MOUNT Gambier and District baseball will heat up on Saturday, with Tigers and South Indians to go head-to-head in the Division 1 preliminary final.
Played on the main diamond at Blue Lake Sports Park, the arch rivals Tigers will fight for a chance to take on top-of-the-ladder Centrals in the grand final.
To pick a winner is fraught with danger, as both sides are capable of victory.
Tigers certainly have the pitching and batting power and should prove a tough task for South coach Travis Lockwood.
South can do damage in a big way with the bat, usually led by Bruce Morale and veteran Dean Hamilton.
Tigers have experienced an up-and-down season and coming into this final have won just one of the past four games.
In contrast, South has won three of the last four games, with good form heading into the clash.
For Tigers, Garth Ransom could be a key to victory.
The reigning league best and fairest has been a stand-out with the bat this season and will could be the one to shape the match with his power hitting and run scoring shots.
Hayden Jones possesses speed and a strong arm.
He is another key in the top of the lineup for Tigers, with his on-base smarts and ability infield to cover a large range.
Alex Reppin will use his ability on the mound to ensure a tough task for the South batters.
His arm is one of the top for speed and pitching ability in the competition and he will need to use every bit of his capabilities to get over South.
For South, veteran pitcher Dean Hamilton has proven over many years he can get the job done.
He will also be the player who shapes the Indians with the bat – if he fires Tigers will need a plan to stop him.
Jesse Balshaw has taken big steps this season behind the plate, looks as comfortable as ever and has been consistently good with the bat all year.
Of course all eyes will be on Bruce Morale, in what could well be his last game.
The South champion has had a stellar career and would like nothing more than another chance at a premiership.
He will bring the two-punch combo with both bat and ball in hand and is sure to do all he can to progress to the big dance.
It is anyone’s guess who progresses to have a crack at the almost untouchable Centrals in what is sure to be an entertaining clash.
The game is scheduled to start at 4pm Saturday on Diamond 1.
