Berwick City pitcher Jude Power prepares to send one down during the Cougars’ 16-1 defeat at Cyril Molyneux Reserve on Sunday. Picture: Marc McGowan.By Marc McGowan
THE Berwick City Cougars suffered a 16-1 mauling at the hands of three-time reigning premiers the Springvale Lions at Cyril Molyneux Reserve on Sunday.
The round one Baseball Victoria Division Three fixture was a mismatch from the outset.
The Lions blasted three runs in the first inning off 17-year-old Berwick City pitcher Martin Kennedy and banished the teenager to the bullpen by the middle of the third inning.
The strapping Jude Power replaced Kennedy and made a good start before receiving similar punishment to his younger protege.
Looking for a routine out after collecting on the bounce in the fourth inning, Power fired the ball way over the first baseman’s head to begin a comedy of errors that reinforced Springvale’s hold over the contest.
With the game safely in the Lions’ keeping, the Cougars finally blanked their opponents in the fifth.
Sixteen-year-old Shaun Surtees then produced Berwick City’s only score in the sixth inning when he connected on a Scott Wearne pitch and a Springvale error allowed playing coach Wayne Porter to sneak home.
It was a just reward for the Cougar pair, who collected a couple of hits each to be their side’s best on the day.
Daniel Betreen relieved Power for the seventh inning and conceded a home run to leave Berwick City 15 runs behind.
The mercy rule, which is brought into play when one team leads by at least 10 runs after seven innings, was invoked soon after.
Wearne, who has represented Australia and is the brother of superstar pitcher Simone, pitched unassisted for the entire day to earn the win.
Porter was disappointed to lose first-up, but sees plenty of potential in his youthful squad.
“I would rather have had a different result, but the best thing about it is there is a lot of room for improvement,” he said.
“The top of the order has got to get in there and start knocking the ball around and we need to work out how everyone works and what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are.”
The Cougars take on Preston, which lost 9-5 to Chelsea in its opener, at Latrobe University Field, Bundoora, on Sunday at 3.30pm.
