Phantoms Fire Early and Often to Knock Off Cats
The Eastern Phantoms were in fine form on Wednesday, powering past the Carine Cats with a commanding 10-1 win at Empire Ballpark. The Phantoms got rolling early, with Dion Nicholas and Nathan Hanks each driving in a run in the first, followed by Hunter Gordon’s RBI single in the second.
From there, they didn’t let up. Hudson Ostaszewskyj was lights out on the mound, giving up just one run and two hits across seven innings while striking out five. He also helped his cause with a pair of hits, as did Gordon, who finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
The Phantoms’ speed was on full display, racking up 11 stolen bases to keep the Cats constantly under pressure. Alexander Hugo, James Mann, Noah Mills, and Jensen Mortimer each nabbed multiple bags.
For the Cats, Ari Boekhorn drove in the lone run, while Cambell Weir and William Scott managed a hit apiece. Despite turning a tidy double play, the Cats couldn’t match the Phantoms’ firepower.
Titans Rally Late to Top Firebirds in a Thriller
The Southern Titans pulled off a dramatic late comeback to edge the Central Firebirds 6-5 on Wednesday. Down by one in the seventh, an infield error opened the door for two runs to cross and seal the win for the Titans.
The Titans started strong, building a 4-0 lead early with RBI singles from Noah McCabe and Riley Lintern. But the Firebirds roared back, tying it by the fourth and snatching a brief lead in the fifth with a scrappy run off an error.
Ethan Lee Nione Lone came through in relief for the Titans, keeping the Firebirds quiet across three innings while striking out four. Conor Stewart also impressed, opening the game with two hitless innings and five strikeouts.
The Titans’ offence was led by Tremaine Roberts, Charlie Pavitt, and McCabe, who each collected two hits. Lintern drove in a pair. For the Firebirds, Cooper Truong smacked a double and Daniel Western-Goncalves added an RBI single. Michael Murphy, hitting out of the eight spot, went 2-for-2.
Both teams turned double plays in what was a tight, back-and-forth contest to the end.
Warriors Win Tight Contest Over Giants
The Southern Hills Warriors came from behind to topple the Wanneroo Giants 4-2 in a close-fought game at Empire Ballpark on Wednesday. It was a see-saw battle, but the Warriors found another gear in the sixth to seal the deal.
Rylan Ottoway got things started early for the Warriors, driving in a run in the first. The Giants responded in the third through a Samuel Hannan RBI single and took the lead in the fifth on a fielder’s choice from Zac Stone.
But the Warriors had the final say, putting up three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Thomas Massimini smashed a double, the Giants committed a costly error, and Ottoway delivered again with another RBI single.
Massimini was outstanding at the top of the order, going 3-for-3, while Ottoway finished with two RBIs. Nicholas Rieka got the start on the mound, keeping the Giants to just one run over 2.1 innings.
Wanneroo’s Oliver Barber battled hard, punching out eight across 5.2 innings while allowing just one earned run. Offensively, Hannan, Taylor Benseman, Austin Mackie, and Benjamin Winthrop all recorded hits, but the Giants couldn’t generate the late push they needed.
The Warriors’ tidy fielding and timely hitting proved the difference in a competitive clash.
