While it hasn’t been a dream return for the Sunshine Eagles in the Victorian Baseball premier league the hunt for finals remains alive.
The Eagles took part in the summer season’s first draw of the year last Tuesday against Blackburn, with the sides tying at 2-2.
“With the fine weather, and no wind we thought the ball would travel last night but both pitchers were dominant,” coach Stuart Clayton said.
“We pitched really well and the defence was solid. It was a tight game, we had our chances. But we’re pretty happy to come away with a draw.
“Jai (Pouaka-Grego) threw four innings and he gave up one run and then Jamie Young came in and threw four innings and he gave up one run as well.”
Young had another fantastic game last night, pitching well and hitting a home run.
“It went miles,” Clayton said. “He was really good, he’s been swinging the bat hard and just not making contact but last night he got a hold of one and it went miles, he’s got some confidence back which is good.”
Clayton said he was happy to walk away with a draw but was disappointed that his side couldn’t make the most of their opportunities.
“We’re probably a little bit disappointed because we two runs up with a couple of innings to go,” he said.
“Then they got a couple of hits, we gave them a walk and they just manufactured to get the game tied.
“We had a couple of chances, we had a chance in the last innings with a runner on second base to win the game but we just weren’t able to get that hit right at the end.”
On Sunday (after deadline), the Eagles again faced Blackburn, this time at Billabong Park.
“It’s always a tough trip out there, they’re a pretty good side,” Clayton said. “But we’re pretty confident after Tuesday night. We’ll leave Jamie on the hill on Sunday, he’s been our number one pretty much all year so he’ll give us the best chance.”
