The Rams make do with share of spoils

The Rockingham Rams shared the spoils with WA Baseball League rivals Wembley Magpies in Sunday’s double-header round at Hourglass Reserve.

Game one starter Benn Grice was outstanding for the home side, pitching a complete game shut-out which laid the foundation for the Rams’ first win of the new season.

Rockingham got on the board early when import catcher Lucas Shaw hit a laser shot to right centre field.

The score remained 1-0 until the fifth inning when, with two out and bases loaded, Stuart Johnson produced a clutch to drive home another two runs and lift the home side to a 3-0 lead.

Mark Clay was able to drive home Tyler Keeping in the sixth to extend the Rams’ advantage.

Grice then shut down the Magpies in the top half to end the game.

Game two proved to be a head-to-head pitching duel with another brilliant outing from Rockingham’s Will Musson.

Unfortunately it was the similar story to the previous weekend’s loss to West Stirling for Musson, with the Rams’ offence unable to offer any support in a 2-0 loss.

The home side had numerous opportunities to score, but came up trumps each time, while Musson collected 13 strike-outs through nine innings.

Meanwhile, errors were the enemy of Rockingham’s AAA squad, with eight blunders costing them hopes of victory in a 15-5 loss.

Pitcher Travis Bass impressed in his first start for the season since injuring his ankle, but ultimately had little support from his field.

The AA squad began their match slowly, allowing five runs in the first inning.

Rams pitcher Steve Hewitt was able to settle and, aided by a two-run homer to Matt Farrell, they stormed back into the game. They had their chances late, but could not reel in their opponents, who took the points 8-6.

The colts had a dramatic come-from- behind win with Bailey Fisher laying down a walk-off squeeze bunt to score the winning run in a thrilling 6-5 victory.

Rockingham’s C-Grade were narrowly outpointed by Peel 9-8, while the D-Grade side lowered their colours 12-0 against the same opposition.

The Rams’ State League squad have a return to action tomorrow night against Wanneroo before the club travels to Meville to take on the Braves on Sunday.