Melbourne Aces on way to Sweep over Brisbane Bandits in ABL

The Melbourne Aces and the Brisbane Bandits continued their four-game series on Wednesday with a doubleheader. Melbourne’s bats dominated like on Tuesday and lifted the Aces to two more wins. They can complete the sweep on Thursday.

In game one Melbourne nearly blew a commanding lead in the last inning en route to a 12-10 victory. Brisbane, which was led by two-homerun performances by Josh Roberts and Brad Dutton threatened to come back in the seventh, but the five-run rally was not enough. Josh Davies (4-4, 3 runs, 3 RBI), Justin Huber and Paul Rutgers (3-3, 5 RBI) went deep for the Aces, which had taken an early 8-3 lead.

In the second game not only the Melbourne offense impressed, but also their pitching. Adam Blackley (W 2-2) had his best start this season, going the distance to lead the Aces to a 10-0 shutout in seven innings. He allowed just two hits and two walks, while striking out ten. Yoshiyuki Kamai set the highlight at the plate with a grand slam. Huber followed with a solo shot. Rutgers scored three runs. Tristan McDonald drove in three.

Results:
Thursday, December 16:
Adelaide – Sydney 4-3
Canberra – Perth 7-5
Friday, December 17:
Canberra – Perth 9-5
Adelaide – Sydney 0-5
Saturday, December 18:
Canberra – Perth 1-8
Canberra – Perth 6-4
Adelaide – Sydney 7-3
Sunday, December 19:
Melbourne – Canberra ppd
Adelaide – Sydney 0-4
Monday, December 20:
Melbourne – Canberra 20-3 (7)
Melbourne – Canberra 2-3 (7)
Tuesday, December 21:
Melbourne – Brisbane 18-8 (8)
Wednesday, December 22:
Melbourne – Brisbane 12-10 (7)
Melbourne – Brisbane 10-0 (7)