It was a mixed weekend for the Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club with stifling heat making life difficult for players on Saturday before the rain tumbled down forcing seven of the club’s teams to have washouts. Here’s how the week unfolded.
JUNIORS
Pumas Big League headed to Sandringham on Saturday for what looked to be a good match up. We gave up a couple of runs early but fought back with three of our own in the third. The Royals capitalised of a few undisciplined lapses and despite our best efforts we were unable to rally back. The local derby against Berwick awaits this week as we look to get back on the winning side.
The SL70 Pakenham Pumas made light work of both the weather and their opponents, cruising to an 18-3 win over Mulgrave/Chelsea in a rain-soaked showdown. Every Puma crossed the plate at least once, showcasing the team’s depth and unity. Logan led the charge with a stellar 5 RBIs, including his second home-run for the season and a double in the first to open the scoring. Blake had an outstanding game, contributing a triple in the third inning while dominating on the mound striking out six in two innings. Ca’Del made his impressive season debut on the hill, while Hunter demonstrated another strong performance behind the plate. Walks and wild pitches kept the offence rolling as Mulgrave/Chelsea struggled to contain the onslaught. All in all, another great win for the Pumas!
T-Ball, LL Minor and Senior League 90 all had washouts.
SENIORS
PREMIER 2
Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Firsts fell to Cheltenham 7-2 on Thursday night at Pakenham.
Pakenham got on the board in the first inning after Max Vetter singled, scoring two runs. Cheltenham then flipped the script in the top of the fifth, scoring six runs on six hits to take the lead, 7-2. Tim Bellerby was the reliever and pitched one inning, allowing three runs on three hits, striking out one and walking two. Rhys McKenzie opened the game for Pakenham. The starter surrendered five hits and four runs over four innings, striking out two and walking two. Max Hunter, Kyler Rinehart, Danny Cannizaro, and Vetter each collected one hit for Pakenham. Vetter went one-for-two at the plate and led the team with two runs batted in.
FIRSTS
The Pakenham Pumas Firsts once again demonstrated their ability to compete with the league’s elite, narrowly falling short in execution. Max Hunter was a force to be reckoned with on the mound, dominating the first four innings and conceding only two runs on three hits. Tim Bellerby, showcasing his exceptional skill, faced one of the top teams in the competition and allowed just three unearned runs. Bellerby masterfully directed the Port Melbourne hitters, but a lapse in fielding, with three errors in a single inning, proved costly and gave Port Melbourne the edge they needed to secure the win. The Pumas’ bats were lively, but they struggled to capitalise with runners in scoring position. Goke, Hunter, Cannizaro, and Fahy led the offensive charge with solid hits, yet the team ultimately fell to the second-place Port Melbourne squad with a final score of 5-3. Despite the defeat, the Pumas’ performance was a testament to their quality and determination, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next clash.
RESERVES
The Pakenham Pumas Reserves displayed remarkable valor in their weekend showdown, battling fiercely against the odds. The game kicked off with James McFadden taking the mound, delivering a masterful performance over three innings, skillfully keeping the Port Melbourne hitters guessing. The early part of the day saw the wind playing tricks, causing some hits to narrowly escape the outfielders’ grasp, allowing Port Melbourne to notch up early runs. Despite the Pumas’ commendable efforts at the plate, they struggled to string together a series of hits to counteract the early deficit. The Port Melbourne pitcher was in formidable form, stifling the Pumas’ attempts to mount a comeback rally. Nevertheless, the Pumas’ pitching duo, James McFadden and Rohan Hector, shone brightly, showcasing their prowess on the mound. At the plate, the hot bats of Hector, Taylor, and McFadden led the charge, making significant contributions to the Pumas’ valiant effort. Though the game ended in defeat, the Pumas’ spirited performance was nothing short of heroic.
There were washouts for State League 3 and 4; and both Regional League teams.
WOMENS
PUMAS WHITE
Cheltenham defeated Pakenham Pumas Women’s White 13-5 on Saturday thanks in part to seven runs in the first inning. Pakenham got on the board in the top of the first inning after Katherine Walton doubled, scoring two runs, and Emma Barker drew a walk, scoring one run. Cheltenham then came back scoring seven runs to take the lead, 7-3. Jessica Moulding started the game for Pakenham. The starting pitcher gave up eight hits, struck out six and walked eight. Katherine Walton led Pakenham with three runs batted in; the outfielder going two-for-three on the day. Pakenham had a strong eye at the plate, tallying 10 walks for the game. Danni Wilson and Sofia each stole multiple bases.
PUMAS BLACK
Pakenham Blacks started out strong against the Berwick Cougars. With the heat against both teams it was a struggle to get through the game but both teams persevered. Pakenham won against Berwick 16-1 with a great effort put forward from the Blacks. Pumas got on the board in the top of the first from Katherine, Jade, Holly and Emily. Seven runs were collected for the Women’s team in the first inning and another five runs were made in the third inning. Olivia Garcia played a strong game, pitching for the duration of this round, showing her strength in striking out three of the Cougars. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, tallying 14 walks for the game. Kirby Cannizzaro, Jade Taylor, Holly Lunn, Carni Dowsett, and Katherine Walton each stole multiple bases for Pakenham Pumas Women’s Black. Pakenham stole 15 bases in the game.
-Jessica Moulding-
