By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WILLIAMSTOWN was again saluted as the best team in Division Two Summer League Baseball after coming out on top of Springvale in a dramatic three-game grand final series on Sunday.
The Wolves needed all three games to get the job done after dropping game two in extra innings on Saturday.
The decider on Sunday proved to be a formality and was decided courtesy of the mercy rule in the middle of the seventh inning – with Williamstown’s powerful hitting line-up managing to get the better of Springvale’s depleted pitching stocks in the 18-4 win.
Among the post-game celebrations, proud coach and first baseman Dean Marnell credited his side’s extra depth in the bullpen with the game-three turnaround.
Melbourne Aces star import Freddy Flores was the biggest obstacle for Williamstown to overcome as he dominated on the mound for Springvale in game two.
On Sunday, the Lions again turned to Flores when they were in trouble at the top of the fifth down 8-4 – which for Marnell – marked the moment he knew his Wolves had one hand on the pennant.
“He is unbelievable and such a good pitcher,” Marnell said of Flores.
“When they brought him in today, we knew we had probably got them because the amount of pitches he threw yesterday (meant) it was going to be hard for him to back it up again and it showed. He didn’t have as much dip on his fast ball.
“I just think we had more pitchers in reserve. We had Josh Lee come in and throw an outstanding game towards the end and their pitching wasn’t quite up to it. They were a bit fatigued.”
While Williamstown was better in the pitching stakes, it was its extremely potent offensive line-up, particularly in Sunday’s drubbing, that proved just as lethal.
Led brilliantly by left-fielder and club president Ryan Camov, the Wolves ran rampant in the fourth inning with a stunning seven-run burst.
Also impressive with the bat were Russell Moldenhauer and Chris Mason throughout the series.
The grand final win was Williamstown’s second in as many summers, but the Wolves did not earn promotion into Division One after claiming the 2012/13 title.
Strict junior requirements kept Williamstown from the top flight, but after going back-to-back in such emphatic style and successfully raising its junior numbers within the past 12 months, the Wolves expect to be part of the big time next summer.
“It’s great to see Williamstown’s up and alive again,” Marnell said.
“Having Ryan Camov as president and getting Ray Baker in as junior co-ordinator has just been sensational for the club.”
