Australian Baseball League: Playoffs 1/31/14
ABL Scoreboard: January 31
It may seem more than a little nuts to mention this now, but fans were expecting a pitching duel. This game was supposed to be one of those epic battles that went scoreless until a runner or two came home through dogged perseverance and a little bit of luck. Maybe it would get busted open a bit with the proverbial bloop and blast. Maybe it would go to extra frames. In front of a record setting crowd at The Fort, maybe evaporated into the unexpected.
The Sydney Blue Sox churned out 23 hits and sent runners across the plate 18 times. The Canberra Cavalry tallied 17 knocks and brought 11 home. While the Sox defense coughed up three errors, their bats were bolstered by two big dingers from Oeltjen and Broxton, and a double from Shepherd. Even though the Cavs only had one miscue, the team wasn’t able to capitalize on every chance. A two-bagger from Frawley accounted for all their extra bases on the night.
In a word, it was carnage. 40 hits, 29 runs, and a wild evening of baseball.
Story by Tyler Maun for ABL | Story by David Polkinghorne for Canberra Times
Story by Kate Orme for Blue Sox | Story by Stephanie Godlewski for Cavalry
ABL Action: February 1
After dropping the first game at home, it’s now or never for the Canberra Cavalry. With a road win in their favor, the Sydney Blue Sox are looking to clinch on their own ground at Blacktown. Cole and Whelan will be taking the hill hoping to quiet some bats tonight. Game two of a best of three begins at 11:00 p.m. PST on the 31st of January or 2:00 a.m. EST on the 1st of February.
Either the Canberra Cavalry or Sydney Blue Sox will be traveling to face the Perth Heat at Barbagallo Ballpark for the ABLCS. It might be decided tonight.
Streams for the games can be found at the Australian Baseball League website. Click on the tab that says “Watch Live” and enjoy some playoff baseball.