BASEBALL
By RENAE GILLETT
THE Churchill Braves clinched dual grand final wins in the under 16s and under 13s Latrobe Valley Baseball Association competitions.
The Braves capped off a stellar season with a dominant U16s performance, defeating the Traralgon Redsox in a game that was both filled with excitement and powerful skills.
The Braves came out swinging, opening the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with two singles.
Blake Duncan drove in the first run of the game, setting the tone for Churchill’s aggressive approach at the plate.
The second inning proved pivotal, as Churchill piled on five runs despite recording just one hit.
Beau Saddington’s RBI single was followed by a series of smart base-running plays and capitalizing on Redsox errors.
Walks drawn by Cadel Schwalger and others kept the pressure on, while a wild pitch added to the tally.
Churchill continued their offensive surge in the third, scoring another five runs on three hits. Hunter Duncan’s single brought in one, followed by a bases-clearing double from Jack Thomas.
Coadhey Rebbechi added the final RBI of the inning with a sharp single.
On the mound, Duncan was nearly untouchable. The right-hander threw four no-hit innings, striking out four and walking five, keeping the Redsox scoreless and off balance.
Despite the loss, the Traralgon Redsox showed grit and determination.
Starting pitcher Ryan Matthews battled through a tough first inning, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out one.
The Redsox worked hard to generate offense, drawing walks and putting runners on base, but were ultimately unable to break through against Churchill’s pitching and defence.
Jack Thomas led the Braves offensively with two RBIs, while six players – Rebbechi, McKenzie, Hunter Duncan, Thomas, Blake Duncan, and Saddington – each recorded a hit.
Thomas was named grand final MVP (Most Valuable Player), while Blake Duncan received the best-and-fairest award for his 2025 season.
The Braves also demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing eight walks, and ran wild on the base paths with 11 stolen bases. Cadel Schwalger, Connor McKenzie, and Blake Duncan each swiped multiple bags.
Defensively, Churchill was flawless, committing no errors. Connor McKenzie anchored the infield with eight plays, helping to shut down any Redsox momentum.
Redsox fought hard until the final out, and their journey to the grand final is a testament to their talent and teamwork. As the Braves celebrate a well-earned championship.
IN a tightly contested junior grand final, the Churchill Braves Gold emerged victorious over the Traralgon Reds, showcasing sharp pitching, aggressive base running, and clutch hitting to seal a 4-1 win.
The Braves Gold wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, striking in the top of the first inning.
Beau Saddington doubled down the right field line to drive in the opening run, followed by Jackson Holcombe’s infield single that brought in another, giving Churchill an early 2-0 lead.
Saddington continued to shine in the third inning, singling to the left side of the infield to extend the lead to 3-0.
He finished the day 2-for-2 with two RBIs, leading the Braves’ offense from the heart of the lineup.
On the mound, Saddington was equally dominant. The right-hander pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out nine and walking none.
Jake Holwerda came in as relief to close out the game.
Saddington was lauded for his efforts, recognised as grand final MVP and also best-and-fairest for the season.
For Traralgon, Quin M delivered a strong outing, striking out 10 over five innings while giving up four runs on seven hits.
Churchill Braves Gold ran wild on the base paths, stealing 12 bases in total.
Dylan Boka, Zack Holwerda, and Saddington each swiped multiple bags, keeping the Reds’ defense under pressure.
Defensively, the Braves were flawless, committing no errors. Hudson Duncan anchored the field with 10 chances.
The Traralgon Reds showed resilience throughout the game. Lani G, Diesel G, Quin M, Jaxon H, and Hayden M each collected a hit, while Ryan M led the team with three stolen bases.
The Reds matched Churchill’s defensive sharpness, also finishing the game error-free. Alex M was a standout in the field with 10 chances.
TRARALGON Redsox staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Moe Newborough Dodgers 14-7.
After trailing 4-0 early, Jordan Gilmore led the charge with four RBIs on four hits, including a two-run homer.
Luke Hornstra pitched solid relief, and the Redsox turned five double plays to seal the win.
In a nail-biter, Churchill Braves walked off Sale Rangers 3-2.
Bradley Jones delivered the game-winning RBI single in the sixth.
Dylan Eldridge tied the game earlier with a clutch hit and led the team with two RBIs.
Both teams showed strong pitching and defence in a tightly contested match.
Traralgon Redsox rallied from a four-run deficit to top Moe Newborough Dodgers 10-5.
Mikey Bentley hit a solo homer and drove in three runs, while Harrison Kus and Brett Sharp added key hits.
The Redsox stole 10 bases and turned a double play to secure the win.
Grand Final will be hosted by Sale Rangers next Sunday 14th September, at Stephenson Park, starting at 8.30am with the C Grade Grand Final, followed by B and A grade.
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