UNBEATEN and near flawless in all aspects, the Newport Rams are enjoying the ride while it lasts in the Baseball Victoria summer league division 2.
The Rams have been merciless in the opening three weeks of the season with a three-peat of crushing wins sending them to equal top of the table.
The mercy-rule had to be enacted by the umpires after seven innings such was their dominance in Sunday’s 12-0 whitewash of the Port Melbourne Mariners at KC White Reserve.
Rams assistant coach Gavin Young could not have envisaged a better start to 2012-13.
“It’s still early and there’s a lot of baseball still to be had, but it’s where we want to be at the start of the season,” he told the Weekly.
“We didn’t want to give up any games early on.
“We’ll keep building and getting better as the year goes on. It’s a good position to be in.”
The Rams had the Mariners reeling early.
They piled on nine runs in three innings and there was no catching them.
Power hitter Dean Malthouse laid the foundations for the Rams with three hits and three RBIs.
“He’s just been outstanding with the bat this year,” Young said.
“He’s coming up with several hits every week and scoring the runs, which he’s in the line-up to do. He’s just a powerful guy.”
Malthouse’s experience in the game has been invaluable for the Rams.
He is well travelled, having spent the best part of five years playing in the college system in the US, and is happy to pass on his knowledge. “For someone with his experience in the game, he sets it up with the young side that we have,” Young said.
Defensively, the Rams have been nasty, giving up just seven runs in three games.
Griffin Weir worked the first four innings on the mound, Liam Vicary-Lovegrove relieved for two, and Matthew Lawman completed the shutout.
Lawman is a critical piece in what is a largely young Rams side.
He’s the backbone of the defence with his ability to make the big plays at shortstop.
“Matty’s been solid up the middle for us,” Young said.
“We’ve got a pretty good defensive side. Virtually every player in the side has played state level baseball, so they all know the importance of defence.”
The Rams hit the road on Sunday for a clash with Chelsea at Edithvale Road Reserve.
Summer League
Firsts: Newport 12 d Port Melbourne 0
Seconds: Newport 11 d Port Melbourne 2
Thirds: Port Melbourne 7 lt Newport 21
