Newcastle Ducks vs Queensland Firebirds
We should be in for an interesting battle here. The Ducks boast the best pitchers in Australia, with the lowest runs against, and lowest starter and bullpen ERA. While the Firebirds have some exciting hitting talent, they're second in Australia for runs scored, on-base percentage, and home runs -- plus they're tied first for stolen bases.
A big 7th innings from the Ducks sees them grab game one in Newcastle. The Firebirds nearly got going in the 9th but was too little, too late.
Huge win for the Ducks in game two. Everyone goes on about the Newcastle pitchers but it was the hitters who put in a display today. A huge 458ft 3-run home run from Domenic Crossingham in the 2nd was just the start. Newcastle is now up 2-0. Queensland needs to get its act together.
They don't. Well, they do. They make the Ducks play right to the 14th innings when a double from replacement catcher Baden Dejong finally cracks it for the Ducks. It's a sweep and the Newcastle Ducks will be in the Australian finals.