Baseball: Rams swooped by Magpies

The Rockingham Rams State Baseball League side provided tons of excitement but were unable to put runs on the board when they took on the Wembley Magpies at Hourglass Reserve on Sunday.

Picture by Steve Powell

The gamewas a real pitching duel, with import pitchers on the mound for both sides.

Rams pitcher Jacob Clem could not be hit early as he continually found the inside of the plate.

The Rams hitters had some opportunities early, but it wasn’t until the fifth inning when back-to-back hits to Benn Grice, Jeff Wishart and Clem saw the Rams break the 0-0 deadlock.

But it was short lived, with a fielding error allowing the Magpies to level.

In the top of the eighth, a diving stop by third baseman Troy Scott wasn’t enough to prevent the Magpies from scoring again, and Clem was replaced on the mound by Grice.

After getting the lead-off man aboard and playing some short ball, the Magpies scored again in the top of the ninth to take the lead to 4-1.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Rams got the tying run to the plate with one out, but were again unable to capitalise, with the game ending at 4-1 and the Magpies’ pitcher Matt Erickson throwing t h e complete game.

The AAA game was all about Rams pitcher Remco Gorisse throwing a complete game shut-out to guide his side to a 5-0 win over third-placed Wembley.

Gorisse was able to limit Wembley to six hits and was well supported with some double plays. Gareth Jones was best with the bat for the Rams.

After a disappointing return from the Christmas break, the colts were able to regain some confidence with an impressive 7-2 win over Wembley.

Rams pitcher Steve Hewitt was dominant on the mound, striking out seven in his four innings of work. With scores at 4-1 late in the game it was Jack Barnes who came up with the clutch hit to score two and give the Rams a commanding lead.

The last time the Single As played Wembley, the game ended in a 6-6 draw.

On Sunday, it was all about Wembley as they cruised to a 15-6 win.

Rams starter Michael Wildman did well early to keep his team in touch.

C-Grade took on the Wanneroo Giants at home and Dave Halpin managed to squeeze one down the left field line for a stand-up double.

Danny Taylor collected two hits. Unfortunately, the class of the Wanneroo line-up prevailed, with them cruising to a 15-2 win.