A1
Pakenham couldn’t keep up with Cheltenham and fell 15-1 on Saturday. Joel took the loss for the Pumas as the hurler went one and one-third innings, surrendering seven runs on five hits, striking out one and walking four. Luke pitched four innings in relief for Pakenham allowing nine hits and seven runs (four earned) while striking out one and walking one. Yo Takehara and Hiroke Goke tried to get the offence started as they each collected one hit for Pakenham while hitting back-to-back. Luke scored the team’s only run with one run batted in. Pakenham turned one double play in the game.
A2
Pakenham A2s had trouble keeping up with Cheltenham in an 11-2 loss on Saturday at Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club. The Rustlers came out swinging in the first two innings, collecting three runs with Pakenham returning some fire in the bottom on the third, scoring one run back with a hard-hit ground-ball by Rhys. The away team continued to show skill in the batter’s box, scoring a further eight runs to secure the win. Pakenham scored its second run in the bottom of the fifth. Mitch Porter hit a double and then reached to third base on a wild pitch, with Will driving the run in on a single to the outfield. Kengo Oka took the loss for Pumas as the pitcher went four innings, giving up five runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out two and walking four. Lachlan took the mound in the fifth to finish off the game. Porter and Will each collected one hit for Pakenham. The A2 Pumas will travel to Dandenong for their next game on Saturday.
B1
The Pakenham Pumas B1 side endured a difficult day on the diamond, going down 18–1 in their away clash against Frankston on Saturday. Pakenham found itself on the back foot early, as the home side opened the scoring with a big first inning and piled on runs across the second and third to take a commanding lead. Frankston started the scoring when, with the bases loaded, Brad Bugeja dove forward attempting to catch a ball in right field and found himself winded. He was then unable to retreat back to retrieve the ball from the right-field fence leading to an inside the park home run. Brad Jones took the mound to start for the Pumas, throwing two innings and conceding 12 runs (10 earned) on eight hits, while recording one strikeout. Despite the pressure, Jones continued to compete, supported by a defence that managed to turn a crisp double play during the contest. Matt Clements on return after a two year absence managed to catch a line drive while leaping horizontally to his right before flipping the ball to Jude O’Halloran to complete the double play. Offensively, the Pumas were limited to just two hits for the game. Chris Appleby went 1-for-3 and was responsible for Pakenham’s only RBI, while Brock also chipped in with a single. While the result was disappointing, the Pumas maintained their composure and showed resilience against one of the competition’s strongest lineups. With valuable lessons taken from the loss, the team will look to regroup and come back stronger in the next round.
B2
Pakenham Pumas B2 snuck past Frankston Black even with Mayberry missing, scoring 10 runs to four. Pakenham got on the board in the top of the first inning after James Kinsella grounded out and Wayne Porter singled to center field, each scoring one run. A fielder’s choice by Greg McCormick and a single by Travis Hough helped Pakenham extend their early lead in the second. Pakenham then added one run in the third on a wild pitch. Scott Dale once again started on the mound this game, only surrendering four hits and four runs (one earned) over six innings, striking out nine and walking two. Pakenham had 12 hits in the game with Dale and Porter leading the way, as they each collected three hits for Pakenham. Hough provided strength in the middle of the lineup and led with three runs batted in batting 2-for-3 on the day. Daniel Taylor collected two hits and a cracked rib in four at bats, whilst McCormick collected three walks. The team had six walks for the game. Unfortunately for Shaun Fahy, it wasn’t his day being sent back to the pine on several occasions after being struck out three and a half times. Brock and Wayne Porter each stole multiple bases for Pakenham whilst the team collected a total of seven stolen bases for the game.
Women’s
As the women’s games this week fell on Mother’s Day, the women’s teams had no game. We hope that our ladies enjoyed a restful day, and we wish those who celebrate a happy Mother’s Day. Our ladies are looking forward to games resuming next week with the Pumas first Derby day of the season as Pakenham White take on Pakenham Black at KH Wearne Reserve, Dingley.
-James Kinsella
