Stubborn defence was the key for Newport Rams in a 13-8 win over Waverley Wildcats in Baseball Victoria summer league division 1 on Sunday.
The Rams remained error-free despite a strong wind blowing at KC White Reserve that undoubtedly favoured the hitters.
Jordan and Jeremy Young and Zac Seipolt let few balls pass them in the outfield, while Matt Lawman was impenetrable at shortstop.
PICTURE GALLERY: Newport Rams v Waverley Wildcats
“We made some outstanding plays today,” Rams assistant coach Gavin Young said.
“The wind was blowing out and our outfielders ran down several balls in the outfield.
“They [the opposition] couldn’t … that was the difference today.”
The Rams took full advantage of the breeze at the back in the batters box. They crossed home plate in four of their eight innings, including a game-busting seven-run seventh inning.
Jordan Young, Dean Malthouse and Dean Anglin had three hits apiece.
Lawman capped a fine outing with two walks and a towering three-run home run over left field that set the scene in his first dig.
For Anglin, who is hitting just .194 this season, it was a welcome return to form.
“Today he came out and got a couple of crucial knocks at the right times,” Young said. “To his credit, he’s fought it out over the last couple of weeks when he’s been struggling, and today he came out and got it done.”
Rams starter Griffin Weir went five innings with damage limitation at the forefront of his mind.
Weir conceded a respectable three runs on five hits with two walks.
Travis Bass gave up five runs on six hits in two innings of relief and Jeremy Young closed out the game.
The pitchers were indebted to their defence.
“We stayed defensively strong,” Young said. “When we do that and don’t make any errors and throw strikes, we can contend with anyone.” The two sides will square off again at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona at 8.50 tonight.
The Rams (4-5) will back up on Sunday for a third game inside a week on the road at Upwey-Ferntree Gully.
Meanwhile, Williamstown Wolves’ (6-4) up and down form in division 2 took a dip with a 5-1 loss to Berwick (5-5) on Sunday.
The Wolves have slipped to fourth on the ladder ahead of Sunday’s trip to Malvern (5-5).
