The playoffs in the Australian Baseball League season 2011/2012 started on Thursday with a pair of thrilling games. The Melbourne Aces stunned last year’s champion and reigning regular season dominator Perth Heat 8-7 in ten innings. After an exciting exchange of seven runs combined in the ninth, Melbourne scored the winning run in the top of the first extra inning on a RBI single by Elliot Biddle. Perth loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half of the frame, but Mitchell Graham grounded into a game-ending double play.
Dominic Ramos (Melbourne) and Tim Kennelly (Perth) hit homeruns in the game. Travis Blackley struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings, starting for Melbourne. Cameron Forbes received the win, Benn Grice the loss. The Aces now lead 1-0 in the best-of-five series. The winner will advance directly to the championship series, while the loser will play the winner of the second matchup.
In this duel the Sydney Blue Sox are up by a game after defeating the Adelaide Bite 5-3. Three runs in the third inning on a two-run shot by David Kandilas and a RBI single by Boss Moanaroa gave them an early 3-0 advantage en route to victory lane. The people in the stands saw a duel of former and current Neptunus pitchers on the mound, as Craig Anderson (W, 1-0) out-pitched Dushan Ruzic (L, 0-1). Anderson struck out seven in 6 2/3 strong innings for the win.
Results Playoffs Round 1:
Thursday, January 26:
Adelaide – Sydney 3-5
Perth – Melbourne 7-8 (10)
For more information visit the official website of the Australian Baseball League
