In a not ideal scenario, the Pakenham Pumas took on the Ducks from Mordialloc in perfect conditions for the Ducks on a rain-swept Saturday of baseball.
But the Pumas dug deep, sending the Ducks back to their pond after two impressive victories.
Unfortunately, there were washouts for A1, A2, D Black and the Under-14 team this weekend.
SENIORS
C1: Pumas 6 v Mordialloc 0
Pakenham C1 relocated to Sandringham to take on the Mordialloc Ducks after downpours made Pakenham unplayable. Despite the first two hitters getting aboard, Tim Stockdale shut out the first inning with a pop up and two ground-balls to third keeping the Ducks stranded. Pumas led off by Gavin Staindl walking, and then back-to-back hits to Chris Appleby and Luke Billing scored one run and stranded two runners. A strike out, and a catch to Michael Elijah saw two outs and another grounder to Chris Appleby for an out saw the Pumas back into bat. The Ducks pitcher threw very well but a series of full-count walks loaded the bases with two outs for Luke Billing, who hit a single to centre to add two runs to our total. Despite a walk and a single putting a runner in scoring position, a deep shot to centre didn’t score a run, with an excellent relay through Michael to Gav and a tag out at home plate on a swipe tag from Michael Sullivan. A short hit then resulted in a well-fielded out at third by pitcher Tim Stockdale. The inning ending in a juggling catch at left to Junior Simaika and no runs scoring. No runs to the Pumas in the fourth despite putting three runners on base. Two more hits to the Ducks didn’t result in runs. Tim made another out at third on the force and a double-play in comical circumstances with Gavin combining with Riley who first hit the forced out, then, with directions barked from across the diamond, re-tagged the same runner, before tagging the other one, to register a double play! A lead-off walk saw Gav score on stolen bases and a left field hit to Chris, who was brought in on a grounded out. This took our score to six, before Michael Sullivan left the dish to try and close it out. He put on a great display having the lead-off pop-out to first and the second hitter ground out as well, the Ducks struggled with his heat. A full count walk didn’t matter with Mick striking out the fourth hitter on four pitches. Hits: C Appleby 2, L Billing 2, M Elijah, R Blackwell.
C2: Pumas 14 v Mordialloc 1
Kyle Peck led Pakenham Pumas C2 to victory over the Mordialloc Ducks on Saturday. Kyle started the scoring when he tripled in the first inning, scoring lead-off hitter Greg McCormick, who got on base via a well-placed swinging bunt hit. The Puma bats continued to fire scoring four more runs to end the first innings with a 5-0 lead. The Pumas extended their lead in the bottom of the second inning after Kyle Peck singled, Andrew Mayberry singled, Connor Mills Emmerson hit into a fielder’s choice, and Justin Mazurek singled, each scoring one run. The lead continued to grow in the third when Will Mayberry doubled, followed by singles from Kyle Peck and Travis Hough, scoring one run. Travis Hough started on the mound and earned the win for Pakenham. The wily veteran was majestic surrendering only two hits and one run over four innings, striking out four and walking none. Youngster Will Mayberry then closed-out the game pitching one inning of no-run ball for Pakenham in relief. With the bats the Pumas were solid, collecting 13 hits in the game. Greg McCormick, Will Mayberry, and Travis Hough each collected multiple hits while Kyle Peck went a perfect four from four.
D WHITE: Chelsea 12 v Pumas 10
Despite the poor weather we have had all week D Grade Pakenham White showed up to Chelsea and found the grounds to be in great condition, and, unlike a lot teams, we were able to get a game in. Due to a couple of late withdrawals, we were down to eight players which is not ideal when taking on the side at the top of the table. Still, we made a positive start with Jude O’Halloran drawing a walk to lead off before being driven in by brother Malachite on a single to left field. In response James D’Arcy starting again this week and was able to hold the Dolphins to the same. He picked up a strikeout and a couple of catches in the outfield including a sliding grab from Malachite to end the inning and save two runs. To lead off the second we had the third of the O’Halloran brothers, Archer, who got himself into a 1-2 count before crushing a fastball over the left-field cones for a solo Home Run in only his second senior game. The runs didn’t stop there though with James D’Arcy and James Kinsella getting on base before Malachite continued his hot-streak with a double to left field, driving in another two runs. Unfortunately, Chelsea came out and put together some disciplined at-bats, drawing walks and putting balls in play to score the maximum seven runs and take a four-run lead. In response we were unable to trouble the home team going three-up, three-down. The Pumas however stood strong with James Kinsella coming in to relieve and managed to hold the Dolphins scoreless in the bottom of the third and hold the deficit at four runs. The fourth inning was a see-sawing affair with Pakenham pulling back three runs and Chelsea putting up four in response to extend their lead to five. At the top of fifth it was manager James Kinsella to lead off and, after drawing a 2-1 count, he got a pitch he liked and drove one out to left field for his first home run after 17 years. Not as impressive as doing it in your second game, but the Pumas responded getting another two runs to pull within two runs and load the bases. Unfortunately, after a controversial non-Hit by Pitch call though, we were unable to add to take full advantage and despite holding Chelsea scoreless in the bottom of the fifth just fell short 10-12. Despite losing, it was an impressive game by the Pumas who could have easily dropped their heads after giving up seven runs and being unable to reply. Instead, we tightened up in the field, continued to put together good at-bats and were smart on the base paths. Hits: 3 Malachite O’Halloran (Double, 2 Singles), 2 James Kinsella (Home Run, Double), 2 Archer O’Halloran (Home Run, Single), 1 Tyler Whitelaw RBIs: 4 Archer O’Halloran, 3 Malachite O’Halloran, 1 James Kinsella.
WOMENS: Dingley 6 v Pakenham 6
Pakenham took on Dingley at a chilly Frankston ground early Sunday morning. Our ladies were up to bat first and quickly scored two runs, Dingley fought hard to get the outs and came up to bat themselves. Starting pitcher Felicity shut out Dingley, preventing them from scoring any runs, leaving Pakenham in the lead coming into the second inning. Another quick-paced inning saw Dingley strike out two of our batters, and get the last out at first base, which sent Pakenham back out on the diamond. The Pumas matched Dingley’s start to the second inning, also striking out two batters and an out at first base. Pakenham led the game coming into the third inning and picked up another handy run. Dingley then pulled up its socks and scored three runs. Dingley worked hard, preventing us from scoring in the top of the fourth inning, but managed to score another run themselves. Our ladies came up to bat one last time and took the lead again with three more runs. Dingley were only able to score two more in reply, ending the game in a hard-fought -six all draw. The Pumas played textbook baseball, which made for an exciting game to watch. Olivia, getting an unassisted double play, saw a proud moment for her and the girls. Hits: Felicity (2), Jess (1), Carni (2), Angel (2), Christine (2), Holly (1).
UNDER 16: Pumas 11 v Cheltenham 1
Pumas took on Cheltenham and managed to chalk up the win in some fairly terrible conditions. The kids were solid at the plate and defensively elite.
UNDER 12 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
No regular games this weekend for the Under-12 team as the Under-12 State Winter Championships was on in Werribee. Wet, windy and freezing conditions plagued the diamonds for day one, giving the DBA’s representative team a tough time. They battled hard however, losing 5-1 against GBA and 10-0 against Ringwood. Day two was a different story with the sun shining and the bats cracking. DBAs first game up was against City West, unfortunately succumbing to the strong pitching 9-5, however finished strong in their final game against Diamond Valley coming away with a win 8-6. Pumas very own sibling duo Lilly and Joey Cannizzaro put their sibling rivalry to the side and played side-by-side in the championship over the weekend. They got on base, pushed runners around, got behind the plate and caught strikes and scored runs, making the Pumas club proud.
