The Canberra Cavalry opened the second season of the Australian Baseball League with a four-game home stand against the Brisbane Bandits last weekend.
In front of a record 1,685 strong crowd on Friday night, the new-look Cavalry shut out the Bandits 6-0.
Expectations were high as fans arrived at Narrabundah Ballpark (AKA Fort Narrabundah) for the 3pm start to Saturday’s double header. Warm late spring weather greeted a revamped Canberra line-up, with starting catcher Kyle Perkins being the only position player continuing from last year.
Scoring opportunities were limited as both pitchers, Brisbane’s Alex Maestri and the Cavalry’s Tristan Crawford, kept batters off balance with control and location. Finally in the top of the fourth the Bandits got on the scoreboard courtesy of first baseman David Sutherland’s two out RBI single. Sutherland would end up having a stellar day, going four for four in the afternoon game and two for four in the evening. Without recording a hit Canberra, drew level in the fifth when Kellen Kmiecik scored thanks to two Brisbane fielding errors and a passed ball from catcher Jay Nilsson.
The Bandits regained the lead with two more runs in the top of the sixth, only to see the Cavalry get one back in the bottom half. Going into the seventh with a one run advantage, Brisbane blew it open with four runs on four hits, all coming with two out.
Trailing by five entering their half of the ninth, the home team briefly gave supporters some reason for hope when, after adding two runs, still had runners on base. But Brisbane manager Kevin Jordan brought on his closer John Veitch who secured the win for the visitors.
The second game of Saturday’s twinbill saw the visitors again opening the scoring this time with two runs in the second inning. To the delight of the locals Canberra responded immediately in their turn at the plate, taking the lead via DH Ty Morrison’s two out bases clearing double. Unfortunately for their supporters, the Cavalry couldn’t protect their advantage with Sutherland, who continued to pound Canberra pitching, driving in the tying run before then scoring the go ahead run on Keiji Nakahara’s triple.
The middle innings saw hitters struggle against good pitching but finally the Cavalry, roared on by the parochial crowd drew level in the sixth after a lead off homer by first baseman Brian Burgamy. Indeed, they might have taken the lead later that inning had John Tolisano slid into home when attempting to score on Travis Scott’s single but inexplicably he missed stepping on the plate and was tagged out by catcher Ayatsuga Yamashita.
However, the Canberra second baseman would make amends and go from villain to hero in a big way. Leading off the ninth with scores locked at four apiece and extra innings beckoning Tolisano slammed the second pitch he saw over the right field fence for a dramatic walk off win in front of a delirious crowd. It was a sweet end to an enthralling day’s entertainment.
The series finale was the Sunday matinee begun under steamy conditions and threatening storm clouds. In contrast to Saturday’s games it was the Cavalry who this time scored first with two runs in the 2nd. Brisbane’s reply was immediate going in front with three in the third.
This trend set the pattern for the next few half innings with each side posting runs that either put them ahead or tied the game up. After going back in front in the sixth Bandit’s relievers Steven Chambers and Chris Mowday combined to shut out the home team and split the series.
Despite having to settle for a share of the spoils, it was an encouraging opening weekend for Cavalry fans and augurs well for the season ahead. Canberra is next at home against Melbourne starting Thursday 24th November.
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