THE final minor round of Mount Gambier and District Division 1 baseball season played out over the weekend, with Tigers taking on Centrals.
Centrals proved why they are the team to beat, with a complete performance across the board. Tigers looked flat and lacked drive early, with Centrals too strong with the bat.
Early runs were key and Centrals found one in the first-at-bat, before piling on five in the fourth inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead.
Tigers junior Kobi Stratman proved he deserved his call up by scoring the first run for the side in the fourth inning.
Tigers again showing late season cracks and lack of bat connection will have coach Karl Ransom nervous heading into a do-or-die final on Saturday against arch rival South.
Kyal McClean was a standout for the boys in black and white, with five safe hits including three doubles, while Nathan Meinck found form with four hits.
The final score favoured Centrals 13-2 as the side now has a break to set its sights on a third successive Syd Hosking Cup.
Saturday night saw a one-sided affair, as South claimed a huge win over the Millicent/Federals boys.
It was all South as Millicent/Federals did not manage to get a run across the plate.
South claimed the win 10-0 and look sharp at the right time of the year.
Millicent/Federals will now enjoy a winter break before they look to return next year with a few rumblings regarding a possible recruit or two to help the Bandits’ stocks.
South will now set its focus to Saturday, with a do-or-do clash with Tigers.
It could be the last hoorah for star Bruce Morale in the red and white and he will certainly do all he can to help the Indians claim one last chance at premiership glory.
Stand out performances on Saturday were Ben Nash with three hits and a class pitching performance on the mound for the Indians.
Results
Division 1: Centrals 13 d Tigers 2. Hits – Centrals: K. McLean 5, N. Meinck 4, D. Chuck 3, K. Chant 2, A. Ridding 2, J. Aston 1, D. Gull 1; Tigers – H. Jones 2, T. Horrigan 1, K. Stratman 1, K. Ransom 1, A. Reppin 1, R. Rolph 1, J.England 1.
South 10 d Millicent/Federals 0. Hits – South: B. Nash 3, J. Balshaw 2, D. Hamilton 1, T. Lockwood 1, D. Lewis 1, R. Parsons 1; Millicent/Federals: A. Pearson 1, D. Hateley 1.
Division2: Tigers 6 d Centrals 0. Hits – Tigers: G. Ha 2, J. Sims 1, T. Burner 1, A. Dumigan 1, A. Merrett 1; Centrals: B. Green 1, L. Kent 1, M. Cutting 1, J. Aston 1.
Under 15 Elimination Final: Federals 8 d Tigers 7. Hits – Federals: T. Miller 1, J. Tilley 1; Tigers: J. Mee 2, K. Stratman 2, C. Jenkin 1, O. Gregory 1, C. Scott 1.
Under 13 Gold: South 9 d Federals 4. Hits – South: A. Page 3, P. Cole 3 (HR), D. Allan 2, C. Morton 1, A. Ireland 1, L. Ratcliffee 2; Federals: K. Mitchell 2, K. Long 2, F. Wheatley 1, M. Pearce 1, D. Bukovskis 1.
Under 13 Blue: Centrals 12 d Tigers 1. Hits – Centrals: H. Gull 3, W. Walkom 2, J. Dempsey 2, C. Ruwoldt 2, O. June 1, A. Maidment 1, T. Klassans 1; Tigers: F. Lunnay 1, H. Thompson 1, T. Pitkin 1.
