Congratulations Bombers on such a strong season!