Several of the Pakenham Pumas teams got to freshen their legs on the weekend with washouts and scheduled byes playing havoc with the weekly routine.
State 3 and 4 and Women’s Black had the bye, while Premier Reserves and Women’s White were beaten by the rain.
But there is still plenty of action to report this week.
SENIORS
FIRSTS
Max Hunter collected three hits in four at-bats as Pakenham Pumas Firsts defeated Essendon 13-4 on Saturday at home. Hunter singled in the second inning, singled in the fourth inning, and singled in the fifth inning. An error put Pakenham on the board in the bottom of the first. Pakenham then extended their early lead with two runs in the bottom of the second thanks to RBI singles by Hiroke Goke and Hunter. Essendon jumped into the lead in the top of the third but then Pakenham flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the fourth, scoring five runs on one hit to take the lead, 8-4. The biggest blow in the inning was a hit by a pitch that drove in two. Pakenham scored five runs on two hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. Hunter singled, scoring one run, Tim Bellerby drew a walk, scoring one run, Joel Stubbs drew a walk, scoring one run, and an error scored two runs. Hunter earned the win for Pakenham. The pitcher surrendered seven hits and four runs (three earned) over five innings, striking out seven and walking two.
REGIONAL BLACK
In a high-scoring affair, Pakenham Pumas Regional Black fell short against Mulgrave, losing 12-8. Both offenses showed strength, with Mulgrave collecting nine hits and Pakenham recording eight. The game saw multiple lead changes, but Mulgrave secured the final lead with a single in the fourth inning. Pakenham struck first in the opening frame with Bryce Haley’s RBI single. However, Mulgrave responded in the bottom of the inning, capitalizing on an error and a two-run single to take the lead. The second inning saw Pakenham regain momentum, scoring five runs on two hits to claim a 6-4 advantage. A hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded contributed to the offensive surge. Mulgrave edged ahead in the third inning with a three-run rally, aided by a balk and a key single. Pakenham briefly reclaimed the lead, 8-7, in the fourth inning when Haley delivered another RBI single. Mulgrave regained control in the bottom of the fourth with two runs, including a double and a single, ultimately sealing the game. On the mound, Scott Dale started for Pakenham, allowing nine hits and 11 runs (seven earned) over five innings, with five strikeouts and five walks. Haley had a standout performance at the plate, going three-for-three with four RBIs. Brock Edwards also contributed with two hits in two at-bats. Liam Duncan was a menace on the basepaths, stealing three of the team’s five bases. Patience at the plate paid off for Pakenham, drawing six walks in the game. Despite the loss, Pakenham displayed resilience and offensive firepower, highlighting the team’s ability to compete in a tightly contested game.
REGIONAL WHITE
Pakenham Regional White faced a tough challenge against Waverley Black in their Sunday matchup, ultimately falling 16-6. The game showcased early dominance from Waverley Black, coupled with some bright moments from Pakenham players. Game Summary: Waverley Black started strong, scoring seven runs in the first inning, followed by four more in the second, and five in the third. Pakenham Regional White responded with a run in the first inning, three in the second, and two in the third but couldn’t close the gap. Jude O’Halloran: Made his pitching debut in the first inning and contributed offensively with one hit and one stolen base. Lance Llandado: Delivered a standout performance on the mound and added one hit and two stolen bases to his stat line. Noah O’Halloran: Recorded two hits. David O’Halloran: Showed hustle on the bases with one stolen base. Malin Murdoch: Added to Pakenham’s aggressive baserunning with one stolen base. Tyler Whitelaw: Registered two hits and one stolen base. Corey Carter: recorded one hit. Despite the loss, Pakenham Regional White displayed resilience and flashes of brilliance, particularly in their baserunning, stealing a total of six bases. With continued effort and focus, the team will look to bounce back in their next outing.
MASTERS
Pakenham Pumas Masters picked up their first win, defeating Mornington 10-7 on Monday.
Mornington was the first to get on the board in the first when an error scored one run for the visitors. Our Pumas flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first, scoring five runs off two hits, to take the lead 5-1. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by catcher Luis Mayo that drove in two. Pumas then added two runs in the second. Jo Blackler singled to right field, making the score 7-1. A single to left field from first baseman Gregg Clutterbuck gave us a handy 8-1 lead by the end of the third. Travis Hough earned the win for Pakenham. The starting pitcher allowed three hits and two runs (zero earned) over four innings, striking out one and only giving up the one walk. Graham Ashburn led things off on the mound for Mornington. The hurler surrendered three hits and seven runs over two innings, striking out none and walking three. Mornington fought back in the fifth, but Andrew Mayberry collected the save closing out the game for the Pumas. Jo Blackler led Pakenham with three runs batted in. The infielder went one-for-three on the day. Andrew Mayberry picked two hits in three at bats, in what was one of our strongest batting performances as a team for the season.
JUNIORS
Pakenham Pumas SL70 team delivered another dominant performance, taking down Upwey Ferntree Gully with a crushing 17-1 win over five innings. Once again, every player crossed the plate, showcasing the team’s skills. Blake set the tone, opening the game with a home run that ignited the Pumas’ offense. He continued his stellar day at the plate with a triple (assisted by a fielding error) and a double. Logan and Ca’Del kept the momentum going, each smashing triples, with Ca’Del adding a double to his tally. On the mound, Blake was just as commanding, striking out six and walking only one as the opening pitcher. Beau followed Blake on the mound, with Ca’Del closing the game to seal the deal. Behind the plate, Hunter was a rock, anchoring a defense that shone bright, turning heads with a string of highlight-worthy plays. Logan snagged an infield fly and made a quick throw for a double play. Hunter kept the energy up with a brilliant tag at home and a moment of confusion from Upwey FTG led to Logan tagging the player out for a double play at third base.
Another fantastic win for the Pumas!
SL90
Lachlan Collier started on the mound for Pakenham Pumas SL90. The starting pitcher, over two-thirds innings, struck out four and walked three. Brock Edwards led Pakenham Pumas with one hit in one at-bat, and Pumas had a strong eye at the plate, tallying nine walks for the game. Brock Edwards, Lachlan Collier, Oliver Corrigan, and Callum Farrow led the team with two walks each. Corrigan and Farrow each stole multiple bases for the Pumas, who stole six bases in the game and turned one double play.
T-BALL
Pakenham T-Ballers met up for one of the final weeks as we lead up to Christmas.
This week we welcomed Archer to the group, who did a fantastic job learning how to field, hit and throw. As a group we played a few smaller games which everyone enjoyed, as we get our practice in before the T-Ball tournament. Brooklyn won the award this week, as she did an outstanding job with the bat and has improved greatly so far this season.
-Jessica Moulding-
