Springy bats sound warning

By Stuart Teather
SPRINGVALE’S men’s Division Three baseball team sounded out a warning to its rivals on Sunday, belting Berwick 18-1 on Sunday at Cyril Molyneux Reserve.
All guns fired for the Lions with star pitcher Glen Richards throwing five outstanding innings, but the star of the day was back-up pitcher Rob Hogan, who threw two shut-outs and starred with the bat.
Along with a monster homer, Hogan had five hits from five with seven Runs Batted In, capping off a standout day.
Matthew Greene was also on song with the bat, going five for five as well, and Matthew Pallant went three for three.
The most telling statistic of the day was that Berwick only twice had runners past second base, and scored their only run for the day in the first innings, making it a long day at the park for the home side.
Player Mick Wearne said it was an improved performance after the team scraped a tough win against St Kilda the week before.
“I think last week’s victory was a good tonic for us, the boys played with a lot more spirit and a lot more heart, we came out from the start and we played serious baseball,” he said.
“We had a great day with the bat — we continually hit the ball — and they were under pressure all day.”
Springvale’s Division One women’s side completed a fantastic weekend for the club, belting Malvern 11-1 on Saturday.
The side welcomed back star pitcher Simone Wearne to the firsts and her impact was immediate, giving up just five hits along with seven strike-outs in her six innings before the mercy rule was enacted.
Coach Mick Wearne said having Simone on the mound made life easier for the rest of the team.
“They didn’t look like scoring many runs, so it took the pressure off the defence,” he said.
The Lions debuted another young player, with 17-year-old Elisabeth Tobias playing her first game in the firsts, following Hannah Jackson’s successful debut the week before.
Tobias was one of eight players to register a single hit during the game, with Jess Adkins the only one to connect twice.