Fifth straight flag in sight for Wanderers

WANDERERS won’t be resting on their laurels after going one-nil up over Saints in the Sunraysia Baseball League A Grade grand final series.

Winners of the past four A Grade premierships, Wanderers started in style as they chase a fifth consecutive title with a 13-2 victory on Sunday.

A Grade season MVP Hayden Carroll hit the third pitch of the game for a home run, and doubled up with another in the second innings.

Young gun Ollie Hayes, who was named SBL Rookie of the Year, had five safe hits in an impressive debut grand final performance from the 15-year-old, while pitcher Anthony Carroll didn’t concede a run in the first five innings.

Saints, who are in their first A Grade grand final in a decade, are expected to bring the heat in Saturday’s do-or-die contest with the likes of Raiden Wakefield, Jake Moras and Cody Clifford all playing important roles during the season.

Wanderers coach Nick Carroll said his squad were pleased to get game one under the belt.

“In these kind of short series it’s always a great position to be in when you can get the first one,” he said.

“The boys played really well, we managed to get off to a quick start and get a 7-0 lead after two innings which obviously puts you in a strong position for the remainder of the game.

“Saints have a never say die attitude when it comes to their baseball and we’re expecting them to come out hard against us on Saturday.

“Obviously they need to win to keep the series alive so we’re anticipating they’ll come out all guns blazing and we’ll need to be ready for that.”

The Wanderers side has remained relatively unchanged from last season aside from further exposure for Hayes, the blooding of junior Logan Baldock and the acquisition of Sven Hogl, who despite some time out of the game played at a high level at home in Germany.

Carroll said Hayes has a “level head” for a young player.

“He came into the side backing his skill and he made a great start to the season, then he may have plateaued for a few weeks but he’s been fantastic for the past month,” he said.

“He’s great a really bright future and is a great all-round player.”

After winning the under 13 title recently, Wanderers are looking to sweep the league as they face Hawks in both the B and C Grade grand finals on Saturday.

Saturday’s second game of the SBL A Grade grand final series begins at 2pm at Southern Cross Ball Park at Aerodrome Ovals.

If required, game 3 will take place at the same venue Sunday at a time to be determined.

Recently Hayden Carroll took out the SBL A Grade MVP award with 19 votes ahead of Saints star Wakefield on 14 and brother Anthony Carroll on 13.

Wanderers Cameron Edwards was named B Grade MVP while club mate Brett Higginbotham and Hawks duo Clint Williams Craig Storer all shared in the C Grade MVP title.