It was a huge day at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday with both Pakenham Pumas women’s teams battling it out in the local derby. Here’s how the game panned out.
WOMEN
It was the game the women have been waiting for all season, the battle for the Puma Pride…White taking on Black! Pumas Black jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Jo Blackler, Jade Taylor, Olivia Garcia, Jessica Harrop and Carni Dowsett all singled scoring one run and then Katherine Walton hit an inside-the-park home run, scoring two runs. Pakenham Black then added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after a dropped third strike and Gayleen Williams grounded into a fielder’s choice, each scoring one run. Pakenham Black scored seven runs on seven hits in the bottom of the fourth inning. Olivia Garcia singled, Emily Williams doubled, Jessica Harrop doubled, Gayleen Williams singled, Jade Taylor walked, and Katherine Walton singled. Jessica Moulding stepped on the bump first for Pakenham White striking out three and walking eight. Olivia Garcia led things off on the bump for Pakenham Black striking out five and walking two. Christine Sculley and Sofia were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for Pakenham White. Danni Wilson, Jessica Moulding, and Kamila Szy each drove in one run for Pakenham White. Christine Sculley and Sofia each stole multiple bases for Pakenham White. Pakenham White tallied seven stolen bases for the game. Pakenham Black piled up 15 hits in the game. Katherine Walton went four-for-four at the plate to lead Pakenham Black in hits. Olivia Garcia and Katherine Walton each drove in three runs for Pakenham Black. Johanna Blackler and Jessica Harrop each collected multiple hits for Pakenham Black. Carni Dowsett paced Pakenham Pumas Women’s Black with three walks. Sophie Corrigan, Carni Dowsett, Olivia Garcia, Katherine Walton, Gayleen Williams, and Jessica Harrop each stole multiple bases for Pakenham Black. Pakenham Black ran wild on the base paths, accumulating 22 stolen bases for the game. Pakenham Black were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Carni Dowsett made the most plays with seven. Pakenham Black defeated Pakenham White 16-3.
SENIORS
PREMIER FIRSTS
Pakenham Pumas could not keep pace with Port Melbourne Mariners losing 6-1 on Thursday at Pakenham. Port Melbourne was the first to get on the board before Caleb Poole hammered to centrefield to tie the game at the bottom of the first. Max Hunter stepped on the hill first and the starting pitcher gave up seven hits and three runs over four innings, striking out two and walking two. Poole led the Pumas with one run batted in. The three-hole hitter went one-for-three on the day. Darren Reeves, Pakenham’s number nine hitter, led the team with two hits in two at-bats.
Poole drove in four runs on three hits to lead Pakenham past Preston 16-4 on Saturday at home. He doubled in the first scoring one, singled in the third scoring one, and singled in the fifth scoring one. Pakenham were the first to get on the board in the first when Caleb, again doubled, scoring one run. Pakenham took the lead in the bottom of the second when Kyler Rinehart hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run to give Pakenham the advantage, 2-1. The Pumas added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Caleb singled to centrefield, Max Vetter singled to centrefield, Preston committed an error, and Tim Bellerby was struck by a pitch, each scoring one run. Bellerby earned the win for Pakenham Pumas. The pitcher surrendered seven hits and three runs over six innings, striking out eight and walking three. Jesse Hunter appeared in relief for Pakenham. The Pumas collected 15 hits in the game. Danny Cannizaro and Caleb Poole each collected three hits and Jesse Hunter, Joel Stubbs, and Max Vetter each collected multiple hits for Pakenham. Jesse Hunter and Max Hunter each stole multiple bases with the team getting a total of eight stolen bases in the game. Pakenham turned two double plays in the game. We were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Kyler Rinehart had the most chances in the field with eight. Next up for Pakenham Pumas is a game against Port Melbourne on Thursday.
STATE 4
Pakenham Pumas State 4 played Springvale away on Sunday. Pakenham got on the board in the top of the first inning scoring five runs on a couple of walks, two errors and a double from Shaun Fahy. After a scoreless bottom of the first inning, the Pumas continued their offensive pressure in the second, scoring six more runs on more walks, errors and two hits from Jay Mazurek and Shaun Fahy again. Four more Pakenham runs in the third inning and two more run in the fifth inning saw the game end in a 17-0 mercy rule victory for Pakenham. Shaun Fahy earned the win for Pakenham. The starter surrendered three hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out five and walking one. Andrew Hemmes tossed two innings of shutout ball for Pakenham in relief giving up just one hit while striking out three and walking none. Pakenham collected nine hits in the game. Shaun Fahy led Pakenham with three runs batted in from the number eight spot in the lineup. Wayne Porter and Shaun Fahy each collected two hits for Pakenham. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing six walks for the game. The Pumas also ran wild on the base paths, tallying six stolen bases for the game. Pakenham was sure handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error.
REGIONAL WHITE
Pakenham faced the Southeast Warriors in their final game before the Christmas break. Despite a spirited performance, Pakenham fell short, losing 7-11. Pakenham displayed aggressive base running with nine stolen bases, but they struggled to capitalise on opportunities, leaving several runners stranded. The team totalled seven hits for the game. Lance set the tone early, both on the mound and at the plate, leading off with a hit and delivering a solid pitching performance. Tyler had a standout game with two hits and three stolen bases, keeping the pressure on the Warriors’ defence. David O’Halloran reached base in all three plate appearances, including one hit. William O’Halloran and Archer O’Halloran each added a hit to the tally. Malachite O’Halloran, smashed his first home run of the season during his first at-bat of the game. Despite the loss, the team demonstrated determination and energy, showing promise for the second half of the season after the holiday break.
REGIONAL BLACK
Pumas Regional Black fell to Moorabbin Regional East in a 10-1 loss on Sunday. Pumas got on the board early in the first inning after a passed ball scored one run. However, Moorabbin responded immediately, taking the lead in the bottom of the inning with a two-run double to make it 2-1. Moorabbin extended their lead steadily throughout the game, adding one run in the second and erupting for five runs in the third inning on a mix of hits and fielder’s choices. Brad Jones started on the mound for Pakenham and pitched three innings, giving up eight hits and eight runs (six earned) while striking out three. Luis Mayo led Pakenham at the plate, going one-for-two. Despite the loss, Pakenham showcased their aggression on the basepaths, stealing nine bases, with Brad Jones, Felicity Clissold, and Billy Marks each swiping multiple bags. While a win would have cemented Pakenham’s place in the top four, the two teams currently occupying third and fourth spots on the ladder also suffered losses. With games scheduled against both those teams after the Christmas break, Pakenham’s fate for making finals still rests firmly in their hands. Pakenham will look to rebound when the season resumes in January, knowing their speed and teamwork will continue to be key assets in the critical games ahead.
PREMIER RESERVES: 12-8 win. No Report. STATE 3: 12-4 loss. No report.
JUNIORS
This week our T-Ball group was invited to a Christmas tournament held by the Cheltenham baseball club. Leo, Brooklyn, Bodie and Harper all came along for a great afternoon where they all played a game against one of Cheltenham’s teams. Each of the kids played fantastic with each of them hitting a double through the cones and making some fantastic plays in the field. The day was enjoyed by all, and it finished with Santa attending. All the kids are looking forward to what 2025 brings.
SL90
Pumas couldn’t keep up with Essendon/WilliamstownU16 and fell 13-1 on Sunday. Harvey led the team with one run batted in and Tyler and Harvey each stole multiple bases. Pumas were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Brock had the most chances in the field with three.
SL70 had a bye. Big League: 16-2 loss (No report)
-Jessica Moulding-
