Lions scrape win against Cougars

By Paul Pickering
THE Springvale Lions survived an almighty scare from the lowly Berwick City Cougars to escape with a dramatic 8-7 victory in Baseball Victoria Division Three men’s action at K.H. Wearne Field on Sunday.
The unbeaten Lions, who are the three-time reigning premiers of the division, breathed a collective sigh of relief as an errant pitch from Berwick’s Jude Power sent Matthew Pallant home for the deciding run in the bottom of the ninth.
Earlier, Springvale had proceeded to a commanding four-run lead after two innings, with Lions pitcher Glen Richards opening up in menacing touch as his opposite number – teenager Martin Kennedy – struggled for control.
But the momentum swung Berwick City’s way when Power arrived at the mound, with the relief pitcher’s lethal arm troubling the accomplished Springvale batters.
In uncharacteristic fashion, Richards lost his way in the middle innings, allowing the Cougars to draw within a single run in the seventh term and paving the way for Rob Hogan to take centre stage.
Despite Hogan’s sturdy relief, Berwick City crossed for the tying run in the eight to set up a final dig duel.
With runners at first and second, Lion Rob Novotny advanced Pallant to third on a crucial infield hit.
Power’s impressive day at the mound turned sour at the death, as the strapping right-hander launched a wild delivery to walk Pallant home unchallenged.
The narrow victory extended the Lions streak to nine ahead of a home clash with St Kilda this Sunday.
On Saturday, Springvale’s supreme women’s Division One side made light work of Port Melbourne in its 12-2 away win.
Imposing pitcher Cat Row threw a near-faultless series before making way for Vic Brown and Kellie Manzie-Novotny to get some time at the mound.
With an even spread of hitters, the Lions scored early and often until a 10-run advantage brought the game to a premature end.
Springvale’s fielding – led by Shae Lillywhite – was also a highlight for fans who made the trek to Longstaff Field.
The top-of-the-table Lions will now make the trip to Werribee for a 3.30pm start this Sunday.