Above: Teenage pitcher Martin Kennedy was in supreme form in six shut-out innings in the Berwick City Cougars’ 13-0 thrashing of Chelsea at Cyril Molyneux Reserve on Sunday. 25184By Marc McGowan
BERWICK City had already avenged three defeats from last season to Chelsea in October, but took its retribution a step further on Sunday.
The Cougars were in a menacing mood at Cyril Molyneux Reserve, casting aside the Dolphins 13-0 in just a tick over 90 minutes.
Teenager Martin Kennedy had complete control of Chelsea’s hitters, throwing six shut-out innings before veteran Jude Power tossed the final frame.
The left-handed Kennedy struck trouble in the sixth as he began to tire, but kept a cool head to maintain his perfect afternoon.
Power may have only pitched the final inning, but had a huge impact with the bat.
His three-run homer highlighted Berwick City’s match-winning seven-run fourth frame that gave the Cougars a 9-0 lead.
Berwick City playing coach Wayne Porter has given top-of-the-order hitters Shaun Fahy, Jake McLardy and Tim Moon the green light to attempt as many stolen bases as they can.
And the freedom was noticeable on the weekend, with former American Moon’s speed on show during an in-the-park home run in the fourth.
Dolphin hurler Scott Baillie relieved starter Trevor Johonson in the fifth inning after the margin stretched to 10, but the damage had already been done.
Paul Quinn, another of the Cougars’ impressive performers, knocked in Moon and Fahy in the sixth before Aaron Warner did the same for Porter to complete the lopsided result.
The umpires invoked the mercy rule after Chelsea failed to score at the top of the seventh frame.
The victory was Berwick City’s sixth of the season and keeps the Cougars in touch with the division-three leaders.
Porter was satisfied with the win, but feels his side can improve further.
“It went down nicely, but I would like to think, at our best, that we’re able to play even better,” he said.
“The guys executed what they had to do and don’t have to force things now, which is good.
“I couldn’t fault too much from yesterday.”
Last Thursday’s scheduled match-up with St Kilda at Melbourne Ball Park was postponed due to inclement weather.
Berwick City returns to the diamond against local rival Springvale at K.H. Wearne Reserve on Sunday at 3.30pm.
