Berwick City youngster Luke Hornstra was the Cougars’ only runscorer in its 5-1 loss to Preston at Latrobe University Field on Sunday.By Marc McGowan
AN impotent batting line-up handed the Berwick City Cougars their third straight loss at Latrobe University Field on Sunday.
Their latest Baseball Victoria Division Three defeat was a 5-1 humbling to Preston. The Cougars have scored just five runs in their past three matches.
Jude Power patrolled the mound again for Berwick City and managed to pitch the complete game.
Power was as solid as ever, but the odd erratic throw – which he is prone to – was the reason behind several of Preston’s runs.
After Davis Long knocked Luke Hornstra in for the Cougars’ sole run in the opening inning, Berwick City’s batters went missing.
The one positive for the Cougars was that they were fielding three youngsters in Matt Kennedy, 15, Jake McLardy 16, and Jack Spears, 17, with an eye to next season.
Spears wound up getting a hit late in the game to offer Berwick City some consolation.
Cougars playing coach Wayne Porter was under no illusions as to why his team was struggling at the plate.
“The lack of runs is a concern, but it’s no secret that if you’re not keen to do the work then you can’t get it done and you get found out,” he said.
“We’re just underdone – very underdone. It’s as simple as that.”
Berwick City faces fourth-placed Port Melbourne at Cyril Molyneux Reserve on Sunday from 3.30pm.
The Cougars will also play a catch-up fixture against Williamstown at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona on Wednesday from 8.50pm.
