Complete game details are not to hand, but
our reporter from Blacktown informs us that the Victoria Aces
emerged from a titanic struggle to snatch a ninth innings 7-6
win over Queensland in a "part-revenge" for last year's
Championship final.
Young Victorian lefty Rikki Johnston repeated his magnificent
performance from the 2003 semi-final to supply a strong start
for the Victorians, although final innings reliever Paul Weichard
picked up the win!
Team batting was the order of the day for the Vics with 11 hits
MUCH better than their paltry four last evening!
Stand-by for a full report as soon as it arrives!
Not that it would ever fully compensate, but the Victoria Aces
emerged from a titanic struggle to snatch a late innings 7-6 win
over Queensland in a "part-revenge" for last year's
Championship final.
In what is becoming somewhat of a tradition between these two
rival States, Blacktown fans were treated to a wild "topsy-turvy"
battle after Victoria's ace starter Rikki Johnston had handcuffed
the Rams through six innings!
Although the Aces managed to maintain the lead through to a vital
victory, they did their best to lose it with Queensland applying
the pressure to the Aces bullpen and only a ninth innings double-play
had the Vics off the rack!
Young Victorian lefty Rikki Johnston repeated his magnificent
performance from the 2003 semi-final to supply a strong start
for the Victorians allowing only four hits, while striking out
seven to once again prove what a fine "big game" pitcher
he is becoming on the AMLB stage.
Nervous teenager Adam Blackley could not find the target and was
replaced by experienced Greg Wiltshire who did a decent "fireman's
job" under tough circumstances.
Converted outfielder Paul Weichard, who has been pitching with
the Atlanta Braves organisation in 2003, was in the right place
at the right time to collect the win.
Lefty Andrew Dewar cast aside his loss to the Rams in the 2003
final to earn a most valuable save for the Aces!
On the mound for the Rams was Minnesota Twins Rookie league pitcher
Paul Mutch who largely struggled, but he managed to stretch his
outing to 5.1 innings by scattering eight Victorian hits.
Steve Smith did his job in middle-relief, but 2000 Claxton Shield
star Brett Baker was unfortunate to be saddled with the loss after
giving up a solitary hit at just the wrong time!
Finally, the Aces, and everyone else in AMLB, would have been
relieved to see that 2003 superstar P.J Bevis is "human"
after all... he wasn't able to slam the door shut on the opposition
on this occasion, but it's early days!
Team batting was the order of the day for the Vics with 11 hits
MUCH better than their paltry four last evening!
Tamburrino, McDonald, Utting and Davies were the multi-hitters
for Victoria today while seven different players contributed offensively.
Just a word of caution for Victorian coach Phil Allen who either
underestimates Claxton Shield catchers, or overrates the speed
of his Aces, but FOUR players caught stealing certainly helps
opposing pitchers!
We understand that coaches like to be aggressive, but if you live
by the sword... well, you know the rest!
Already a .300 career hitter in AMLB 22yo Steven Bayliss batted
3-5 to keep the Rams in the contest, along with returning star Brett Roneberg who needs
little introduction to Australian baseball fans.
Roneberg quietly banged out another couple of hits and delivered
two "ribbies".
And, just to continue to rub salt into the wounds of his original
home State Victoria, Andy Utting jacked the first home run of
the tournament with his ninth innings long ball!
His elder brother Ben had the dubious pleasure of watching Andrew's
shot sail over left-field while stationed at short stop for Victoria!
Maintaining the "Nilsson watch"... left-hander Rikki
Johnston managed to retire the 'great man' twice, but the Aces
generally pitched very carefully to him as he was able to draw
two walks in an 0-2 day.
A critical victory for Victoria after their opening day loss,
but this close contest does little to give us a clear indication
of the likely pecking order for the semi-finals... except we already
know that it will be TIGHT!!