By ADEM SARICAOGLU
THE Werribee Giants enjoyed a good week in Division Two Summer League baseball, scoring back-to-back wins against Mulgrave.
In the first of those two battles on Wednesday night at Altona’s Melbourne Ballpark, the Giants easily accounted for Mulgrave to come away with a 7-3 win.
Then, in the return game on Sunday at Werribee’s President’s Park, the Giants did it again, this time scoring a 3-2 win to take their season record to 5-3.
While coach Phil Balzer remains comfortable with his side’s progress, he does admit his Giants need to improve their offence as the Christmas break approaches.
“We scored six runs in one inning on Wednesday and one in another, and then scored three in one inning today,” Balzer explained.
“Over the 16 or 17 innings played we only scored in three of them, so from that point of view we need to be more productive with our batting than what we’ve been over that time.
“We won, so we’re happy with that, but we need to improve if we want to compete with the top teams.”
Pitcher Dane Gregory held the fort well on the mound in Wednesday’s game, while Matt Howe and import Chad Northcott were both impressive with the bat, drawing praise from Balzer.
“Dane went five innings and was pretty solid for us,” Balzer said.
“He’s one of our two’s pitchers but got the start on Wednesday and he’ll get the start this Wednesday (against Port Melbourne).
“I think he gave up a run in the first inning then went four innings with shut-out pitching and then gave up another couple in the fifth.
“Hitting-wise Chad Northcott was exceptional on Wednesday night, as was Matty Howe, once again.”
The Giants will face Port Melbourne in another fixture under lights this Wednesday evening in Altona before fronting up for the return clash on the road this Sunday.
