New import Eric Kline brushed off jet lag to play a significant role in the Newport Rams’ shock 5-3 road win over the Essendon Bombers in Baseball Victoria summer league division 1 at Boeing Reserve on Sunday.
Kline touched down at Tullamarine from the US on Thursday, three days before making his much-anticipated debut for the Rams, and settled in to his new surrounds with aplomb.
The 25-year-old pitched two solid innings in relief, held down first base when not on the mound and picked up two telling hits on a day dominated by defence.
Rams assistant coach Gavin Young said it was clear Kline was going to be a formidable asset.
“He’s still acclimatising, but he showed that he’s going to be good for us this year,” he said.
“He’s settled in well in his first game, came in to pitch at a critical time in the game and was able to throw strikes. He showed that he can swing the bat as well.”
It was a famous win for the young Rams, who entered the game on the back of two losses to start the season.
The Bombers are never an easy proposition and certainly not on their home diamond.
Last summer, the Rams were twice denied victory in ninth-inning heartbreakers against the Bombers, but not on this occasion.
This was “probably” the Rams’ best win since the club’s return to the top-flight last season, their first under new coach David White.
“It was a big day out,” Young said. “Our side, compared to last year, is not as strong with the personnel and the depth. The difference is we’ve got guys who are going to give you everything they’ve got. That’s what showed today.”
Griffin Weir was back to his best on the mound. The starting pitcher found his location early and never let up.
He was backed up by an outstanding defensive performance from the Rams, led by shortstop Jordan Young, who made a handful of big plays at crucial times.
“It was a game where guys just backed each other up,” Young said. “It was a good team effort.”
The next three games are important in the context of the Rams’ season.
They face two sides – Sandringham Royals, on Sunday, and local rivals Williamstown Wolves twice the following week – who are at similar stages of their development as the Rams.
“We’ve got to be able to beat these up-and- coming teams,” Young said.
