Scott Baillie pitched through a hamstring injury to restrict St Kilda to a solitary run before Lions’ import Dominic Ramosfinished the job on the mound. 72567
By Jarrod Potter
LIONS roared in to life after a 6-1 victory over competition heavyweights St Kilda.
Springvale pitcher Scott Baillie and relief pitcher Dominic Ramos held St Kilda to a single run, as the Lions were able to grind out six of their own.
Russell Anderton and Myles Barnden hit crucial double-RBIs (runs batted in) to generate the gap for Lions to the win.
“We were playing a bit better at the moment, and had more of our team available,” Springvale coach Mick Wearne said.
“I’m not totally surprised to win, but the magnitude of the victory was.
“I don’t think they (St Kilda) are quite as strong as they were last year; we only got three hits, but they were clutch hits when guys were on base.”
“Russell got the hit with two guys on in the crucial situation as did Myles, but they were good clutch hits at the right time.
Scott Baillie soldiered on after injuring himself in the first innings, but was eventually taken out when the game wasn’t on the line for import Ramos to clean up the last two innings.
“Scott hurt himself a bit in the first innings, and was limping around,” Wearne said.
“He couldn’t throw it as hard as he usually could.
Ramos did a little bit of throwing; we brought him over knowing he could pitch a bit so we might as well use him.
“He’s keen to pitch and clearly got the job done, but it is nice to come in to pitch with a five-run buffer.”
Springvale face the Waverley Wildcats at home this week, with the match splitting the two teams who currently share tenth place on the Baseball Division Two ladder.
“They (Waverley) are all young guys, and we’re missing about six. A few of us are going to America for a few weeks, so we’re losing most of our starting lineup, but the younger guys will have to stand up.
“We’ll probably go with Rob Hogan this week, and he usually does well against the young guys and should get the job done.”
In other results, Springvale seconds held on by the skin of their teeth to stop St Kilda 4-3; the thirds were pumped 16-6 and the fourths were unable to get past St Kilda 8-6. In the women, Springvale A won on forfeit to Bundoora, Springvale C defeated Waverley B 5-4 and Springvale B accounted for Waverley A 13-8.
