Bay of Plenty Steamrollers vs Auckland Aces
True, to their name Bay of Plenty have steamrolled through their opposition this year. After going 106-62 last season, they've simply upped their game to go 108-60. The addition of Finlay Mackay was critical as he went for .363/.480/.638 for the season with 46 home runs and 132 RBIs. They'll be determined to avoid the fate of last season when they were outplayed by Otago in the New Zealand final to be bundled out early.
The Auckland Aces had to fight hard to even be here -- they didn't even confirm their spot until the second-to-last game. Key players for Auckland include second baseman Katip "Oil Can" Hulleman. At 40 years old, he's still putting up slash lines like .319/.452/.540 and doesn't seem keen to stop at all. His two year contract with the Aces is up at the end of the season but he's indicated that he's not ready to retire.
The Aces push the Steamrollers hard but they break the deadlock in the 11th. Steamrollers 1-0
The two teams go to extra innings again but this time it ends in Auckland's favour. The series is now tied up as they move to Auckland for the next three.
The Bay of Plenty pitchers shutout Auckland while their offense piled on the runs throughout the game to take game three 7-0. Bay of Plenty take the lead back 2-1.
A big 5th innings is the key to the Bay of Plenty win today as they grab a 6-3 win to bring them up to a 3-1 One win away.
...And that's a wrap. The Steamrollers annihilate the Aces 10-2 to win the series and book their place in their second straight New Zealand final. Next up, Otago Thunderbolts vs Northland Giants.