By Ewen McRae
Newport Rams have continued is perfect start to the summer baseball season, but not without a slight scare against Malvern on Sunday.
Despite the final scoreline of the division 2 firsts game indicating a 13-3 win to the Rams, Malvern trailed by just one run going into the final inning.
But the Newport batters found their range and put the game to bed.
While it was tight on the scoreboard, Newport coach David Asp said he never thought his side would drop the game.
“We were a bit slow out of the blocks, but I always thought we had them at arm’s length,” Asp said. “We held them pretty well throughout the day. They got a few cheap runs to stay in it, but it just took the one good innings at the plate for us and that was that.”
Asp started himself on the mound for the first three innings, with Riley Barr taking over midway through the day as Malvern struggled to penetrate the Rams’ defense.
Newport also struggled at times, but was able to open up a 3-1 lead after three innings, with the sides then trading blows to move to 4-3 at the top of the ninth. A powerhouse hitting display from Newport sealed the game from there, with Dean Malthouse and Justin Gil both landing powerful blows.
Asp said the 6-0 start to the summer was pleasing and his side was aiming high.
“We’ve really gelled together well, so it’s been a fun start to the season,” Asp said.
“It’s early on, but our expectation is obviously to play finals and then see how we go from there. We think that’s a very achievable goal.
“With the way our pitching roster and defensive work is going, we think it will be a strong season.”
