Canberra Power vs Newcastle Ducks
Measured by runs conceded, we've got the two best pitching teams in Australia on display here. The Ducks will have a tough time trying to keep the Power contained and out of their third straight final. Canberra have a 9-3 advantage over Newcastle this season.
The Ducks had no problem getting the hits on the board but couldn't convert them into runs -- 11 hits from the Ducks turned into 1 run while 12 hits from the Power was converted into a much more impressive 7. The difference, Power (as in force multiplied by velocity, not the team, though it applies to the team, gosh this is confusing).
While the Ducks were mainly getting singles, the Power were getting doubles and triples and home runs to get their runners onto home base. Zachariah Wanhalla's 3-run home run in the 7th really sealed the deal for the Power as they go up 1-0 in this series.
The Ducks game out firing in game 2, and had posted a 5-0 lead by the 4th innings. A Domenic Redelius home run in the 6th got themselves back on the board but they went into the bottom of the 9th down 6-2.
Leading off for the Power was 3B Zachariah Wanhalla who got a double, C Yoo-ngan Jue got walked, and then CF Rex Taintey hit a groundball that should have been a routine out but the Ducks overthrew and let Taintey get to 1st while Jue went to 2nd, and Wanhalla to 3rd. Bases loaded.
Next up was pinch hitter Zachariah Youngberry. He stood still for the first two pitches, a ball and a strike, then swung hard at the 3rd sending it out for a grandslam home run! Immediately tying the game at 6-all and sending the game into extra innings.
It was the bottom of the 12th when the Power finally broke the deadlock with a CF Rex Taintey single letting Katip Hulleman get home and grab the win. Canberra are now up 2-0.
That's a sweep! After the thriller in game 2, the Power put the series beyond doubt with a commanding performance in game 3.
On deck: Tasmania Tigers vs Adelaide Zips