2003 Australian National Baseball Championships:

The Claxton Shield Game Summaries

ABF Claxton Shield Site: http://www.baseball.org.au/

By Joe Clark

26 JANUARY, 2003 (AUSTRALIA DAY)

Preparations were complete. Volunteers were swarming all over Aquilina, fixing, cleaning and securing, led by tournament director, Neil Barrowcliffe who seemed to be in all places at once. With the “AB” patches hastily sewn on dubious uniform parts by Simon Eissens and the resident red belly back snake duly purged from his home on the pitcher’s mound, the 2003 Claxton Shield was ready to start.

Australian Provincial was three up/three down in the first. WA got the first hit of the series on a single by Floyd off John Allender, advancing to second and third on wild pitches. Allender walked the next batter and Gavin Edmondson tripled, batting in two runs. WA 2, AP 0.

After seven consecutive fouls, AP’s Michael Wells homered off WA’s Shane Tonkin. Tonkin then struck out Trent D’Antonio. WA Centrefielder Troy Moore made a breath-taking diving catch to rob AP of a sure double while Michael Collins punched a single up the middle. Collins advanced to second on a wild pitch but Stewart Bell struck out ending the rally. Allender struck out the first AP batter but walked Clint Balgera who promptly stole second. Luke Hughes and Daniel Floyd walked. Stuart Scott struck out but the next batter walked, bringing home Balgera. AP Manager Allan Parrott brought in lefty reliever James Ramshaw who got the third out. WA 4, AP 1.

AP was three up/three down in the top of the third. Ramshaw walked the first two batters in the WA half of the third and Troy Moore singled home two runs for WA. Moore stole second and scored when Daniel Floyd homered just before the third out. WA 8, AP 1.

Michael Wells singled in the top of the fourth but was forced at second on hit to short by Trent D’Antonio. Brad Garland grounded out to end the inning. Clint Balgera walked to lead off the WA half of the fourth, Balgera was doubled at second as Clinton Barnes arrived safely at first. Brett Walters singled to left but the inning ended when Barnes was thrown out at the plate from left field by Trent D’Antonio. WA 8, AP 1.

AP was scoreless in the fifth. Troy Moore singled and stole second but was doubled up when Andy Kyle was caught at shortstop. Daniel Floyd tripled but Stephen Tope struck out ending the inning. WA 8, AP 1.

AP was three up/three down in the sixth. Gavin Edmondson singled and though WA got a walk afterwards, they were unable to capitalise. WA 8, AP 1.

AP was three up/three down in the seventh. Andy Kyle singled but was left stranded.

AP was three up/three down in the eighth. Gavin Edmondson hit a single for WA with Clinton Barnes following up with a triple. Barnes scored on a sacrifice fly before the WA eighth ended. WA 10, AP 1.

AP was three up/three down in the ninth to end the game. WA 10, AP 1

·  WA 10 runs, 11 hits, 1 error,

·  AP 1 run , 4 hits, 1 error.

GAME ONE KEY REMARKS

Kevin Hooker, Head coach for WA noted – “We played well in the conditions. Ran the bases well and got the big hit when we needed it. Shane Tonkin gave us a complete game taking the pressure off the bullpen for the rest of the tournament.

 Shane Tonkin-  “I was happy with the outcome, knowing I was under-prepared. I’ve had a rest after playing six months in Italy and I wasn’t expecting to pitch nine innings but I feel good after doing so.”

 Allan Parrott, Manager of Australian Provincial stated – “I am disappointed in the outcome for my players knowing they are capable of doing much better. We have to put this behind us and come out tomorrow knowing it’s a new game.”

It was 3:00 and the Australia Day temperature hovered around the 40 mark. Both teams were highly rated, brimming with talent and reputations, not the least being Queensland Manager, Dave Nilsson, and the entire Victorian team, with a 2002 championship to defend.

Both teams were three up/three down in the first inning.

Victoria was scoreless in the top of the second. First hit of the game came from Andy Utting of Queensland, in the bottom of the second, who was left stranded.

In the top of the third, Queensland pitcher, Phil Stockman, struck out Glynn Kimberley but John Edwards came up and smacked a triple into the right field corner. Paul Rutgers hit a single, scoring Edwards. Brett Tamburrino with a triple to left, scored Rutgers. Jarrod Hodges then hit a single, scoring Tamburrino. An error from shortstop Brendan Kleidon put Paul Weichard on first, sending Hodges to third. Justin Huber then hit a single scoring Hodges. The inning ended with a spectacular 2-4-1 double play, started by Queensland first baseman David Sutherland and finished by pitcher Phil Stockman. Queensland’s next hit came on a single from Steve Bayliss who was left stranded to finish the third. VIC 4, QLD 0.

Steve Jenkins hit a lead-off single for Victoria in the top of the fourth, advancing to third on two infield outs but was left stranded. Paul Gonzalez hit a double into right field and got to third on an outfield error. Gonzalez scored on an infield hit from Andy Utting. Todd Fairbrother hit a double to centrefield, scoring Utting. Fairbrother advanced to third on an infield putout and scored on a double from David Sutherland. Brendan Kleidon got on by a Victorian error. Steve Bayliss sacrificed Sutherland to third. Trent Durrington hit a double to left/centre, scoring Sutherland and Kleidon. Brad Dutton flied out to end the productive inning for Queensland. QLD 5, VIC 4.

In the top of the fifth, Brian Debert became the next Queensland pitcher and walked lead off Victorian batter, Brett Tamburrino who stole second. Jarrod Hodges walked and Justin Huber cleaned the bases with a towering homer over the right field fence. Several fly outs ended their half of the inning.

With two out, Todd Fairbrother hit a ground rule double over the left field wall, causing Victorian pitcher Cameron Forbes to leave, being replaced by Matthew Wilkinson who retired the side. VIC 7, QLD 5.

Paul Rutgers walked to lead off the top of the sixth, bringing on a new Queensland pitcher, left hander Steven Smith who was able to end the inning without a run. Queensland got their first batter Brendan Kleidon to second base on a costly throwing error from Victoria. Wilkinson struck out powerhitter Trent Durrington to end the inning. VIC 7, QLD 5.

In the top of the seventh, Jarrod Hodges got aboard on a bad hop to second base and stretched himself to second. Paul Weichard scored him on a double over the centrefielder’s head. Pitcher Steve Smith managed to get through the inning without further incident. Brad Dutton led off the bottom of the seventh for Queensland with a bold base hit bunt while Paul Gonzalez struck out. Andy Utting drove a base hit to right field, sending Dutton to third. Todd Fairbrother hit one up the middle, scoring Dutton. Utting was out at third on a double steal attempt, with Fairbrother going to second and  getting to third on Andy King’s single. The inning ended when David Sutherland grounded back to the pitcher. VIC 8, QLD 6.

John Veitch came on to pitch for Queensland in the top of the eighth as Victoria was three up/three down. Russell Spear became the new Victorian pitcher as Queensland batters Kleidon walked and Bayliss was hit by a pitch but Queensland failed to capitalise on these runners. VIC 8, QLD 5.

Jarrod Hodges got a single to left but Paul Weichard hit into a double play ending Victoria’s chances in the top of the ninth. Utting and Fairbrother walked for Queensland and King got on from a misfield by the pitcher, Peter Moylan, loading the bases. David Sutherland drew a walk, scoring Utting. Moylan took Bayliss to a full count before walking him, scoring Fairbrother. Durrington rapped a single to left, scoring King and giving Queensland the victory. QLD 9, VIC 8.

·    QLD 9 runs, 12 hits, 2 errors,

·    VIC 8 runs , 10 hits, 4 errors.

GAME TWO KEY REMARKS

After the exciting win, Queensland Rams Manager, David Nilsson said, “It was a good win for us and showed a lot of character to fight back a couple of times during this game. It has put us in good stead for upcoming games.”

The hometown crowd had gathered at Aquilina in the evening that was only just starting to simmer down from the blazing temperatures of the afternoon. NSW was rated high, and looked favourites as they took the field.

To start out the first, South Australia got a walk for Tyrone Hambly and a base hit from Tom Brice to threaten early. The runners advanced on a ground out. Hambly scored on a wild pitch. NSW got Scott Tunkin on base with a hit but couldn’t move when Craig Lewis was robbed of a hit by Tyrone Hambly. SA 1, NSW 0.

Ben Wigmore was grazed by a pitch from David Thorne which became the next run when Ben Dixon hit a triple to right field. Dale Ziersch hit a single to right, scoring Dixon. Centrefielder Trent Oeltjen took a great catch off a line drive from Marc Tainty and threw a bullet back to first to double up Ziersch. NSW threatened, with a Gary from Gary White but couldn’t score. SA 1, NSW 0.

In the third, SA started strongly but couldn’t score,  with a hit from Tom Brice who stole second and advanced to third on a ground out.  NSW managed runners when Trent Oeltjen was hit by a pitch and Rodney Van Buizen bunted safely. Both scored on a double from Brendan Kingman. Craig Lewis sent Kingman to third on a single. Kingman scored when SA couldn’t get the second half of a double play. Williams stole second but Gary White grounded out to end the inning. NSW 3, SA 3.

Ben Wigmore led off the SA fourth with a right field double, ending David Thorne’s pitching night. Craig Anderson replaced Thorne and got a close out at first base on Dan Wilson, sending Wigmore to third. Ben Dixon sacrificed to left field and scored Wigmore. Dale Ziersch hit a single to right but was cut down in a rundown by Rodney Van Buisen. Trent Oeltjen hit a single and Van Buisen reached first on an error by Dale Ziersch at shortstop. The rally fizzled on a grounder to the pitcher, Darren Fidge, by Scott Tunkin. SA 4, NSW 3.

SA was three up/three down in the fifth. Brendan Kingman got to second on a dropped fly and attempted to score on a single from Craig Lewis but was out at the plate. SA 4, NSW 3.

Ben Wigmore solo homered for SA in the sixth. Andrew Fairhall managed a hit for NSW but the team couldn’t capitalise. SA 5, NSW 3.

SA was three up/three down in the seventh. Craig Lewis homered for NSW over the centrefield fence. A third base error got Glenn Williams to first with Gary White singling deep to right, sending Williams on to third. A line drive from Summersford to Dixon at third ended the NSW rally. SA 5, NSW 4.

Brad Thomas of NSW came strongly into the eighth inning by striking out two. Tristian Stevens replaced Fidge as SA pitcher. Trent Oeltjen singled to right and made it to third on a bad throwover to first from Stevens. Right fielder Darren White dropped a fly ball from Rod Van Buisen, scoring Oeltjen. NSW 5, SA 5.

Grant Balfour came in to replace Brad Thomas in the top of the ninth and struck out Ben Wigmore on three pitches. Dan Wilson managed a single off the fireballing Balfour but SA could not advance. Craig Lewis singled to right and went to second on a ground out. Gary White was intentionally walked as SA wanted to get to the bottom of the NSW order and have runners at first and second. Shane Summersford struck out and Andrew Fairhall grounded out to first taking the game into extra innings. NSW 5, SA 5.

Balfour struck out Marc Tainty in the top of the tenth while Tyrone Hambly reached on an infield hit. Tom Brice hit a ground rule double, sending Hambly to third. Powerhitter Craig Watts was intentionally walked to get runners on first, second and third. Darren White sacrificed to left and scored Hambly to go ahead 6-5. Balfour struck out Wigmore to end the top of the inning. Leigh Neuage came on for SA to try and shut down NSW in the bottom of the tenth but walked the leadoff batter, Trent Oeltjen. Oeltjen advanced to second on a wild pitch. After two blistering fouls smashed into the SA dugout by Rod Van Buisen, SA trainer, Alan Waldron waved a white flag in reply. Van Buisen grounded out sending Oeltjen to third. Tunkin walked and Kingman got to first on a bad throw sending Tunkin to third and scoring Oeltjen, making the scores level 6-6. Neuage walked pinch hitter Jason Pospishil, loading the bases for Glenn Williams. Neuage hit Williams to force the winning run in. Final score, NSW 7, SA 6.

·     NSW  7 runs, 13 hits, 1 errors,

·     SA 6 runs , 9 hits, 5 errors.

GAME THREE KEY REMARKS

Speaking on the win, NSW Manager, Shane Barclay said, “I was really pleased with our hitting and the defence was outstanding and could not have done more. The pitching was outstanding, particularly in the middle where Craig Anderson and Brad Thomas helped us right back into the game.”

27 JANUARY, 2003

Compared to the previous day, the baseball weather was perfect. Cloudy and warm, about 24 degrees with a modest Southerly breeze across Aquilina.

Queensland, fresh from their upset win over Victoria the day before, looked ready for another thrashing against the once-defeated Provincials.

Adam Blight led off with a single in the first for AP but was picked off first. Trent Durrington was caught out on a gut-busting-fence-rail catch in left field foul territory by Adam Blight. Paul Gonzalez blasted a double into the right field corner but couldn’t be advanced. AP 0, QLD 0.

Power-hitting Michael Wells led off the second with a  double over the head of the centre fielder, advancing to third on a ground out. Wells attempted to score on a single to right by Mark Dries but was thrown out at the plate. Queensland’s Todd Fairbrother walked and advanced on a wild pitch. Andy King walked and both scored on a double from David Sutherland. Steven Bayliss reached on a error, scoring Kleidon. AP Craig Hardy struck out Trent Durrington to end the costly inning. QLD 3, AP 0.

Tristan Crawford walked the AP leadoff batter Michael Martin, in the top of the third, but the rally quickly died. Queensland was three up/three down. QLD 3, AP 0.

AP was three up/three down in the top of the fourth. For QLD, David Sutherland reached on an easy roller between first and second that neither diving baseman could collect. Sutherland got to third on a bad throw over to first. Brendan Kleidon scored him on a flaring hit down the right field line. AP got a double play off Durrington’s bunt, fielded by Michael Martin who tagged Kleidon out and got the throw to first just in time to double up Durrington. QLD 4, AP 0.

Michael Martin walked to lead off the top of the fifth but Brad Garland hit into a double play. Ben Shepherd hit a single to right, advancing to second on Adam Blight’s single. The rally died when D’Antonio forced Shepherd at third on a ground ball. QLD were three up/three down in the fifth. QLD 4, AP 0.

Daniel Paradise came on to pitch for QLD in the top of the sixth. Scott Peace welcomed him by rapping a hard single to left. Michael Wells likewise responded with a double to centre field sending Peace to third. After getting two outs, Paradise was replaced on the mound by Brian Debert who ended the third attempted rally from AP. King and Sutherland walked, prompting an AP pitching change to Brett Ramsey. Kleidon sacrifice bunted the runners to second and third while Bayliss singled, scoring King. Two fly outs ended the QLD rally. QLD 5, AP 0.

Ben Shepherd led off the seventh with a single for AP but was forced at second by Adam Blight. Matthew Haynes came on as the new QLD pitcher and walked Trent D’Antonio but got the final out on a ground ball to short. QLD was three up/three down in the seventh. QLD 5, AP 0.

AP was three up/three down in the eighth. QLD was three up/three down also. QLD 5, AP 0.

AP was three up/three down in the ninth. QLD 5, AP 0.

·    Queensland 5 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors.

·    Australian Provincial 0 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors.

GAME FOUR KEY REMARKS

 Interviewed after the game, Queensland Manager Dave Nilsson said, “I felt we pitched well and played good defence. I’m happy with the performance of every player who took the field. You have to keep in mind that every team that is here, comes here to win and cannot be taken lightly. We are 2-0 now and I feel we are progressively gelling as we go on.”

 Australian Provincial Manager, Allan Parrott remarked, “It was a much better performance. Our pitchers threw well. We hit the ball hard but didn’t find the gaps and left too many on base. We are aiming to get better with each game and came off the field with some self-respect.”

WA came into the game with high hopes after their victory over Australian Provincial the previous day. South Australia, still reeling from the shock loss to NSW, was clearly out to even their record.

WA got SA out on six pitches in the top of the first. Marc Taintey walked for SA but couldn’t be advanced. SA 0, WA 0.

SA was three up/three down in the top of the second. WA was three up/three down also. SA 0, WA 0.

SA exploded in the third with three hits from Ben Dixon, Dale Ziersch and Simon Galpin. Dixon scored on a long, warning track, sacrifice fly from Marc Taintey that had every appearance of a grand slam hit. Tyrone Hambly singled, scoring Ziersch while poor Galpin got caught in a run down between first and second and a ground out ended the SA attack. WA was three up/three down. SA 2, WA 0.

SA started strongly again in the fourth with a double from Craig Watts. Ben Dixon singled, scoring Watts from second. Dale Ziersch came up and knocked another single but Galpin grounded out ending the rally. Clint Balgera got aboard on a dropped catch in right field but couldn’t advance. SA 3, WA 0.

With two out, Tom Brice singled for SA and Craig Watts smashed a line drive against Clinton Barnes’ foot at third. With Brice on second and Barnes on first, Ben Wigmore struck out for the third out. WA got their first hit with two out by Stuart Scott, followed up by a single from Luke Hughes. Troy Moore sacrifice flied Scott to third but Andrew Kyle struck out, ending the inning.  SA 3, WA 0.

SA was three up/three down in the top of the sixth. Daniel Floyd led off the WA sixth with a single followed by a double from Stephen Tope, scoring Floyd. Clinton Balgera smacked a double into the right field fence, scoring Tope. Gavin Edmondson grounded out, sending Balgera to third, followed by two outs. SA 3, WA 2.

In the seventh, SA was three up/three down. WA was three up/three down. SA 3, WA 2.

SA was three up/three down in the eighth as was WA three up/three down. SA 3, WA 2.

Ben Dixon walked to lead off the SA ninth followed by a sacrifice bunt by Dale Ziersch. Dixon tried to make it home on a single by Simon Galpin but was out at the plate and Marc Taintey lined to short ending the inning. Leigh Norman replaced pitcher Calvin Chipperfield in the bottom of the ninth for SA. Norman struck out Gavin Edmondson but hit Clinton Barnes putting him on first. Stuart Scott singled to left, sending Barnes to third. Luke Hughes sacrifice flied to right scoring Barnes, who barrelled SA catcher Ben Wigmore at the plate. Brett Walters came in as a pinch hitter and singled to right, scoring Scott and winning the game for WA. WA 4, SA 3.

·       WA 4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors.

·       SA 3 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors.

GAME FIVE KEY REMARKS

South Australian Manager Tony Harris was interviewed after the loss and commented, “It’s disappointing for us. Today was an important game, after the disappointing loss in yesterday’s game against NSW in the bottom of the 10th. We have a lot of untried players on the team but at no stage were any of them intimidated. The one thing we do have to do is to learn to finish our games better… We have two very experienced starters and Calvin Chipperfield gave us a quality game. I have to get the best I can out of these experienced pitchers and mould the rest of the game around that.”

The blistering weather of the day before had been tempered by a strong southerly which brought the home plate temperature to 24 degrees for the eagerly awaited night matchup between NSW and Victoria. Aquilina filled for the occasion, hosting at least 1500 fans for the occasion. It was as though both teams were playing for the honour of their state, not just personal performance, but the right to assume their team was shouldering the reputation of the state of Victoria or New South Wales.

Victoria was three up/three down in the top of the first. For NSW, Rod Van Buisen beat out an infield grounder for a hit. Scott Tunkin blasted a single up the middle, sending Van Buisen to second. Brendan Kingman slapped a single to left, scoring Van Buisen. Craig Lewis then hit a single to centre, scoring Tunkin. NSW 2, VIC 0.

In the top of the second for Victoria, Justin Huber walked and Myles Barnden hit a single to right, sending Huber to third. Steve Jenkins struck out with Barnden advancing to second. Glynn Kimberley rapped a single to right, scoring Huber. Paul Rutgers beat out a grounder for an infield hit, scoring Barnden. DH Shane Summersford hit a single to left for NSW. NSW 2, VIC 2.

Victoria was three up/three down in the third. Brendan Kingman reached first on a throwing error but Craig Lewis hit into a double play. NSW 2, VIC 2.

Myles Barnden hit a single to right in the top of the fourth and Steve Jenkins grounded out, sending Barnden to second where he remained. Glenn Williams hit a double down the left field line and was nearly thrown out in a close play from VIC leftfielder Glynn Kimberley. Shane Summersford hit a single to centre, sending Williams to third. Summersford got caught in a rundown to end the inning. NSW 2, VIC 2.

Paul Rutgers led off for VIC with a single to left in the fifth and Brett Tamburrino scored him on a double. Paul Weichard hit a triple, scoring Tamburrino. Huber walked and attempted to steal second. Catcher Gary White threw down to second baseman Rod Van Buisen who quickly returned it to White who tagged out Weichard attempting to run home on the one-and-three situation. NSW DH Jason Pospishil was HBP who stole second on a pitch by Johnston in the dirt. Van Buisen singled to right and Pospishil scored. Scott Tunkin hit into a double play. VIC 4, NSW 3.

In the sixth, Steve Jenkins reached on a shortstop error and pitcher Matthew Bennett was replaced by Josh Hill. Jenkins was caught stealing second. John Edwards doubled to the right field corner but the inning for Victoria ended when Paul Rutgers struck out. For NSW, Craig Lewis rapped a broken-bat single to right and Glenn Williams walked. VIC Pitcher Rikki Johnston was replaced by Travis Blackley. Shane Summersford lined into a double play. VIC 4, NSW 3.

Brett Tamburrino walked to start the seventh for Victoria and was caught stealing and Hill struck out Weichard to retire the side. NSW was three up/three down. VIC 4, NSW 3.

Myles Barnden walked to lead off the eighth as Hill next struck out Steve Jenkins and Glynn Kimberley to end the inning. Scott Tunkin drew a walk to start the comeback effort for NSW and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brendan Kingman walked and Craig Lewis forced him at second while gaining first himself, sending Tunkin to third. Glenn Williams sacrifice flied Tunkin home, sending Lewis to second. NSW 4, VIC 4.

Hill struck out Rutgers and Tamburrino to finish the top of the Victorian ninth. Shane Summersford smacked a long single to centre field to start the bottom of the ninth for NSW. Blackley balked Summersford to second. Trent Oeltjen bunted safely to first, moving Summersford to third. Andrew Fairall hit one over the head of centerfielder Jarrod Hodges, sending Summersford home, winning the game for NSW. Final score NSW 5, VIC 4.

·       NSW 5 runs, 12 hits, 1 error.

·       VIC 4 runs, 8 hits, 1 error.

GAME SIX KEY REMARKS

On his performance in the game, NSW designated hitter, Shane Summersford remarked, “It felt good to be back hitting the ball. I was disappointed last night and today I took a different preparation before the game and I’m happy with the way things have worked out.”

 Winning pitcher, Josh Hill of NSW added, “Everything felt really good tonight. I’m just back into the rigours of a heavy training schedule and starting to feel strong.”

 NSW Manager, Shane Barclay said, “The two pitchers, Bennett and Hill were awesome and Andrew Fairall couldn’t have done better in driving in the winning run. Last night the game was delivered to us whereas tonight we had to work hard to get the win.”

Coming off two hard-luck losses, South Australia was playing for survival as well as pride. Queensland was riding high with two wins and confident of another win. Both teams were playing for something vital – QLD to stay on top, and SA to survive.

Monday night’s game with Victoria and NSW had been a sellout. The Aquilina weather was kind this morning also – 25 degrees under a cloudy southerly influence. Players would survive and fans would flourish. The sort of weather great for baseball in Australia.

In the QLD first, Trent Durrington led off with a single and advanced to second on an outfield error. Durrington left the field injured after making second. Brad Dutton replied with a single to right, advancing the pinch runner to third. Dutton advanced to second on a wild pitch. The pinch runner scored on a ground out from Andrew Utting. SA pitcher Paul Mildren hit Todd Fairbrother putting runners at first and third until Andy King flied out. For SA, Tyrone Hambly hit a double to left field with one out, advancing to third on a ground out but was left on base. QLD 1, SA 0.

Mildren walked David Sutherland to start off the QLD second, advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt from Brendan Kleidon. Steven Bayliss singled to centre, placing runners at the corners. Chris Clem doubled to left, scoring Sutherland and sending Bayliss to third until the third out. For SA, Ben Wigmore led off with a single followed by walks to Ben Dixon and Darren White, loading the bases. Marc Taintey sacrifice bunted to get Wigmore home before the next two outs. QLD 2, SA 1.

Todd Fairbrother led off the QLD third with a walk as Andy King singled to left. David Sutherland reached first as SA second baseman dove on his hit, flipping to second but couldn’t convert the double play. Tyrone Hambly singled for SA followed by back to back singles by Tom Brice and Craig Watts. Ben Wigmore promptly smacked the fourth single in a row, scoring Hambly and marking a QLD pitching change from Adam Battaglene to John Veitch. QLD 2, SA 2.

Steven Bayliss got an infield single to start off the QLD fourth who got touched in a rundown by Tyrone Hambly and was awarded second base. Bayliss advanced to third on a ground out before the end of the inning. QLD started their fourth with a double from Andrew Utting and a big strike out of Fairbrother by Mildren who got out of the inning without any QLD runs scoring. Tyrone Hambly started off for SA with a solid rap to the left field corner but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. QLD 2, SA 2.

SA pitcher Paul Mildren was replaced in the sixth by Daniel Redden. QLD was three up/three down. Ben Wigmore led off for SA with a single and QLD pitcher Veitch responded by striking out Ben Dixon. Wigmore was doubled up at first on the long fly which was caught and subsequently thrown by QLD centerfielder Trent Durrington. QLD 2, SA 2.

QLD got Paul Gonzalez on with a single in the seventh and scored with a double from Andrew Utting before the end of their inning. QLD changed pitchers from Veitch to Steve Smith who promptly walked SA’s Marc Taintey and was replaced by Matthew Haynes. Taintey stole second on a strike out by Simon Galpin. Tyrone Hambly walked and Tom Brice was intentionally walked, loading the bases. Haynes walked powerhitter Craig Watts, bringing in Haynes. Ben Wigmore sent Andy King all the way to the left field wall where he hauled in the almost-grand-slam smash to end the inning. QLD 3, SA 3.

To lead off the eighth, David Sutherland singled to right but failed to score. QLD pitcher Matthew Haynes struck out Ben Dixon but hit Darren White and walked Dale Ziersch. QLD Manager Dave Nilsson visited Haynes for the second time, prompting reliever Daniel Paradise to replace him. Paradise brought pleasure to QLD when he struck out pinch hitter Dan Wilson to end the inning. QLD 3, SA 3.

QLD was three up/three down in the top of the ninth. QLD brought on their fifth pitcher with P.J.Bevis. Tom Brice singled for SA followed by a single from Ben Wigmore. SA failed to score, taking the game into extra innings. QLD 3, SA 3.

QLD was three up/three down in the top of the tenth. SA was three up/three down in the bottom of the tenth. QLD 3, SA 3.

David Sutherland led off the top of the 11th with a single to right for QLD. Brendan Kleidon bunted and SA chose to get Sutherland at second, allowing Kleidon to reach first. Steven Bayliss hit into a double play ending their inning. QLD brought in their sixth pitcher with Chris Mowday. Tyrone Hambly reached first on a high throw from short. Tom Brice pushed a single past shortstop sending Hambly to third. Ben Wigmore worked Mowday to a full count and fouled off six balls before hitting single to left, ending the game. Final score SA 4, QLD 3.

·       SA 4 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors.

·       QLD 3 runs, 11 hits 2 errors.

GAME SEVEN KEY REMARKS

SA Manager Tony Harris said after the game,” It was good to bounce back after two really tough losses. We could be 3-0 right now. We were behind again in this game and the young members stayed with the mental side of the game and came up with a result for me.”

QLD Manager Dave Nilsson remarked, “This was a tough game for us. Our backs were to the wall and we threw everything we had at them. To their credit, they came away with the win.”

A pleasant, balmy evening at Aquilina; another perfect evening for Claxton Shield baseball. NSW and WA both came into the game undefeated but as the cliché goes, “only one will remain so by the end of the game. WA pitcher would be Scott Mitchinson and Richard Thompson for NSW.

NSW was three up/three down in the top of the first. WA started with a double by Dean White into the left field corner. Daniel Floyd repeated the action, scoring White. A sharp grounder to Glenn Williams at short cost Floyd as he was thrown out at third, letting Stephen Tope reach first who stole second with two out. WA 1, NSW 0.

Craig Lewis walked to start off NSW’s second inning` followed by another to Glenn Williams. Gary White hit into a 5-3 double play and Shane Summersford struck out to end the inning. Adrian Versaico reached first on a throwing error and Andrew Fairall in right field robbed Stuart Scott of a extra base hit on the fence. Brendan Kingman reached over the foul fence on the third base side to retire Luke Hughes. WA 1, NSW 0.

Andrew Fairall led off the NSW third with a base hit to left and went to second on a play at first on Rod Van Buisen. Scott Tunkin walked with two outs but Brendan Kingman grounded out ending the inning. Daniel Floyd smashed a single through second base and made it to third on a wild throw to first on a pick off move. Floyd scored on a wild pitch. Steve Tope then smacked a double to left with one out. Clinton Balgera walked and Gavin Edmondson sacrifice flied Tope to third. Tope scored on another wild pitch from Thompson, this one to Versaico, who subsequently walked. Stuart Scott blooped a hit over second base, scoring Balgera. Andrew Lyle then teased a triple on the corner right field line, scoring Tope and Versaico. WA 6, NSW 0.

Glenn Williams hit a single to right but was caught in a run down to end the NSW fourth. Dean White bunted safely to reach first while Daniel Floyd was hit on the elbow by Thompson. White advanced to third on another wild pitch from Thompson. Next pitch, Floyd ran unchallenged to second. Thompson struck out Steven Tope and was replaced by Manager Shane Barclay with lefty Ryan Rowland-Smith. Rowland-Smith struck out Clinton Balgera and Gavin Edmondson to finish the inning. WA 6, NSW 0.

Shane Summersford reopened the NSW attack with a single up the middle in the top of the fifth. Andrew Fairall followed up with another single, moving Summersford to second with no outs. Trent Oeltjen smacked a double to right, scoring Summersford. Still with no outs, Van Buisen hit a single to right, scoring Oeltjen. This was the end of Mitchinson’s night, with WA Manager Kevin Hooker bringing in Brendan Thomas, who subsequently got the first out. Kingman walked to load the bases with one out but Craig Lewis struck out next. Glenn Williams flied out to right to end the rally. Rowland-Smith struck out Stuart Scott but Luke Hughes blooped a single over third base for WA, advancing to second on a missed throw over to first. Andrew Kyle struck out to end the inning. WA 6, NSW 2.

Gary White hit a double into the right field corner to start the NSW sixth. Brendan Thomas struck out Andrew Fairall and White advanced to third on a passed ball on the walk to Trent Oeltjen. Rod Van Buisen grounded out to second to end the inning. WA’s Dean White got to second on a throwing error to first, followed by strikeouts of Troy Moore and Steve Tope. Clinton Balgera singled to right, driving in White. Balgera was subsequently thrown out by NSW catcher Gary White trying to steal second. WA 7, NSW 2.

NSW was three up\three down in the top of the seventh. Adrian Versaico hit a double for WA  which was the end for NSW pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith, being replaced by Grant Balfour. Stuart Scott welcomed Balfour with a single to centre, sending Versaico to third. Balfour struck out Luke Hughes and Andrew Kyle in succession to end the inning. WA 7, NSW 2.

NSW was three up/three down in the eighth as Glenn Williams and Shane Summersford struck out along with a ground out to end the inning. NSW changed many defensive positions, including letting Craig Lewis pitch. Lewis struck out Dean White on pitches averaging 90 mph but walked Troy Moore. Steven Tope offered some private remarks to the umpire after being called out on strikes by Lewis’ pitching. A fly out ended the inning. WA 7, NSW 2.

WA pitcher, Brad Thomas still looked strong going into the top of the ninth, striking out Andrew Fairall. Trent Oeltjen reached on an infield hit and Rob Van Buisen popped a blooper into left. Scott Tunkin hit a fielder’s choice to short, forcing Van Buisen but scoring Oeltjen. Brendan Kingman grounded out to end the game. Final score: WA 7, NSW 3.

·       WA 7 runs, 11 hits, 1 error.

·       NSW 3 runs, 9 hits, 4 errors.

GAME NINE KEY REMARKS

Winning WA Manager, Kevin Hooker noted, “I was particularly pleased with the performance of starting pitcher, Scott Mitchinson who did everything asked of him for his first big start. Brad Thomas was excellent in relief and used all his pitches effectively. Dean White gave me additional speed with his base running, adding some dimension to the team. This result puts us in good stead for the upcoming games.”

Winning pitcher, Scott Mitchinson added, “I felt I started really well but started missing the spots later on. Overall I’m generally happy with the way things went.”

Both teams were playing for a lot this morning. Defending champions Victoria were 0-3 and looking to salvage something from their disappointing first round. South Australia had several hard luck games before this one, and carried a 1-2 record into what could be considered a grudge match.

South Australia opened strongly in the first with a single from Tainty, a single from Hambly, a single from Brice and a single from Wigmore, scoring Tainty. As Darren White grounded out, he scored Hambley, as the inning soon ended. Victoria opened with a walk to Tamburrino, followed by a walk to Hodges. While Kimberley hit into a double play, Tamburrino advanced to third. Ken singled, scoring Tamburrino. Steve Jenkins doubled to centre scoring Kent. John Edwards next singled, scoring Jenkins. Paul Weichard walked but Paul Rutgers struck out, ending the inning.  VIC 3, SA 2.

With two out in the second, SA’s Marc Tainty singled again, stealing second, but was left on base. With one out on Victoria, Brett Tamburrino walked and advanced to second on a ground out. Glynn Kimberley doubled to left, scoring Tamburrino.  VIC 4, SA 2.

SA started strongly in the third, with Tom Brice hitting a double, followed by a walk from Craig Watts. While Ben Wigmore hit into a double play, Brice reached third as Darren White walked. Ben Dixon reached on an error as Brice scored. Dale Ziersch reached on a fielder’s choice but the inning ended for SA when Ben Dixon was forced out at second. With one out for Victoria, John Edwards singled and stole second, being eventually left on base. VIC 4, SA 2.

With two out in the SA fourth, Tyrone Hambly doubled into centre while Tom Brice followed with a  walk, both being left for the opposition by walking and stealing second. John on base. Brett Tamburrino again caused strife Hodges walked and Glynn Kimberley doubled, scoring them both. Steve Jenkins walked but Paul Rutgers struck out again, ending the inning. VIC 6, SA 2.

SA started strongly in the fifth with a double from Ben Wigmore followed by a single from Darren White and a double from Ben Dixon, scoring Wigmore. After two strike outs, Marc Tainty singled, scoring two more runs for SA before the inning was over. SA changed from pitcher Leigh Neuage to Dylan Martin in the bottom of the fifth. With two out, Daniel Berg walked and stole second, being left on base in the end. VIC 6, SA 6.

Looking at a much closer game now, SA got a runner on an error in the sixth but couldn’t produce a run. VIC was three up/three down in their sixth. VIC 6, SA 6.

SA started the seventh with promise as Ben Dixon singled to right and VIC changing pitcher Greg Wiltshire to John Edwards. Dale Ziersch sacrifice bunted Dixon to second but SA couldn’t capitalise. VIC was three up/three down in their seventh. VIC 6, SA 6.  

Travis Blackley came on to pitch for VIC and got SA three up/three down in the eighth. Rutgers finally opened his account for VIC in the eighth by doubling to left, as pinch hitter Justin Huber fouled out. Rutgers went to third on a wild pitch and the on-fire Tamburrino singled, scoring Rutgers. John Hodges was then hit by a pitch, sending Tamburrino to second. SA put Darren Fidge in to pitch, who prompt hit Kimberley, loading the bases. Matthew Kent singled to right scoring Tamburrino and Hodges. Steve Jenkins singled scoring Kimberley. Kent then scored on a throwing error from right field. Peter Moylan struck out but Paul Weichard doubled, scoring Jenkins with Rutgers flying out, ending the productive inning. VIC 12, SA 6.

In the final chance in the top of the ninth, Ben Dixon walked with two out. Jamie Kloeden singled, sending Dixon to second who went to third on a throwing error. Daniel Wilson pinch hit for Galpin and grounded out to end the game. Final Score: VIC 12, SA 6.

 ·       VIC 12 runs, 11 hits, 2 errors.

·       SA 6 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors.

 GAME TEN KEY REMARKS

 Interviewed after the game winning Victorian Aces Manager, Phil Allen stated, “We went into this game with exactly the same game plan we have had since game one. Today we executed out plan well and things have turned out right. Our pitchers got us there. We took advantage of the situation in the eighth inning and the outcome was a good one for us. Every player has done his job well. We are playing to win all our remaining games and we will use our entire staff to achieve that end. Every game is a final for us from here on.”

It was good baseball weather – 28 degrees with a strong breeze coming from the southwest. WA was on a roll – 3-0 and looking for a sweep of the first round. Queensland was 2-2 and wanting to get solidly into the top group with another win.

Clinton Balgera started the hitting off for WA in the first with a single to centre, followed by a single from Steve Tope. Gavin Edmondson singled too, scoring Balgera before the inning ended. QLD was three up/three down in the first. WA – 1, QLD 0.

Luke Hughes walked for WA in the second and advanced on a passed ball. Andy Kyle doubled to right, sending Hughes to third. Dean White was hit by QLD pitcher Brian Debert as Clinton Balgera doubled to right, scoring Kyle and Hughes. Steven Tope was then the second batter hit by Debert that inning as Gavin Edmondson sacrifice flied to score Dean White before the end of the inning. For QLD, Steve Bayliss doubled to left and advanced to third on a ground out but was left standed. WA – 3, QLD – 0.

Stuart Scott singled to centre field in the third but Brett Walters hit into a double play. Luke Hughes singled and stole second. Andy Kyle singled and scored Hughes. Dean White reached second on an error which scored Kyle before the end of their  inning. For QLD, Brendan Kleidon singled to left as Chris Clem was hit by a pitch. Brad Dutton singled, advancing the runners to second and third. Andrew Utting grounded out, scoring Kleidon before the end of the inning. WA – 6, QLD – 1.

Adrian Versaico reached on an error but couldn’t score in the top of the WA fourth. Todd Fairbrother singled to centre but couldn’t capitalise. WA – 6, QLD – 1.

In the top of the fifth, Brett Walters walked as Luke Hughes singled. Daniel Paradise came in to pitch for QLD Andy Kyle sacrifice bunted Hughes to second and Walters to third. Clinton Balgera walked before the end of the inning. QLD was three up/three down. WA – 6, QLD 1.

WA was three up/three down in the top of the sixth. For QLD, Steven Bayliss singled and stole second as David Sutherland singled but was caught stealing. Bayliss scored on the play before the end of the inning. WA – 6, QLD – 2.

Brett Walters was hit by a pitch in the top of the seventh and Luke Hughes reached on an error but WA could not score as Steve Smith came in to replace Daniel Paradise as pitcher. Simon Eissens replaced Michael Hodge as WA pitcher as Chris Clem singled but Brad Dutton grounded into a double play. WA – 6, QLD – 2.

With two out, Adrian Versaico singled to centre field but couldn’t score.  Paul Gonzalez doubled to right field, advancing to third on a ground out. Steven Bayliss reached on an error, scoring Gonzalez. David Sutherland reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second before the inning ended. WA – 6, QLD – 3.

In the top of the ninth, Adam Battaglene replaced Steve Smith as the QLD pitcher. Brett Walters walked and Luke Hughes hit into a double play. Andy Kyle singled to right and Dean White reached on an error until the inning ended. In the bottom of the ninth, Queensland kept faint hopes alive as Chris Clem singled to right with two outs. Brad Dutton walked, sending Clem to second. Paul Gonzalez subsequently walked, loading the base, bringing P.J.Bevis in as a pinch runner. Andrew Utting hit a hard bases-loaded shot to right field which was caught, ending the game.  Final Score: WA 6, QLD 3.

·       WA 6 runs, 11 hits, 1 error.

·       QLD 3 runs, 9 hits, 4 errors.

GAME ELEVEN KEY REMARKS

Kevin Hooker, Manager of Western Australia, delightedly proclaimed, “We’re now 4-0 and looking very strong for finishing in the top spot. Mike Hodge gave me an outstanding start. Simon Eissens was very effective in relief and Shane Tonkin closed very well. The hitters did a good job early, went a bit quiet later on but you can expect this with a 6-0 lead. We want to continue this tomorrow and we’ll be looking for a win with Brad Thomas making his first start for the Heelers.”

Winning pitcher, Mike Hodge told us, “I’m really happy with my performance. I found the corners very well. Queensland have got a lot of dangerous hitters who I managed to keep off base. I’m really happy for the Heelers. This was my second start at this level and my first win.”

It was good baseball weather – 28 degrees with a strong breeze coming from the southwest. Both teams had a lot of players from NSW but Provincial seemed to pride themselves on being totally amateur, yet soundly beating Victoria the previous day. With a team loaded with professionals and experienced players, NSW seemed confident.

In the top of the first, Brendan Kingman hit a two out single but AP James Ramshaw struck out Craig Lewis to end the inning. Adam Blight smacked a double to start off for AP. NSW pitcher Justin Fletcher struck out one and got the other outs to avoid trouble. NSW – 0, AP – 0.

Glenn Williams led off the second for NSW with a double and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Gary White walked and Shane Summersford grounded out, scoring Williams. White was doubled up on second from a line drive caught at short. AP catcher Michael Collins smacked a triple into the right field corner as Mark Dries walked. Dries was soon caught in a run down but Bradley walked. Trent D’Antonio grounded out and scored Collins with two out. NSW – 1, AP – 1.

Jason Pospishil walked to lead off the third and was balked to second by AP pitcher Ramshaw. Rod Van Buisen hit one hard to centre which was misfielded, allowing Pospishil to score and sending Van Buisen to second. Ramshaw served up a “hit-me” pitch to Brendan Kingman which ended up way over the left field fence in the next field. Craig Lewis promptly hit one over the right field fence. Glenn Williams walked, having Brett Ramsey replace Ramshaw at pitcher. Gary White lined one at Ramsey who threw Williams out at second but White reached on a throwing error to first before the inning ended. AP was three up/three down in the third. NSW – 5, AP – 1.

Trent Oeltjen led off the fourth for NSW with a triple into the right field corner. Jason Pospishil hit a double to left, scoring Oeltjen. Scott Tunkin walked and Kingman hit a long single to left, sending Tunkin to third and scoring Pospishil. Craig Lewis hit a single to left which was misfielded, sending in Oeltjen and Tunkin with Lewis ending up on second and Kingman at third before the final outs. Mark Dries hit a spectacular double but was out trying to stretch it into a triple for AP. NSW – 9, AP – 1.

Rodney Van Buisen hit a double for NSW in the top of the fifth as Scott Tunkin responded with another, scoring Van Buisen. A passed ball sent Tunkin to third and Brendan Kingman hit his second home run of the night. Craig Lewis singled before the inning was over. For AP, Chris Bradley led off with a walk but Trent D’Antonio hit into a double play. Pinch hitter Paul Sadler struck out. NSW 12, AP 1.

Trent Oeltjen hit a two out single in the top of the sixth but couldn’t score. AP was three up/three down. NSW 12, AP 1.

Brendan Kingman singled and Craig Lewis doubled in the top of the seventh before the third out. AP was three up/three down, ending the game with the Mercy Rule. Final Score: NSW 13, AP 1.

·       NSW 13 runs, 16 hits, 1 error.

·       AP 1 run, 3 hits, 2 errors.

GAM E TWELVE KEY REMARKS

NSW Coach Barrie Sundstrom commented about the results: “It was a good win for us and guarantees us a spot in the top four. Our hitters swung the bat, registering the tournament best in number of hits. It was a good way to come back from last night’s downer against WA. Brendan Kingman and Craig Lewis were awesome and Justin Fletcher had a good game on the mound. “

There was no other way to say it. Hot. Hot. Hot. While bushfires raged in Victoria and New South Wales, another fire burned at Aquilina late this morning as two old rivals met in the heat with some friction to see really only one thing: Was last year’s champion, Victoria going to stay alive or be consigned to the bottom group?

In the top of the first, Clinton Balgera walked and Steve Tope reached on a fielder’s choice, finishing Balgera as Edmondson struck out. For Victoria, Brett Tamburrino reached on an error as the next three were outs. WA – 0, VIC – 0.

WA was three up/three down in the top of the second. For VIC, Mathew Kent doubled but the rest failed to get aboard. WA – 0, VIC – 0.

WA was three up/three down in the top of the third. For VIC, Jarrod Hodges walked and Glynn Kimberley singled, advancing Hodges to second. Justin Huber singled to centre, scoring Hodges before the end of the inning. VIC – 1, WA – 0.

In the top of the WA fourth, Clinton Balgera singled to right and Tope walked. Gavin Edmondson was hit by a pitch loading the bases. Adrian Versaico singled, scoring Balgera. Clinton Barnes soon singled, scoring Tope. Clayton Barnes then reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Versaico. Barnes was out at third. For VIC, John Edwards reached on an error for VIC and Paul Rutgers was hit by a pitch. Both players took an extra base. Daniel Berg reached on an error, scoring Edwards. Brett Tamburrino singled to left and Hodges homered, scoring three runs. Glynn Kimberley singled and stole second. Steve Jenkins singled, scoring Kimberley. Kent singled to right but was left on base. VIC – 7, WA – 4.

Steve Tope homered for WA in the top of the fifth as Versaico doubled before the inning ended. Berg walked for VIC and stole second but was left on base. VIC  - 7, WA – 5.

In the top of the sixth, Clinton Barnes singled for WA as Hughes also singled. Dean White singled, scoring Barnes, advancing to third on a wild pitch but was out on a double play. Hughes scored on a wild pitch as Steve Tope walked and was left on base. Huber singled for VIC before the end of the inning. VIC  - 7, WA – 6.

Adrian Versaico reached on an error in the seventh  and Scott walked. Clinton Barnes sacrifice bunted them around and predictably, Clayton Barnes singled Versaico home. Hughes sacrifice flied Scott home before the end of their inning. WA replaced pitcher Brad Thomas with Simon Eissens. John Edwards welcomed him with a home run. Brett Tamburrino doubled and stole third but was left on base. VIC – 9, WA - 8.

WA was three up/ three down in the eighth. Myles Barnden reached on a error to lead VIC into their eighth and Huber reached on a dropped fly. Steve Jenkins sacrifice bunted to move the runners. Kent grounded out, scoring pinch runner Johnston. John Edwards singled, scoring pinch runner Forbes. Paul Rutgers tripled, clearing the bases and scored on a throwing error. Berg doubled to left but was left on base. VIC 12, WA 9.

In the top of the ninth and last chance for WA, pitcher Wilkinson was replaced by Moylan. Adrian Versaico singled but WA could not score. The bitter battle was over. Final Score: VIC 12, WA 9.

·       VIC 12 runs, 14 hits, 2 errors.

·       WA 9 runs, 11 hits, 8 errors.

GAME THIRTEEN KEY REMARKS

Manager of the Victoria Aces, Phil Allen, was absolutely positive after the game as he divulged, “The win gives us an opportunity but we still have no guarantee. We did it with the “walking wounded”, getting some lucky breaks. We had to capitalise on these breaks, that’s the nature of the game. Russell Spear gave us six solid innings and contained a great hitting team. The relief staff kept us in the game at all times.”

Even the flies were dying. Both teams were going to be providing much needed shade for the sweltering bugs on the field.

 How can you play national championship baseball in recorded 56 degree ground temperatures? Whatever the answer, AP and SA were battling the conditions and playing for honour.

 In the top of the first, Adam Blight led off with a tough-to-field bloopers which got him two bases but was doubled up on a fly ball caught. SA got a solo home run when Tyrone Hambly smacked one 400 feet over centre field. Tom Brice singled but was caught cold stealing by a shot from AP catcher Michael Collins. Ben Wigmore walked and went to second on a first base handling error on Ben Dixon’s grounder. Dan Wilson singled home Wigmore but was left on base. SA 2, AP 0.

Scot Peace led off the top of the second with a double for AP, advancing to third on Michael Collins’ sacrifice fly but AP couldn’t convert the runners. WA’s Kloeden doubled to centre and Jason Scott singled to right, sending Kloeden to third. AP Pitcher Simon Flynn was replaced by Cam Hardy. Scott singled and went to second on a passed ball. Marc Tainty sacrifice flied Jamie Kloeden home on a spectacular catch from Trent D’Antonio in left. Tom Brice singled, leaving runners on first and second. Ben Wigmore singled, scoring two runs. Dan Wilson walked and Galpin singled, scoring Wigmore. Jamie Kloeden batted again and walked, scoring Wilson. AP changed pitches the second time this inning and brought in J.J.Hall with bases loaded and retired the side. SA 8. AP 0.

Brad Garland walked to start off the AP third followed by Adam Blight’s single and Mark Dries’ walk, loading the bases. Michael Wells sacrifice flied deep to right, scoring Garland before the third out. Tom Brice hit a ground rule double for SA before the third out. SA8, AP 1.

Michael Collins led off the AP fourth with a single up the middle followed by a copy-cat single from Ben Shepherd. Trent D’Antonio walked to load the bases. Stuart Bell walked, scoring Collins. Brad Garland walked, scoring Shepherd. D’Antonio was out at home on a fielder’s choice hit by Blight. Stuart Bell was out at the plate on a fielder’s choice hit by Mark Dries before the end of the inning. Dan Wilson doubled as Galpin walked but Jamie Kloeden lined into a double play. SA 8, AP 3.

Ben Shepherd hit a single for AP in the top of the fifth and scored on Trent D’Antonio’s double till the end of the inning. Tyrone Hambly hit a double into left/centre before the end of the inning. SA 8, AP 4.

With the temperature falling to 52 degrees on the infield at 5:00, Brad Garland hit a single to left followed by a double by Adam Blight. Mark Dries sacrifice flied Garland home followed by a single from Scot Peace, scoring Blight. Michael Collins doubled to left and Ben Shepherd reached on a error, scoring Peace and the inning ending just after. SA’s Dan Wilson doubled to left-centre followed by a double from Simon Galpin, scoring Wilson. AP changed pitchers, J.J.Hall leaving the game for Casey Jones. Marc Tainty singled to right, scoring two runs before the third out. SA 11, AP 7.

Adam Blight smacked a double to start off the seventh for AP as Dries was hit by a pitch. Wells walked but the inning ended just after. Ben Wigmore hit a double to start off for SA as Dan Wilson was hit by a pitch. Simon Galpin walked before the inning ended. SA 11, AP 7.

AP was three up/three down in the top of the eighth. SA was three up/three down. SA 11, AP 7.

Brad Garland reached on an infield hit in the top of the ninth before the end of the game. Final Score: SA 11, AP 7.

·       SA 11 runs, 16 hits, two errors.

·       AP 7 runs, 12 hits, one error.

GAME FOURTEEN REMARKS

South Australian Manager, Tony Harris,  when asked for his impressions of this game, responded, “ We came away with mostly inexperienced young men who have conducted themselves admirably. They have all competed very well in all of the games and I feel we have represented South Australia very well.

The tournament has been outstanding and played at a higher level than we have experienced in the past. The fact that we have three teams playing off for third and fourth position confirms it. This is a great way for baseball to be.”

Australian Provincial Manager, Allan Parrott expressed his feelings about this last game of the series for his team. “The standard is much higher than we experienced last year, definitely so in pitching. We managed our first win and were in a position to win another game. We found South Australia a very good and competitive team, much better than their position indicates.

This is my last Claxton Shield and I’m very proud of the effort my boys have put up.

I really hope people have a long term view to continue the concept of Provincial baseball.”

The day had been a scorcher. Bush fires and heat exhaustion were the order of the day for the nation. It was a bit cooler at 7:00 though, only 39 degrees at the start. For these two teams top four teams, there was the knowledge this game was a dress rehearsal for the semi final tomorrow, when they would face each other for the right to be grand finalists.

Queensland was three up/three down in the top of the first. Scott Tunkin walked for NSW and Brendan Kingman rapped a single to centre. Scott Tunkin stole third but was not followed by Kingman still on first. Craig Lewis hit a double, scoring Tunkin and sending Kingman to third. Gary White hit a single to right, scoring Kingman before the inning ended. NSW 2, QLD 0.

In the top of the second, Stephen Bayliss reached on an error and made second on an error too as David Sutherland reached first. Andy King grounded out as Bayliss scored before the inning ended. Andrew Fairall blasted a ground rule double over the right field fence to lead off for NSW and scored when Trent Oeltjen hit a home run over the same spot. Brendan Kingman soon appeared and hit one over the left field fence. Craig Lewis continued his hitting ways with a single to centre. Glenn Williams continued the Home Run Derby by knocking a homer over the right centre fence. NSW 7, QLD 1.

Stephen Bayliss poked a single through shortstop to start the Queensland third. Brendan Kleidon likewise hit a single to right but was left on base. Shane Summersford hit a single and Andrew Fairall then hit a single as well. Trent Oeltjen grounded out to first, advancing the runners. Rod Van Buisen singled, scoring Summersford. Scott Tunkin then blasted the ball over the left field fence, scoring Fairall and Van Buisen. Craig Lewis then hit a home run over the left centre fence before the side was retired. NSW 12, QLD 1.

With two out in the top of the fourth, Andy King blasted a pitch from Craig Lewis way over left field before the third out. Todd Fairbrother came in to pitch for Queensland as Shane Summersford hit a single. Andrew Fairall hit a double, sending Summersford to third. A misjudgement at shortstop let Oeltjen reach first and score two runs. Rod Van Buisen smashed a single down the right field line, sending Oeltjen to third. Tunkin sacrifice flied Oeltjen home before the end of the inning. NSW 15, QLD 2.

Brendan Kingman replaced Craig Lewis as NSW pitcher. Steve Smith hit a single for QLD before the third out in the fifth. Paul Gonzalez came in to pitch for QLD and promptly walked Jason Pospishil who was doubled up at second as Glenn Williams reached first. Williams scored after two ground outs before the inning ended. NSW 16, QLD 2.

In the top of the sixth, Paul Gonzalez walked and Andrew Utting doubled. Steve Bayliss walked and David Sutherland singled home Gonzalez. Todd Fairbrother doubled, scoring Bayliss and Utting. Brad Dutton singled, scoring Sutherland before the inning ended. Brad Dutton came in to pitch for QLD as Trent Oeltjen hit a single. Rod Van Buisen hit a single, and Scott Tunkin hit a double, scoring Oeltjen. Pitcher Brendan Kingman reached on an error. Glenn Williams hit a long single to centre, scoring Tunkin before the final out. NSW 19, QLD 5.

Andrew Fairall became the new NSW pitcher in the top of the seventh. Brian Debert opened for QLD with a single and Steve Bayliss walked. Chris Mowday hit into a double play and did not bother to run all the way to first. The game ended with the Ten Run Rule. Final Score: NSW 19, QLD 5.

·       NSW 19 runs, 22 hits, 2 errors.

·       QLD 5 runs 9 hits, 1 error.

GAME FIFTEEN KEY REMARKS

Dave Nilsson, manager of Queensland shrugged and said, “It was one of those situations where we decided to give all of the players a run.

We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s semi-final against NSW. Both teams will be rested and the fans are in for what I believe will be the best pitching of the tournament.”

NSW Manager Shane Barclay spoke about the NSW team performance and prospects for the semi-finals. “This game was always going to be a difficult one where both sides were happy to see it through to the seventh and the spectators were provided with the hitting they would have expected to see. As far as the semi-finals are concerned, I feel we are playing as good as we can. We are really looking forward to the opportunity of playing a quality side in tomorrow’s game.”

A lot cooler than the previous day but still pretty hot for these two top teams, sweating it out for the right to be in the grand final on Saturday. WA had astonishing success early in the tournament while Victoria had been written off until their back-from-the-dead performance yesterday against the same WA side. Buoyed by the come-back confidence of that win, Victoria leaped into this decider brimming with confidence and optimism.

VIC was three up/three down in the top of the first. WA was three up/three down also. WA 0, VIC 0.

Justin Huber reached on an error for VIC in the top of the second but was caught in a double play as VIC could not capitalise. WA was three up/three down. WA 0 , VIC 0.

In the top of the third, Matthew Kent singled to left and was sacrifice bunted to second by Rutgers but VIC could not get another runner. WA was three up/three down as the pitching of Rikki Johnston began to tell on their defence. Johnston fielded a difficult pop up from Luke Hughes as well to save getting a runner on base. WA 0, VIC 0.

In the top of the VIC fourth, Jarrod Hodges singled followed by a single from John Edwards. Justin Huber hit a ground rule double over the outfield fence, scoring Hodges. Steve Jenkins grounded out, scoring Edwards before the end of the inning. For WA, Steve Tope singled, breaking up Johnston’s no hitter. Clinton Balgera walked but WA could not get a runner past second. VIC 2, WA 0.

VIC was three up/three down in the top of the fifth. Luke Hughes singled for WA but was left on base. VIC 2, WA 0.

Jarrod Hodges started off for VIC in the top of the sixth by doubling to right as John Edwards sacrifice bunted him to third. Justin Huber was intentionally walked by WA pitcher Shane Tonkin to get a runner on first and not presumably to get to hard-hitting Steve Jenkins. Jenkins was hit by Tonkin but both runners were left on base. WA was three up/three down, featuring a ‘batter’s interference to the pitcher’ meaning he was hit by his own batted ball on the way to first base. VIC 2, WA 0.

VIC started explosively in the top of the seventh with Rutgers getting an infield single and Tamburrino following with an outfield one. Hodges then singled, scoring Rutgers. John Edwards was robbed of a sure hit by a diving catch from centerfielder Gavin Edmondson. WA pitcher Shane Tonkin was replaced by Brett Walters. Justin Huber singled off Walters and an error scored Hodges and Tamburrino. For WA, Gavin Edmondson doubled to right, the ball being rocketed off the first baseman’s glove and pushed deep into foul territory, making it difficult to retrieve quickly. Stuart Scott singled to left but both runners were left on base. VIC 5, WA 0.

For VIC in the top of the eighth, Paul Rutgers singled as Daniel Berg was hit by Walters which saw him replaced by Brendon Walters. A double steal saw the runners go to second and third. Jarrod Hodges reached on an error, Rutgers scored but Berg was out at home attempting to score on the error. WA started well with Andy Kyle hitting a double to left and Steve Tope coming up with a single, scoring Kyle. Clinton Balgera singled to left as Peter Moylan replaced the ace pitcher, Johnston for VIC without further score. VIC 6, WA 1.

Justin Huber reached on an error in the top of the VIC ninth as Steve Jenkins singled, followed by a single from Myles Barnden. With bases loaded, Matthew Kent reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Huber and getting Barnden out with no further score in the inning. In the last of the WA ninth, Luke Hughes singled but was left on base. Final Score: VIC 7, WA 1.

   ·       VIC 7 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors.

·       WA 1 run, 8 hits, 4 errors.

 GAME SIXTEEN KEY REMARKS

Victoria Aces Manager, Phil Allen explained, “We had a plan which we decided to stick with right the way through. We have done that and it has now paid dividends. I hoped our starter would get us as far into the game as possible and Rikki Johnston did exactly that. Jarrod Hodges had a great game offensively, registering four hits and getting on base five times.

The strength in our game is that everyone played for the team. Guys were prepared to do what had to be done. Several of the team are playing with injuries but they all put that out of their mind and showed pride in wearing the Victoria jersey.”

Kevin Hooker, the WA Manager said with a tinge of sadness, “I’m very disappointed with today’s result. We played very good baseball for four and a half games but the last one and a half games have been pretty average. Shane Tonkin battled for us in today’s game but he does that every time. I compliment Rikki Johnston (VIC starting pitcher). He was getting the ball where he wanted it virtually all the time.”

A southerly was blowing strongly and the temperature was only 22 degrees, half of the shade temperature of yesterday.  Queensland and New South Wales. These two giants were colliding to determine which would have the right to play Victoria for the 2003 Claxton Shield. For one team, there would be no tomorrow.

Brad Dutton opened the account for Queensland with one out by beating out an infield grounder off NSW pitcher David Thorne. Paul Gonzalez walked but was left on base. Phil Stockman, the QLD pitcher walked leadoff NSW batter, Rod Van Buisen who was caught stealing to end the inning. QLD 0, NSW 0.

David Thorne walked David Sutherland, the leadoff QLD batter who was caught stealing. Thorne struck out Steven Bayliss before the inning ended. NSW was three up/three down. QLD 0, NSW 0.

With one out in the top of the third, Chris Clem popped a  double into the alley between left and centre. Thorne struck out Dutton to relieve some pressure but Andrew Utting blasted a double to the same place as Clem, scoring Clem. For NSW in the third, Stockman walked Fairall, the lead off batter while Shane Summersford teased a grounder up the middle being recorded as a error, sending Fairall to second. Fairall was caught stealing third but Trent Oeltjen smashed a grounder through the legs of QLD third baseman Paul Gonzalez, sending Summersford to second with one out. Summersford and Oeltjen advanced on a hit and run resulting in Van Buisen getting out at first. With two out, Scott Tunkin nearly reached first but a solid throw from QLD second baseman Brad Dutton ended the inning. QLD 1, NSW 0.

Thorne struck out Fairbrother to start off the QLD fourth. He repeated the feat on David Sutherland and Steven Bayliss grounded out, making it three up/three down. Craig Lewis was hit by a pitch but Glenn Williams hit into a double play. QLD 1, NSW 0.

Andrew King lined a single down the left field line to start off the QLD fifth. Ryan Rowland-Smith replaced David Thorne as NSW pitcher. Brendan Kleidon bunted and reached first while King was out at second. Kleidon got to second on a ground out from Clem and Dutton beat out an infield grounder to win first with Kleidon getting to third. Andrew Utting lined a single to left, scoring Kleidon. Gonzalez walked, loading the bases for Todd Fairbrother who grounded and forced Gonzalez to end the inning. Stockman struck out Gary White to start the NSW fifth while Andrew Fairall dropped a blooper into left centre. Shane Summersford grounded out and Trent Oeltjen struck out. QLD 2, NSW 0.

In the top of the sixth, Rowland-Smith hit David Sutherland who was forced out at second with Steve Bayliss reaching first and was left stranded. Rod Van Buisen singled to right to start off the NSW sixth and advanced to second on a passed ball. Craig Lewis flied out to end the inning. QLD 2, NSW 0.

In the seventh, Brad Thomas came in to pitch for NSW, replacing Rowland-Smith, and struck Chris Clem out on three pitches. Brad Dutton rapped a single into left field and advanced to second on a wild pitch but was left on base as Thomas struck out Paul Gonzalez. John Veitch came in to pitch for QLD, replacing Phil Stockman. For NSW, Glenn Williams, batting left, hit a single over second base. Williams was forced out on a grounder from Andrew Fairall who reached first before the inning ended. QLD 2, NSW 0.

Thomas struck out Fairbrother to start the top of the QLD eighth before the inning ended. P.J.Bevis became the next Queensland pitcher in the NSW seventh who struck out Trent Oeltjen and NSW was three up three down. QLD 2, NSW 0.

Grant Balfour came on to pitch for NSW in the top of the QLD ninth and struck out Andy King, Brendan Kleidon and Chris Clem in succession. P.J.Bevis walked Brendan Kingman the leadoff batter in the NSW ninth. Craig Lewis reached on a handling error by Paul Gonzalez at third base. Glenn Williams slammed a grounder to Brad Dutton at second who missed the chance for the double play but got Williams at first, sending Kingman to third and Lewis to second. Gary White walked, loading the bases with one out. Andrew Fairall struck out, followed by Shane Summersford and Queensland took the game and the semi-final. Final Score: QLD 2, NSW 0.

·       QLD 2 runs, 7 hits, 3 errors.

·       NSW 0 runs, 3 hits, 1 error.

GAME SIXTEEN KEY REMARKS

Winning pitcher, Phil Stockman of Queensland said, “It was a great team performance, particularly throughout our pitching. There was always big rivalry between these teams and we’re pumped that we came out on top on this occasion. We have been working real hard on this particularly the last two days and our efforts have now been rewarded.

Personally, I felt really good by hitting the spots. Our plan was to get inside the big hitters and we did that.”

 

Australian Baseball History Book  

(Tribute to Ken Gulliver included)

 Early History  

Spalding Tour 1888        

Harry Simpson      Disaster Tour 1897      Early 1900s

  Claxton Shield        

Wartime Baseball        Summer Baseball

End of the Claxton Shield   

         ABL       International

Clubs    The Real World Series      Bad Venues      

   Aussie Baseball Lingo        "That Yank Game"    

For Americans only: Where is Australia and where is baseball played there?

American World Champions of America

Sydney 2000 Olympics

2001-2: Dysfunctional Australian National Baseball

Top Australian Players by Decades

    2003 Claxton Shield