PREMIER 2 FIRSTS
Pakenham pulled off a thrilling 12–11 victory over the Berwick City Cougars on Saturday, surviving a late twist in momentum to claim one of their most hard-fought wins of the season. Rhys McKenzie led the charge with a brilliant day at the plate, collecting three hits from five at-bats. He opened the scoring with a first-inning single down the right-field line, added another in the fifth, and later smashed a clutch double to centre in the eighth that tied the game and reignited the Pumas’ push toward victory. Pakenham burst out of the gates with confidence, scoring four early runs in the first thanks to McKenzie’s leadoff knock, a sacrifice fly from John Bicos, a sharp single from Shaun Fahy, and a Berwick defensive error. A second-inning sacrifice fly from Jesse Hunter stretched the lead to 5–0, before a well-executed double play in the third made it 6–0 and kept the Pumas firmly in control. Berwick, however, refused to go quietly. Trailing by eight in the fifth, the Cougars mounted a determined comeback, chipping away with a mix of walks, singles, sacrifice flies and extra-base hits. Their biggest surge came in the seventh, where a six-run rally pushed them into an 11–10 lead and suddenly put Pakenham on the back foot. But the Pumas responded just as fiercely. McKenzie’s eighth-inning double levelled the scores, and in the ninth, relentless pressure at the plate forced a defensive error that allowed the go-ahead run to cross. With a 12–11 advantage restored, Pakenham locked things down to seal the win. On the mound, Lance battled through five innings as the starter, while Hunter delivered two vital innings of scoreless relief, striking out one and allowing just a single hit to steady the game when it mattered most. Offensively, the Pumas were outstanding, collecting 15 total hits. Hunter, Fahy, Matthew Mills, Cooper Porter and Deklan White all recorded multiple hits, while the entire lineup showed impressive patience, drawing 12 walks throughout the game. Bicos, McKenzie, Hunter, Mills and White each tallied two of those free passes. Defensively, Pakenham also turned a crisp double play to help keep them in the contest. In a see-sawing battle full of grit, fire, and late-game drama, the Pumas showed exactly what they’re made of—refusing to wilt under pressure and earning a memorable one-run victory on the road.
THURSDAY
The bats were cracking at Mulgrave on Thursday night as Pakenham battled through a fiery, back-and-forth contest that kept supporters on the edge of their seats. Despite a spirited offensive display, the Pumas fell just short, going down 12–8 in a game that showcased plenty of heart and heavy hitting from both sides. Mulgrave came out swinging early, plating two runs in the first, but the Pumas responded in spectacular fashion. In the top of the second, Pakenham exploded for a six-run inning on six solid hits to seize a 6-2 lead. The highlight came from Rhys McKenzie, whose clutch two-RBI single capped off the surge and swung the momentum firmly in Pakenham’s favour. Mulgrave, however, clawed their way back, edging ahead in the fourth before a big fifth inning proved decisive. A grand slam to left field turned the tide, giving the home side enough breathing room to hold off the fast-finishing Pumas. Despite the result, Pakenham’s hitters shone across the lineup. Hiroke Goke was flawless at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and two singles, while McKenzie matched the effort with a 3-for-4 performance and a team-high three RBIs. Jesse Hunter and Kyler Rinehart also chipped in with multiple hits as the Pumas racked up an impressive 11 knocks on the night. The Pumas also flashed the leather with a well-executed double play, rounding out a performance full of positives as they look to build momentum heading into the coming rounds.
PREMIER 2 RESERVES
The Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Reserves put up a determined effort on Saturday but were unable to match the momentum of a sharp Berwick City Cougars outfit, going down 15–3 in their weekend clash. Berwick struck early, bringing in two runs in the opening inning on a fielder’s choice despite solid work on the mound from Wayne Porter. The home side continued to push ahead in the second, adding runs through a groundout, a bases-loaded walk, and an aggressive steal of home that extended their lead. Porter battled hard across five innings, striking out five in a gritty performance that saw him continue to compete despite the Cougars’ pressure at the plate. Offensively, the Pumas showed plenty of spark, tallying 11 hits for the game. Wayne Porter and Andrew Mayberry were standouts, each collecting three hits and consistently finding their way on base. Support came from across the lineup, with Ethan Hamilton, Angus, and Jesús Camacho each driving in a run to keep the scoreboard ticking. Defensively, Pakenham also produced a crisp double play, showing their composure in the field. Though the scoreboard didn’t fall their way, the Pumas continued to battle from first pitch to last, with strong contributions across the diamond and plenty to build on heading into next week’s matchups.
STATE LEAGUE 3
The Pakenham Pumas State 3 side battled hard at home on Sunday, but an explosive first inning from Chelsea proved the difference as the visitors claimed a 10–2 win in their State League 3 matchup. Chelsea came out swinging, stringing together a series of early singles to produce a six-run opening frame and place the Pumas on the back foot from the outset. They added another in the second on a groundout to push their lead to 7–1, making Pakenham work overtime to stay in the contest. Despite the early challenge, the Pumas regrouped and showed impressive determination across the remainder of the game. Starter Ollie fought through three and two-thirds innings on the mound, collecting two strikeouts and limiting further damage as the team settled defensively. At the plate, Ollie continued to lead from the front, going 1-for-2 and driving in one of Pakenham’s two runs. James, Connor Mills-Emmerson, and Brock also contributed hits as the Pumas worked to find their rhythm offensively. One of the standout positives of the day was Pakenham’s aggression on the bases, swiping an impressive eight bags. Mills-Emmerson, Ollie, and Brock each stole multiple bases, keeping pressure on Chelsea’s defence throughout the afternoon. Defensively, the Pumas were rock-solid, finishing the game without committing an error. Nicholas Barth anchored the fielding unit with eight clean chances, showcasing the composure and discipline that kept Pakenham competitive despite Chelsea’s early burst. While the scoreboard didn’t swing their way, the Pumas demonstrated plenty of heart, hustle, and improvement—signs that will serve them well as the season continues.
STATE LEAGUE 4
The Pakenham Pumas State 4 side delivered a complete performance on Sunday, powering to a 14–4 win over Chelsea State League 4 in a game filled with crafty base running, patient hitting, and strong pitching from start to finish. Pakenham wasted no time setting the tone, posting three runs in the opening inning. An early Chelsea error opened the door before Mat Howden ripped a single to right and Jason Rossitt showcased his speed by swiping home, giving the home side an early 3–0 advantage. The momentum continued into the second, where Daniel Kirby doubled down the left-field line and Travis Hough followed with a matching shot to bring in two more runs and extend the lead. The third inning proved to be the decisive blow. The Pumas erupted for seven runs—despite recording just one hit—thanks to disciplined at-bats and relentless pressure. Walks drawn by Blake Hughes, Daniel Kirby, Travis Hough, and Mat Howden all brought in runs, while Rossitt added an RBI single and a wild pitch pushed another across to cap off the explosive frame. On the mound, Travis Hough turned in a strong four-inning start, allowing just five hits and no earned runs while striking out two. Daniel Kirby then slammed the door in relief, firing a perfect inning with two strikeouts to seal the win. Kirby and Rossitt were standouts at the plate, each collecting two hits, with Kirby driving in a team-high three RBIs in a 2-for-3 performance. But the entire lineup contributed, drawing an impressive 14 walks to keep the scoreboard ticking. Hough, Hughes, Daniel Wells, Rossitt, and Howden all reached base twice via walks. The Pumas were electric on the base paths, stealing an incredible 13 bases for the game. Kirby, Rossitt, Hughes, and Jacob Gruis all tallied multiple steals as Pakenham’s aggressive running game repeatedly put Chelsea under pressure. It was a complete display of teamwork and execution, with the Pumas firing in all facets to secure a convincing win and continue their strong run of form.
SL80
The Pakenham Pumas SL80 delivered their most complete performance of the season on Sunday, overpowering Ormond Glenhuntly 16–6 at home in a display built on hustle, pressure and standout individual efforts. Ormond struck first with three runs in the top of the opening inning, but the Pumas responded instantly — piling on five runs from three hits in the bottom half to seize the lead and all the momentum. From that point on, Pakenham controlled the contest, applying pressure in every inning and refusing to let the visitors settle. The headline act came from Liam, who produced a flawless day at the plate with four hits from four at-bats, including a double in the first and singles in the second, third and fourth innings. He was just as effective on the mound, setting the tone early with a five-strikeout performance. There were contributions everywhere: Ollie went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs; Timmy collected two hits, including a clutch two-RBI single in the first; Aiden hammered a two-RBI double in the fourth and Eli showed superb patience, drawing four walks.
The Pumas’ base running was on another level, swiping an extraordinary 27 stolen bases as Liam, Timmy, Ollie, Eli, Hunter and Angus consistently turned pressure into opportunities. On the mound, Liam set the platform by allowing just two hits in his opening spell, before Angus closed the game confidently in relief. From first pitch to last, it was a complete team performance — disciplined at the plate, intelligent on the bases and composed in the field. The Pumas continue to sharpen their game each week, and the progress is clear. Pakenham now hits the road next week to face Mulgrave, with momentum well and truly on their side.
SL70
It was an offensive showcase on Sunday as the Pumas fought hard in a 9–8 nail-biter against Chelsea SL70 White. The kids swung the bats with confidence all day, out-hitting Chelsea 7–3 and showing real growth at the plate. After Chelsea opened the scoring with three runs in the first, the Pumas answered back in the bottom of the second with a five-run explosion to take the lead. A walk by Hunter with the bases loaded was the big moment of the inning, driving in two and firing up the dugout. Offensive standouts; Amelia and Angus with two hits and Eli led the team with an RBI.
Amelia started strong on the plate and Morgan came in to close and competed well. On the bases there was pure hustle with 14 stolen bases! Multiple steals from Morgan, Cooper, Hunter and Angus kept the pressure on all game. Even though the scoreboard didn’t fall our way, this was one of the best all-round offensive performances of the season. The confidence at the plate, great base running and resilience under pressure were huge positives. This team never gives up. Back to work at training this week then back at it again next Sunday at Mornington!
LL MINORS
The Pakenham LL Minors had a fantastic time playing at home this week against Berwick and the South East Warriors! Despite a bit of rain, the kids beamed with excitement as they practiced batting, fielding, and fly ball drills. The game was a huge learning experience, with the kids mastering base running and delivering some impressive at-bats, including a couple of home runs!
-Jessica Moulding-
