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01 February 2025 By Stuart Masters

By Stuart Masters

Season Update

2024/25 Sydney Blue Sox Season Wrap

That’s a wrap for the Sydney Blue Sox in the ABL 2024/25 season. While the ending may not have been what we all envisioned, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey, the many milestones achieved, and the solid foundation that’s been built for the future.

Volunteers – The Unsung Heroes Heartfelt thanks go out to the incredible volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to the Sydney Blue Sox. Your passion and commitment are the backbone of our organization and have a profound impact on every aspect of our game day experience. Whether assisting with ticketing, merchandise, fan engagement, or ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes, your hard work does not go unnoticed.

This past season was filled with memorable moments, and much of that success is due to your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Volunteers like you create an inviting and energetic atmosphere that makes fans feel welcome and players proud to step onto the field. Your dedication exemplifies the spirit of community and teamwork that defines the Sydney Blue Sox.

We are truly grateful for your time, efforts, and positive attitude. Your contribution goes beyond the immediate tasks; it helps foster a love for baseball in the community and supports the growth of the sport. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping the Blue Sox experience and making it one that fans cherish and remember. Thank you for being an essential part of the Blue Sox family. We appreciate everything you do and look forward to working alongside you again for another exciting season.

Fans Huge thanks to our incredible fans for your unwavering support throughout the 2024/25 ABL season. From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, your passion and energy fueled our team every step of the way.

This season has been filled with unforgettable moments, from standout performances by our talented roster to the electric atmosphere you created at Blacktown International Sportspark. We are proud to represent a community that stands by us, rain or shine, win or lose.

To our season members, game-day attendees, and those who cheered from afar — we thank you. Your dedication drives us to strive for greatness and build a stronger team year after year.

As we look forward to the next season, we remain committed to delivering exciting baseball, fostering talent, and continuing to strengthen the connection with our loyal fanbase. Thank you for making this season one to remember. We can’t wait to see you back at the ballpark soon! Go Blue Sox!

Funkie Phil – Our Ultimate Entertainer Shoutout to the ultimate Sydney Blue Sox hype man, Funkie Phil! The energy, passion, and vibe you bring to every game are unmatched. Whether it’s pumping up the crowd, keeping the stadium buzzing, or supporting the team through thick and thin, you’re a true legend. Your love for baseball by involving junior players in pre-game activities and creating unforgettable memories for young athletes is truly special.

Your infectious energy, booming voice, and unmatched passion have kept our fans on their feet and created an electric atmosphere at every game. From rallying the crowd to pumping up the players, you are the heartbeat of the ballpark, and we couldn’t imagine game days without you. Thank you for being an unforgettable part of the Blue Sox family!

Visiting Teams Shoutout to the visiting teams for their support and respect throughout the season. Your dedication and sportsmanship have made our games unforgettable, and we are truly honoured to host you at our home. We value the camaraderie and competition that make each matchup special, and we look forward to future encounters. Thank you for being a vital part of our baseball community and helping make this season one to remember!

ABL & Officials Thank you to the Australian Baseball League for another successful season on the field. Your professionalism in coordinating all 120 regular season games, coupled with your continuous efforts to promote the game across media platforms, has been exceptional. Your commitment to developing international relationships and expanding the league’s global presence is truly commendable. We look forward to continuing to work together and further elevate the ABL’s growth and impact worldwide.

Thank you to the ABL umpires for their dedication and hard work. Their role is demanding and often thankless, yet they ensure the game runs smoothly and fairly. We recognize the countless hours and tough decisions they face on the field. Their professionalism and commitment are invaluable to the sport, and we truly appreciate everything they do for the ABL and baseball as a whole. Your efforts do not go unnoticed!

Mick Goddard A huge thank you to our incredible Sydney Blue Sox photographer, Mick Goddard, for his dedication and remarkable talent behind the lens. Mick has a unique ability to capture the heart and soul of baseball — from dynamic action shots that freeze split-second moments to candid photos that highlight the passion and emotion of the game.

Each photograph tells a story, creating lasting memories not just for the players and coaches but also for families watching from afar and fans who can’t make it to the ballpark. Mick’s work brings the game closer to everyone, connecting our community through powerful imagery.

We invite you to enjoy a special selection of Mick’s and our favourite shots on our social pages, each meaningful in its own way. Whether it’s a triumphant play, a heartfelt moment, or a snapshot of camaraderie, these photos capture the essence of the Sydney Blue Sox.

Thank you, Mick, for your artistry and for sharing these cherished moments with us.

Season Highlights This season was filled with memorable achievements that showcased the dedication, talent, and hard work of our players, coaching staff, and everyone involved:

  • Minor Premiership – our first in 14 years.
  • Home Postseason for the ABLSF – our first in a decade.
  • 24 wins – more than the combined total wins of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
  • 1st in the league for Team ERA.
  • 1st in the league for Runs Scored.
  • 2nd in the league for Hits and Team Batting Stats.
  • 1st in the league for Stolen Bases.

Individual and Team Recognition

  • Manager of the Year – Brooke Knight.
  • Rookie of the Year – Jaylin Rae.
  • Pitching Champion & Helms Award Winner (League MVP) – Alexander Wells.
  • Finalists: Jo Stevens (Rookie of the Year), Coen Wynne (Relief Pitcher of the Year), Ben Ferrer (Pitching Champion).
  • Nominations: Playing Surface of the Year, Broadcaster of the Year.

Notable Moments Here are just a few standout moments from this remarkable season:

  • 27-out combined shutout by Coen Wynne and Kyle Glogoski.
  • Jake Mackenzie’s relentless presence on the basepaths, a nightmare for opposing teams.
  • Jo Stevens dazzling defensively with a highlight reel of plays.
  • Lachlan Bojarski collecting his first professional hit in his first at-bat.
  • Josh Guyer reaching his 250th career strikeout milestone.
  • Team Australia Squad Selection vs Hanwha Eagles in Melbourne: Jo Stevens, Jaylin Rae, Liam Doolan, Alexander Wells & Coen Wynne.

Gratitude to Our Team & Coaching Staff Congratulations to the incredible players and coaching staff of the Sydney Blue Sox for the season that was.

To our players, your dedication, hard work, and passion on the field have been truly inspiring. From thrilling plays and powerful at-bats to stellar pitching and unforgettable moments, your efforts have made this season one to remember. Your commitment to excellence has showcased the true spirit of the Blue Sox and has brought immense pride to our organization and fans alike.

To our coaching staff, your leadership, strategy, and guidance have been the backbone of the team’s success. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes have shaped our players into the champion team they are today. You brought this team together and made them play with the unity and cohesion of a group that has been together for years—a truly remarkable achievement.

We are immensely proud of what you have achieved this season and are excited for what the future holds for the Sydney Blue Sox. Here’s to building on this season’s momentum and achieving even greater success together in seasons to come!

Ownership Group Thank you to the Sydney Blue Sox ownership group, led by principal owner Darren Macbeth and Robert Hazan, for your continued dedication and support of this incredible organization. Your leadership and investment have been instrumental in creating an environment where players thrive, and fans experience unforgettable baseball moments.

We look forward to the future and continuing to build upon the achievements of this season.

Thank you all for being a part of the Sydney Blue Sox journey. Keep an eye on early release 25/26 Season Members tickets and see you next season — Go Blue Sox!

26 January 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- ABL 24/25

Here are your 2024-25 Australian Baseball League Award Winners

The finalists for ten major Australian Baseball League awards have been revealed. The first six were announced during broadcasts of Game 1 of the Semi Final Series.

Winners of the awards will be announced during Games 1 & 2 of both ABL Semi Finals Series match-ups this weekend on Baseball+.

Award winners were voted on by three members from each ABL club, plus a combination of ABL officials, staff and media members.

BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney

Awarded to the team of broadcasters in one ABL market.

Winner: Adelaide Giants

The Adelaide Giants were voted in as the best broadcast in the Australian Baseball League for season 2024-25.

The Giants were the most streamed team on Baseball+ and the only club to broadcast games in multiple languages.

The broadcast is led on the microphone by Eric Balnar and Phil Herden. Analyst Craig Watts is a regular colour man on the call. They were joined by a variety of guests over the season including former players Ben Lodge & Paul Mildren.

Under the guidance of Spacequake Sports owner David Muggleton, Brandon Woolhouse steered a great ship in Adelaide.

The crew is Brandon aka Producer Brandmon Wool-house (producer, director, switcher), Sam Birchbmore (graphics) & regular camera operators Simon Germinario, Murray Rehleng, Carl Swart, Mitchell Sayce, Amel Skalonja & Tom.

Spacequake would like to thank the University of South Australia for their support in the program.

PLAYING SURFACE OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney

Awarded to the best field in the ABL

Winner: Brisbane Bandits

The Brisbane Bandits have been voted as the best playing surface in the Australian Baseball League for a third straight season.

A great playing surface doesn’t happen by accident, nor does it happen overnight.

The foundations for the field at Viticon Stadium have been laid by the O’Brien family. In particular, the father/son duo of Alec & Glenn spent the better part of three years getting the field to the standard it is today. The O’Briens set a standard for Australian Baseball League teams when it comes to a playing surface.

The Windsor Royals Committee took over the field this year. A group of hardworking volunteers have helped unsure the playing surface standard has been upheld.

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Chris Adamson (ADL), Shayne Watson (BNE), Jim Bennett (CBR), Jon Deeble (MEL), Andy Kyle (PER), Brooke Knight (SYD)

Awarded to the best field in the ABL

Winner: Brooke Knight

Brooke Knight helped lead a remarkable turnaround of the Sydney Blue Sox in his first season at the helm.

In two seasons from 2022 to 2024, the Blue Sox won just 23 games. In 2024-25, Sydney won 24 games and claimed their first minor premiership in 14 years.

Sydney played an aggressive game on the base paths, relying on a team-based approach to cause chaos and generate runs. They were backed up by the best pitching staff in the ABL.

UMPIRE OF THE YEAR

Finalists:  Paul Latta, Ben Nash, Tom West

Awarded to the top umpire of the season.

Winner: Paul Latta

Paul’s leadership – both on and off the field -is truly inspiring and this award is evidence of recognition of his on field work. 

Paul has consistently been viewed as one of Australia’s best umpires, and this is evidenced by appointments in the ABLCS for the last six years. 

He is further rewarded for his work this coming March, again travelling to Osaka to umpire Team Japan and Team Netherlands in the 2025 Samurai Series alongside his good friend Tom West. 

Congratulations Paul, all the best for the ABLSF and upcoming trip to OSaka.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Max Durrington (BNE), Jaylin Rae (SYD), Jo Stevens (SYD)

Any non-imports, with no prior Major League Baseball experience, who had accumulated less than 130 at bats or 50 innings pitched in their ABL career, and had not played more than two seasons, at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

Winner: Jaylin Rae

In his first year back from college, Jaylin Rae was a spark plug for the Sydney offense.

The 23-year-old hit .292 with 14RBI in 35 games.

He stole eight bases and made numerous highlight reel efforts at second.

A versatile athlete who can play multiple roles on a team.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Jarryd Dale (MEL), Jason Matthews (CBR), Robbie Perkins (CBR)

Awarded to the top defensive player in the 2024-25 regular season

Winner: Jason Matthews

Canberra’s second baseman was as good as they come in the field.

He made just one error all season across his 259.0 defensive innings at second base to lead all players in the ABL.

He was also involved in 24 double plays.

It was a common occurrence to open your phone and see a web gem from Matthews.

RELIEF PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Tyler Beardsley (PER), Jon Kennedy (CBR), Coen Wynne (SYD)

Awarded to the best relief pitcher in the 2024-25 season

Winner:  Tyler Beardsley 

For four seasons, from 2019-2024, Tyler Beardsley was one of the best starting pitchers in the Australian Baseball League.

He even won the 2021 ABLCS MVP as a starting pitcher.

Beardsley made the move to the bullpen this season as the Perth Heat closer.

He thrived.

He pieced together a season where he had a 1.47 ERA, a BAA of .190 and ended as the leader in saves with 10.

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Ben Ferrer (SYD), Jack Mahoney (CBR), Alexander Wells (SYD)

Awarded to the best pitcher in the 2024-25 season

Winner: Alex Wells 

What a return to baseball, for Alexander Wells.

One of Australia’s 38-ever Major Leaguers took some time away from the game, but the 28-year-old dominated the league.

The Blue Sox left-hander led all arms with a 1.55 ERA.

In 10 starts, Wells tossed 58.0 innings with a 1.55 ERA, with 57 strikeouts and 11 walks allowed.

HITTING CHAMPION

Finalists: Jarryd Dale (MEL), Robbie Perkins (CBR), Aaron Whitefield (MEL)

Awarded to the best hitter, voted by the ABL, in the 2024-25 season

Winner: Aaron Whitefield 

Superstar lead-off man Aaron Whitefield is as well rounded hitter there is in the ABL.

He led the league in hits (49) and finished second in average (.348).

Whitefield also chipped in five homers and 15 RBI from the lead-off spot. He ranked third in the ABL in OPS with a mark of .915.

Whitefield scored ten more runs (37) than the next closest opponent.

He used his legs to steal eight stolen bases, good for eighth in the league.

HELMS AWARD

Finalists: Jarryd Dale (MEL), Robbie Perkins (CBR), Alexander Wells (SYD)

Awarded to the Most Valuable Player in the 2024-25 regular season

Winner: Alex Wells


His pitching stat line speaks for itself. His 1.55 ERA across 10 starts and 58.0 innings is one of the big reasons he was named the Pitching Champion earlier.

What makes Wells so valuable is when he started the games.

He was often used as the Game 3 starter. When Wells stepped on the mound, the Blue Sox either were up 2-0 and he helped put the series to bed. Or, the series was split and Wells helped put Sydney in front. 

On two occasions, the Sox started a series 0-2 but a dominant effort from Wells put Sydney back in the fight.

The Blue Sox won eight games he started and claimed the best record in the ABL – remarkable considering they are coming off two back-to-back last place finishes.

Wells is a big reason the Blue Sox were the only team to not drop a series.

 

25 January 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- ABL 24/25 2025 ABL Playoffs

2025 ABL Semi Finals Series – Game 2 | Recaps & Highlights from both series

The Perth Heat and Canberra Cavalry enter today with 1-0 series leads and on the cusp of an ABL Championship Series appearance.

Perth Heat Secure Championship Series Spot with 5-3 Victory Over Adelaide Giants

The Perth Heat booked their place in the Championship Series with a hard-fought 5-3 win over the Adelaide Giants, ending Adelaide’s quest for a third consecutive title. The victory propels Perth to their 10th Championship appearance since 2010, showcasing their dominance in Australian baseball.

Adelaide, needing a win to keep their championship hopes alive, turned to James Bradwell on the mound. However, Bradwell’s outing was brief, lasting just three innings as Perth’s offense came alive early. He allowed four hits, two runs, two errors, three walks, and struck out two.

The Heat opened the scoring in the top of the third inning. Jhon Diaz crossed home plate on Ulrich Bojarski’s sharp single to shortstop Liam Spence. Moments later, Alex Hall scored on an Angel Mateo groundout to first baseman Rixon Wingrove, giving Perth a 2-0 lead.

Perth added to their tally in the fifth inning when Alex Hall smashed a solo home run to right field, extending the lead to 3-0. Hall’s stellar performance at the plate underscored his importance to the team. He would finish the game going 4 from 5, 2 runs, 1 RBI and 1 HR.

Jong-Hae Won took the mound for Perth, delivering an impressive 5.2 innings of work. He allowed two hits and three runs while committing two errors, walking three, and striking out two. His dominance was finally broken in the bottom of the sixth inning when Adelaide roared back to life. Niko Hulsizer delivered a clutch single, driving in Nick Ward, Jared Carr, and Rixon Wingrove to tie the game at 3-3. The crowd erupted, fueling the Giants’ momentum.

However, Perth responded emphatically in the top of the seventh. Jhon Diaz launched a two-run homer to right field, scoring Enderson Delgado and silencing the raucous Adelaide crowd. The Heat’s bullpen held firm, with Warwick Saupold delivering a nerve-wracking but ultimately decisive performance in the ninth inning. Saupold allowed two baserunners, bringing the winning run to the plate, but struck out Nikau Pouaka-Grego to seal the victory.

The loss ends Adelaide’s season and their hopes of a historic three-peat. For Perth, the win symbolizes their resilience and determination to reclaim championship glory. As they advance to the Championship series, the Heat’s blend of power hitting and solid pitching makes them a formidable contender for the title.

BOX SCORE

 

Canberra Cavalry Clinch Championship Series Spot with 5-1 Victory Over Sydney Blue Sox

The Canberra Cavalry punched their ticket to the Championship Series with a commanding 5-1 win over the Sydney Blue Sox. The victory marks Canberra’s fourth trip to the Championship Series, dashing Sydney’s hopes of making their first modern ABL final.

Alex Wells, the 2024/25 Helms Award champion, took the mound for Sydney, but his performance fell far short of expectations. Wells struggled through four innings, allowing eight hits, four runs, four errors, one walk.

The scoring began in the top of the second inning when Matt Halbach singled to left field, bringing home Miles Simington and putting Canberra on the board. Sydney quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning as Solomon Maguire delivered a booming triple to right field, driving in Harry Fullerton and tying the game at 1-1.

Canberra took control in the top of the third. Armond Upshaw crushed a two-run homer to center field, scoring Cameron Tilly and giving the Cavalry a 3-1 lead. The visitors extended their advantage in the fourth when Tilly’s sacrifice fly brought Simington home. Another sacrifice fly, this time from Miguel Palma in the fifth, scored Ray Zuberer and pushed Canberra’s lead to 5-1.

Colten Davis was a force on the mound for Canberra, keeping Sydney’s hitters off balance through six solid innings. He allowed just five hits, one run, and one error, while striking out five and walking three. Davis’s dominance, combined with strong defensive play, stifled Sydney’s attempts to rally.

The final three innings saw both teams locked in a stalemate, with neither side managing to score. Despite Sydney’s best efforts, they couldn’t crack Canberra’s bullpen, which was anchored by a stellar performance from closer Jon Kennedy. Kennedy shut down Sydney’s last-ditch efforts, striking out the side in the ninth inning to seal the win.

For Sydney, the loss ends their dreams of a historic first Championship Series appearance. For Canberra, the victory underscores their status as a perennial contender. With momentum on their side, the Cavalry now set their sights on adding another title to their storied history.

BOX SCORE

24 January 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- ABL 24/25 2025 ABL Playoffs

2025 ABL Semi Finals Series - Game 1 | Recaps & Highlights from both series

Our two favourite words: “Playoff Baseball.”

It’s Friday 24 January in Australia. It’s time for Game 1 of the best-of-three Australian Baseball League semi-final series.

19 January 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- ABL 24/25

2024-25 ABL Playoffs | Media, Match Ups, Previews & Links

The 2024-25 ABL Championship Series is set. After two narrow semi-finals, the Perth Heat and Canberra Cavalry will clash in a best-of-three Championship Series to determine the Claxton Shield winner.

All games will be held in Perth. All games will be broadcast live & free on Baseball+.

You can watch all games on Baseball+: plus.baseball.com.au or via the App Store on your phone.

Scroll down for news stories from around the ABL.

SCHEDULE

ABLCS – Canberra Cavalry vs Perth Heat 

Game 1, Friday 31. Jan – Canberra 10 def Perth Heat 8

Game 2, Saturday 1 Feb – 7:00PM AWST
Game 3, Sunday 2 Feb – 6:00PM AWST

All games streamed on Baseball+ live, free and around the world. All games at Empire Ballpark, Perth.

SEMI FINAL SERIES 

Rosters: Download here. 

Friday 24 January – Game 1 – DAILY RECAPS / HIGHLIGHTS 

7:00PM ACDT – Perth Heat 2 def Adelaide Giants 1
7:30PM AEDT – Canberra Cavalry 3 def Sydney Blue Sox 1

Saturday 25 January – Game 2 – RECAP

7:00PM ACDT – Perth Heat 5 def Adelaide Giants 3
7:30PM AEDT – Canberra 5 def Sydney 2

Perth wins best-of-three series 2-0, advances to ABLCS

Canberra wins best-of-three series 2-0, advances to ABLCS.

USEFUL PREVIEWS & NEWS STORIES

Want to gear up for the game?

Here are some great links to get you started.

ABL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

PREVIEW – Canberra Cavalry: The unlikely journey to the ABLCS

PREVIEW – Perth Heat: “Just Find A Way” | The resilient story of the Perth Heat ahead of the 2025 ABL Championship Series

PODCAST – Bloop & A Blast: Luke Hughes & Jeremy Sexton preview the ABLCS with player interviews

AUTHORY / PREVIEW – Heat excited by reward of home final

WBSC – Canberra Cavalry and Perth Heat to compete in Australian Baseball League final series

The West Australian – Australian Baseball League: Perth Heat to host all three Championship Series games after beating Adelaide

Canberra Times – Canberra close in on fairytale, but they must defy the odds like nobody else

RiotACT – There is a sense of history repeating itself as the Canberra Cavalry prepares to play Perth in the Australian Baseball Championship

Authory – Heat win in Adelaide to advance to third straight ABLCS

Baseball’s Best Mate (Podcast ) – Dan Vaughan and Paul Morgan wrap up ABL Semi Finals 

theABL.com.au – Ten MLB Prospects Who Improved Their Stocks in Australia

theABL.com.au – Australian Baseball League announces 2024-25 Team of the Year

ABL SEMI FINAL SERIES

– The West Australian: Perth fire up for post-season run with Adelaide Giants. 

– Preview: Adelaide Giants ready to take on Perth Heat: Features a story on Nick Ward and a whole whack of stats and information about the Perth vs Adelaide match up. Read it here. 

– Walk and Talk: Chris Coleman and Cavs manager Jim Bennett talk ABL Playoffs

– Bloop & A Blast Podcast, featuring interviews with all ABL managers

Luke Hughes & Jeremy Sexton chat to each ABL Playoff manager ahead of their series.

– RiotACT: After surviving dramatic final day, Cavalry ready for playoffs

– Hooked on Sport Podcast, with Ben Hook: ABL Finals Preview featuring Eric Balnar

– Adelaide Advertiser: It’s ring season for Giants infielder Nick Ward

– FiveAA Interview with Todd Van Steensel: Thursday 23 January

– Baseball’s Best Mate: Dan Vaughan and Paul Morgan recap and preview this week’s match ups. Head to their Buzzsprout channel to grab all the links.
– WBSC: Record breaking Australian Baseball League heads into finals

– ABL AWARDS: ABL Announce Awards Finalists

– Dale to Japan: Aces infielder Jarryd Dale earns Spring Training invite to NPB club in Japan

 

19 January 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- ABL 24/25 - Game Recaps

Final ABL Day Scores & Recaps | ABL season goes down to the final pitch in wild final day

The final day of the 2024-25 Australian Baseball League season might go down as one of the craziest of all time.

This recap represents exactly how it happened.

At the start of Sunday 19 January, Sydney had locked in first spot & Adelaide second.

The last two playoff spots were anyone’s game. Four teams in the mix with one day to go.

Here you will find recaps as the day happens, so we can re-live this exciting finish in years to come.

If you want up-to-date video highlights you simply must follow us on X @ABL.

Here is the original scenarios article here. 

18 January 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- ABL 24/25

"Chaos Saturday" - 18 January Recaps & Scores | The last Saturday of the season begins with web of playoff races

It’s the Saturday of the regular season.  It’s all to play for. Every team is mathematically alive. Only two teams have clinched.

Grab you tie breaking procedures, clinching scenarios & head-to-head records here:  Click here for scenarios

STANDINGS – as of 10:40PM AEDT

*clinched playoffs
^clinched home final

1. Sydney Blue Sox 23-15*^
2. Adelaide Giants 22-17*^
3. Perth Heat 19-19
4. Melbourne Aces 18-21
—
5. Canberra Cavalry 17-21
6. Brisbane Bandits 16-22

The top two teams will host a best-of-three semi final series from January 24-26. Winners advance to Championship Series.

Click here tiebreakers and for scenarios

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

Saturday 18 January 

Perth 3 def Sydney 2 (extra innings)
Brisbane 7 def Canberra 6

Sydney 12 def Perth 2
Adelaide 9 def Melbourne 0
Canberra @ Brisbane, – GAME SUSPSENDED

GAME RECAPS

BANDITS WALK OFF CAVS TO KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE

It took a four run comeback and an 18-hour rain delay, but the Brisbane Bandits have walked-off the Canberra Cavalry to win 7-6 and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Dermot Fritsch had a two-out bases loaded single to send the Bandits to the win column.

The decisive base knock came a few minutes after the game was resumed after it was suspended last night.

The batter before, the Cavalry brought a fifth infielder into the game, played a mega-shift and put two outs on the board.

Earlier in the inning, Cavs manager Jim Bennett was ejected after disagreeing with the umpire’s strike zone.

The win caps off a game played in exceptional circumstance. It was resumed from Friday night.

On Friday, the Bandits were trailing 6-2 in the seventh inning before two, two-run homers (all with two outs) tied the game.

At the end of the eighth inning, the game was suspended due to curfew. You can read yesterday’s game recap here.

Brisbane need to win the remainder of their games and get a little bit of help to make the post season. Click here tiebreakers and for scenarios.

BOX SCORE

COLMANEREZ EXTRA INNINGS HOMER PUTS PERTH ON VERGE OF PLAYOFFS


BOX SCORE

In a second extra inning, Tampa Bay Rays prospect Carlos Colmanerez had a solo shot that would prove to be the eventual game winner in a 3-2 Perth Heat victory.

The win moves the Heat to within one way of booking a spot in the 2025 post-season. Sydney remain one win away from clinching their first minor premiership since 2011.

Sydney struck first in the second inning with an RBI single to Solo Maguire.

Perth responded in the fourth with an RBI single from Angel Mateo.

Later, Mateo broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly for his second RBI of the day.

Maguire responded with another RBI base hit in the bottom of the sixth to force extras.

Colmanerez broke the deadlock in the second tiebreaker inning with his long ball.

Jong-Hae Won was solid in his start for the Heat, tossing 5.2 innings giving up two earned runs and five hits. Warwick Saupold earned the win with 3.1 innings, allowing three hits and no runs.

Ben Ferrer opened for Sydney, throwing 6.0 innings with five hits and two earned runs. Coen Wynne takes the loss.

Maguire, Brendan Ryan and Jo Stevens each had two hits for the Blue Sox.

GAME SUSPENDED IN BRISBANE

Game Suspended in Brisbane. 
 

Game 3 will resume Sunday morning at 10:00AM AEST from the third inning with Canberra leading 2-0.

Canberra scored both those runs (a sac fly and Miguel Palma RBI single) in the second inning.

 
Game 4 will remain at 1:00PM AEST but become a four game series.
 
Both these games have MASSIVE playoff implications.
 

Adelaide Giants secure a home final with a decisive 9-0 decimation over Aces

While Todd Van Steensel’s quest to take sole possession of the ABL’s All-Time Saves record is postponed yet another day, the Adelaide Giants will be celebrating this victory as they have pencilled in a chance to defend the beach once more.

To call Matt Osterberg’s outing on the mound exceptional would be a severe understatement. The 2021 MLB Draftee for the Philadelphia Phillies pitched 7.0 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits, 3 walks, while striking out 5 in 101 pitches.

While he did look a bit shaky in the first inning, loading up the bases with just a single out, he was able to get out of it by forcing a grounded into double play on a 1-0 count to get out of the jam.

After he gave up a leadoff walk in the second, Osterberg decided to just no longer allow baserunners, retiring 15 consecutive batters until he gave up a full-count walk in the bottom of the seventh, to which he responded with back-to-back swinging strikeouts to end the inning.

During that streak, only a single batter was able to get to a 3-ball count.

Offensively, 8 of the 9 batters reached base in what was a balanced full-frontal attack as they tacked on their 9 runs behind 9 hits and 5 walks while only striking out 4 times.

Nevertheless, the stars at the plate were the duet of Philadelphia Phillies prospect Diego Gonzalez and Briley Knight, who hit-back-to-back home runs on back-to-back pitches in the top of the fifth inning that made it a 7-0 ballgame.

Both Gonzalez and Knight had 2 hits each to lead the team.

Jared Carr, another 2021 MLB Draftee of the Philadelphia Phillies, also continued his hot streak as he breaks the Adelaide Giants franchise record for most consecutive games with a hit with 16.

With this loss, the Melbourne Aces are no longer in full control of their fate, as they would not only need to win the series and season finale against the Giants tomorrow, but also hope that Perth loses to Sydney, and that Brisbane beats Canberra once.

BOX SCORE

Sydney Blue Sox secure Minor Premiership for first time in 14 years in 12-2 victory over the Heat

While the job is not finished for the Blue Sox, for tonight the team can soak it in as they orchestrated one of the largest turnarounds in modern ABL history, being just the fourth team to go from last to first in consecutive seasons in one of the most competitive seasons yet.

The Blue Sox got off to a bang, scoring three quick runs in the bottom of the first in typical Blue Sox fashion. A leadoff single by Brendan Ryan, who then stole second and third as Jake MacKenzie walks, and scores off a wild pitch.

MacKenzie would later score on an RBI single from Cory Acton, who then scored from an RBI groundout.

While the Heat tried to respond later in the game with a solo home run from Enderson Delgado, that was all she wrote for Perth as Sydney reciprocated by scoring from a fielder’s choice and a 2-RBI single from Clayton Campbell.

And just for good measure, the Blue Sox bat around the order in the bottom of the seventh, scoring 6 runs as they featured 3 doubles and a home run from Harry Fullerton.

Ryan, MacKenzie, Campbell, as well as Alberto Rios led the bats for Sydney, each recording 2.

On the mound, Alex Wells puts the finishing touches on a dominant season, going 6.0 innings allowing just 1 earned run off 5 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 7 as he picks up the win for Sydney.

For the Heat, all four of the batters that recorded a hit— Johnny Ascanio, Alex Hall, Tim Kennelly, and Enderson Delgado—had two of them each.

With just one game left on the season, Perth is still mathematically in the fight for a chance at the dance for the Claxton Shield. Fortunately for them, their fate is still in their hands as they would either need to defeat Sydney in the season finale, or for either Brisbane to defeat Canberra, or for Adelaide to defeat Melbourne.

BOX SCORE

17 January 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Game Recaps ABL

Daily Recap and Scores | Friday 17, January 2025

The Aces annihilate Adelaide in 16-3 win to maintain postseason contention

Melbourne keep themselves in the fight for the last two postseason slots as they defeated Adelaide in a 16-4 beatdown.

Adelaide were the first to get on the board with a leadoff home run from Nick Ward on a 2-2 count.

However, the Aces came back with a furious 3-run blast from Logan Moore at the bottom of the second to make it a 3-1 ballgame.

The Aces then poured it on with a 6-run inning in the bottom of the third, capitalising on a few fielding errors to rapidly make it a 9-1 game within the blink of an eye.

They would then score 3 runs each in the fourth and fifth innings, highlighted by home runs from Jarryd Dale and Aaron Whitefield,

The Giants were able to get more runs on the board thanks to solo home runs from Niko Hulsizer and Jordan McArdle. However, it was too little, too late for the defending champions.
Morgan McCullough led the way with the bats for the Aces, going 4-for-5 from the field with an RBI and 2 runs.

Whitefield finished the game going 3-for-6 from the plate, all of them being extra-bases with 2 doubles and his solo home run.

Greg Bird also finished the game with 3 hits, including a double and an RBI.

Niko Hulsizer and Lou Albrecht both had 2 hits for the Giants.

Joey Steele gets credited with the win for the night, going 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 earned run off of 3 hits without allowing a single walk as he struck out 9.

Melbourne now are within half a game of Perth for the third seed.

BOX SCORE

Sydney Blue Sox Defeat Perth Heat 2-8, Securing 1st Place At Home

The Perth Heat jumped out to a promising start in the top of the first inning, with Alex Hall delivering a sharp RBI single and Tim Kennelly driving in another run on a grounder to shortstop. Those two quick runs gave Perth an early 2-0 lead and set an upbeat tone for the visiting side.

However, once the Sydney Blue Sox found their rhythm, they seized control of the game and never looked back. Alberto Rios got Sydney on the board in the bottom of the fourth, slicing a single up the middle to close the gap to 2-1. An inning later, with the bases loaded, Solomon Maguire worked a patient walk that forced home the tying run. Moments later, Clayton Campbell jolted the crowd by lacing an RBI double into the outfield, vaulting the Blue Sox into a 4-2 lead.

Jaylin Rae’s RBI single padded that advantage and sent a clear message that Sydney’s offense wasn’t done.

By the seventh inning, the Blue Sox had their foot on the gas. Corey Acton’s RBI single tacked on another run, and a wild pitch allowed Jake MacKenzie to race home, making it 7-2. Rios, who’d sparked the comeback earlier, added one more RBI single before the inning ended, stamping an 8-2 score line that Perth would find defeating.

Although the Heat had their moments in the early going, it was the Blue Sox’s unrelenting offense and timely hits that ultimately carried the day. With this 8-2 result, Sydney claimed a strong opening to the Round 10 series and continued their winning momentum, giving the home fans plenty to cheer about as the season rolls on. The Blue Sox have also clinched 1st place on the ABL ladder from this important win at home.

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SUSPENDED – The Bandits and Cavalry will resume game tomorrow tied 6-6

The Bandits still keep their postseason hopes statistically alive with a late-game rally to tie the game before the game gets suspended for light curfew.

The Canberra Cavalry got off to a hot start early in the game, starting with a full-count 2-out double from Ray Zuberer to score Miguel Palma leadoff walk, followed by a 0-2 count single from George Callil, and finally an Armond Upshaw double to make it a 3-0 ballgame.

They were then able to make it a 4-0 game from a Miles Simington sacrifice fly.

Despite batting 8th and 9th, Zuberer and Callil led the team with 2 hits.

The Bandits were able to get on the board in the bottom of the third with a Brennon McNair to score a Jacob Robson leadoff single.

In the top of the 5th, after Robbie Perkins got a leadoff double and advanced to third after the following two batters were out on a double play, he was able to come home from a full-count RBI single by Cam Warner to make it 5-1.

Heading into the bottom of the 8th, with the game at 6-2 and the Bandits facing elimination, Brisbane decided they were not going gently into the night.

With two outs, Will Riley got on base with a 1-1 single to center field and came home from a home run by Hyungchan Um.

Brennon McNair then got on base with a single of his own, and he then was brought home from a home run as well, this time from Mike Hart to tie the game.

Unfortunately, due to light curfew, the game was suspended after the eighth, and will be resumed tomorrow. More specific times will be shared when it is confirmed.

BOX SCORE

12 January 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- ABL 24/25

Australian Baseball League Final Regular Season Round | Clinching Scenarios, Broadcast, Playoff Scenarios, Tickets & Game Info

UPDATE: Here is the story link. It recaps the craziest end to an ABL season we’ve had in a long time. Unbelievable. 

The regular season has come to an end.

Semi Final Series 1: Canberra @ Sydney
Semi Final Series 2: Perth @ Adelaide

04 January 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Game Recaps

Daily Recap & Scores | Saturday 4 January, 2025 | Six games headline Super Saturday

Five games and a pivotal Saturday of Baseball. We’ll update scores here as the day progresses.

Today’s schedule:

– Adelaide 5 def Canberra 3 | BOX SCORE |
– Sydney 6 def Brisbane 4 | BOX SCORE |
– Adelaide 8 def Canberra 1 | BOX SCORE |
– Melbourne 8 def Perth 5 | BOX SCORE |
– Brisbane 9 def Sydney 5 | BOX SCORE |
– Melbourne 5 def Perth 4 | BOX SCORE |

Here’s a look at the updated standings and the playoff race.

The top four make the finals, the top two host a best-of-three series:

1. Sydney 19-11
2. Adelaide 18-13
3. Canberra 15-16
4. Melbourne 14-16
—
5. Perth 14-17
6. Brisbane 12-19

RECAPS

Todd Van Steensal Ties Saves record in close contested first game.

A warm days play at EPC Solar Ballpark saw the Calvary taking on the Giants at home in a 7 innings spectacle between the 2nd and 3rd placed sides.

First runs kicked off quickly from a Niko Hulsizer ground ball RBI.

The scoring continued from the Giants at the top of the second with a 2 run homer from Nick Ward forcing an early 3 run lead. Ward is 31 for 75 at a .413 against Canberra and continued his fine form today. He was in scintillating form today with 2 RBI’s from 2 AB and he scored a run from a catching error from the Cavalry.

Matthews struck back with an RBI to bring it to a 3-1 for the home side, he followed it up with some excellent base running at home to secure the next run for Canberra to bring it to 3-2!

From the mound we saw Bradwell doing the heavy lifting from the Giants, with 5 of the 7 innings pitched with an ER of 3. Canberra had 3 separate pitchers during the 7 innings with Calderon, Kohigashi and Dykhoff combining from an ER of 5.

The Cavalry tied the game in the 5th however Nick Ward continued to shine, taking a 1 run lead with a clinical line drive. This was then followed by a solo home run from Jared Carr, Carr finished the day at bat with a .429 average.

Tense moments in the final inning saw the Cavalry being 3-5 down with 2 on base 2 out. Van Steensel pitching for the saves record up against Upshaw their first at bat. Van Steensel secured the victory for his side and tied the all time ABL saves record with 45! Live the moment here:

Cory Acton Blasts the Blue Sox to victory in resumed game.

With rain post-poning last nights nailbitter between the Sydney Blue Sox and the Brisbane Bandits, both teams were eager to break the deadlock and complete the game before tonights originally scheduled match up.

The Sydney Blue Sox would re-engage the game with 2 outs and a batter on 3rd base. Cory Acton wasted no time blasting a 2 RBI home run over the right field fence on the second pitch he faced.

Will Riley would shut down the Blue Sox innings with an impressive catch at 2B for the Bandits.

But it was too late, the damage had been done. A promising long ball-turn-foul from Dermot Fritsch was the last hope for the home side as the Bandits were struck out. Not before some superman like aerobatics from Blue Sox left fielder Harry Fullerton.

Melbourne Aces Come Back and Defeat Perth Heat 8-5, Tying Round 8 Series.

The Melbourne Aces walked into Saturday evening’s first doubleheader game knowing they needed to respond after Friday night’s 11-5 loss at the bats of the Perth Heat. From the moment Robbie Glendinning stepped into the batter’s box in the top of the first, it was clear this would be a different night. Glendinning quickly delivered an RBI single, sending Jarryd Dale hustling home for the Aces’ first run.

By the third inning, the Aces’ determination shone through once more. Greg Bird, a steady force in Melbourne’s lineup, poked an RBI single to plate Dale for a second time.

Moments later, Glendinning continued his hot start, crossing the plate when a routine grounder was mishandled at shortstop. With a sudden 3-0 advantage, the Aces looked poised to repay the Heat for yesterday’s defeat. Aaron Whitefield added to the momentum in the fourth, launching a solo homer over the wall, pushing the lead to 4-0.

Not wanting to be shut out on their home field, the Heat found a brief spark in the bottom half of that same inning. Angel Mateo lifted a sacrifice fly deep enough to bring in a run, cutting the deficit to 4-1.

But the visiting Aces remained relentless. Chris Burke’s double in the fifth opened the floodgates further, knocking in two more runs to extend Melbourne’s lead to 6-1.

Then, in the sixth, Glendinning stepped into the spotlight yet again and crushed a two-run homer that seemed to put the game out of reach at 8-1.

Down seven, Perth refused to give up. Mateo hit an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth, and Carlos Colmenarez followed with a run-scoring single. The Heat now trailed 8-3, but they wouldn’t go quietly. In the bottom of the seventh, Ulrich Bojarski reminded everyone of Perth’s firepower, smashing a two-run homer—his second blast of the series—to bring the Heat within three runs.

That final rally, however, proved too late. When the last out was made, the scoreboard read 8-5 in favor of the Aces.

With the series now even at one game even, Melbourne’s performance served as a statement of resilience and a reminder that they can erupt at the plate just as easily as the Heat. Meanwhile, Perth will look to regroup quickly before the night’s second game, hoping to recapture the explosive offense that had propelled them just 24 hours earlier.

BOX SCORE

Double Rainbows in the Capital as the Giants take the Cavalry 8-1

A lightning storm could not stop Adelaide from partying into the Knight as they continue their quest for the top seed.

The Adelaide Giants struck first in the top of the second with a two-out RBI single from Briley Knight.

Knight later hit a 2-run blast to right field in the top of the fourth, followed by an RBI single in the top of the sixth as he finished the game going 3-for-4 from the plate with 4 RBIs.

Jared Carr picked up 2 RBIs as he went 2-for-4 at the plate, including an RBI double in the top of the fifth that made it a 5-0 ballgame.

The Cavalry’s lone run came from a sacrifice fly from Robbie Perkins in the bottom of the sixth.

On the mound, Giants starter Matt Osterberg pitched 6.0 innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 walk, while striking out three as he didn’t allow a single earned run. He even went 4.2 perfect innings before giving up a single on an 0-2 count.

The game was closed by Estibenzon Jimenez, who pitched 3.0 no-hit innings in relief, allowing just one baserunner from a walk as he struck out 5.

Adelaide will look to win the series and Canberra will seek to get back to .500 in the win percentage as they play game 4 of tomorrow.

BOX SCORE

The Bandits blast three home runs as they take the game 9-5

The Blue Sox have their lead in the standings reduced to 1.5 games as the end of the season gets closer.

While an Alberto Rios RBI single in the top of the third put Sydney on the scoreboard first, the Bandits were able to respond with their own RBI single from Max Durrington in the bottom of the fourth.

Brisbane later took the lead in the following inning off a solo home run from Mike Hart.

Hart would add to the Bandits lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth.

But it was two-time CPBL All-Star Namoh Iyang who would put an exclamation mark to Brisbane’s bat-mashing with a bludgeoning 3-run blast in the bottom of the fifth to make it a 6-1 game.

Both Hart and Iyang would finish the game with 2 hits each and 2 and 3 Rbis respectively to lead the Bandits.

The Blue Sox appeared to be knocking on the door in the top of the sixth with back-to-back singles from Jake MacKenzie and Jaylin Rae, who both advanced to scoring position before being brought home from a sacrifice fly from Andy Atwood and an RBI single from Cory Acton, making it a 6-3 game.

However, the Bandits responded with a much-needed 2-RBI double from Brennon McNair, as the Blue Sox would later score another 2 runs from a Solomon Maguire pinch-hit home runny another sacrifice fly from Andy Atwood.

And, just for good measure, in the bottom of the eighth, Will Riley made sure to put the game out of reach with a solo home run.

Gunnar Kings picked up the victory, even though it might not have been the best performance we have seen from him, going 6.0 innings while allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, and 3 earned runs as he struck out 6.

The game was closed by Carter Hope, who pitched 2.0 shutout innings, allowing just a single hit.

The series will finish tomorrow as the Blue Sox hope to regain some footing in the standings while the Bandits will seek to play spoilers.

BOX SCORE

Melbourne Aces Hold Lead Against Perth Heat 5-4, Gain Edge In Round 8 Series 2-1

The second game of Saturday’s doubleheader between the Melbourne Aces and Perth Heat was a roller coaster that ended with the Aces holding on for a 5-4 victory—giving them a 2-1 edge in Round 8 heading into Sunday’s finale. For the second straight contest, Robbie Glendinning played a pivotal role in Melbourne’s offense, and he ultimately sealed the game with a clutch defensive grab in the ninth.

It was Glendinning who put the Aces on the board in the top of the third inning. After a pair of scoreless frames, he rocketed an RBI double into the gap, plating the game’s first run and putting Melbourne ahead 1-0.

Yet the Heat struck back immediately in their half of the inning. Tim Kennelly hit an incredible milestone of 500 hits, becoming the 2nd ever player to do so (Andrew Scott – 521) and 1st in the modern ABL.

Jess Williams and Johnny Ascanio both crossed home on a fielder’s choice to first base, flipping the score to 2-1 in favor of Perth.

Melbourne responded in the top of the fourth when Mitchell Edwards drew the Aces level with a timely RBI double, knotting the contest at 2-2.

From there, both bullpens settled in, keeping the game deadlocked until the seventh. That’s when Glendinning delivered once again, rifling another double to drive in a go-ahead run (3-2).

An inning later, Jarrod Belbin provided Melbourne with extra breathing room, launching a solo home run to left that stretched the lead to 4-2.

Facing the bottom third of Perth’s lineup in the ninth, the Aces tacked on a vital insurance run first. Glendinning—who else—stepped to the plate and singled home another run, making it 5-2 before Melbourne handed the ball back to their relievers. But the Heat showed they weren’t finished yet. In the bottom half of the ninth, a ground ball double play off the bat of Johnny Ascanio brought a run across, trimming the deficit to 5-3. The out call at first was controversial—some in the Heat dugout felt Ascanio had beaten the throw. Moments later, Jhon Diaz punched a single through the infield, plating another run and cutting the Aces’ lead to just one.

With the tying run on base, it seemed Perth’s late rally might continue. That was until Glendinning, already responsible for three RBIs, made a running catch in right field to end the ballgame. His final heroics sealed an 8-5 triumph in the day’s opener, followed by a nail-biting 5-4 win in the nightcap.

Both teams now turn their attention to Sunday’s showdown, set for 2:00 p.m. AWST, where the Heat will attempt to split the series and the Aces will aim to leave Perth with a third victory in Round 8.

BOX SCORE

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