As the mercury seared to 37 degrees again under brilliant blue skies, the boys returned today to battle a much improved and potential 'sleeper' - Victoria White - in the morning session. Chiefly a Victorian country side, they looked sharp.
The NSW side took the following shape: Simon (first base - 4); Percival (second base - 1); Musulin (catcher - 2); Lindsay (short stop - 9); Frew (third base - 6); Bohan (left field - 5); Perry (centrefield - 7); Barbaro (right field - 3). Ryan Hore (batting 7) kicked things off on the plate.
After pitching a major assignment yesterday, James did not take the field, beautifying the bench instead. He also doubled as bat boy and went through his pitching drills.
A steady start again exploded with the arrival of Mackenzie Bohan at the plate. His purple patch is electrifying with another lazy home run over left field, bringing in yet another runner. With this strike rate he would be barred from nite clubs. It is embarrassingly good and extended into a SECOND home run in his third at bat. His performances on the highest stage here have been impressive. Maybe the Cal Ripken selectors are watching. It will be long remembered.
As Ryan Hore showed his nerve and skill at the pitching mound, errors were non existent as we marched merrily through their batting order. A few skied hits were met with warm and safe gloves and ground balls were safely delivered to first base.
A cracking home run by Brad Simon almost went on the road. A mountain of a lad and a hit to match. Barbaro landed two hits, Simon three, Perry two and a couple of single efforts. There was a degree of spark and plenty of intent today.
The opposition was not strong as it turned out, and like so many teams before them, their pitching rotation at a demanding tournament was under immense pressure. Our bats stood up again today.
However the job had to still be done. We faltered towards the end with some familiar errors in familiar areas. Our pitching got looser, but our victory was not in doubt.
A mercy victory (ten runs or more ahead after five innings) resulted, with us winning 12-2.
We turn to the Territories (ACT and NT) tomorrow and then Victoria (Blue). Two victories should ensure a finals placement. That though is some way off.
My not normally optimistic brother appears to be counting his chickens before they are hatched... let's hope the boys continue their winning streak!
ReplyDelete