The Pakenham Pumas felt every emotion possible on the weekend; qualifying for grand finals, losing a preliminary final and going down in a grand final after a great season from the women’s team.
It all comes to crescendo this week, with State 4 seniors and SL70 juniors both qualifying for the biggest and best games of the season.
Here’s how the weekend panned out for Pakenham’s beloved baseball club.
SENIORS
STATE 4
Pakenham Pumas State 4 defeated Chelsea 13-2 on Sunday in the preliminary final.
Pumas scored six runs in the first inning and then seven in the second on the way to victory. Pakenham jumped out to the lead with hits from Scott Dale, Andrew Hemmes and Mitchell Porter in the first inning. With hits from Coadhey, Justin Mazurek, Wayne Porter and Scott Dale in the second inning the lead grew. Scott Dale opened the game for Pakenham. The starter gave up one hit and two runs over three innings, striking out six and walking three. Andrew Hemmes tossed two innings of zero-run ball for Pakenham Pumas in relief. The pitcher surrendered two hits, striking out two and walking one. Pakenham piled up 12 hits in the game. Wayne and Scott each drove in three runs for Pakenham. Greg McCormick collected two hits and Mitchell Porter stole two bases. Our team has fought hard all season and this weekend delivered when it mattered most. Now, it all comes down to one last game. The grand final is this week, and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got. Let’s bring it home Pumas.
REGIONAL BLACK
Pakenham Pumas Regional Black’s season came to an end on Sunday, falling 9-5 to Waverley Regional East in a hard-fought preliminary final.
Playing for a spot in the grand final, the Pumas put up a strong fight but couldn’t overcome Waverley, who capitalised on key moments to secure the win. Waverley struck early, opening the scoring in the bottom of the first with three singles to take an early lead. Pakenham responded in the top of the second, tying the game at 3-3 after a fielder’s choice by Dylan Eldridge and an RBI double from Brad Jones. The game remained tight until the bottom of the fourth, when defensive miscues proved costly for Pakenham. Waverley took advantage of two errors to extend their lead to 6-3. The Pumas fought back with two more runs in the top of the fifth but were unable to get the quick shut down inning they needed in the bottom of the fifth to force a sixth inning. Brad Jones got the start for Pakenham, allowing seven hits and nine runs (six earned) over four innings while striking out two and walking seven. Waverley’s starter pitched four innings, surrendering five hits and five runs while striking out three and walking four. Offensively, Dylan Eldridge led the Pumas with two RBIs, while Jones, Gregg Duncan, Bryce Haley, Deklan White, and Tristan White each tallied a hit. The Pumas were aggressive on the bases, swiping six bags, with both Gregg and Liam stealing multiple bases. The defence also turned a key double play. Despite the loss, it was a fantastic season for Pakenham Pumas Regional Black. Finishing in the top four of a 15-team competition and coming within one game of the grand final is a huge achievement. The team showed resilience and determination throughout the season, and while the loss ends their campaign, they can be proud of how far they came.
WOMENS
The atmosphere was electric at the grand final as the Pumas women’s team stepped onto the field, fully committed to giving it their all.
The stakes were high, the tension palpable, and every player knew what was on the line. They had worked tirelessly, sacrificed countless hours in training, and poured their hearts into this moment. Despite a valiant effort, the final strike was thrown, signaling a heartbreaking loss. But even in defeat, the true spirit of the team shone through. Saints defeated Pakenham Pumas 12-5. Pakenham got on the board in the first inning after an error scored one run. Saints then scored seven runs on two hits taking the lead to 7-1. Emily Williams started on the mound for Pakenham Pumas. The pitcher went three innings, surrendering 10 runs (six earned) on six hits, striking out one and walking seven. Carni Dowsett, Olivia Garcia, and Casey Hynes each collected one hit for Pakenham, while Jade Taylor and Carni Dowsett each drove in one run. Kim Smith paced Pakenham with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, collecting six walks for the game. Carni Dowsett and Katherine Walton each stole multiple bases. Pakenham had nine stolen bases for the game.
JUNIORS
With the last game of the season for our Little League, our coach Dillan let the kids choose where they wanted to play. Hearing the cheering from the sidelines was great and the excitement and communication within the team was awesome to see. Watching the kids in their element and having so much fun was a highlight.
In a commanding semi-final performance, the SL70 Pakenham Pumas proved why they finished first on the ladder, taking down fourth-placed Cheltenham White with an emphatic 15-1 victory. From the first pitch to the last, the Pumas controlled the game, showcasing their strength both on the mound and at the plate. Blake set the tone early, pitching three strong innings before Logan took over to close. Hunter had another solid performance catching for the team. At the plate, the Pumas took advantage of Cheltenham’s pitching struggles, earning 13 walks. Eli took one for the team, reaching base after being hit by a pitch. When the bats came into play, the Pumas delivered, with solid hits from Ca’Del, Blake, Logan, and Noah. Morgan also made her mark with a fantastic hit that got the crowd cheering! It was a dominant all-around performance, sending the Pumas into the grand final against Cheltenham Blue next week.
-Jessica Moulding-
