WERRIBEE Giants have rediscovered that winning feeling in the Baseball Victoria summer league division 2.
Two years of being pushed around in the top flight took its toll on the young ball club.
Now spirits have been raised with two quality wins to kick-start life back in the second tier.
“It’s going to give the boys some confidence,” Giants coach Earl Byrne told the Weekly.
“It’s two from two now and two really good wins.
“We beat Bonbeach last week and they were in the finals last year. And I dare say with the side Williamstown has picked up, I think they’ll be in the top four as well.”
The Giants rode their luck for most of Saturday’s 5-1 win over Williamstown Wolves in the western derby at Greenwich Reserve.
Giants ace Chris Webb found himself in a spot of bother a number of times as the Wolves left 15 runners on base, but he worked his way out of trouble and did not give up a run over six innings.
“He battled hard for us,” Byrne said. “When he got into trouble, he made some really good pitches.
“He didn’t give in.”
The Giants turned to Trent Pantallaresco for clean up.
The closer gave up a run and had a couple of hairy moments when walks were a concern, but did a job for his side.
“He threw a couple of walks that made it a bit scary at times, but he got himself out of it,” Byrne said.
“He threw mainly fast balls and Williamstown weren’t catching up to them.”
The Giants went ahead with two runs in the second. They added to the lead with a run here and there to open up a five-run break before the Wolves got on the board.
Webb, Wade Balzer and Oliver Box each picked up two hits, but the result was not as comfortable for the Giants as the scoreboard would suggest.
“At times, Williamstown had their opportunities,” Byrne said, “but they just didn’t take them.
“They had bases loaded, none out at one stage and then we struck out two and then a ground ball.
“They left 15 on base. That’s credit to our guys’ pitching.”
The Giants were solid defensively.
Box was outstanding with the catcher’s glove.
He proved a calming influence on both pitchers when the pressure mounted.
“He’s just standing up and being a leader,” Byrne said.
“I haven’t been around the club much in the last couple of weeks [due to personal issues] and he’s been the one that’s taken the reins.
“He’s been excellent for me.”
The play of the infield duo of second baseman Darryl George and shortstop Balzer was one of the highlights for the Giants.
The Giants will host Mulgrave at President’s Park in the third round on Sunday.
Baseball Victoria
Firsts: Williamstown 1 lt Werribee 5
Seconds: Williamstown 7 d Werribee 2
