By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WILLIAMSTOWN has cemented itself as the team to beat ahead of the Division Two Summer League Baseball post-season, which kicks off this week.
The Wolves ended the regular season on Saturday on top of the table with just four losses to their name after easily accounting for Moorabbin – their opponent in the semis this week – 11-1 on the road.
Coach Dean Marnell was obviously pleased with such a formidable result against a fellow finalist, but did admit after the game Moorabbin had its foot off the gas pedal.
“We were really positive from the start,” Marnell said.
“We thought it would be a good hit-out before the finals, but unfortunately the opposition didn’t really come to play.
“They were holding back saving everything for Wednesday night (game one of the semi final series), but we looked at it and thought we’d keep the momentum going into the finals.
“So in that regard it was really good.”
Marnell chose to give most of his bullpen a look-in on Saturday, with David Asp, Jason Lester, Nathan Rogers and Josh Lee all spending time on the mound.
With three defensive double plays made in the infield and Williamstown’s base-runners getting the job done throughout the day, Marnell said he was pleased with all facets of the game and was confident his Wolves will be able to replicate that form this week.
“The key is that first game and the boys are feeling confident and we’re ready to rock and roll on Wednesday,” Marnell said.
“We’ll face Andrew Dewar, and he’s a good pitcher for Moorabbin. He’s been one of the best pitchers in the league this year and he’ll be tough, but we’ve got the team, I reckon.
“We hit deep into our line-up, so one through nine we’re solid, and defensively we match it with anyone. We’re one of the better teams defensively in the league, so I think we’ll put in a good show over the next week.”
The winner of the three-game series between Williamstown and Moorabbin will face either Werribee or Springvale in the grand final – where the eventual champion will be guaranteed promotion into Division One.
