It was a better than even split for the Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club this week, with five wins from nine senior contests setting things up for a strong finish to the year and providing a building block for the second half of the season.
PREMIER FIRSTS
Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Firsts delivered a gutsy and determined performance on Thursday night, clawing their way back from a five-run deficit before narrowly falling 8–6 to Bonbeach in a spirited contest.
Bonbeach came out firing in the opening inning, capitalising on a walk, a pair of well-placed singles, and a sacrifice fly to push five early runs across the plate. They added two more in the second, stretching their lead to 7–2 after a defensive miscue from the Pumas. But true to their trademark resilience, Pakenham refused to fade. The Pumas chipped away inning by inning, manufacturing runs through smart base running, timely hitting, and unselfish team play. A sacrifice fly, a clutch single, a fielder’s choice and a hard-hit ground ball all brought runners home as the Pumas edged ever closer, turning what looked like a runaway game into a genuine nail-biter.
Will led the charge on the mound across five tough innings, limiting further damage while striking out one. Offensively, Will, John Bicos, Rhys McKenzie, Daniel Harris and Hiroke Goke each recorded a hit, while Will, Bicos, Harris, Goke and Matthew Mills all drove in runs to fuel the comeback push.
In the end, the deficit proved just a touch too steep to completely erase – but the Pumas walked away with plenty of positives, plenty of heart, and the belief that this group can hang with anyone when the bats start humming. It was a loss on the scoreboard, but a strong story of fight, effort and unity for the Pumas faithful.
SATURDAY
Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Firsts put up a determined fight on Saturday, showing flashes of brilliance in the field and grit at the plate despite a challenging outing against Mulgrave Premier 2 First Nine.
Mulgrave broke through in the top of the third, stringing together a run of well-placed hits down the right field line, a double to the gap, and a sacrifice fly to manufacture four individual runs and swing momentum their way.
On the mound, Rohan Hector battled through five innings for the Pumas, working under pressure and keeping his composure as he scattered seven hits and allowed five runs, four of them earned. He collected two strikeouts and navigated seven walks in a hardworking performance.
At the plate, the Pumas found their spark through the pairing of Rhys McKenzie and Hiroke Goke, who each drove in two runs to keep Pakenham within striking distance. Leadoff hitter Kyler Rinehart continued his reliable form, collecting two hits from five trips, while John Bicos showed patience with a pair of walks. In total, the Pumas drew six walks – proof of their disciplined approach.
Perhaps the biggest highlight came defensively, where Pakenham turned an impressive five double plays, showcasing sharp instincts and well-drilled teamwork that kept the game within reach.
While the final score didn’t fall their way, the Pumas once again demonstrated heart, hustle, and signs of a team ready to turn close contests into wins as the season unfolds.
PREMIER RESERVES
Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Reserves delivered a dominant and confident performance on Saturday, surging to a 10–4 win over Mulgrave Premier 2 Reserves thanks to a breakout day from Wayne Porter, who drove in four runs on two timely singles and a walk.
The Pumas wasted no time setting the tone, jumping ahead in the first inning when Cooper Porter ripped a double to bring in the opening run, followed moments later by Wayne’s first two-RBI single of the day. Mulgrave momentarily swung momentum in the third, stringing together three consecutive run-scoring hits to take a brief lead. But the Pumas answered immediately – Wayne Porter once again came through with a clutch RBI single to restore a 5–4 advantage. From there, Pakenham slammed the door with a huge five-run fourth inning. A bases-loaded walk to Wayne pushed across one run before Tristan singled to score another. Ethan Hamilton kept the rally rolling with a two-RBI knock, and Brock capped the frame with a productive groundout that plated the fifth run. On the mound, Lance Llandado put in a solid five-inning shift, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out four and working around five walks to earn the win. The Pumas’ bats were firing all afternoon, piling up 10 hits. Deklan White led the charge with a perfect 3-for-3 outing, while Cooper Porter and Tristan also collected multiple hits. Nick Barth added patience at the plate with two walks as Pakenham tallied six overall. Speed played its part too, with the Pumas swiping four bases—two of them courtesy of Wayne Porter, who provided a true all-round performance. With crisp hitting, heads-up base running, and timely pitching, the Pumas Reserves put together a complete team win, showing exactly what they’re capable of as the season heats up.
STATE 3
Pakenham Pumas State 3 put on a strong all-round performance on Sunday, powering to a 9–5 win over the Waverley Wildcats, highlighted by a perfect day at the plate from Mathew Howden, who went 3-for-3 with three sharp singles.
Waverley opened the scoring early with a run in the top of the first, but the Pumas immediately responded, capitalising on a defensive miscue to level the scores. From there, the momentum swung decisively Pakenham’s way.
In a dominant second inning, the Pumas erupted for five runs on four hits to jump ahead 6–1.
The spark came from Jesus Camacho, who launched a booming triple that brought home two runners and electrified the dugout. Pakenham kept the pressure on in the third; James grounding out to score another run and extending the lead.
On the mound, Jason Rossit opened the game with a steady three-and-a-third-inning effort, allowing six hits and three runs—only two of them earned—while striking out three. James took over in relief, helping guide the team through the later innings.
The Pumas’ bats were lively all afternoon, tallying 12 hits. Camacho and Brad Bugeja each drove in two runs, adding depth to an already potent lineup. On the bases, Pakenham showcased blistering speed, swiping 10 bases overall, with multiple steals contributed by Blake Hughes, Howden, and Connor Mills-Emmerson. A sharp double play in the field added to the team’s crisp defensive showing. From timely hitting to aggressive base running and solid pitching, the Pumas State 3 squad delivered a complete performance; one that keeps the season rolling with confidence and momentum.
STATE 4
In one of the most dramatic games of the season, Pakenham Pumas State 4 staged a remarkable comeback on Sunday, overturning a four-run deficit to clinch a nail-biting 11–10 victory over Ormond Glenhuntly. The visitors came out firing, scoring four runs in the opening inning on a fielder’s choice and a string of well-placed singles. But the Pumas refused to be rattled. In the bottom half, patience and pressure paid off as walks, a wild pitch, and an error allowed Pakenham to level the score at 4–4. The Pumas edged ahead in the third inning, with Kevin D’Arcy and Jason Rossitt delivering clutch RBI singles to put Pakenham up 6–4. But Ormond Glenhuntly hit back immediately, using two singles in the fourth to square the ledger once more. What followed was Pakenham’s biggest and most decisive burst of offense. In the bottom of the fourth, Daniel Wells sparked a four-run rally with a sharp hit down the left field line. Harvey, Jacob Gruis, and Daniel Kirby each pushed runners’ home in succession, stretching the lead to 10–6 and giving the Pumas a crucial buffer. That margin proved vital, as Ormond Glenhuntly mounted a late surge, narrowing the gap with a double, a single, a walk, and a fielder’s choice. But the Pumas held firm, refusing to let the comeback slip away. On the mound, Travis Hough battled through six innings without issuing a single walk, striking out two despite facing heavy traffic on the bases. Daniel Kirby closed out the game in relief, helping preserve the one-run win. Offensively, the Pumas tallied 11 hits, highlighted by Jacob Gruis’ outstanding 3-for-4 day. Wells added two hits and drove in a pair, while Angus chipped in with a strong two-hit performance. Pakenham’s aggressive base running proved a difference-maker once again, with nine stolen bases shared across the team. A crisp double play in the field rounded out an all-action performance. In a game filled with momentum swings, the Pumas State 4 showed grit, composure, and teamwork—earning a memorable victory that will no doubt be talked about for weeks to come.
MASTERS
Local bragging rights were on the line Monday night as the Pakenham Pumas Masters hosted their next-door neighbours, the Berwick Cougars, in a classic showdown at Toomuc Reserve.
In a tightly fought contest that went down to the final outs, the Pumas fell just short, edged 4–3 in a game packed with heart, hustle, and vintage Masters spirit. Pakenham rolled out a three-arm pitching effort, with Justin Mazurek, Daniel Kirby, and Andrew Mayberry sharing the workload. Mazurek set the tone early, striking out two in a strong opening stint. Kirby followed with a composed outing of his own, adding a strikeout before handing the ball to Mayberry, who closed out the final frames with another punch-out. Mayberry wasn’t done there—he was equally dangerous with the bat, delivering both a single and a booming double, sparking the Pumas’ offence and keeping the home crowd energised. Kyle Curran chipped in with a solid base hit, while Karlee Brady added another, helping Pakenham keep the scoreboard ticking throughout the night. Discipline at the plate also proved a strength, with the Pumas working five walks to apply continued pressure on Berwick’s pitching staff. Despite several late chances and runners threatening to score, Pakenham couldn’t quite find the extra knock needed to flip the result. With just a single run separating the sides, the Masters once again showed why their Monday-night games are a favourite among supporters; tight contests, strong efforts across the diamond, and a team that refuses to quit. Although Berwick took this round 4–3, the Pumas left the field proud, competitive, and already eager for the rematch.
WOMEN’S WHITE
Despite a challenging day on the scoreboard, the Pakenham Pumas Women’s White found bright moments to celebrate on Saturday, with Christine Sculley turning in a standout performance at the plate during an 18–6 loss to Cheltenham Blue.
Sculley was unstoppable, going 3-for-3 with three sharp singles—one in each of the first three innings. Her first-inning hit drove in two runs, giving the Pumas an early spark and helping them jump onto the scoreboard. Cheltenham responded quickly in the bottom of the first, using a mix of hits, walks, and fielder’s choices to edge into the lead. A seven-run second inning, built from just two hits and several defensive miscues, opened up the margin, and another run in the third extended Cheltenham’s advantage. On the mound, Morgan battled through a demanding first inning, recording two strikeouts while working through heavy traffic. The Pumas’ defence later produced a smooth double play, one of the game’s defensive highlights. Offensively, Sculley led the way with her perfect day, while Karlee Brady, Sarah McCabe, and Morgan each showcased blistering speed. In total, the Pumas swiped an impressive 12 stolen bases, continually applying pressure despite the scoreline. Although the final result didn’t favour Pakenham, the Women’s White side showed determination, hustle, and moments of exciting play; signs of promise as they continue to grow and build throughout the season.
WOMEN’S PINK
Pakenham Pumas Women’s Pink put on a commanding display at Toomuc Recreation Reserve on Saturday, powering to a 14–6 win over Waverley Black in a performance full of patience, pressure, and impressive teamwork. Waverley struck first, pushing across a run in the opening inning, but it didn’t take long for the Pumas to seize control. In a remarkable bottom of the first, Pakenham piled on seven runs from just one hit, capitalising on disciplined at-bats and smart base running. The key moment came when Codie Sell drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in two, igniting the early surge. The Pumas repeated their offensive explosion in the third inning, once again plating seven runs on a single hit. Walks to Olivia Field, Codie Sell, Renae Gillett, Johanna Blackler, and Danni Wilson kept the scoreboard ticking over, while Jessica Moulding chipped in with a timely RBI single to continue the onslaught. On the mound, Moulding set the tone early with a three-inning start, scattering three hits and allowing just one earned run while striking out two. Julia came on in relief and kept the Pumas well in front. Moulding, Blackler, and Liz Talauega each picked up a hit for the home side, while Blackler, Wilson, and Field all drove in two runs apiece. Wilson also showcased tremendous discipline at the plate, tallying four walks as part of the team’s astounding 18 walks for the game. Pakenham’s speed was another highlight, with seven stolen bases – including multiple swipes from Moulding and Blackler – putting added pressure on Waverley’s defence. A sharp double play in the field rounded out a complete performance. With power at the plate, poise on the mound, and plenty of spark on the bases, the Pumas Women’s Pink delivered a confident and entertaining win in front of their home crowd.
WOMEN’S BLACK
Pakenham Women’s Black powered through tough weather and tougher opposition on Saturday, earning a strong 12–6 win over Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold. With rain sweeping across the field and gusty winds challenging every play, the girls showed grit, focus, and determination from the first pitch to the last. Despite the conditions, Pakenham’s offense set the tone early. The team stayed aggressive on the bases, turning smart plays and quick jumps into extra runs, ripping hard-hit doubles, sparking rallies and keeping constant pressure on Gold’s defence.
Defensively, Pakenham was just as sharp. The girls worked together to secure key outs, shutting down threats and stranding runners when it mattered most. Timely fielding and steady pitching helped keep Upwey Ferntree Gully Gold from mounting a comeback. By the final inning, Pakenham’s combination of hustle, clean execution, and determination proved too much for Gold. It was a well-earned team victory and a strong display of resilience.
-Jessica Moulding-
