It was not ideal conditions for the batters with a strong breeze blowing into home plate, but Werribee Giants were able to manufacture an impressive 15-hit game in an 11-2 win over Mulgrave Rebels in the Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 at Robert Booth Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
The Giants offensive charge was once again led by import Dustin Biell, the US star piling on four hits, but it was far from a one-man show with all bar one of the team’s starters finding a way on base.
“The boys swung the bats really well and with the wind blowing in their approach was really good,” Giants catcher Oliver Box said.
“He [Biell] was definitely the standout with the bat, but it was pretty evenly spread otherwise.
“It was a good overall offensive performance.”
Werribee is back on the march with two commanding wins in succession.
Since their 18-run loss to Berwick City in round three, the Giants have out-scored their opponent 34 to four over the past two games.
“We’ve built up a bit of momentum,” Box said.
“It was good to get back to back heavy wins.”
Werribee was spot-on defensively in the win over Mulgrave.
The error-less Giants followed the lead of inexperienced second baseman Simon Hibbert, who was full of energy all game.
“He made a few good plays for us,” Box said.
“He probably took three hits away from them by stretching out and making hard plays.
“When you make those 50-50 plays, it kind of breaks their heart a bit and puts us in good stead.
“He got himself a hit as well, so he’ll probably hold his spot for another week.”
John Curnow started on the mound and delivered his usual savvy performance. Curnow threw six innings and left the game with a commanding 6-2 lead on the board.
“He’s a typical crafty vet, not a young bloke trying to blow everyone away,” Box said.
“He lets his field do the work and kind of pitches to contact.
“He works his magic, spins them up there and lets them get themselves out really.”
You know what you are going to get from Curnow, but Werribee walked away pleased with young closer Cameron Wilson, who pitched three innings without conceding a run.
“It was his first game in the ones this year,” Box said.
“He came in and attacked the strike zone, might’ve given up two hits but definitely no runs against him.
“The game was still in the balance going into the latter stages and he shut them out.”
Werribee will be looking to make it three in a row when it travels to Ballarat City Brewers on Saturday.
On paper, the Giants (3-2) would be heavily favoured against the last-placed Brewers (0-4) they beat by 18 runs last time out, but they could be facing a different looking team.
“I think Ballarat’s import might have arrived, so we might be facing better quality pitching,” Box said.
“So we’ll have to put in another good performance to get three wins in a row.”
