Berwick City starting pitcher Jude Power took an eternity to complete his three innings on Sunday and will need to improve if the Cougars are to add to their win tally.By Marc McGowan
A LACK of pitching depth hurt the Berwick City Cougars again as they lost 11-5 to the Williamstown Wolves at Greenwich Reserve on Sunday.
The Cougars went run for run with the Wolves for much of the Baseball Victoria Division Three contest, but a seventh-inning implosion handed the victory to the home team.
Jude Power opened up for Berwick City, and although he only conceded three runs, he struggled throughout his three innings and was replaced by Luke Hornstra for the fourth.
Hornstra managed to keep it tight until the end of the sixth, with the Cougars trailing 6-5.
But as he became increasingly tired, his control went by the wayside.
It led to a five-run inning for Williamstown and forced Berwick City playing coach Wayne Porter to pull Honstra from the game.
Daniel Betreen, backing up from playing in the seconds, finished off the match without further damage, but the Cougars’ batters could not produce a late comeback.
Despite another disappointing result, Berwick City may have unearthed a new star in 15-year-old lead-off hitter Jake McLardy.
McLardy’s speed wreaked havoc on the bases and he collected a couple of hits and drew a walk.
Porter rued his side’s pitching and believes that is what is holding it back from adding to its solitary success.
“Our starting pitchers haven’t been throwing enough strikes and they have got to get more control – that’s what’s going to help us,” he said.
“Luke threw well, but he’s an infielder and not your typical starting pitcher.
“He throws lots of strikes, but he doesn’t have the endurance you need to be a pitcher.”
The Cougars face Chelsea at Cyril Molyneux Reserve on Sunday from 3.30pm and will need a win if they are to be a factor this season.
