Pakenham Firsts claimed a clean sweep over Chelsea and an exciting women’s derby produced highlight moments that were being talked about, long after the final pitch was thrown.
It was another thrilling week for the Pumas; here’s Jessica Moulding’s weekly wrap.
PREMIER 2 FIRSTS
A dominant performance on the mound from Jesse Hunter set the tone on Thursday night as Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Firsts claimed a confident 9–2 win over Chelsea.
Chelsea struck first with a run in the opening inning, but it didn’t take long for the Pumas to respond. Hunter helped his own cause in the bottom of the first, lining a single that brought home two runs and swung the momentum firmly back Pakenham’s way.
From there, the Pumas steadily built their lead.
An error and a sharp RBI single from Kyler Rinehart in the second inning added three more runs, before Pakenham extended the advantage again in the third.
Shaun Fahy drove in a run with a single to centre, while productive outs from Rhys McKenzie and John Bicos ensured runners kept moving and runs kept coming.
While the bats did their job, the night truly belonged to Hunter on the hill.
The right-hander was in complete control, striking out 11 batters across seven strong innings.
He allowed just five hits and two runs, walking two, and never let Chelsea find a way back into the contest.
Hunter also led the Pumas offensively with three RBIs, while Bicos, Mitchell Porter, Rinehart, Daniel Harris, Fahy and Matthew Mills all chipped in with hits.
Fahy added spark on the bases with two stolen bags, part of an aggressive team effort that saw Pakenham swipe seven bases for the game.
The Pumas also flashed the leather, turning a clean double play to cap off a polished all-round performance.
It was a complete team effort from Pakenham, highlighted by elite pitching, smart baserunning and timely hitting; exactly the kind of performance local fans love to see under the lights.
SATURDAY
In a game that had the crowd on edge from first pitch to final out, Pakenham Pumas outlasted Chelsea in a high-scoring 12–10 thriller on Saturday.
Both sides came swinging in a contest full of momentum swings and clutch moments, combining for 23 hits and a scoreline that refused to settle until the dying innings.
The Pumas struck first in the opening frame with an audacious steal of home, setting the tone for a day of aggressive, attacking baseball.
Pakenham added to their advantage in the third inning, with John Bicos ripping a double before Kyler Rinehart brought another run home with a productive ground out.
But the real turning point appeared to come in the fifth, when Shaun Fahy launched a towering grand slam to left field, giving the Pumas a commanding seven-run cushion and sending the home supporters into raptures.
Chelsea, however, was far from done.
A two-run home run sparked a fierce comeback as the visitors chipped away at the deficit through a mix of power, patience, and timely hitting.
By the bottom of the seventh, Chelsea had surged ahead 10–8, capitalising on a walk and a sacrifice fly to snatch the lead and put the pressure squarely back on the Pumas.
Refusing to fold, Pakenham responded in style.
In the top of the eighth inning, Hiroke Goke and John Bicos went back-to-back with home runs, reclaiming the lead and swinging momentum once more in a contest that had already delivered plenty of drama.
On the mound, Rohan Hector battled through five and two-thirds innings for the Pumas, striking out four despite Chelsea’s constant offensive pressure.
Goke then completed a superb all-round performance by shutting the door in relief, tossing two scoreless innings to seal the hard-fought victory.
Offensively, Bicos, Rhys McKenzie, and Rinehart each collected two hits, while Fahy’s grand slam proved decisive, driving in four runs on the day.
Chelsea matched the Pumas blow for blow with 12 hits of their own, ensuring the contest remained alive until the final moments.
In the end, it was the Pumas’ resilience and timely power that made the difference, earning them a memorable win in a game that showcased the very best of Premier 2 baseball.
PREMIER RESERVES
Pakenham Pumas Premier 2 Reserves ran into a tough afternoon on Saturday, falling 11–1 to Chelsea Premier 2 Reserves in a game where the visitors found momentum early and never let go.
Chelsea set the tone in the opening inning, stringing together a series of well-timed hits to post five runs and put immediate pressure on the Pumas’ defence.
A further run in the second inning extended the gap, leaving Pakenham chasing the game from early on.
Despite the scoreboard, the Pumas continued to battle.
Oliver provided a highlight at the plate, going 2-for-3 and driving in the team’s lone run, while the defence showed grit with a well-executed double play to halt one Chelsea rally.
Chelsea added to their lead in the fourth inning, capitalising on patience at the plate and a handful of scoring opportunities to put the result beyond doubt.
Lance Llandado took the ball for Pakenham and worked through a challenging outing, striking out two batters and competing hard across three and one-third innings against a lineup that finished with 10 hits.
While the result didn’t fall the Pumas’ way, there were positives to take from the effort, with flashes of discipline and resilience that the side will look to build on as the season continues.
WOMEN’S DERBY
Under Summer skies at Toomuc Recreation Reserve, it was more than just a game of baseball; it was a celebration of unity, heart, and Puma pride, as Pakenham Pumas Women’s Black and Pakenham Pumas Women’s Pink put on a show that will be talked about long after the final out.
The scoreboard eventually read 15–3 in favour of the Black team, but the numbers only tell part of the story.
From the very first pitch, both dugouts were alive; teammates cheering teammates, opponents cheering opponents, and an atmosphere that felt more like a family celebration than an intra-club clash.
Women’s Pink struck first in the top of the opening inning, with Amelia grounding out to bring home the game’s first run and set the tone for a fearless start.
What followed was a powerful response from Women’s Black, who turned the game on its head in the bottom of the first.
Five runs crossed the plate, highlighted by a gritty six-pitch at-bat from Katherine Walton that ended in a two-run single and roars from both sides of the fence.
The Black team continued to build momentum in the second and third innings, with RBI singles from Walton and Jess Moulding, and a sharp double to centre field from Emily Devine extending the lead. Yet even as the score widened, the spirit of the contest never dipped.
Every stolen base, every hit, every big defensive moment was met with cheers; regardless of jersey colour.
Then came the moment that lifted everyone to their feet.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, with runners moving and energy buzzing, Carni Dowsett launched a ball deep into the outfield gap and never slowed down.
What followed was pure baseball joy…an electrifying inside-the-park home run that brought three runners’ home and sent both teams erupting in applause.
It was the kind of play that reminds everyone why they love the game.
Both sides showcased speed and aggression on the base paths, each collecting 10 stolen bases, while pitchers battled through pressure with determination.
Women’s Pink showed relentless fight, led by Renae Gillett’s perfect 2-for-2 day at the plate and Codie Sell’s leadership and RBI, while Women’s Black demonstrated patience and polish, drawing 10 walks and spreading contributions right through the lineup.
As the dust settled and gloves came off, the biggest applause of the afternoon came after the final out.
Codie Sell was awarded the Puma Pride Award; a fitting honour for the ultimate hype girl, whose constant encouragement, infectious energy, and unwavering support for everyone on the field has defined the season.
On paper, one team claimed the win.
In reality, both teams walked away victorious; united, proud, and reminded that Puma baseball is about far more than the scoreline.
-Jessica Moulding-
