The most exciting time of the year for the Victorian Summer Baseball League has arrived, with finals in full swing! Some of the most talented club teams and players in the state are taking on fierce rivals and intense competition in Division 1. Check out results and recaps from semi finals below, and good luck to all players, coaches, teams and clubs that have made it to Finals!
Firsts Semi Finals (Tuesday, Feb. 26th)
Sunshine Eagles vs. Geelong Baycats
2 5
After a lackluster start to the season, Sunshine has really turned things around and made a fantastic finals run that saw them secure the best record in the division after 27 regular season rounds. The Baycats started the season on fire with an 8-0 record before hitting a few road blocks, leading to a second-place finish overall with 17 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw. With both teams enjoying a successful and surprising season, this set the stage for a thrilling semi finals series.
In game 1, Sunshine had a few bright spots including a home run from import Brian Lane, but ultimately Geelong had the better outing. The Baycats jumped on the board in the 1st inning, and it wasn't until the top of the 4th that Sunshine tied it up 1-1. The Eagles saw the 5th inning get away from them as the Baycats added 3 off a costly error.
Although Lane's solo homer somewhat reenergized Sunshine's lineup in the top of the 6th, the deficit proved too much to overcome. Geelong added their last run in the bottom frame of the 8th inning, before closing it out to seal the deal on their first huge win of the semi finals series. Josh Davies led the way with 2 RBI's on the night, while starting pitcher Sam Gibbons was fantastic on the mound, throwing 9 innings with 11 strikeouts and 18 first-pitch strikes.
Game 2 will be played at Sunshine's ground at 2PM on Saturday, March 2nd. Another Geelong win sends the Baycats through for a shot at a repeat premiership title, while Sunshine must win to force a game three.
Blackburn Orioles vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers
4 0
The Orioles and the Tigers finished tied on the ladder with a 61.54 win percentage, but Blackburn got the edge for the home side advantage. It showed on Tuesday night at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona has they came out confident and comfortable, shutting out the Tigers in a convincing win.
While Upwey's offense was uncharacteristically quiet, the same could not be said for Blackburn as several Orioles had huge hits that made all the difference. Ben Leslie, Tommy Kerr- Chapman and Liam Hopkins were all key players in the Orioles' essential first-game win.
An early run and a dominant pitching performance from Skyler Sylvester set the tone for Blackburn, as the Orioles carried a tight 2-0 lead going into the 9th. That's when a bases-loaded double from Liam Hopkins brought two runners home, making it 4-0 at the end of the game. Now, Blackburn will hope for a repeat performance on Saturday, while Upwey will need to pick up the pace to keep their hopes of breaking a 16-season premiership drought alive.
Division 1 Semi Finals (Sunday, Feb. 24th)
Firsts Semi Finals (Tuesday, Feb. 26th)
Sunshine Eagles vs. Geelong Baycats
2 5
After a lackluster start to the season, Sunshine has really turned things around and made a fantastic finals run that saw them secure the best record in the division after 27 regular season rounds. The Baycats started the season on fire with an 8-0 record before hitting a few road blocks, leading to a second-place finish overall with 17 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw. With both teams enjoying a successful and surprising season, this set the stage for a thrilling semi finals series.
In game 1, Sunshine had a few bright spots including a home run from import Brian Lane, but ultimately Geelong had the better outing. The Baycats jumped on the board in the 1st inning, and it wasn't until the top of the 4th that Sunshine tied it up 1-1. The Eagles saw the 5th inning get away from them as the Baycats added 3 off a costly error.
Although Lane's solo homer somewhat reenergized Sunshine's lineup in the top of the 6th, the deficit proved too much to overcome. Geelong added their last run in the bottom frame of the 8th inning, before closing it out to seal the deal on their first huge win of the semi finals series. Josh Davies led the way with 2 RBI's on the night, while starting pitcher Sam Gibbons was fantastic on the mound, throwing 9 innings with 11 strikeouts and 18 first-pitch strikes.
Game 2 will be played at Sunshine's ground at 2PM on Saturday, March 2nd. Another Geelong win sends the Baycats through for a shot at a repeat premiership title, while Sunshine must win to force a game three.
Blackburn Orioles vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers
4 0
The Orioles and the Tigers finished tied on the ladder with a 61.54 win percentage, but Blackburn got the edge for the home side advantage. It showed on Tuesday night at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona has they came out confident and comfortable, shutting out the Tigers in a convincing win.
While Upwey's offense was uncharacteristically quiet, the same could not be said for Blackburn as several Orioles had huge hits that made all the difference. Ben Leslie, Tommy Kerr- Chapman and Liam Hopkins were all key players in the Orioles' essential first-game win.
An early run and a dominant pitching performance from Skyler Sylvester set the tone for Blackburn, as the Orioles carried a tight 2-0 lead going into the 9th. That's when a bases-loaded double from Liam Hopkins brought two runners home, making it 4-0 at the end of the game. Now, Blackburn will hope for a repeat performance on Saturday, while Upwey will need to pick up the pace to keep their hopes of breaking a 16-season premiership drought alive.
Division 1 Semi Finals (Sunday, Feb. 24th)
Seconds
Blackburn Orioles vs. Upwey Ferntree Gully Tigers
11 3
As the top team in the reserves with 12 wins, 5 losses and 1 draw, Blackburn had the edge coming into this game, and they didn’t disappoint. They cruised to an easy victory, earning them a spot in the Grand Final, when they’ll host Sandringham. It’s been more than 15 years since either side as won a premiership in the reserves, so it will be a fierce battle for Grand Final glory on Sunday!
Fitzroy Lions vs. Sandringham Royals
7 11
The Lions were hoping to go all the way to secure their second premiership in three years, but the Royals dashed their hopes with a strong performance. Now Sandringham will go head-to-head with Blackburn on Sunday’s Grand Final as the club tries to snap a six-year senior premiership drought.
Photo: Sandringham Baseball Club - Facebook
Thirds
Essendon Bombers vs. Fitzroy Lions
6 1
The Lions also came up short in the thirds as they faced a team that narrowly beat them a few weeks ago in round 17. Essendon enjoyed a better day at the plate as they earned their ticket to the Grand Final, giving them the chance to bring home their first thirds premiership in eight seasons! The Bombers will have a tough task ahead of them though as they take on the Baycats, who have won back-to-back titles.
Geelong Baycats vs. Blackburn Orioles
13 6
It’s looking like Geelong could secure their third straight premiership if they keep up their fine form in the Grand Final! Duane Davenport pitched the whole game, keeping up his impressive command and control. His fellow Baycats backed him up with some explosive offense, including a 3-run bomb in the 1st from Daniel Anson. This fired up Geelong’s lineup, and from there on out they kept it going. Anson added 2 RBI’s on a single, while Chris Hockey brought home two runs of his own on a double and a single.
Angus McNee connected for three singles and 2 RBI’s, while Tim Rankin, Jason Peoples, Hayden Peoples and Josh Agius all had RBI singles. This fantastic effort has helped the Baycats keep up their momentum heading into the Grand Final, as the Baycats look to bring home their third flag in a row.
Fourths
Fitzroy Lions v. Essendon Bombers
5 13
The Bombers overpowered the Lions on Sunday, a welcome result for Essendon after a disappointing 10-3 loss to Fitzroy in round 17. Essendon moves on to the Grand Final, where they'll hope to come out victorious with a premiership title they can celebrate in their brand new club room!
Melbourne Demons vs. Berwick City Cougars
6 12
Facing the top team on the ladder was no easy task for Berwick, but ultimately they got the job done and proved their impressive strength as a team. The Cougars will face yet another challenge as they head to Boeing Reserve to face Essendon in the Grand Final, having split the opening round series with the second-place Bombers.
Fourths
Fitzroy Lions v. Essendon Bombers
5 13
The Bombers overpowered the Lions on Sunday, a welcome result for Essendon after a disappointing 10-3 loss to Fitzroy in round 17. Essendon moves on to the Grand Final, where they'll hope to come out victorious with a premiership title they can celebrate in their brand new club room!
Melbourne Demons vs. Berwick City Cougars
6 12
Facing the top team on the ladder was no easy task for Berwick, but ultimately they got the job done and proved their impressive strength as a team. The Cougars will face yet another challenge as they head to Boeing Reserve to face Essendon in the Grand Final, having split the opening round series with the second-place Bombers.