Friday 1st November seen Round 3 for Shoalhaven Mariners Baseball down at Ison Park. It was a little windy but that didn’t stop our junior kids getting out there and having a go.
T Ball
T-ball started the training session off with a new throwing exercise where the players practiced their throwing skills and began to throw on their side with get pointing towards their target. We also ran an obstacle course what Bohdi Atwater showed off his ‘super-fast running’ skills and a hitting and base running game to get the kids used to running around after a hit.
All players showed great enthusiasm, with Lalinta Quiney being the first to offer her ideas for the obstacle course and Grace Wilson and Lily-Rose Palmer always willing to join in and have lots of fun.
Game Time During our game all the players really shone.
We had some great hits from Patrick Doran, Thomas Lalancette and Bohdi Atwater. An excellent hit past the bases and between first and second was made by Bohdi Atwater.
I am also super proud of how Patrick Doran improved from swinging as fast as he could to watching the ball carefully, which ended up with him making a beautiful hit down the centre.
We also had some great base running from Matilda Lewis (Tilly) , who never gave up and persevered despite her too big helmet bouncing with her every step.
Thomas Lalancette and Lexi Balzke did amazing in the pitcher’s spot and made some great throws back to the pitcher. Thomas paid great attention to what was going on in the game so he was ready for when the ball came to him.
It is so great to see our players improving and learning the game so quickly already and can’t wait for another fun game.
Zooka/Juniors
Zooka/Junior baseball Mariners welcomed some new players Morgan Lewis, Milla Balzke and Kai Balzke who have joined us from Sydney and brought all they have learned from their previous club, even their dad Josh Balzke was able to get in and help us out with some knowledgeable coaching.
The night started out with a vigorous jog around the park then into stretches. Training exercises for the night were 4 stations working on throwing (pitching into rubber matting), hitting off tees with foam balls, catching fly tennis balls we also saw some speed around the bases in cat and mouse and speed training around the cones. Players are really enjoying the variety of skills being taught and love using them in the game of the night.
With a few players away for the night they spilt into two teams and took the field, there were some great hits by both teams and a couple of great catches by Lochlan Quiney at Pitcher , Arana Palmer on first base and Max Isreal-Marquis making a play at second. Allison Davis showed us she has what it takes to be a catcher and guide her team. Kai Balzke was at 1st base who took some great catches and a couple of outs too. There was no stopping Lochlan Quiney and Kai Balzke who worked well together.
It was great to hear the kids supporting each other and encouraging their team mates, it is going to be a great season as we see the kids develop their skills and learn the game.
Junior League
Junior League played Sunday 3rd November at Fred Finch Park in Berkeley against Northern Pirates Blue.
First innings started with Mariners up to bat first. Lochlan Quiney first off the innings seen him get on base before stealing his way around to unfortunately get caught stealing third base, only player to make it on base that innings seen a scoreless innings for Mariners. Pirates up to bat seen a strong batting line up with 5 of the 6 batters making it over home plate safely putting score at 5-0.
Second innings saw Pirates too strong in the pitching and fielding efforts to keep Mariners scoreless. Mariners fielding warmed up in innings two with Hayden Symmans making 2 outs at first base to close down the innings with only 1 run scored.
Third innings Mariners came out bats on fire with 9 batters facing the pitcher, with 7 players making it on base moving their way around by batters and wild pitches 3 made it home safely. Bringing the score to 6-3. Pirates up into the batter’s box saw some nice hits and even better base running to bring 5 across home plate.
Fourth inning saw Cooper Stibbard up to bat first having a nice clean hit out to right field to get him on base before trying to make a sneaky steal at home plate and getting called out. Pirates into bat for the last time of the day saw massive hits out to centre Field, left field and third base to bring home another 4 runs.
Fifth and final innings Mariners came back into bat once again with the sport held high Mackenzie Mannix started the inning getting on base before moving his way around to gain home plate safely. Daniel Lawler, Riley Mason and Cooper Stibbard all followed suit to bring 5 over home plate leaving an ending score of 15-8. What a great effort made by the team to make a comeback like that.
Pitching duties were shared between Mitchell Parrott with 44 pitches, 21 strikes 1 strike out and Hayden Symmans with 35 pitches, 17 strikes. Catching duties for the day done by Mackenzie Mannix.
Any information about Junior Baseball give Samantha Harbinson a call on 0472713114.
