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Results
Check out the latest A grade player achievements for season 2010 and some likely upcoming achievements. All A Grade match reports authored by Kingsley Collins Finals - Week 2 - September 4 LARA 5 defeated BALLARAT 4
It was an extraordinary day for and around local baseball, with wild weather buffeting the state and heavy rain being dumped on already sodden fields. It was a minor miracle - and a credit to the ground staff at Geelong Baseball Centre - that any baseball was played.
After a seventy-five minute rain delay in the third, the Wildcats established a five zip lead - only to have it whittled away by the Brewers, who failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity in the seventh.
Both sides landed runners on base in the early innings but were thwarted by some grand defence that saw two caught stealing and the Wildcats turning a double play in the second.
With Brewer starter and association MVP Rory Meddick not enjoying one of his best stints, the Wildcats plated five in a ninety-minute third innings that encompassed the lengthy rain break.
The delay came after Lara loaded the bases on hits to Jordan Young, Aaron Green (his second of three) and Stuart Forbes. Ben Hammer drew a pass to score the first run before the heavens opened.
With a volume of water already having affected the playing surface, it was a superhuman effort by the Guild ground crew – along with bipartisan assistance from the competing clubs – that allowed play to resume at 5.00 PM.
The Wildcats put it to Meddick as Ross Wilson doubled to right centre and cleared the bases off a two strike count. When Justin Charles hit safely, Brewer management was out with the hook early days – for the second week in a row.
Despite conceding an unearned fifth run for the innings – on a Cameron Forbes single - Ross Hipke was heroic in holding sway through the middle digs, but the Brewers could not mount quite enough in offence against a Lara defence that was inspired by teenager Jordan Young.
Instigating a number of double plays and making a truckload of outs from shortstop, Young was a lynchpin for the Lara defence - along the way collecting a pair of hits for his club.
The Brewers had their chances but Lara was able to limit the damage to three runs in the fourth and fifth as Anthony Clack and Brett Bennetts hit safely, Lincoln Blake tripled and Leigh Ashmore singled in the fifth.
With Joel Ricketts relieving Forbes in the seventh, the Brew Crew mounted another challenge. Adam Irons doubled, Blake singled to put runners at the corners with none out. Leigh Ashmore’s sacrifice fly scored Irons and drew the Brewers to within one. Clack hit safely and Bennetts walked – to load the bases – but Ricketts got out of a jam with minimal harm done.
Charles and Cameron Forbes again hit safely in the eighth, but Lara was unable to convert. With tension mounting in the equaliser, Ned Baldwin singled for the Brewers but was forced out, Irons stole second and pinch hitter Lyndon Karslake singled. Headed for home on the hit, Irons stumbled rounding third and was forced to hold up. Whether he would have made it safely on the play is problematic, but it was a cruel break compounded as Ricketts closed out the innings – and then breezed through the ninth.
This was a quality game of baseball played in atrocious weather conditions and both sides should be commended on turning it on for the small but dedicated band of supporters who braved the elements to the end.
While it was another heartbreaking finals loss for the Brewers, they fought the game out manfully from an awkward position and were within a base hit of forcing the game – and their season - to extra innings. The Brewers played errorless defence and Hipke kept his side well in the hunt by scattering four hits and conceding nothing in an outstanding stint, while Blake (three hits), Clack (two) were key hitters in a total of ten shared between seven players, with catcher Ashmore driving in two of his side’s runs.
For the Wildcats, it was another tough game under enormous pressure – their second in a week. Cameron Forbes was terrific over his six innings stint and with the bat, Young and first-sacker Charles (two hits) made some crucial plays, Green (three hits) was a livewire, Wilson came good bigtime when it mattered, outfielder Stuart Forbes showed why he was selected as a GBA All-Star outfielder and Ben Hammer gutsed it out for much of the game despite obvious injury.
Lara meets Guild in the 2010 Grand Final next Saturday, starting at 2.30 PM at Geelong Baseball Centre.
LARA 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 (5) 3 errors
BREWERS 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 (4) 0 errors
Hits.
Lara: A.Green 3, C.Forbes 3, J.Young 2, J.Charles 2, S.Forbes, R.Wilson
Brewers: L.Blake 3, A.Clack 2, B.Bennetts, L.Ashmore, A.Irons, N.Baldwin, L.Karslake
RBIs.
Lara: Wilson 3, C.Forbes, B.Hammer
Brewers: Ashmore 2, Kerr, Blake
Pitching.
Lara: C.Forbes 6 inn, 5 H, 3 Ks, 2 BB, 1 HPB, 3 ER
J.Ricketts 3 inn, 5 H, 3 Ks, 1 BB, 1 ER
Brewers: R.Meddick 2.2 inn, 7 H, 4 Ks, 1 BB, 5 ER
R.Hipke 5.1 inn, 4 H, 6 Ks, 0 BB, 0 HPB, 0 ER
A.Irons 1 inn, 1 H, 1 K, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 4 defeated by Lara 25
Finals - Week 1 GUILD 10 defeated BALLARAT 2 (SECOND SEMI-FINAL)
In a contest that was expected by most to be far closer than it turned out, Guild outplayed the Brewers in all facets of the game.
Stuart Barnes threw an eight-innings blinder for the Lions, scattering ten hits but not conceding a pass in a superb outing against the dangerous Brewer offence.
Barnes was supported to the hilt by some brilliant fielding and an irrepressible offence that took it to a Ballarat pitching staff that was under the pump after its ace tattooed three Guild hitters in the first.
While the Brewers scored a run in the top of the first after Clack hit safely and Burrows drove him in with a flare, it was an ominous bottom half of the dig as Brewer Rory Meddick hit three on the trot for the equalising run.
It turned even uglier in the third, when Ryan Stewart’s bleeder dropped in play, Nic Spence and Troy Snarey hit safely to load the bases for Guild. Three runs subsequently crossed the plate as a Jensz infield hit forced an error, Meddick balked and Cameron Lyons hit a sacrifice fly to give the Lions a 4-1 break.
With Meddick giving way to Ross Hipke much earlier than the Brewers would have liked, Guild was again on the march - in the fifth and sixth - with Jensz, Jones, Harper, Spence and Lyons hitting safely and pushing another three runs across for the Lions.
In one of his finer efforts for the Guild winter club, Barnes held sway through eight impressive innings of work. The Brewers hit back with a run in the sixth, but the Lions put the game away with another three in the eighth – compliments of a couple of bleeders, a grounder and a long double by Dean Jones that surely demoralised an already shell-shocked Brew Crew.
It was a comprehensive win by the Lions, who played impeccable defence and turned crucial double plays when it counted most.
While fifteen hits to ten was a significant but not unassailable offensive margin, Guild was further advantaged by being gifted six passes and HPBs from the Brewers whilst Barnes gave up nothing over his stint on the hill.
The Lions had several contributors with the bat – the best being Spence (three hits), Jones (two hits and two RBIs), Harper (two and two), Stewart (two hits) and Lyons (three of his side’s RBIs).
Ballarat was well served by centrefielder Ned Baldwin (who played an outstanding defensive game while collecting three hits) and third-sacker Brett Bennetts (two hits and some classy outs made from the hot corner).
While they did it the hard way in coming from third last year, the Lions have taken the express lane to this years’ Grand Final and will enjoy a rest-up next weekend. The Brewers will face a tough challenge in coming back against Lara in next Saturday’s Preliminary Final.
BREWERS 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 (2) 3 errors
GUILD 1 0 3 0 2 1 0 3 X (10) 1 error
Hits.
Brewers: N.Baldwin 3, B.Bennetts 2, A.Clack, H.Burrows, R.Meddick, A.Irons, L.Ashmore
Guild: N.Spence 3, R.Stewart 2, B.Jensz 2, D.Jones 2, C.Harper 2, T.Snarey, L.Vicary-Lovegrove, C.Lyons, H.Sekine
RBIs.
Brewers: N.Baldwin, H.Burrows
Guild: C.Lyons 3, D.Jones 2, C.harper 2, B.Jensz, H.Sekine
Pitching.
Brewers: R.Meddick 2.1 inn, 5 H, 1 K, 1 BB, 3 HPB, 4 ER
R.Hipke 3.1 inn, 5 H, 3 Ks, 2 BB, 3 ER
A.Irons 2.1 inn, 5 H, 1 K, 0 BB, 3 ER
Guild: S.Barnes 8 inn, 10 H, 5 Ks, 0 BB, 2 ER
R.Balzer 1 inn, 1 K, 1 BB, 1 HPB, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 8 defeated by Guild 21
Round 17 - 21 August BALLARAT 12 defeated BELLARINE 1
The Brewers tuned up for another finals campaign with a crushing win over Bellarine, who have finished the season in fifth placing.
Taking advantage of some wayward Bears pitching, Ballarat blasted six runs in the second and another five in the third to set up a mercy-rule result.
The Bears were off to a bright start, as a Brewers’ handling error allowed a run to cross the plate after Wayne Visser’s bleeder dropped in play and Brad McKentish singled.
But that was it for the visitors, who struggled for production against Brewer ace Rory Meddick – who scattered four hits over five digs before Adam Irons finished out.
While the Brewer duo was on song in a final game outing before the play-offs, starter Ben Atkins struggled big-time for the Bears, gifting ten passes and conceding nine earned runs before Josh Crotty entered the fray after the game was well gone.
Although the second and third innings break-out owed plenty to the Atkins control issue – and to a couple of crucial defensive blunders – the Brewers hit the ball hard and often, led by Scott Kerr (two hits) and catcher Leigh Ashmore (double and a triple for three RBIs).
Meddick complemented a fine all-round game with a single that drove in two of his side’s runs in the third, while Visser (two hits) led a subdued Bears offence.
While it’s hibernation for the Bears, Ballarat has enjoyed an outstanding home and away season and will meet reigning premier Guild in the Second Semi-Final at Geelong Baseball Centre next Sunday.
BELLARINE 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 (1) 3 errors
BALLARAT 0 6 5 1 0 0 X (12) 1 error
Hits.
Bellarine: W.Visser 2, B.McKentish, J.Crotty, J.Atkins
Ballarat: L.Ashmore 2, S.Kerr 2, H.Burrows, R.Meddick, A.Irons, N.Baldwin
RBIs.
Bellarine: S.Osborne
Ballarat: L.Ashmore 3, R.Meddick 2, B.Bennetts, S.Kerr, H.Burrows
Pitching.
Bellarine: B.Atkins 2.2 inn, 5 H, 2 Ks, 10 BB, 9 ER
J.Crotty 3.1 inn, 4 H, 0 K, 0 BB, 1 ER
Ballarat: R.Meddick 5 inn, 4 H, 8 Ks, 1 BB, 1 ER
A.Irons 2 inn, 1 H, 2 Ks, 0 BB, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 8 defeated Bellarine 3 B grade - Brewers 3 defeated by Colac 22 B reserve - Brewers 4 defeated by Colac 30
Round 16 - 14 August BALLARAT 8 defeated DEAKIN 2
With the goldfields city enhancing its reputation as a place not to be during the depths of winter, Ballarat coped with the conditions more capably and was well ahead when the game was called after 65 minutes. Conditions were tough for pitchers and defence, although Ross Hipke fared much better for the Brew Crew than Deakin starter Sam Gibbons – who had control issues but managed to collect two of his club’s three hits.
With three hits and two RBIs, Scott Kerr was the offensive catalyst for Ballarat, who are looking strong with the finals looming.
After Deakin stranded Gibbons at third in the top of the first, the Brewers cashed in to plate three in the equaliser on a couple of passes, three wild pitches and hits to Anthony Clack, Kerr and Alan Collins. Following this up with another two in the second, the Brewers were well in control as Hipke held sway in the greasy conditions.
The Blues hit back belatedly with two in the third after Gibbons singled, Darcy Eales was tattooed by Hipke, Nathan Warren walked and Nick Hinrichsen singled to score two.
With conditions becoming dangerous - and an early finish inevitable - the Brewers pushed another three across the plate compliments of a free pass, two Deakin throwing errors and hits to Kerr and Ashmore.
Ballarat plays host to Bellarine in next Saturday’s final round and Deakin will be keen to finish its season on a positive note at home to the Wildcats.
DEAKIN 0 0 2 (2) 3 errors
BALLARAT 3 2 3 (8) 1 error
Hits.
Deakin: S.Gibbons 2, N.Hinrichsen
Ballarat: S.Kerr 3, A.Clack, A.Collins, L.Ashmore
RBIs.
Deakin: N.Hinrichsen 2
Ballarat: S.Kerr 2, A.Collins, H.Burrows
Pitching.
Deakin: S.Gibbons 2 inn, 4 H, 1 K, 5 BB, 3 ER
N.Warren 1 inn, 2 H, 0 K, 1 BB, 1 ER
Ballarat: R.Hipke 3 inn, 3 H, 7 Ks, 2 BB, 1 HPB, 2 ER
A reserve - Brewers 8 defeated Deakin 1
B grade - Brewers 12 defeated by Corio 26
B reserve - Brewers defeated by Corio
Round 15 - 7 August BALLARAT 5 defeated SAINTS 3
Playing his three-hundredth A Grade game, Brewer Brett Bennetts was instrumental in his club's narrow win over Saints. After the two clubs traded early blows, this game developed into a ding-dong contest with neither side scoring after the second innings.
Tom Shaw recovered from a shaky start to go the distance for Saints, while Ross Hipke fanned five in three innings of setup work for the Brewers before Adam Irons closed out the last.
Josh Lee was dangerous with two doubles for the haloed ones but he was overshadowed by Hamish Burrows, who collected four hits and drove in three runs for the Brewers, the club celebrating hard and long after posting a win in the three-hundredth A Grade appearance by stalwart and Player of the Century nominee Brett Bennetts.
Saints threatened in the first before the Brewers exploded in the equaliser after a walk, a hit pitch, a two-run scoring double to Burrows, a hit to Rory Meddick and an RBI single to Alan Collins saw three runs cross the plate.
With Brewer starting ace Rory Meddick not quite his dominant self, Saints responded in the second as Shaw drove in Adam Matheson and short stop Kurt Wilson delivered two more on his single. Wilson proved to be a key player in the contest, covering plenty of ground at short stop and initiating a series of quality infield outs and double plays.
The Brewers took advantage of two passes and a couple of wild pitches in the second, with Burrows driving in his third run of the game to give his club a 5-3 lead.
With Shaw settling into his work and Hipke producing an outstanding mid-game outing, neither side could score again despite the Brewers having chances in the fifth and seventh.
While it was a huge day for the Brewers – capped off with another win – outfielder Lincoln Blake also achieved a personal milestone by playing his fiftieth A-Grade game.
Heading the table by half a game over Guild, Ballarat is at home to Deakin on Saturday. Appearing destined to remain in fourth, Saints face another tough one – this time down at Lara, who are coming off a massive win over the Marsh.
SAINTS 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 (3) 1 error
BREWERS 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 X (5) 1 error
Hits.
Saints: J.Lee 2, T.Shaw 2, K.Wilson, C.Rickard, A.Matheson
Brewers: H.Burrows 4, R.Meddick, A.Collins, L.Blake
RBIs.
Saints: K.Wilson 2, T.Shaw
Brewers: H.Burrows 3, A.Collins
Pitching.
Saints: T.Shaw 7 inn, 7 H, 2 Ks, 4 BB, 1 HPB, 5 ER
Brewers: R.Meddick 4 inn, 6 H, 7 Ks, 2 BB, 3 ER
R.Hipke 3 inn, 1 H, 5 Ks, 0 BB, 0 ER
A.Irons 1 inn, 0 H, 2 Ks, 0 BB, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 5 defeated by Saints 20 B reserve - Brewers 6 defeated by Alfredton 29 B grade - bye
Round 14 - 31 July BALLARAT 11 defeated BACCHUS MARSH 1
The Tigers stayed with Ballarat over the first four, but were not able to mount enough in offence as the Brewers trotted out Meddick, Hipke and Irons in order for some solid work approaching the play-offs.
The Bacchus pitchers in Trent Pantelleresco and Nathan Wallace were by no means disgraced as Ballarat took serious advantage of its scoring opportunities while Chad Galloway (three hits) played a lone hand with the stick for the Tigers.
The Marsh was off to a promising start as Galloway and James Bailey singled in the first. But the Brewers were quickly on the board as Brett Bennetts doubled and Meddick singled to drive in two in the first, followed by a run-scoring single to Anthony Clack in the second.
The Tigers’ sole run for the game was delivered by Pate’s run-scoring infield hit after Shannon Hornstra and Galloway had landed on base in the third.
With Hipke well on top through the middle innings and Irons fanning four of six hitters he faced, the Brewers strolled away in the fifth and sixth - on a string of hits - to ice the game in seven.
While Pantelleresco and Wallace conceded a respectable seven passes over the distance, they were not able to contain the Brewer offence, which was well-served by Hamish Burrows (three hits and an RBI), Alan Collins (two and two), Rory Meddick (two and two) and Clack (two and one).
The Brewers are at home to Saints next Saturday and Bacchus Marsh will be under the pump – at home – against the Wildcats.
BACCHUS MARSH 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 (1)
BALLARAT 2 1 1 0 2 4 1 (11)
Hits.
Bacchus Marsh: C.Galloway 3, J.Bailey, J.Pate, S.Hornstra
Ballarat: H.Burrows 3, A.Clack 2, R.Meddick 2, A.Collins 2, B.Bennetts, N.Baldwin, L.Blake, R.Hipke, S.Kerr
RBIs.
Bacchus Marsh: J.Pate
Ballarat: R.Meddick 2, A.Collins 2, R.Hipke, A.Clack, H.Burrows, B.Bennetts, S.Kerr
Pitching.
Bacchus Marsh. T.Pantelleresco 5 inn, 10 H, 5 Ks, 3 BB, 6 ER
N.Wallace 2 inn, 3 H, 1 K, 3 BB, 1 HPB, 5 ER
Ballarat. R.Meddick 3 inn, 5 H, 5 Ks, 1 BB, 1 ER
R.Hipke 2 inn, 1 H, 3 Ks, 0 ER
A.Irons 2 inn, 0 H, 4 Ks, 0 ER
A Reserve - Brewers 9 defeated Bacchus Marsh 0 (forfeit) B Grade - Brewers 8 defeated by Mounties 21 B Reserve - Brewers 0 defeated by Mounties 17
Round 13 - 24 July GUILD 6 defeated BALLARAT 4
The Lions did the damage with three in the third and another three in the fourth, although Ballarat remained well in the hunt as reliever Adam Irons applied the clamps in the later innings of a quality contest between certain finalists.
Two of the Lions’ young guns played decisive roles, with Mitch Miller starring at shortstop and Nic Spence lining a triple to right-centre to drive in three of his side’s runs with two out in the fourth.
Showing faith in young Tom Harrington by sending him to the hill, the Brewers would be reasonably pleased with his effort over four innings for four earned runs - three of those from the Spence triple. Adam Irons handed the Lions plenty to think about in a scoreless relief stint that produced half a dozen strikeouts over four.
Stuart Barnes and Pat Moulton shared pitching duties for the Lions, who could muster just six hits to the Brewers’ nine but took greater advantage of their scoring opportunities. While first-sacker Spence was the offensive star with two hits and four of his side’s RBIs, Troy Snarey collected two knocks and Cameron Lyons was dangerous.
Facing a deficit after the third, the Brewers hit back to equalize on a Bennetts safety bunt, a pass, hits to Burrows and Meddick and a Collins sacrifice fly. But with the Lions posting a further three, Ballarat was unable to peg back the lead despite great situational hitting by Ned Baldwin and Lincoln Blake.
In a game characterised by sound defence, Miller set the Guild benchmark in covering a paddock, spearing a series of well-hit balls and making some stunning outs from in the hole.
Guild is away to Lara on Sunday in the “match of the round” despite enormous interest elsewhere in the league. Brewers are at home to Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.
BREWERS 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 (4) 1 error
GUILD 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 X (6) 0 errors
Hits.
Brewers: N.Baldwin 2, L.Blake 2, A.Clack, B.Bennetts, H.Burrows, R.Meddick, L.Ashmore
Guild: N.Spence 2, T.Snarey 2, M.Miller, R.Stewart
RBIs.
Brewers: A.Clack, H.Burrows, R.Meddick, A.Collins
Guild: N.Spence 4, T.Snarey, C.Lyons
Pitching.
Brewers: T.Harrington 4 inn, 5 H, 1 K, 3 BB, 1 HPB, 4 ER
A.Irons 4 inn, 1 H, 6 Ks, 2 BB, 0 ER
Guild: S.Barnes 6 inn, 5 H, 2 Ks, 1 BB, 3 ER
P.Moulton 3 inn, 4 H, 3 Ks, 2 BB, 1 ER
A reserve - Brewers 2 defeated Guild 0
B grade - Brewers 0 defeated by Guild 21
B reserve - Brewers 3 defeated by Guild 13
Round 12 - 17 July BALLARAT 3 defeated LARA 0
Starter Rory Meddick produced one of his season-best outings for the Brew Crew, Ross Hipke was untouched over three in relief and catcher Leigh Ashmore played a crucial role – both behind the dish and in offence – as the league leader strangled a club that has been in imperious hitting form of late.
Sharing mound duties, Joel Ricketts and Aaron Green did little wrong for the Wildcats in conceding a solitary earned run but three hits – two of those off Green’s bat – were never going to be enough in another quality game of baseball between certain finalists.
Although the speedy Green landed himself on base and put some pressure on the Brewer defence in the early innings, Lara was unable to mount a serious scoring challenge – with only one runner getting past second base for the game. That was testament to the control of Meddick and Hipke, who were backed by a solid Brewer defence.
By contrast, the Brewers made their intentions clear early days by driving two runs across the plate in the first innings, compliments of two hits, a pass, an error, a wild pitch and a grounder. Maintaining the pressure, the Brewers scored again in the fourth when Alan Collins hit safely, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a Leigh Ashmore double off the centrefield wall.
Replacing Meddick, Hipke was on the money from the outset to spin three hitless innings and pick up a knock of his own as the Wildcats called on Cameron Forbes in the last.
While the Brewers pitching staff did a splendid job and the offence collected nine hits to three, there was only one earned run scored for the game – a measure of the quality of both clubs and a mouth-watering indication of what baseball aficionados can expect come finals time.
Now hard-pressed to make the top two, Lara is away to Werribee while Ballarat matches up against Guild in a top-of-the-table clash at the stadium on Saturday.
LARA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (0) 1 error
BALLARAT 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 (3) 0 errors
Hits.
Lara: A.Green 2, L.Arandt
Brewers: A.Collins 2, L.Ashmore 2, H.Burrows, R.Meddick, L.Blake, S.Kerr, R.Hipke
RBIs.
Brewers: R.Meddick, L.Ashmore, H.Burrows
Pitching.
Lara: J.Ricketts 4 inn, 5 H, 4 Ks, 2 BB, 1 ER
A.Green 3 inn, 3 H, 2 Ks, 1 BB, 0 ER
C.Forbes 0.1 inn, 1 H, 1 K, 0 ER
Brewers: R.Meddick 5 inn, 3 H, 4 Ks, 1 BB, 0 ER
R.Hipke 3 inn, 0 H, 4 Ks, 1 BB, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 5 defeated by Lara 13
B grade - Brewers 12 defeated Saints 10
B reserve - Brewers 7 defeated by Saints 8
Round 11 - 10 July BREWERS 13 defeated WERRIBEE 3
Although the Giants enjoyed playing success in the lower grades, they were never really in this contest after the first innings.
It was a tough day for pitchers, and the Brewer offence was irrepressible in consistently landing runners on base and creating scoring opportunities.
The Brewers made the early running as a Clack double and a Hamish Burrows bleeder plated a run in the first. When Curnow doubled and Lewis Weldon cleared the yard in the equaliser, the Giants had made an emphatic early statement in blustery conditions.
Even after Clack drove in another two for the Brewers in the second – and a 3-2 lead – the home side stayed in with a chance through the next couple of innings, as Ross Hipke (Brewers) and Jonathon Lowe (Werribee) stayed out of strife. But with Lowe tiring, it all began to unravel as the Brewers piled runs on from the fifth dig in an irrepressible offensive display that saw them using fourteen players at different points in the game.
Despite playing some decent baseball early days, the Giants had no answer to a Brewer offensive that included some impeccable small ball and creative hit and run execution by the likes of Burrows and Leigh Ashmore.
In relief for Hipke, Brewer ace Rory Meddick was off target briefly before settling into some customarily dominant work that slammed the gate well and truly on the Giants.
With a string of multiple hitters, there were few passengers – if any – in the Ballarat offence, while Curnow (two hits) and Weldon (two-run homer) were the most dangerous for Werribee.
League-leading Ballarat hosts third-placed Lara in what should be a cracker on Saturday and Werribee is away to Saints on Sunday.
BREWERS 1 2 0 0 2 3 3 2 (12) 0 errors
WERRIBEE 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 (3) 3 errors
Hits.
Brewers: A.Clack 3, H.Burrows 3, A.Irons 2, L.Blake 2, L.Ashmore 2, B.Bennetts, R.Meddick, A.Collins, N.Baldwin
Werribee: J.Curnow 2, T.Webb, L.Weldon (home run), T.Grego, S.Riches, C.Webb
RBIs.
Brewers: A.Clack 2, H.Burrows 2, B.Bennetts, S.Kerr, R.Meddick, L.Blake, D.Chetcuti
Werribee: L.Weldon 2, C.Knight
Pitching.
Brewers: R.Hipke 5 inn, 6 H, 6 Ks, 1 BB, 2 ER
R.Meddick 3 inn, 1 H, 4 Ks, 2 BB, 1 HPB, 1 ER
Werribee: J.Lowe 5 inn, 11 H, 3 Ks, 1 BB, 7 ER
C.Webb 3 inn, 5 H, 2 Ks, 3 BB, 2 ER
A Reserve - Brewers 12 defeated by Werribee 13 B Grade - Brewers 6 defeated by Werribee 7 B Reserve - Brewers 4 defeated by Werribee 6
Round 10 - 3 July
A Reserve - Brewers 7 defeated Bellarine 4 B Grade - Brewers 2 defeated by Colac 9 B Reserve - Brewers 0 defeated by Colac 25
Round 9 - 26 & 27 June BREWERS 7 defeated DEAKIN 0 It was a disappointing outing for Malty's boys, who would have snuck into the four with a win over the league leader but were unable to mount a challenge as Meddick, Hipke and Irons were dominant on the hill. Terrific in defence thus far this year, Deakin made some uncharacteristic fielding blunders as the visitors hit the ball hard and often - with Hamish Burrows having a day out with the stick. Six Deakin errors and only two earned runs by the Brew Crew blew the score out to unflattering proportions, but again it was the Blues’ difficulty in scoring runs that hurt them dearly.
After a scoreless first three digs in which both sides landed runners on base, Rory Meddick drove in the Brewers’ first on a double to rightfield that scored Scott Kerr after Hamish Burrows had bunted him to second. Deakin stranded another couple in the equaliser before the Brewers put the pressure right on with three in the fifth on hits to Blake, Jamieson Burrows, a Kerr sacrifice fly and a two-run Hamish Burrows double.
Relieving Meddick after four, Ross Hipke was typically frugal in conceding two hits over three – he and Meddick not giving up a pass over seven innings of quality work in less than perfect conditions for pitchers.
The Brewers continued to land runners on base and plated another three in the top of nine as Deakin fell away in defence.
In scattering six hits over six, Sam Gibbons was impressive on the hill for Deakin, with Hamish Burrows (two hits and three RBIs), and Meddick (one and two) and Hipke (two hits) being best for the Brewers.
Deakin’s seven hits all came in singles.
Clear on top by a game and a half, the Brewers trek to Bellarine on Saturday, while Deakin is away to a rampant Lara Wildcats bent on doing some damage.
BALLARAT 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 (7)
DEAKIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (0)
Hits.
Ballarat: H.Burrows 2, R.Hipke 2, A.Clack, R.Meddick, L.Blake, J.Burrows, L.Karslake
Deakin: W.Balzer, S.Gibbons, T.Malthouse, S.Malthouse, N.Warren, D.Eales, N.Hinrichsen
RBIs.
Ballarat: H.Burrows 3, R.Meddick 2, S.Kerr
Pitching.
Ballarat: R.Meddick 4 inn, 5 H, 3 Ks, 0 BB, 0 ER
R.Hipke 3 inn, 2 H, 3 Ks, 0 BB, 0 ER
A.Irons 2 inn, 3 Ks, 4 BB, 0 ER
Deakin: S.Gibbons 6 inn, 6 H, 4 Ks, 1 BB, 1 ER
G.Weir 2 inn, 2 H, 0 Ks, 2 BB, 0 ER
S.Pengelly 1 inn, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 HPB, 1 ER
A RESERVE - Brewers 1 defeated by Deakin 10 B GRADE - Brewers 1 defeated by Corio 18 B RESERVE - Brewers 3 defeated by Corio 21
Round 8 - 5 June A GRADE - BREWERS 4 defeated SAINTS 3
In generally inclement conditions for baseball in the harbour city, Saints scored in the first but were unable to hold off the visitors, who remain undefeated heading to the Queen's Birthday break.
Easing himself back into pitching work, Manager Dean Barker took the start for Saints and was effective in holding the Brew Crew over an opening two innings of work that saw his own club score in the bottom of the first after a walk, a base on balls and a Twaddle grounder.
With weather a factor throughout the day – including a couple of brief rain delays – the league leader was kept under the pump, only tying scores up in the fourth as the Brewers played two copybook hit and run plays off Saints reliever Roland Shaw.
With the Saints defence beginning to struggle in greasy conditions, the Brewers made their move in the fifth. Irons walked, Bennetts hit safely – on another hit and run – as the game threatened to unravel. With Josh Lee heading to the hill for Saints, the Brewers took advantage of a pick-off, a steal, a Meddick bleeder and a Collins grounder to plate three runs – and establish a 4-1 lead.
Twaddle hit safely to lead off the sixth for Saints before reliever Ross Hipke whiffed two hitters in turn. Chris Rickard singled (his second for the day) and Andrew Hynes doubled to score a couple before Hipke put the game beyond doubt with his third strikeout of the innings.
“We needed to get an early lead in the conditions,” said Saints Manager Dean Barker, who would be more than acutely aware of the shellacking delivered to his club last time the teams met.
“We did that, but made some fundamental errors that hurt us later on.”
“We weren’t far off turning it around against the Brewers today. It was a great improvement on our last game against them.”
“Next time we play them, we’ll beat them by 25,” Barker quipped.
“It felt awesome to back out there pitching for my club,” said Barker, who will surely have a pivotal role to play for his club after Winter Championship.
Ballarat goes to the break undefeated, while Saints hold fourth placing compliments of a Bears win over Deakin.
BALLARAT 0 0 0 1 3 0 (4) 0 errors
SAINTS 1 0 0 0 0 2 (3) 1 error
Hits.
Ballarat: R.Meddick 2, R.Hipke 2, A.Collins, A.Irons, B.Bennetts, S.Kerr
Saints: C.Rickard 2, A.Hynes 2, A.Hoe, J.Lee, L.Poulter, B.Twaddle
RBIs.
Ballarat: A.Collins 2, R.Meddick
Saints: A.Hynes 2, B.Twaddle
Pitching.
Ballarat: R.Meddick 5 inn, 5 H, 8 K, 1 BB, 1 HPB, 1 ER
R.Hipke 1 inn, 3 H, 3 K, 2 ER
Saints: D.Barker 2.1 inn, 4 H, 2 K, 0 ER
R.Shaw 2 inn, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 ER
J.Lee 2 inn, 1 H, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 9 defeated East Belmont Saints 4 B grade - bye B reserve - Brewers 1 defeated by Alfredton 15
Round 7 - 29 May 2010 A GRADE - BALLARAT 8 defeated BACCHUS 0 It was a tough ask against the Brewers pitching triumvirate of Hipke, Meddick and Irons, but the Tigers were well in the contest through the early innings. After the sides traded zeroes in the first two, the Brewers came alive in the third when an Ashmore bleeder, two copybook hit and run plays (Adam Irons and Brett Bennetts) and a Hamish Burrows double drove three across the plate.
The visitors followed it up in the fourth as Hipke walked, Lincoln Blake continued his hot streak, Irons hit safely, Bennetts hit safely, Kerr and Burrows singled for another three – which could have blown out even further, with the bases being left loaded.
Both clubs called for pitching changes, with the Tigers relieving starter Chris Porter for Shannon Hornstra – briefly – before going to Trent Pantelleresco.
Hipke was effective over three for the Brewers, a fired-up Rory Meddick fanned six of nine hitters he faced in the middle innings and Adam Irons slammed the gate for the Brew Crew – who go to seven zip at the top of the table.
Bacchus Marsh fought the game out manfully - as always - but their lack of playing and club depth is an issue. It is not something that can be easily addressed – given changing demographics and fluctuations in the fortunes of amateur sporting clubs.
Baseball needs a strong presence in the Bacchus Marsh/Melton region. Although it is soldiering along pretty well at A Grade level, no winter club should feel any embarrassment about asking for any reasonable assistance that can be provided to help it rebuild.
The Brewers are away to Saints on Saturday while Bacchus Marsh ventures to the snakepit to test themselves against Lara, who have dropped two of their last three – against last year’s Grand Finalists.
BALLARAT 0 0 3 3 1 0 0 1 (8)
BACCHUS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (0)
A Reserve - Brewers 7 defeated Bacchus Marsh 6 B Grade - Brewers 0 defeated by Guild 32 B Reserve - Brewers 2 defeated by Guild 20
Round 6 - 22 May 2010 A GRADE - BREWERS 11 defeated GUILD 9 Scores fluctuated wildly as the league leaders slugged out a bizarre contest that saw both commit a string of throwing errors, baserunning blunders and mental miscalculations.
After the Brewers seemed to have it under control at 4-2 after four, the Lions put up a six-spot but could not hold off the dangerous Ballarat offence.
The top-of-the-table clash promised plenty but turned into a messy – albeit spirited – contest as both clubs failed to produce the defensive form that has characterised their baseball thus far this season.
Guild plated two in the first on a combination of a base on balls off Brewer starter Ross Hipke, a HPB, a sacrifice bunt and a couple of grounders, but the Brewers hit back with four of their own after hits to Meddick, Collins, Irons (with a perfect safety bunt) and Kerr.
Appearing in control, the Brewers were rocked in the top of five as Guild drove six across on hits to Cameron Lyons, Ryan Darcy, Mitch Miller, Ryan Stewart and Ben Jensz combined with a free pass, a sac bunt, a stolen base and a Brewers error.
Facing a four run deficit, Brewers immediately responded with five as Meddick, Irons, Blake and Ashmore all hit cleanly to exploit a walk, a wild pitch and a defensive error. When the home side landed runners at first and second with none out in the sixth, Lions starter Pat Moulton was relieved by Ryan Balzer – who intentionally loaded the bases before walking a run across the plate and seeing another score on a fielders’ choice.
While the Lions mounted a last-ditch attempt in fading light, a solitary run was not enough to force the Brewers to bat again.
The points will be more than useful for the Brewers in the context of the season, but it was a game best forgotten by both clubs. Twenty runs between the sides, six errors and a series of baserunning blunders were hardly indicative of the quality of baseball that the two have played thus far this season.
Three of the league’s premier throwers in Hipke, Meddick and Moulton struggled to impose themselves on the game, although Meddick – on his birthday – continued his outstanding hitting form (with another three). Scott Kerr showed a welcome return to form for the Brew Crew and Irons and Collins were productive, while Cameron Harper, Ben Jensz and Ryan Stewart were dangerous in offence for Guild.
The Brewers take on Bacchus Marsh at Masons Lane on Saturday, while Guild has a tough assignment at home to Lara.
GUILD 0 2 0 0 6 0 1 (9) 4 errors
BALLARAT 0 4 0 0 5 2 X (11) 2 errors
Hits.
Guild: C.Harper 2, R.Darcy, M.Miller, R.Stewart, T.Snarey, C.Lyons, R.Balzer
Brewers: R.Meddick 3, L.Ashmore 2, A.Irons 2, S.Kerr 2, L.Blake, A.Collins, H.Burrows, A.Clack
RBIs.
Guild: R.Stewart 2, B.Jensz 2, M.Miller, C.Lyons, L.Dineen, R.Balzer, C.Harper
Brewers: A.Irons 3, S.Kerr 2, A.Collins 2, A.Clack, R.Meddick, L.Ashmore
Pitching.
Guild: P.Moulton 5.1 inn, 13 H, 3 BB, 6 ER
R.Balzer 0.2 inn, 0 H, 0 K, 2 BB, 0 ER
Brewers: R.Hipke 4.1 inn, 6 H, 5 K, 2 BB, 1 Hpb, 7 ER
R.Meddick 1.2 inn, 4 H, 1 K, 1 BB, 1 ER
A.Irons 1.0 inn, 0 H, 2 K, 0 ER
A Reserve - Brewers 6 defeated by Guild All Stars 10 B Grade - Brewers 23 defeated Werribee Giants 11 B Reserve - Brewers 18 defeated Werribee Giants 13
Round 5 - 15 May 2010 A grade - BALLARAT 2 defeated LARA 1 In what turned into a classic pitchers' duel between two of the league's finest in Cameron Forbes and Rory Meddick, the Brewers scrambled the go-ahead run in the seventh.
Eight hits to two tipped the odds in favour of the Brewers, although Lara was always well in the contest despite its limited opportunities on base.
After stranding Hamish Burrows after he doubled in the first, the Brewers opened scoring in the second as Alan Collins reached on a mishandled grounder, went to second on a sac bunt and was driven in on a Lincoln Blake double.
Despite the Brewers landing another couple of runners on base in subsequent innings, the Wildcats tied it up in the bottom of four as Justin Charles doubled, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on an tricky infield play.
While both clubs had further chances, Meddick and Forbes were well in control and were able to extricate themselves from a couple of jams in the middle innings.
Aaron Green relieved Forbes in the seventh and the Brewers were immediately on the march. Leigh Ashmore hit safely, advanced on a wild pitch and went to third as Clack singled. But with two runners on and none out, far more damage might have been done than the one run scored on a grounder.
Tossing the seventh, Tom Harrington walked Arandt before getting out of the innings and setting it up for Adam irons to close out the last.
For both clubs, this was a serious taste of the standard of baseball that can be expected from the leading clubs. Although both – especially the Brewers – stranded runners on base at crucial moments, this was more a reflection on the quality of the pitching and the solid defence in perfect playing conditions.
Again at home next Saturday, the Wildcats will be seeking to atone against Werribee, while Ballarat hosts Guild in a much-anticipated top of the table clash that will evoke bitter-sweet memories of when the two clubs last met on a big day last September.
BALLARAT 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 (2) 0 errors
LARA 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 (1) 1 error
Hits.
Ballarat: A.Clack 2, H.Burrows 2, L.Ashmore 2, A.Collins, L.Blake
Lara: A.Green, J.Charles
RBIs.
Ballarat: H.Burrows
Lara: nil
Pitching.
Ballarat: R.Meddick 6 inn, 2 H, 6 K, 4 BB, 1 HPB, 0 ER
T.Harrington 1 inn, 0 H, 1 BB, 0 ER
A.Irons 1 inn, 0H, 0 ER
Lara: C.Forbes 6 inn, 6 H, 8 K, 1 BB, 0 ER
A.Green 2 inn, 2 H, 1 K, 1 BB, 1 ER
A Reserve - Brewers 6 defeated Lara 1 B Grade - Brewers 2 defeated by East Belmont Saints 9 B Reserve - Brewers 8 defeated by East Belmont Saints 14
Round 4 - 8 May 2010 A grade - BREWERS 28 defeated WERRIBEE 3 The Giants tried five on the hill - finishing with former professional and Lara ace Tayler Rowe - but were unable to contain a rampant Brewer offence that smashed nine in the first and eleven runs in the fifth as the blowouts continued in the 2010 season.
To their credit, Werribee played the game out doggedly and were rewarded with three belated runs off Adam Irons, who relieved Rory Meddick after another quality starting stint that yielded four strikeouts for a solitary hit.
The home side was harsh on Werribee starter Chris Webb, who was relieved after a torrid first innings that saw the Giants make three costly errors as the Brewers took full toll. But further carnage was still to come, as the Brewers plated another six in the fourth – on seven hits – and another demoralizing eleven in the fifth, again assisted by defensive errors and misjudged outfield fly balls.
While the Werribee tally of nine errors was disappointing, it was the clean-hitting Brewer offence that did the bulk of the damage. Twenty-seven hits to six told the tale, with Clack, Meddick, Ashmore and Hamish Burrows racking up serious offensive stats and the Brew Crew hitting for extra bases on ten occasions.
With four key players missing, Werribee was clearly depleted and is likely to fare much better against Saints on Saturday, while the Brewers trek to Lara for what should be an absolute cracker between two in-form outfits.
WERRIBEE 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 (3) 9 errors
BALLARAT 9 0 1 6 11 1 (28) 0 errors Hits.
Ballarat: A Clack 4, H.Burrows 4, R.Meddick 4, B.Bennetts 3, L.Blake 3, L.Ashmore 3, A.Irons 2, D.Chetcuti 2, S.Kerr, L.Karslake
Werribee: M.Smith, T.Webb, L.Weldon, J.Lowe, C.Webb, C.Knight
RBIs.
Ballarat: R.Meddick 5, L.Blake 4, L.Ashmore 4, H.Burrows 2, A.Clack, B.Bennetts, A.Irons, N.Phillips, L.Karslake
Werribee: L.Weldon 2, T.Webb
Pitching.
Ballarat: R.Meddick 3 inn, 1 H, 4 K, 0 BB, 0 ER
A.Irons: 4 inn, 5 H, 5 K, 1 BB, 3 ER
Werribee: C.Webb 1 inn, 7 H, 1 K, 1 BB, 2 ER
J.Lowe 2 inn, 8 H, 0 K, 1 BB, 7 ER
M.Howe 1.2 inn, 7 H, 1 K, 2 BB, 1 ER
L.Weldon 0.1, 2 H, 1 K, 1 BB, 1 HPB, 2 ER
T.Rowe 1 inn, 3 H, 1 K, 1 HPB, 1 ER
A reserve - Brewers 15 defeated Werribee 3 B grade - Brewers 1 defeated by Mounties 5 B reserve - Brewers 3 defeated by Mounties 16
Round 3 - 1 May 2010 A grade - BREWERS 3 defeated DEAKIN BLUES 2 After two lopsided results to open their season, the Brewers found themselves engaged in a quality game of baseball as the youngsters from Deakin took it right up to them in a contest featuring some great pitching and inspired defence by both sides.
It was quite a contrast between playing personnel, with the Brewers fielding a squad of seasoned players, most of whom have been around the winter baseball scene for many years – in some cases, more than they would care to remember. A reflection on their club’s commitment to developing young players, Deakin again had a preponderance of teenagers in the lineup. Despite taking a loss, they did their club proud. But no cigar.
Starting for the Brewers, Ross Hipke was a difficult ask for the Blues, with his relief in Rory Meddick presenting no respite. Scoreless through the first six, the Blues stayed in the contest by playing terrific defence in support of sixteen year-old starter Sam Gibbons, who conceded a solitary earned run as a Hamish Burrows hit drove in Anthony Clack in the third.
The Brewers stretched their break in the sixth after Adam Irons hit safely and Lincoln Blake executed a copybook hit and run that was converted to a run-scoring triple on an error in rightfield and a second run for the dig as Ashmore hit safely.
Deakin had its chances in the fourth, when Troy Malthouse and Scot Malthouse hit safely - but their side was denied further opportunities until the seventh, when Scot Malthouse walked, went to third on Watson’s hit and run and scored on a Griffin Weir grounder. But the Brewers came up with two run-saving plays at first base to minimise the damage.
With Weir solid in relief, Deakin continued to fight. Eales hit safely in the eighth, stole second and scored on a Troy Malthouse hit. In the bottom of nine, Gibbons hit safely to give Deakin hope, which was snuffed out by a match-ending double play.
Cruising through their first two games, the Brewers were seriously tested by a young Deakin side that on today’s form will trouble all clubs during this season. They will need to eliminate the odd fielding lapse and produce more in offence – although they came up against two of the best hurlers going around for this one.
In all, this was a quality of game of baseball. Pitchers for both clubs did a great job and the game was highlighted by some stunning defensive work, including a string of double plays, a circus catch by Anthony Clack in leftfield for the Brewers and a memorable diving ground out made by Troy Malthouse at the hot corner for Deakin.
Hamish Burrows, Scott Kerr and Adam Irons were multiple hitters for the Brewers, while the Malthouse boys, Tim Watson and Eales were dangerous in offence for Deakin.
The undefeated Brewers host winless Werribee next Saturday while Deakin will again figure in the match-of-the day, this time against Guild All-Stars.
BREWERS 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 (3) 1 error
DEAKIN 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 (2) 3 errors
Hits.
Brewers: H.Burrows 3, S.Kerr 2, A.Irons 2, A. Clack, R.Meddick, L.Blake, L.Ashmore
Deakin: T.Malthouse 2, D.Eales, S.Malthouse, T.Watson, S.Gibbons
RBIs.
Brewers: H.Burrows, L.Ashmore
Deakin: T.Malthouse
Pitching.
Brewers: R.Hipke 4 inn, 3 H, 2 K, 1 BB, 0 ER
R.Meddick 5 inn, 4 H, 5 K, 1 BB, 2 ER
Deakin: S.Gibbons 6.2 inn, 9 H, 2 K, 3 BB, 1 ER
G.Weir 2.1 inn, 2 H, 1 K, 2 BB, 0 ER
A reserve - Brewers 6 defeated Deakin 2 B grade - Brewers 9 defeated by Corio 15 B reserve - Brewers 3 defeated by Corio 21
Round 2 - 24 April 2010 A grade - BREWERS 27 defeated SAINTS 1 For the second consecutive week, the Brewers drew a wealth of passes from an opponent - on this occasion amassing eighteen hits on top of that to post a cricket score against East Belmont.
While Tom Shaw had a solid first dig for Saints, he and reliever Josh Lee were put to the sword as the Brewers blasted five in the second and ten in the third. No respite was forthcoming as the visitors continued to score at will off a further four hurlers getting a trundle after the game was well gone.
Aside from showing great patience and pitch selection in accepting eighteen passes, the Brewers hit the ball cleanly to all parts of Pioneer Park, including seven doubles and a triple to Brett Bennetts as the entire offence delivered with the bat. A particular highlight came in the number eight spot, shared by Paul Gladman and Alan Collins – who both contributed four RBIs to the side’s cause.
The only bright spot for Saints came in the first, when Shaw retired the Brewers in order. After that, it was all one-way traffic.
Sharing mound duties for Ballarat, Rory Meddick, Adam Irons and then Hamish Burrows had the measure of the Saints offence, who could muster just two hits and whose sole run was unearned.
While the scoreline was an aberration against a proud club that will commit this one to memory, it nevertheless had old stagers perusing the record books in search of similarly one-sided contests involving these two clubs. We are reliably informed that it was - by far - the Brewers’ highest A Grade score ever against Saints. Only on two previous occasions in the past twenty seasons had the Brewers scored more than ten runs in a game against Saints (fourteen in 1993 and twelve in 2000).
We are reminded, though, that the Ballarat club has a long way to go before emulating some club performances of other eras – notably a 66-2 win over YMCA in 1932, 62-10 0ver Congoes and 48-7 over Golden Point in the same remarkable run that saw the club take the premiership after posting 546 runs in an eighteen-game season.
So let’s not get too carried away just yet, boys.
The Brewers are away to Deakin next Saturday, while Saints will be looking for a playing resurrection at Masons Lane.
BREWERS 0 5 10 3 5 4 (27)
SAINTS 0 0 1 0 0 0 (1)
Hits.
Brewers: R.Meddick 4, B.Bennetts 2, A.Irons 2, A.Clack 2, J.Burrows 2, A.Collins 2, L.Ashmore 2, P.Gladman, H.Burrows
Saints: D.Kirschner, Aito
RBIs.
Brewers: J.Burrows 4, P.Gladman 4, A.Collins 4, A.Clack 3, A.Irons 3, L.Ashmore 3, B.Bennetts 2, R.Meddick 2, D.Myers
Saints: nil
Pitching.
Brewers: R.Meddick 3 inn, 1 H, 4 K, 2 BB, 0 ER
A.Irons 2 inn, 1 H, 4 K, 1 BB, 0 ER
H.Burrows 1 inn, 2 K, 1 BB, 0 ER
Saints: T.Shaw 2 inn, 4 H, 6 BB, 10 ER
J.Lee 1 inn, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 ER
D.Morrissey 1 inn, 4 H, 1 K, 2 BB, 5 ER
K.Wilson 1 inn, 4 H, 1 K, 2 BB, 5 ER
A.Ma, , thes, on 0.1 inn, 1 H, 4 BB, 4 ER
D.Kirschner 0.2 inn, 1 H, 0 ER
B grade - Brewers 4 defeated by Mounties YC 19 B res, erve - Brewers 12 defeated by Mounties YC 27
Round 1 - 17 April 2010 A grade - BREWERS 16 defeated BACCHUS MARSH 3 Down 1-3 after three, the Brewers mounted a serious offensive assault that produced five in the fifth and eight in the sixth as the Tigers' pitching unraveled for a truckload of free passes and wild pitches.
With the club looking a little thin after forfeiting their thirds and copping a flogging in the seconds, Bacchus started the main game with serious intent as Chris Porter doubled and evergreen John Choppa Pate hit him in with a single.
Porter and Brewer ace Rory Meddick held sway early in the contest before the Tigers plated another two in the third – this time as Pate doubled to the centrefield wall.
The Brewers inexplicably lost a couple of runners on base before coming to play – finally – in a game breaking fourth innings that yielded five runs on a combination of six walks, a sacrifice fly and two hits that had Porter looking decidedly shaky as Meddick gathered strength for the home side.
Another two for the Brewers in the fifth had Bacchus on the ropes. But the knockout blow came in the bottom of six, as the Brewers blasted eight more, compliments of several more passes, singles to Clack and Blake and a stand-up triple to Adam Irons, who relieved Meddick for the last two innings.
Bacchus was held to five hits, with Pate and Chad Galloway being the standouts, while the Brewers were gifted a mass of scoring opportunities – through walks – and they took full toll as Lincoln Blake collected three hits and Leigh Ashmore a couple.
BACCHUS MARSH 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 (3) 3 errors
BALLARAT 0 0 1 5 2 8 X (16) 1 error
Hits.
Bacchus Marsh: J.Pate 2, C.Galloway 2, C.Porter
Brewers: L.Blake 3, L.Ashmore 2, A.Irons, B.Bennetts, A.Clack
RBIs.
Bacchus Marsh: J.Pate 3
Brewers: A.Irons 3, A.Clack 2, H.Burrows 2, B.Bennetts, R.Meddick, J.Burrows, L.Ashmore, D.Chetcuti
Pitching.
Bacchus Marsh: C.Porter 3.2 inn, 3 H, 1 K, 10 BB, 5 ER
J.Bailey 1.1 inn, 4 H, 1 K, 6 BB, 7 ER
L.Leong 0.2 inn, 0 H, 0 K, 3 BB, 2 ER
B.Lyons 0.1 inn, 0 H, 0 K, 3 BB, 0 ER
Brewers: R.Meddick 5 inn, 5 H, 8 K, 1 BB, 3 ER
A.Irons 2.0 inn, 0 H, 2 K, 0 BB, 0 ER
A Reserve - Brewers 23 defeated Bacchus Marsh 0
B Reserve - Brewers 6 defeated by Alfredton 22
C Grade - Brewers def Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh did not field a side and forfeited the game.
BELLARINE 4 defeated BREWERS 0
In their finest hour for 2010 thus far, the Bears were never headed while the Ballarat offence struggled to get anything going against Ben Atkins and Josh Crotty.
Bellarine Manager Lyndon Hockey played a blinder in going four from four (two doubles and two RBIs) while producing some stunning defence at first base. He had ample offensive back-up in Matt Osborn, Wayne Visser and Adam O’Keefe – despite a solid complete-game outing by Adam Irons for the Brew Crew.
The Brewers celebrated some player milestones of late, with Adam Irons and Scott Kerr passing the 100 A Grade games mark. But there was little to get excited about at Wallington yesterday, as a revamped Brewers lineup landed precious few runners on base – and, when they did, the Bears brought it all unstuck with some solid defensive work occasionally bordering on brilliant.
The Bears scored in the second after O’Keefe walked, advanced on a Visser bunt and scored on the first of Hockey’s doubles to the rightfield corner. They followed up in the third as Josh Crotty delivered a bleeder, O’Keefe drew another walk and Visser singled for their second in what was clearly going to be a low-scoring contest in heavy atmospheric conditions that were unfavourable to long-ball hitters - well, with the exceptions perhaps of Hockey and Bears lead-off Osborn (who snagged a lazy three hits and a walk).
Playing the conditions particularly well, Bellarine plated insurance runs in the seventh and eighth while the Brewers had minimal opportunities despite hitting the ball pretty cleanly but not in the form of the linedrives that were so productive for the home team.
Ballarat will be seeking prompt atonement against Werribee - at Presidents Park – while the Bears will be aiming for two upsets on the trot, this time away to Lara on Saturday.
Bellarine is a far better side than their ladder position might indicate. If they can replicate the form they showed against Ballarat – and if they can avoid the occasional poor defensive innings that has hurt them big-time this season – then they have to be in with a chance.
BALLARAT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (0) 1 error
BELLARINE 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 X (4) 2 errors
Hits.
Ballarat: H.Burrows, A.Clack, N.Baldwin
Bellarine: L.Hockey 4, M.Osborn 3, J.Crotty, B.McKentish, A.O’Keefe, W.Visser
RBIs.
Bellarine: L.Hockey 2, B.McKentish, W.Visser<, /div>
Pitching.
Ballarat: A.Irons 8 inn, 11 H, 5 Ks, 4 BB, 2 HPB, 4 ER (154 pitches)
Bellarine: B.Atkins 4 inn, 1 H, 1 K, 2 BB, 0 ER
J.Crotty 5 inn, 2 H, 2 Ks, 1 BB, 0 ER
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