The Perth Heat is the first team to reach the championship series in the Australian Baseball League. They shut out the Sydney Blue Sox 6-0 on Friday to sweep the best-of-three series 2-0. Trevor Caughey (W 1-0) allowed just five hits in six scoreless innings to lead the way. Three runs in the third and three in the eighth provided the necessary run support. Luke Hughes highlighted the first rally with a two-run double. Wayne Lundgren (L 0-1) gave up five hits, three runs and a walk in seven innings to take the loss.
The second semi-final series is also already over. The Adelaide Bite used a missed catch error by pitcher Jeff Jamnik in the top of the eleventh en route to score the decisive run in a 4-3 victory over the Melbourne Aces. With the win they swept the best-of-three series 2-0 and will face the Blue Sox next week, trying to advance into the finals. The Aces will finish in fourth place in the final standings. Adrian Burnside (W 1-0) got the win after pitching five brilliant one-hit innings of scoreless relief. Brandon Maurer (Adelaide) and Adam Blackley (Melbourne) had issued three runs each in six, respective seven innings.
Results Semi-Final:
Thursday, January 27:
Adelaide Bite – Melbourne Aces 14-2
Sydney Blue Sox – Perth Heat 2-4
Friday, January 28:
Melbourne Aces – Adelaide Bite 3-4 (11)
Perth Heat – Sydney Blue Sox 6-0
(Perth Heat, Adelaide Bite win Series 2-0)
Live play by play of the Australian Baseball League is available through the official website