Werribee Giants survived a late scare to topple ladder-leaders Moorabbin Panthers in a Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 thriller.
The Giants held a commanding five-run lead heading into the ninth inning, but relief pitcher Wade Balzer ran into trouble, giving up two runs and loading the bases.
Chad Northcott, who had pitched in middle relief, was called back to the mound, giving up a further two runs before finally picking up the remaining outs to seal a 9-8 victory.
For Giants coach Phil Balzer, it was a nerve-racking finish the game.
“It got a bit close there in the end,” he said. “Lucky we had the five-run lead. It’s a good win as we head towards the finals.
“We know we still have six games to go, but it keeps us two games clear in fourth spot.”
The Giants had four players register multiple hits.
Matthew Howe was the match-winner for the Giants with three hits and two walks.
Lewis Weldon picked up three hits and there were two apiece for Jonathan Lowe and Oliver Box.
Simon Riches came up big in the clutch with a two-run RBI in the last when he was substituted into the game at left field.
“That’s the pleasing part, with this game and the one before Christmas – we’re getting a really big spread of contributors,” Balzer said.
“If we keep that going, it’s going to take a good team to beat us.”
Wes De Jong started for the Giants and gave up four runs in five innings.
The youngster left with a one-run lead despite not being at his optimum level.
“He wasn’t at his sharpest,” Balzer conceded.
The Giants will host lowly Bonbeach on Sunday at President’s Park with a view to creating an even bigger wedge between the top four and the rest of the competition.
“That’s one we expect to win,” Balzer said.
