Despite its Premier, women’s and junior games being washed out on the weekend the Pakenham Pumas still had cause for celebration with the State 4 team showing great character to steamroll Mulgrave on Sunday.
PUMAS CHARGE HOME TO DEFEAT MULGRAVE
Pakenham Pumas State 4 side showcased their trademark determination and energy on Sunday, coming from behind to claim a strong 9–5 victory over Mulgrave at Mulgrave Baseball Club.
Mulgrave opened the scoring in the first inning with a sharp single that brought a runner home, setting an early tone.
But the Pumas soon found their spark in the third inning, turning patient at-bats and smart base running into runs.
Ollie was hit by a pitch to bring in the first run, a wild pitch added another, and Jacob Gruis came up clutch with a single to drive in two more; pushing Pakenham into the lead.
Mulgrave refused to back down, rallying in the bottom of the third with a burst of their own to reclaim a 5–4 advantage.
But the Pumas weren’t done with yet.
In the top of the fourth, the visitors exploded with a five-run inning, capped off by a hard-hit single from Ollie that plated two and gave the Pumas the lead for good.
Lance Llandado was solid on the mound, working through four innings and allowing just six hits and five runs (four earned) while striking out two.
Andrew Hemmes closed things out in relief, firing a clean final frame to secure the win.
At the plate, Ollie led the charge with three RBIs from a perfect 1-for-1 outing, while Gruis continued his consistent form with two hits from three at-bats.
The Pumas were relentless on the bases, swiping an impressive 10 steals, with Hemmes, Ethan Hamilton, Liam, and Jay Mazurek each collecting multiple bags.
The team also turned a slick double play to back up their pitchers.
It was an all-around team effort that highlighted the Pumas’ speed, pressure, and persistence; qualities that will make them a force to watch as the season rolls on.
STATE 3
PUMAS SHOW GRIT DESPITE TOUGH DAY AGAINST MULGRAVE
It was a challenging outing for the Pakenham Pumas State 3 side on Sunday as they faced a strong Mulgrave outfit, falling 12–0 in a game that tested the team’s resolve.
Mulgrave wasted no time getting on the board, taking advantage of early opportunities with a series of well-timed hits and patient at-bats in the opening innings.
A groundout plated the first run before a double cleared the bases for three more.
A single soon after stretched the lead as Mulgrave built early momentum.
The home side continued to press in the second and third innings, adding runs through a mix of hits and walks.
Despite the mounting pressure, the Pumas’ defence produced a bright moment with a crisp double play that drew cheers from supporters.
Mathew Howden took the ball to start for Pakenham, battling through two and a third innings.
He gave up six hits and nine runs (four earned), while striking out one and walking seven in tough pitching conditions.
Howden also showed composure at the plate, collecting the team’s only hit of the afternoon.
While the scoreboard didn’t go their way, the Pumas continued to compete hard through every inning; showing the kind of grit and spirit that will serve them well as the season rolls on.
-Jessica Moulding-
