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29 June 2008
Lions finish strongly to crush Bears
The final scoreline of 9-0 records a resounding win for Guild over Bellarine. The Lions did not have it all their way, though, holding a 1-0 lead late-game, when their hitters finally exploded to blast eight runs in the last two innings.

In a weekend that produced a number of quality pitching outings, Guild's Pat Moulton was superb in going seven digs for five hits and six strikeouts. 
Scores. Match Reports as available. Ladders.

Other highlights of the weekend included:

***  Naming of a strong squad for next weekend's Under 18 VPBL Championships (in Geelong). Geelong continues to be a leader in producing quality junior players. We wish the team all the very best and trust that the local baseball community will come down to offer their support over the weekend. Geelong squad, Draw and Results.

*** The verdant, almost idyllic state of the Pioneer Park ground was noted by all and sundry. The ground staff continue to do a fantastic job in presenting the Saints ground and surrounds in exemplary condition. Pioneer is one of several GBA grounds that are the envy of clubs in other leagues - winter and summer.
 

*** With another four senior wins from four games, Guild is already pressing for Club Championship honours - although the proud East Belmont Saints will still have plenty to say in an undeclared battle between the powerhouse league clubs.


28 June 2008
Saints hitters go missing: Giants upset Tigers: Blues whitewash Lara
Ballarat Brewers gave the Saints offence plenty to think about with a comprehensive 4-1 win at Pioneer Park this afternoon. With five of the league's best throwers being wheeled out, it was always going to be a difficult assignment for hitters on both sides. Meddick (five digs), Irons (three) and Hipke (one) were fantastic for the Brew Crew, between them restricting the Saints to three hits while picking up fourteen strike-outs in a display of mound strength.

Starter Dean Barker struggled with control for Saints, who were not able to mount a serious challenge despite a stunning six innings of relief by Brad Egan, who threw just 13 balls and 44 strikes in another superb outing. With Bacchus losing to Werribee, the Brewers have pinched a break in fourth placing. Coming into this game, Brewer Ross Hipke had gone 42 innings without conceding a base on balls. Closing out the ninth - and clearly "mozzed" by some greying commentator who had pointed this stat out to him - Hipke blotted his season copybook by finally issuing a pass (to add to a sole, unintentional HPB some weeks ago).

Werribee downed Bacchus Marsh 4-2 in a spirited contest that might be of enormous significance to both clubs. It keeps the Giants' finals hopes alive, while it places pressure squarely on last year's runner-up, who face a tough run home and may not be able to close the gap on the leading group.

Deakin Blues rebounded from last week's disappointment against the Brewers with a stunning 2-0 win over Wildcats, the triple reigning premier. Brendan Belfrage was the star with a superb outing on the hill for the Blues against a side that appears to be near full strength but is struggling to put it together in offence.

With the Bellarine vs Guild Sunday clash still to come, this has already been a fascinating round of baseball  leading into next weekend's senior break (Under 18 VPBL Championships in Geelong).
Scores. Match Reports as available. Ladders.

22 June 2008
Geelong takes Under 16 VPBL Championship
The Geelong Under 16 representative has put in a superb performance in Mildura this weekend, going through undefeated to win the VPBL Division One Championships. Results of today's game were as follow: Geelong 3 defeated Diamond Valley 2, Geelong 10 defeated Ringwood 6 and Geelong 15 defeated Sunraysia 4.

Four GBA players made the VPBL "All Star" side. They are Daryl George (pitcher, Werribee), Sam Morris (catcher, Newport), Sam Gibbons (second base, Deakin) and Jordan Young (short stop, Newport).

The GBA Board and member clubs extend their congratulations to the players, coaches and support staff on a fantastic effort. Scores. All-Stars and other details will be posted as available.
Team photograph.

22 June 2008
Spence impressive in cameo against Chinese Taipei
Geelong's Josh Spence did his long-term prospects no harm whatever with an impressive outing against Chinese Taipei in Game One of its series against  the NJCAA "All Stars" in Millington Tennessee. Spence threw a scoreless middle three innings for 0 hits and 5 Ks as the All-Stars held the Olympic aspirants. Upon his departure - after an overnight rain delay - the game became a slug-fest, with Taipei taking the game 8-6. United States won Game Two 10-1, with Spence likely to be called upon again in Game Three.


***UPDATE***  Chinese Taipei took Game Three 6-1 on the back of some superb pitching. Josh Spence was not called upon for an outing on the hill for the Americans. Reports suggest that the NJCAA side played terrific baseball against  a national side that will be tough to beat at the Olympics. Box scores and Play by Play of the Taipei series.


21 June 2008
Dismal day for Deakin: Guild overpowers Saints: Lara downs Bacchus: Giants over Bears
Deakin made the trek to Ballarat on a cold, dismal afternoon to be on the receiving end of a old-fashioned shellacking at the hands of the Brewers, who conjured up probably their most convincing win of the season. Not only was the 15-1 scoreline a shot in the arm for a languishing percentage, but it was the manner of the win that impressed supporters.

Rory Meddick was virtually untouched over five digs to give up one hit - the runner being forced out at second as the first half of a double play. The Brewers' offence faltered ever so slightly in the seventh - when the game was well done and dusted. But it was the Brewers' hitting that had the contest virtually over from the point that Daniel Chetcuti started a second and third innings blast to drive Sean Talbot from the hill with six runs against his name. The Brewers had nary an offensive passenger, with Hamish Burrows going four from five and McKenzie, Bennetts, Irons, Chetcuti, Kerr and Meddick all picking up multiples as their team amassed eighteen hits to three.

While it was by no means an upset, Guild Lions would be seriously buoyed with their 5-1 win over the league-leading Saints. The Saints had no answer to Stuart Barnes (five innings for two hits) and Pat Moulton, who shared mound duties in shutting down an offence that has been deadly dangerous this season.

Down at Lara, the home side got up 2-1 in the last innings in a game dominated by the pitchers and defence. Bacchus Marsh scored first, but struggled for any further production against Cameron Forbes and Aaron Green. Tom Shaw was terrific for the Marsh, with the scores locked at 1-1 into the last frame. By his lofty standards, Shaun Moore struggled in relief, conceding the go-ahead run on a Ross Wilson hit with runners on. Its loss see the Tigers dropping to fifth, while the Brewers move into the top four.

Werribee continued its excellent mid-season form with a 4-2 win over Bellarine in a quality game of baseball. Werribee's Jono Lowe and the Bears' Matt Osborn went the distance for their sides in a nine-innings contest decided in just on two hours. Bellarine scored singles in the second and fifth, Werribee plated two in the first and two in the fourth, the first couple on a long Oliver Box shot that had him coming home on an error.
Scores. Match Reports as available. Ladders.

21 June 2008

Geelong dominates Day One of Under 16 Championships
Geelong is undefeated after Day One of the VPBL Under 16 Championships being held in Mildura this weekend. In all, the side conceded just one run in its three Division One games, with return matches to be played in the same pool tomorrow. Final scores were Geelong 10 defeated Diamond Valley 1, Geelong 10 Ringwood 0 and Geelong 21 over Sunraysia 0. Scores and other details as available.

17 June 2008
"All-Star" Spence to become a Diamondback?
Geelong's Josh Spence has completed another stellar season with Central Arizona Community College, this time in his sophomore year. Although his side fell just short of winning the NJCAA World Series, Josh was named NJCAA Rawlings "Gold Glove" winner (player of the year) for the second year running. His outstanding college performances also earnt him selection in the NJCAA "All-Star" squad that will play the Chinese Taipei national team on June 20-22 as that nation prepares for the Beijing Olympics. More information on the Taipei series.

Geelong baseball interests will be aware that Josh has accepted a scholarship offer from the prestigious Arizona State University. However, he has also been drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks (25th round, 768 overall), adding another dimension to his blossoming baseball career. With a commitment on the draft not required until 15 August, there is still plenty of time for Josh to weigh up his options and make the appropriate decision. We extend him our congratulations and will post further news as it becomes available. Randy Huggler reports on the MLB Draft.
16 June 2008
Under 18 VPBL Championship tryouts
Eligible players are invited to try out for the Geelong Under 18 Carnival team to contest the VPBL series (in Geelong) over the weekend of 5 and 6 July. Next tryout session will be at Geelong Baseball Centre on Sunday 22 June, starting at 10 am. Contact Leanne Gibbons (0408 510914 or email).


12 June 2008
GBA names squad for VPBL Under 16 Championships
The Geelong Baseball Association has named the following squad to contest the VPBL Under 16 Championships in Mildura over the weekend of 21 and 22 June:

Chris Regan, Sam Gibbons, Zac McCaffrey, Jordan Young, Chris Webb, Tom Webb, Daryl George, Kurt Wilson, Thomas Kerr-Chapman, Jordan Isbister, Sam Morris, Griffin Weir, Matt Belfrage and Brendan Delenganzo. Head Coach is Phil Balzer. Ryan Balzer and Ben Lambrick are Assistant Coaches. Debbie and Craig Isbister are Team Managers.

Congratulations to all! The GBA Board wishes the squad the very best for a terrific weekend of baseball. Details will be posted here as available.


15 June 2008
Lions draw away from Brewers: Werribee downs Bacchus
While it is nothing like panic stations for the Brewers just yet, they are under serious pressure to make the play-offs after going down 5-1 to Guild at the stadium this afternoon. Pat Moulton went the distance in shackling the Brewers, who scored their only run on a throwing error - in the fourth - and passed up a great scoring opportunity in the sixth. Moulton backed up his effort with a couple of hits and an RBI, while Jensz, Nick Spence and Landthaler were also terrific with the bat in another polished team effort for the Lions.

Down at Werribee, the home side led the Tigers 7-1 on the back of another superb outing by teenager Daryl George, who went into the eighth for six Ks, 3 hits and one run. Good side that they are, the Tigers hit back compliments of an "in the park" grand slam by Liam Vicary-Lovegrove, but the Giants had enough in the tank to hang on for a well-deserved 7-6 win. Werribee has been playing some quality baseball and this was not by any means an upset. While Saints have stolen a march at the top of the table, competition is still intense for finals berths.  
Scores. Match Reports as available. Ladders.

14 June 2008
"Blue" day for Deakin: Saints sneak home
Deakin started with a flurry in their away game against Bacchus Marsh, scoring a run in the first without fully exploiting opportunities that saw them losing their first out at third base - after ambitious baserunning -  and ending the dig with bags loaded. Bacchus replied with a couple, then another in the second, three in the fourth and the game was effectively gone. Brendan Belfrage did a fair job on the hill for Deakin and Peter Kerr-Chapman held the Tigers in relief - apart from an ugly seventh innings. But the Blues were simply not able, in the end, to produce enough in offence against southpaw James Bailey - who was terrific after a shaky start and well-supported by Liam Vicary-Lovegrove's closing stint. Its 9-2 win gives the Marsh some breathing space over the Brewers, who face a crucial Sunday game against Guild at the stadium.

Lara did just enough to down Bellarine Bears 2-1, despite an impressive solo effort by Bear's Manager Simon Murry, who complemented a great stint on the hill with a solo bomb that yielded his side's only score.

East Belmont Saints continued on their winning way, but it was never easy as the league leaders snuck home in a 3-2 thriller over Werribee. No details yet available.
Scores. Match Reports as available. Ladders.

11 June 2008
Shortage of umpires for June 21 games
Club officials are informed that official umpires will be in short supply for Saturday 21 June. Clubs are urged to help out by ensuring that additional umpires are organised from within their memberships. Umpire roster.


9 June 2008
Diamond Valley over Geelong in thrilling final
A gallant Geelong side came up just short against Diamond Valley in a quality Division One Grand Final. The final scoreline of 8-7 reflected the closeness of a contest that could have gone either way. Geelong used four pitchers over the journey, while Diamond Valley called upon James Ross and Jason Blejwas, the latter a clear game MVP with a strong stint in relief and a booming home run. Although conceding three in the first, Geelong would not lay down, scoring two in the second and three in the eighth dig when things were looking grim.

Under Shaun Moore's management, the young Geelong outfit was impressive throughout the series, winning three of its preliminary games, including this morning's 14-7 result over Dandenong to qualify for the final. Liam Vicary-Lovegrove (Bacchus Marsh) and Cameron Lyons (Guild) earned selection as outfielders in the VPBL All-Star team.
Of interest to Geelong clubs would be the performance of former Tiger Scott 'the other" Moore (now with the Greensborough club), who was an absolute star for Diamond Valley throughout the tournament.

Latrobe Valley lost its final game after five straight wins, but finished a clear winner of the Division Two title ahead of Sunraysia, North-East and Bendigo.
All scores. Ballarat Baseball Association website for reports, standings and details.