The Greater Western First Grade Warriors have broken through to take their first win of the season in sensational style, beating Blacktown Workers 14 runs to 2 in round five of the Baseball NSW State League this Sunday, 6th November 2022.
The Warriors were on the attack early, scoring nine runs in the second inning and everyone on the line-up recording a hit, whilst James Yates’ pitching allowed only two runs to score against them in a game shortened by the mercy rule in the eighth inning.
“Great win, good pitching, swung the bats really well and the defence was on point,” said Warriors Head Coach, Jarryd Manuel, “It was a fantastic result, but we aren’t done there. We expect plenty more coming in all grades.”
“James Yates pitched a gem and the boys all contributed with the bat, I’m so proud of them. Mat Forbes stood out with the bat with four hits from five appearances, but then so did Jaxon Nash with three hits including a triple, and Chris Manuel, James Yates and Luke Harris all hitting doubles”.
The win on Sunday followed a tight contest on Wednesday night, with the two team locked at 3 runs each until an injury and unplanned change to the Warriors pitching rotation allowed Blacktown to score at the end of the game.
“We had a good start to the game to be up after the first, but when Kendall Doyle’s arm went in relief on the mound, it shifted our momentum and the game slipped out of our hands in Blacktown’s last batting inning.”
Although the other results this weekend didn’t fall their way, the season is looking strong with wins across all grades, and third grade only dropping one win so far in their bid to defend their Championship from last Summer.
“Second and Third Grades tried hard, but were up against strong teams in both,” said Manuel, “Third Grade got a good jump with four runs in the first, but let the lead slip in the second half of the game, whilst the two’s [Second Grade] gave Workers too much of a head start and couldn’t drag it back”.
Greater Western Warriors return home for round six of the NSW Baseball State League against the Macarthur Orioles, with first grade playing at 7:15pm on Wednesday, 9th November 2022 at Blacktown International Sports Park, Under 18s on Saturday, 12th November 2022 from 2pm at Chapman Gardens, and Sunday, 13th November 2022 hosting Third Grade at 9:30am, Second Grade at 12:00pm and First Grade at 2:30pm all at Chapman Gardens.
“There are a few connections between our area and some of the players and coaches in Macarthur, so we expect it to be a good set of games at home, and would love to fill the place with supporters.”