2026 Australian Junior and Intermediate League National Championships Schedule Released

07 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

2026 Australian Junior and Intermediate League National Championships Schedule Released

Two tournaments. One week. World Series berth on the line.

We’re counting down the days until we’re in Lismore for the Intermediate League (14U) and Junior League (15U) National Championships from May 21-25.

Teams representing different “baseball neighbourhoods” around Australia have earned their way to this tournament by qualifying through their local state championships. Now, they face each other. Winner goes to their respective World Series tournament in the USA. More on that below.

MASTER SCHEDULE: Download the PDF to see when your team plays

The schedule can be viewed above. You can learn more about the tournament and their teams below.

Closer to the tournament, a ‘Hub’ will be set up to follow along with results and information.

Make sure you follow Baseball.com.au for coverage including recaps, photos, highlights and more!

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

Below is the schedule for the 2026 tournament. The winner advances to the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California.

You can download a PDF version of the schedule here.

Games on Diamond 3 will be broadcast live and free on Baseball+ with commentary from ABL Brisbane Bandits commentator CJ Barnes. You can download the App from the App Store or visit plus.baseball.com.au.

Other games will be scored and feature a single camera live stream on GameChanger.

Teams are divided into two pools of four. Each team plays each other once.

The top two teams in each pool qualify for a double-elimination Finals Series to determine the national champion.

JUNIOR LEAGUE SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

Below is the schedule for the 2026 tournament. The winner advances to the Junior League World Series in Livermore, California.

Hills are the reigning Intermediate League Champions in 2025 (and Little League in 2026!), and move up a division to defend their title. This age group will look to go to their third straight World Series event.

You can download a PDF version of the Junior League schedule here.

Games on Diamond 1 will be broadcast live and free on Baseball+ with commentary from ABL Adelaide Giants commentator Phil Herden. You can download the App from the App Store or visit plus.baseball.com.au.

Other games will be scored and feature a single camera live stream on GameChanger.

Ten teams are divided into two Pools of five. They play each other once in a round robin.

The top three teams advance to the Finals. Teams ranked #2 and #3 in their respective pool advance to a Quarter Final. The #1 teams advance to the semi-finals.

It’s a single elimination knockout to declare a national champion.

01 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

How are Australians performing at the end of April in professional baseball?

We’re one month through the professional baseball calendar in the Northern Hemisphere.

I took some time to update you all on how all 44 Australians currently signed to professional contracts are performing at each level they are playing at around the world.

Let’s begin!

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Curtis Mead, INF (Washington Nationals)

After a trade on Opening Weekend from the White Sox to the Nationals, the 25-year-old South Australian is beginning to get more play time on the field. On the season, he’s hitting .222 with a career high four homers and 12 RBI with a .310 on-base-percentage across 23 games.

On Wednesday, he had his career best game, going 4-for-5 with a homer.

Travis Bazzana, 2B (Cleveland Guardians)

On April 29, 2026, Travis Bazzana officially became the 39th Australian to ever reach the Major Leagues. He went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks in his first game while playing second base. He earned the call-up after slashing .287/.422/.933 with 2 homers, 10 RBI and 8 stolen bases in 24 games at Triple-A.

There is a great story by Yahoo’s Jordan Shusterman on the Bazzana debut and his support network that can be found here.

KOREAN BASEBALL ORGANISATION (KBO)

There are three Australians playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world.

Jarryd Dale, SS (Kia Tigers)

The 26-year-old from Victoria had a ripper start to his Korean professional baseball career. He started the season with a 15-game hit-streak, setting a record for the longest by any player to begin their KIA Tigers career.

In 27 games, Dale is hitting .284 with a homer and six RBI. You can watch his games on Soop TV. Have a google!

Lachlan Wells, LHP (LG Twins)

He’s one of the best pitchers in Korea. Through five starts (31.0 IP), Wells has a 1.16 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.

His three most recent starts:
– 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, 8 SO
– 8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 7 SO
– 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 3 SO

Add that up and it’s 21.0 IP, 10 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 18 SO.

Insane from the kid from Newcastle and the Adelaide Giant.

Jack O’Loughlin, LHP (Samsung Tigers)

Adelaide’s O’Louglin is finding a groove. He started the year on a six-week Injury Replacement Contract. The Lions just extended him to the end of May.

O’Loughling has a 4.50 ERA in six starts and 28.0 innings. Although, he’s allowed just four runs in his last 15.1 innings as he continues to settle.

Liam Hendriks, LHP (Unsigned)

The 37-year-old was released by the Minnesota Twins in Free Agency. We’ll monitory him closely to see where one of Australia’s best ever pitchers lands mid-season.

TRIPLE-A (AAA)

The level below the Major Leagues. Serious talent.

Brandan Bidois, RHP – Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Bidois had one of the best seasons in all of Minor League Baseball in 2025 with a 0.74 ERA across four levels.

He started the year in Triple-A after being added to the 40-man roster in the off-season. The Pirates think they have something special. He has a 4.97 ERA in 12.2 innings of hitter-friendly Triple-A with 18 strikeouts. After a bit of a slow start, Bidois has allowed just one run off three hits over his last 5.1 innings of relief work.

Josh Hendrickson, LHP – Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros)

The 28-year-old is one of the feel-good stories in Australian Baseball. After a stellar ABL campaign, a standout World Baseball Classic, and some elite stuff, Hendrickson signed mid-April with the Houston Astros. It marks a return to affiliated ball for first time since 2023.

In two starts (9.1 innings), Hendrickson has allowed just two runs with no walks and ten strikeouts.

DOUBLE-A (AA)

This is a league with all the top prospects from each organisation. Often you see young players called up directly from Double-A if they show serious potential.

Mitch Neunborn – Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies)

The 28-year-old is on the injured list and yet to appear this season.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego, INF – Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies)

Yet to appear in a game in 2026, “PG” was called up on April 21 to Double-A. When he enters a game, it will be the highest level he’s played.

Blake Townsend, LHP – Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers)

After a career best season in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates minor leagues, Townsend signed with the Rangers in the off-season. The 25-year-old is being converted to a starter. In four games so far, he has a 6.75 ERA in 16.0 innings with 13 strikeouts.

High-A (A+)

The second level above Complex / Rookie League. It’s filled with players who impressed in Single-A and are in a true evaluation period by Major League clubs.

Clayton Campbell, INF – West Michigan White Caps (Detroit Tigers)

It’s the highest level the 22-year-old from Sydney has ever played, in the fifth year of a seven year minor league contract. It’s time to see how Campbell does amongst some top prospects.

So far, Campbell is hitting .267 with 1 HR and 7 RBI in 16 games while playing first base, third base and catcher. He’s coming off a three-hit game, the best of his season, on April 29.

Kai-Noa Wynyard, RHP – Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers)

Wynyard has a 22.74 ERA in five appearances (6.1 innings) so far this season. It’s the sixth year in the minor leagues for the 23-year-old from Brisbane.

SINGLE-A (A)

The first level above Complex / Rookie League. It’s the lowest of the affiliated travel ball competitions, often filled with young players learning to become professionals.

Adam Bates, RHP – Salem RidgeYaks (Boston Red Sox)

The 19-year-old from Sydney is in his second full season above Rookie Ball. In 13.1 innings, Bates has a 11.48 ERA in 8 appearances from the bullpen.

Drew Davies, 1B – Daytona Tortugas (Cincinatti Reds)

Davies was called up above Rookie Ball for the first time in 2025. This is the first full-year at this level for the 20-year-old and reigning ABL Rookie of the Year.

Davies is hitting .258 in 21 games with 5 RBI and an outstanding .458 on-base-percentage. He’s played all but one game at first base.

Max Durrington, OF – Stockton Ports (Athletics)

The 19-year-old from the Gold Coast is in his first full-season above Rookie Ball. In 19 games, Durrington has a .261 average with a .366 OBP. He has swiped seven bags. Durrington has played a mix of second base, left field and centrefold.

Kailen Hamson, LHP – Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles)

It’s Hamson’s first minor league experience after being drafted in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB draft out of Cumberlands University. Hamson has appeared in five games and made three starts. He has an 8.62 ERA in 15.2 innings with 17 strikeouts.

The 24-year-old from Brisbane is coming off his best outing to date on April 25, where he fired off 3.2 innings of hitless, shutout ball with six strikeouts.

Brent Iredale, INF – Bradenton Mauraders (Pittsburgh Pirates)

It’s the first full-season as a professional for Iredale, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft after a standout college career. The 22-year-old from Sydney played 12 games, going 1-for-36 before being placed on a 10-day injured on April 20.

Alistair Tanner, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit Tigers)

This is the first experience for the 19-year-old South Australian at a level above Rookie Ball. With a 96mph fastball, there is serious potential.

Tanner has an 11.57 ERA in four games (two starts) across 9.1 innings.

ROOKIE LEAGUES

Competitions based out of MLB team’s headquarters / complexes in either Florida, Arizona or Dominican Republic. It’s a place where players go when they first enter the professional system or are rehabbing an injury.

Jack Bushell, RHP – Detroit Tigers (Complex)

Bushell missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury and in recovery from Tommy John surgery. He’s at the Detroit complex in Florida, working out and inching closer to a return to game action.

BJay Cooke, RHP – Athletics (Complex)

After spending the last few years as an infielder, 23-year-old Cooke is being converted back to a pitcher.

Patrick Crotty, RHP – Philadelphia Phillies (Complex)

Australia’s most recent MLB signing. 17-year-old Crotty has landed in the USA and begins his journey as a professional in Florida. Here’s a recent story on him by the ABC.

Mitch Evans, RHP – Detroit Tigers (Complex)

One of Australia’s newest signings, 18-year-old Mitch Evans left South Australia in mid-February for Florida. Unfortunately, quite quickly he sustained an elbow injury and underwent Tommy John Surgery. He’ll mis the entire 2026 season.

Jayden Kim, INF – Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida)

Now in his third season, the 19-year-old Victorian is working out at the Complex in the USA after a couple years in the Dominican Republic.

Rubens Romero, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Dominican)

I believe Rubens is rehabbing an injury sustained in late 2024. He has not pitched since then.

Juan Manuel Ramirez, RHP – Toronto Blue Jays (Complex League)

Games have not started yet in the Complex Leagues. But Ramirez is working out and training in Florida getting ready for some local games.

Robinson Smith, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida)

The 18-year-old was only signed last year and now enters year two as a pro. Via his Instagram, it looks like Robinson is throwing well in Florida as he continues to work out at the Complex.

FRONTIER LEAGUE (USA / CANADA)

One of the main three Independent (non-affiliated) baseball leagues in the USA. There are a number of Australians in the Frontier League.

The 2026 regular season will begin on Thursday, May 7th, with all 18 teams once again set to compete across the U.S. and Canada. The season runs through September. Australians have already reported to camp. Here is the list:

– RHP Jackson Grounds (Brisbane / Brisbane Bandits) at the Down East Bird Dawgs
– RHP Ky Hampton (Adelaide/ Adelaide Giants) at the Down East Bird Dawgs
– LHP Cooper Morgan (Canberra / Adelaide Giants) at the Quebec Capitales
– RHP Billy Parsons (Bendigo / Melbourne Aces) at the Sussex County Miners

OTHER LEAGUES AROUND THE WORLD

Here are some notes on other Aussies signed pro:

Luke Krkovski, LHP, BarbaNegras Tijuana (Mexico)

The 23-year-old from Cronulla joins the minor leagues in Mexico on his first professional contract. The season runs from April to July, 2026. We’ve yet to see any official stats registered for Krkovski.

Briley Knight, OF, Billings Mustangs (Pioneer League)

Knight is slated to return to the independent league for a third season. The competition begins May 19.

Banana Ball

There are two players playing the Banana Ball League.

Liam Spence (Geelong) has become a fan favourite with the Firefighters. Brett Allen (Newcastle), known as ‘The Wonder From Down Under’, is playing with the Texas Tailgaters.

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE (WPBL)

Schedule to begin on August 1. In fact, the schedule was just released. The season will run about six weeks across Los Angeles, Boston, New York and San Francisco.

Here are the nine drafted Australians in the WPBL:
– Chloe Atkinson, C (New York)
– Allie Bebbere, RHP (Boston)
– Leah Cornish, C (Los Angeles)
– Maddison Erwin, RHP (New York)
– Caitlin Eynon, INF/RHP (Los Angeles)
– Ticara Geldenhuis, OF (Boston)
– Claire O’Sullivan, 1B/RHP (New York)
– Elodie O’Sullivan, OF (Los Angeles)
– Molly Paddison, OF (Boston)

01 May 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Little League

2026 Australian Senior League National Championships Schedule Released

HUB: Follow the Senior League Championships via the Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/seniorleague2026

The 2026 Senior League Championships is around the corner.

It also has a new home.

After a number of years in Geelong, the competition shifts to Blacktown International Sportspark – home of the ABL’s Sydney Blue Sox – for a five day tournament to answer one simple question: Who will represent Australia at the Senior League World Series later in the year?

10 teams representing different “baseball neighbourhoods” around Australia have earned their way to this tournament by qualifying through their local state championships. Now, they face each other. Winner goes to the Senior League World Series in Easley, South Carolina in August.

The age group of this event is 16 and Under.

SCHEDULE: Download the PDF to see when your team plays

The schedule can be viewed above. You can learn more about the tournament and their teams below.

Closer to the tournament, a ‘Hub’ will be set up to follow along with results and information.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Ten teams from across the country are drawn into two different groups of five. They will play in a Round Robin where each team plays each other once.

From there, the Top 3 teams will qualify for finals. Here is the format:
– The winners of each of Pool A and Pool B automatically advance to the semi-finals
– 2nd and 3rd place in each group also qualify for finals
– 2nd from Pool A will play 3rd from Pool B while 2nd from Pool B will play 3rd from Pool B in a quarterfinal. The winners advance to the semi-finals
– Winner of semi-finals advance to a Gold Medal Game
– Winner of Gold Medal Game advances to the Senior League World Series

FINALS SCHEDULE HERE

COVERAGE AND SCORING

SCORING

All games will be scored on GameChanger. You can follow the tournament there. We will post the link when it is available.

BROADCAST

Diamond 1 will feature a full broadcast with commentary. It will be free to watch on Baseball+ via the app or plus.baseball.com.au.

Diamond 2 and 4 will have single-camera feeds, free to watch on GameChanger.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mick Goddard will be on hand capturing the tournament with his camera. Photos will be made available for free to all players (and sent via the EOs) through a link on Baseball Australia’s photo sharing system.

Please email marketing@baseball.com.au with your Working With Children’s Check Approval if you’d also like to take photos of the event. Please note, photos may not be on-sold during this tournament.

COVERAGE

We will be cutting highlights, writing recaps, posting photos, videos and scenes from the tournament on our social media channel @ baseball.com.au. A Tournament Hub will be made available closer to the tournament.

MEET THE TEAMS

MANLY (NSW): Manly rolled through their state championships, going undefeated with a 6-0 record. They outscored opponents 91-13. They won a 2-1 thriller in the semi-finals to officially qualify for nationals. The next day, they defeated Cronulla Black 15-5 to lock up the State Championship.

CENTRAL FIREBIRDS (WA): Made up of four clubs from Western Australia – South Perth, Willetton, Victoria Park Belmont
and Melville Mariners. The Firebirds lost the Grand Final after getting walked-off by the Carine Cats. Before that? They were undefeated. They allowed just 24 runs in their six games during the tournament. They defeated the Eastern Phantoms 9-1 in the semi-final to lock up their spot.

RYDE RED (NSW): Finishing third in the NSW State Championships, Ryde had to battle their way into the final spot earned in the NSW-zone. They opened the tournament with a loss to Cronulla Black but quickly rebounded with three straight wins to get themselves in the mix for a nationals spot. After a second loss – again to Cronulla Black – Ryde piled it on in an 11-1 win over Greater Western to clinch a spot at nationals.

MELBOURNE METS (VIC): The Mets put on a show at Victorian State Championships. Filled with plenty of players who made a run to the finals in last year’s Junior League nationals, the Mets scored 71 runs in just five games while going undefeated. The Mets consist of players from Geelong to Ballarat to Melton and as far east as Newport.

BRISBANE NORTH NAVY (QLD): An extremely talented group of players, many on the Queensland U16 state team, they went through the tournament undefeated before losing a thriller (9-8) to Gold Coast in the final. Among the team is Tyler Wilson, who is aiming to become the first Australian to ever win their way through to the Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League World Series. Brisbane North is made up of players from Narangba Demons, Redcliffe Padres and Pine Rivers Rapids Baseball Clubs.

ADELAIDE ARMADA (SA): The Armada gained automatic entry to the 2026 Australian National Senior League Championships as a South Australia’s only team in the state championships. They are a composite team made up of players from across the metropolitan Adelaide area.

GOLD COAST (QLD): Gold Coast were uber impressive in the Queensland State Titles. They lost a Group Stage Game to Brisbane North Navy, but battled back to win a one-run thriller in the Gold Medal Game. They are made up of players from the Gold Coast area of the Greater Brisbane League, including Coomera Cubs, Runaway Bay Dolphins, Nerang Cardinals, Surfers Paradise Baseball Club, Robina Braves, Mudgeeraba Red Sox, and Twin City.

CRONULLA BLACK (NSW): They had to battle, but they got there. Cronulla Black won a 9-1 game over fellow qualifier Ryde Red in the semi-finals to guarantee a place in the Top 2. They fell just shy of winning gold after dropping the Grand Final 15-5 to Manly. There are a number of players on this Cronulla side who represented Australia at the 2024 Junior League World Series.

CARINE CATS (WA): The Cats – a club and their own charter – were a team to behold in the Western Australian titles. They won a gritty game over the Central Firebirds to score a walk-off win and claim the championship.

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS (VIC): This is a strong team with numerous players who reached last year’s Junior League National Championships Gold Medal Game. The Athletics went 3-3 at the Senior League titles, with a pair of big wins to secure their place (12-0 over Twins and 16-1 over Rangers). The offense can put up runs in a hurry when they are firing. The Athletics are made up of players from the Eastern Region of metropolitan Victoria.

28 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Travis Bazzana called up to Major Leagues, will become 39th Australian in MLB history

Sydney’s Travis Bazzana, the 2024 MLB #1 Overall Pick, has been called up to the Major Leagues by the Cleveland Guardians.

He is slated to make his MLB debut and become the 39th Australian to play Major League Baseball.

The Guardians are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in a four game series this week, with their next game at 8:10AM AEST on Wednesday 29 April.

Bazzana has been playing in Triple-A, the level below the Major Leagues, where he has a .287 batting average through the first month of the season. He is coming off a two-hit, four RBI game vs Buffalo over the weekend.

It’s been a big 2026 for the 23-year-old from Hornsby, New South Wales. He starred for Australia at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in March.

Bazzana’s baseball journey began as a tee-ball player with the KuRingGai Stealers in Sydney. He played in the New South Wales system before departing for college as a 17-year-old. At Oregon State, he quickly became one college baseball’s best players resulting in a first overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Since then, Bazzana has been slowly climbing the minor league ranks.

He missed a chunk of 2025 with an oblique injury.

Now Bazzana is a former Sydney Blue Sox player. He joins Curtis Mead (Washington Nationals) as the only active Australians in Major League Baseball.

23 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Left-handed pitcher Luke Krkovski signs professional contract in Mexico

Australian left-hander Luke Krkovski has signed his first professional contract, joining the BarbaNegras Tijuana of the Liga Norte de México, an affiliate of the Toros de Tijuana in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB).

The LMB is Mexico’s premier professional league and one of the most established circuits in world baseball, widely regarded as a high-level competition with deep history, strong crowds, and a pathway for players to progress across international leagues.

Affiliation with clubs such as the Toros de Tijuana provides a clear development route within that system.

Krkovski becomes the 46th Australian currently signed to an active professional contract at some level, continuing the steady growth of Australians competing overseas. Fans can track Aussies abroad via Baseball Australia’s official listings.

The 23-year-old Sydney product is a left-handed pitcher who recently completed a four-year college career in the United States, finishing at Lamar University at the NCAA Division I level.

He returned home for the 2025–26 Australian Baseball League season, making his debut with the Brisbane Bandits, where he logged 22.1 innings with 19 strikeouts with a 5.46 ERA.

Krkovski’s journey began in Sydney’s Cronulla Charter program, where he developed through one of the country’s strongest junior pathways. He went on to represent Australia at World Series events during his youth career, building the foundation for his progression to the professional ranks.

23 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Victoria infielder Addison Bishop-Worn commits to New Mexico Junior College ahead of next US college season

Victoria infielder Addison Bishop-Worn is set to take the next step in his baseball journey, committing to New Mexico Junior College ahead of the 2026-27 college baseball season.

The Werribee Giants product, who turns 20 this year, has been a consistent presence in Victorian pathways and arrives in the United States with a strong foundation.

Bishop-Worn was a key contributor in Victoria’s 2024 U18 Australian Youth Championship title run, delivering one of the tournament’s defining moments.

Bishop-Worn drove in the winning run with a triple, sealing the championship and underlining his ability to perform under pressure.

That performance also helped earn him selection in a 43-player U18 national squad that featured eight Victorians.

He has also spent time as a development player with the Melbourne Aces, gaining exposure to the professional environment and further sharpening his game against elite-level talent.

Bishop-Worn is expected to arrive in the US this August, where he will join a growing group of Australians at New Mexico Junior College, including Zach Altamura, Damien Wilson, Riley Hall and Tim Yeomans.

He follows in the footsteps of Brent Iredale, who is now affiliated in pro-ball with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Buoyed by the program at New Mexico, Iredale was one of the best performing players in all of JUCO and later committed to a Division I program at Arkansas.

READ MORE: College Baseball Commitments

“I want to be able to push myself to improve as a player, person and a student,” Bishop-Worn said. “As I want to be able to compete at the highest level, and make an impact. I just felt that New Mexico Junior College is able to get me to the next level with their proven history of development.”

Primarily a corner infielder, Bishop-Worn plays both third base and first base, with a skillset built around his ability to impact the game offensively and defensively.

“The ability to hit for both power and average, and have a good glove in the field,” he said.

His development has been shaped by a wide support network, something he credits as central to his progression.

“All of my family, friends, coaches, and teammates have all made baseball to be a fun environment for me to keep enjoying the game that I’ve always played,” added Bishop-Worn.

Having come through multiple Australian Youth Championships, Bishop-Worn believes those tournament environments have helped prepare him for the next level.

“Playing in multiple AYCs showed me how much I love being in an environment where everyone is wanting to compete and help the team win.”

Now, with the move to the US on the horizon, his focus is simple.

“I’m wanting to improve in every part of the game, as well as take in as much knowledge as I can to compete at the next level.”

19 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Josh Hendrickson inks deal with Houston Astros

Josh Hendrickson has another opportunity in professional affiliated baseball.

The Team Australia left-hander signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros over the weekend. It marks a return to the minor leagues for Hendrickson, who last played for the Phillies in 2023.

He has been immediately assigned to Sugar Land – the Triple-A affiliate of the Astros. Triple-A is one level below the Major Leagues.

Notably, Hendrickson had major elbow surgery that kept him out of the game for over 600 days. You can read his feature here.

He returned in May, 2025 with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Independent American Association.

The 29-year-old posted a 3.61 ERA in 104+ innings for the Monarchs.

He returned to Australia for the 2025-26 ABL season and pitched for the Adelaide Giants. He was the Game 3 starter in the Giants’ Claxton Shield clinching game. He had a 2.25 ERA in 16.0 innings.

In February, Hendrickson was named to the Australian team for the World Baseball Classic. He allowed just one run in his 3.0 inning start in a must-win game vs Czechia.

The left-hander from Perth can throw a 95mph fastball. He has four years of minor league experience, from 2019-2023, with the Phillies.

19 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

Award winners from 2026 Australian Women's and Youth Women's Championships Announced

The winners of the major awards at the 2026 Australia Women’s Championships have been announced.

Read about them below.

For a tournament recap and stats, visit our Hub at www.baseball.com.au/womens2026.

The Awards were decided by a tournament committee. When determining the award, context matters in what games the winners played in and the impact they had on the tournament.

Here are the winners:

FINAL PLACINGS

WOMEN’S

Gold – Victoria
Silver – Western Australia
Bronze – New South Wales
4 – Queensland
5 – South Australia
6 Roos

They are: Allie Bebbere, Jasmine Bentley, Jamie Bastian, Brittney Baker, Lili Cavanagh, Ruby Dale, Paula Doherty, Jess Johnson, Abbey Kelly, Narumi Kametani, Kira Kuwamoto, Abbey McLellan, Ashley Patton, Emi Saiki, Miku Saita, Lilly Simpson

COACHES: Samantha Hamilton (Manager), Jarryd Rogers, Stephen Black, Chelsea Power

YOUTH

Gold – Western Australia
Silver – South Australia
Bronze – New South Wales
4 – Victoria
5 – Queensland

The winning team is Aleigha Auld, Millar Butler, Sophie Dowsett, Lily Duckworth, Jemma Golding, Summer Hiscock, Isla Kalebic, Imani Morawiec, Stevie Oates, Emerson Padfield, Sara Scott, Sienna Seiler, Elizabeth Stewart, Jaimie Vlasic

The coaches are Gus Golding (Manager), Luke Hulbert, Beyanka Girdlestone, Trish Dowsett (EO).

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

WOMEN’S

Most Valuable Player – Caitlin Eynon (WA)

Eynon put together a complete tournament in all phases of the game, helping Western Australia reach the gold medal game.

With the bat, she was 12-for-21 with 2 HR, 12 RBI and 7 SB. She led the tournament in slugging percentage (1.136), home runs (2), and was Top 10 in nearly every statistical category. That included an iconic Finals Performance where she went 2-for-2 with two walks, two homers, six RBI and a Grand Slam.

She tossed 3.0 innings in the Gold Medal Game, allowing just one run off three hits. Her 78mph fast ball was the hardest in the tournament. Her 3.0 innings allowed Western Australia to make a late comeback in the Gold Medal Game.

In the field, she displayed excellent movement, athleticism and arm strength while playing standout shortstop.

A well rounded player who impacted the game in big moments.

Golden Bat – Chloe Atkinson (WA)

Atkinson’s biggest moment came in the Qualifying Final. She hit a tie-breaking Grand Slam in the last inning to send Western Australia to the Gold Medal Game.

But she was consistent all week.

Atkinson went 17-for-30 with nine extra base hits, a homer and 16 RBI. Her batting average ranked fifth, and no player who qualified for the finals drove in more runs (16). Her 17 hits led all batters, while she finished second in slugging percentage.

Golden Arm – Narumi Kametani (VIC)

Kametani delivered three big time performances.

In the minor rounds, she threw 4.0 shutout innings vs South Australia to seal a spot in the Finals.

In the qualifying final, she fired off 3.2 shutout innings in a lopsided win over a dangerous Queensland offense.

In the Gold Medal Game, Kametani tossed 6.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs.

Remarkably, she never walked a batter the whole tournament.

Her final numbers: 13.2 IP, 14 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 3 SO…and a Gold Medal game performance for the ages!

Golden Glove – Emi Saiki (VIC)

A rock at third base while fielding her position brilliantly when on the mound.

Saiki made six sensational plays in the first four innings of the Gold Medal Game that not only took away hits, but removed sure runs off the board. She also turned a critical rally-killing double play in the Grand Final.

Saiki made 12 assists from the hot corner, and made difficult plays look easy.

YOUTH WOMEN’S

MVP – Jemma Golding (WA)

An outstanding tournament in all aspects of the game.

She led the tournament in hits (13), home runs (5), finished second in stolen bases (14) and was second in RBI (19).

On the mound, she had 9 strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched.

Defensively, she turned a pair of double plays, and made just one error in 21 plays while playing four positions – shortstop, second base, catcher and pitcher.

GOLDEN ARM – LILLIAN STERRY (SA)

Sterry had a 0.00 ERA and allowed two hits across her 5.1 innings over two appearances.

She led the tournament with 14 strikeouts.

Sterry’s stellar shutout performance in the Finals helped South Australia reach the Gold Medal Game.

GOLDEN BAT – LILY DUCKWORTH (WA)

Lily had an incredible tournament, leading the competition with 21 RBI including 10 in the Grand Final. She finished second in homers with 4.

Duckworth finished with 12 hits, a .571 average and 1.830 OPS.

GOLDEN GLOVE – JEMMA GOLDING (WA)

Jemma led Western Australia around the diamond by playing four different positions – Shortstop, Catcher, Second Base, and Pitcher.

She was the most involved player in the field and made just one error, while making many difficult plays routine. Her arm strength was on display all week.

SPIRIT OF THE GAME AWARD

The Spirit of the Game Award was presented to a player, team staff or official who takes a stand in the moments that matter, by showing respect, calling out poor behaviour, supporting others and leading a safe, inclusive environment that reflects NO MORE and Baseball Australia’s values

Youth – Samantha Craig, coach of NSW

Women’s – Janine Thompson, umpire

18 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

Gold Medal Game Recaps | Western Australia win Youth, Victoria win Gold

It’s Championship Saturday!

Watch both games on Baseball+ via the App or online (plus.baseball.com.au)

SCHEDULE

– YOUTH GOLD: Western Australia 24 def South Australia 4

– WOMEN’S GOLD: Victoria 8 def Western Australia 5

CONSOLATION GAMES
– Youth | 11:15AM – New South Wales vs Victoria,follow on GameChanger
– Youth | 1:30PM – Victoria vs Queensland, follow on GameChanger
– Women | 9:00AM – Queensland vs Roos, follow on GameChanger
– Women | 11:45AM – New South Wales vs South Australia, follow on Game Changer

WOMEN’S GOLD

KAMETANI DAZZLES, VICTORIA HOLD ON TO WIN WOMEN’S GOLD

Victoria have won their second Gold Medal in three years, and 15th overall, after an 8-5 win over Western Australia in Melbourne.

It’s the first Gold Medal Game victory since COVID.

It wasn’t easy.

Victoria surged ahead to an early 8-1 lead, but Western Australia clawed back to cut the lead to three in the last. They even had the tying run at the plate, before Emerald Allie Bebbere struck out Peyton Newman to secure the championship.

Narumi Kametani tossed 6.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs, vs a lethal Western Australia offense.

Victoria put the boots to the ground early. Kira Kuwamoto, Lili Cavanagh, Abbey McLellan and Jamie Bastian ripped off four straight singles off Western Australia starter Madison Lines to open up a 2-0 lead. Emi Saiki followed up with a two-RBI double to push the lead to 4-0.

Victoria added two more in the third after Lilly Simpson was struck by a pitch and Kametani grounded into a fielder’s choice. They added another in the fourth. 7-0.

All the while, Emi Saiki made five standout plays at third base. Victoria turned two double plays to escape Western Australia pressure.

Western Australia turned to flame throwing reliever Caitlin Eynon in the fifth. With a 78mph fastball, Eynon allowed just one run in 3.0 innings.

It allowed Western Australia to mount a mini-comeback. After Kametani departed the game, Chloe Atkinson, Meaghan Haggart, and Bianca Ramsey all singled in runs to inch closer. 8-5.

Hall of Fame Sam Hamilton called upon Bebbere for the final out. With the tying run at the dish, Bebbere got Newman looking. Ball game. Championship.

It was done as a team. All nine players in Victoria’s winning line up had a hit.

AWARD WINNERS (Announced Post Game)
– Golden Bat: Chloe Atkinson (WA)
– Golden Arm: Narumi Kametani (VIC)
– Golden Glove: Emi Saiki (VIC)
– MVP: Caitlin Eynon (WA)

VICTORIA

Hits (12): Abbey Kelly (2), Kira Kuwamoto, Lili Cavanagh (2), Abbey McLellan, Jamie Bastian, Miku Saita (2), Emi Saiki (2), Lilly Simpson, Narumi Kametani

RBI: Kuwamoto, McLellan, Bastian, Saita, Saiki (2), Simpson, Kametani

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (12): Elodie O’Sullivan (2), Caitlin Eynon, Leah Cornish, Chloe Atkinson, Meaghan Haggart (2), Aislinn Morris (2), Bianca Ramsey (2), Bella Clarke

RBI (3): Ramsey (2), Morris

YOUTH GOLD

DUCKWORTH DRIVES IN 10, Golding homers twice, WA run away to Gold Medal

Western Australia have claimed their first U16 Girls Gold Medal since 2016 with a resounding 24-4 victory over South Australia.

Western Australia piled on 21 hits during the game.

Lily Duckworth and Jemma Golding just produced two of the best Grand Final performances we’ve seen.

Duckworth’s stat line doesn’t feel reel. She went 3-for-5 with 2 homers and a ridiclous 9 RBI.

Golding went 4-for-4 with two homers, 5 RBI and a walk herself herself. She chipped in four stolen bases. Golding also started the game, pitching 2.0 innings with 2 hits, 2 earned runs and 5 s trikeouts.

Summer Hiscock closed out the game, throwing 3.0 innings allowing two runs.

Sara Scott had a big day out too. She went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI and a walk.

Western Australia peppered the scoreboard all morning. They had a 5-3 lead in the third before they exploded for six in the bottom of the inning. They added seven in the fourth and eight in the fifth.

26-4 is your final.

The team combined for 21 hits.

Grace Thompson homered for South Australia.

The coaches are Gus Golding (Manager), Luke Hulbert, Beyanka Girdlestone, Trish Dowsett (EO).

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (21): Jemma Golding (4), Sara Scott (4), Summer Hiscock (2), Lily Duckworth (3), Jamie Vlasic, Aleigha Auld (3), Stevie Oates, Elizabeth Stewart (3)
RBI: Duckworth (10), Jemma Golding (5), Sara Scott (3), Summer Hiscock, Jamie Vlasic, Stewart (2), Seiler
HR: Golding (2), Duckworth (2)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (7): Lillian Sterry (2), Isla Scott, Marley Fridd, Olivia George, Grace Thompson, Lily Ruskin
RBI: Olivia George (2), Sterry, Thompson
HR: Thompson

AWARD WINNERS (Announced Post Game)
– Golden Bat: Lily Duckworth (WA)
– Golden Arm: Lillian Sterry (SA)
– Golden Glove: Jemma Golding (WA)
– MVP: Jemma Golding (WA)

17 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

2026 Women's Day 6 Recap | Teams lock up spots in Gold Medal Games

The Gold Medal Games are set.

Here’s how the day unfolded, with highlights and mini-matches from games.

Some iconic stuff unfolded….

You can watch all the replays and action action on Baseball+.

For tournament archived stories and results, visit the Hub at www.baseball.com.au/womens2026.

SCORES AND SCHEDULE

Women’s

Friday 17 April
Watch on Baseball+ (App or plus.baseball.com.au)

– QUALIFYING FINAL | Western Australia 6 def Victoria 2 (WA advances to Gold, VIC to Prelim)

– ELIMINATION FINAL | New South Wales 8 def Queensland 4 (NSW to Prelim)

– PRELIMINARY FINAL | Victoria 8 def New South Wales 0 (VIC to Gold)

– 5:00PM: Consolation – Roos vs South Australia

Saturday 18 April
Watch on Baseball+ (App or plus.baseball.com.au)

– 2:30PM: GOLD MEDAL: Western Australia vs Victoria

Youth Women’s

Friday 17 April
Watch on Baseball+ (App or plus.baseball.com.au)

FINALS RESULTS

– Western Australia 14 def South Australia 5
– South Australia 6 def New South Wales 3
– Western Australia 10 def New South Wales 4

– Consolation – Victoria 10 def Queensland 6

Round Robin Standings

1. Western Australia, 2-0
2. South Australia, 1-1
3. New South Wales, 0-2

South Australia and Western Australia to play for Gold at 9:00AM on Saturday. Watch on Baseball+.

RECAPS

AWC QUALIFYING FINAL – WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6 def VICTORIA 2 | Chloe Atkinson hits Grand Slam in the last to send Western Australia to a Gold Medal Game

Two outs. Bases Loaded. Tied Game. Last inning. A trip to the Gold Medal Game on the line.

“That scenario is something you dream as when you’re a kid,” said Chloe Atkinson after the game.

She got to live it. And deliver.

Atkinson launched an eventual game-winning Grand Slam over the left field wall to break a 2-2 tie in the 7th in a 6-2 win for Western Australia. They’ll advance to Saturday’s Gold Medal Game, while Victoria will have to play in the Preliminary Final.

“I was visualising line drive and I happened to put it over,” said Atkinson after the game. “But yeah – that was awesome. I’m so glad I could do this for my team and complete my dream.”

Atkinson finished the day going 3-for-4 with a HR, 5 RBI and she caught a runner stealing behind the dish.

The game was a pitcher’s dual between Western Australia starting pitcher Meaghan Haggart and Victoria’s WPBL arm Emi Saiki.

Haggart fired off 5.0 innings, allowing just three hits and three walks with two runs. Saiki tossed 6.0 innings, allowing one unearned run.

Western Australia capitalised off an error to take a 1-0 lead in the first.

Victoria responded right away. Lili Cavanagh tripled in a run, and Abbey McLellan doubled in another. 2-1.

Caitlin Eynon doubled in the game tying run in the third and it stayed even until the last.

Haggart’s big moment came in the fourth. Victoria had runners on first and second with no out. Haggart went strikeout, strikeout, ground out to escape the jam.

“I just trusted my stuff. I knew what was working. I trusted [the catcher] and it ended up working out,” said Haggart.

Leah Cornish pitched the last 2.0 innings scoreless for Western Australia with a fastball touching 75 miles per hour.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (7): Elodie O’Sullivan, Caitlin Eynon (2), Chloe Atkinson (3), Aislinn Morris
RBI: Atkinson (5), Eynon
HR: Atkinson

VICTORIA

Hits (4): Abbey Kelly, Lili Cavanagh, Abbey McLellan, Jamie Bastian
RBI: Cavanagh, McLellan

YOUTH | WESTERN AUSTRALIA 14 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5 | Vlasic has three hits, Aleigha Auld homers in opening WA win

Western Australia put up a big number to inch closer to a Gold Medal spot.

Aleigha Auld was at the centre of it all. She hit a two-run homer in the first inning to put Western Australia up 6-0. All the while, she threw 2.1 innings in a start, allowing one hit, one run and had four strikeouts.

Jamie Vlasic also had a big one. She went 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and 3 SB.

Western Australia quickly built an 8-0 lead in the second before South Australia responded with five runs to make things interesting.

But Western Australian answered with a six run third, building off some patient walks, to lead 14-5.

Summer Hiscock also had two hits.

Lily Duckworth closed the game. out with 2.0 innings of shutout ball.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (11): Jamie Vlasic (3), Summer Hiscock (2), Jemma Golding, Sara Scott, Lily Duckworth, Aleigha Auld, Stevie Oates, Elizabeth Stewart

RBI: Hiscock (2), Golding, Scott, Auld (2)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (6): Evie Jennings, Lillian Sterry, Olivia George, Makenzie Wigmore, Georgia Sands, Lily Ruskin
RBI: Sterry, Wigmore, Sands, Manson, Ruskin

AWC PRELIMINARY FINAL – | Oliva Bonello stars as New South Wales recovers from shaky start to advance to Preliminary Final

It wasn’t easy, but New South Wales got the job done.

In the bottom of the third inning, Queensland were up 4-1, had the bases loaded and nobody out.

But New South Wales turned a double play that kept a run off the board, ended the inning, and allowed the Blues to launch.

They ripped off 10 of the next 11 hits in the win.

It would not have been possible without relief pitcher Olivia Bonello. More on her later.

Back to how New South Wales scored.

Lisa Nakshio and Ticara Geldenhuis drove in a run each in the fourth to cut the lead to 4-3.

Sayaka Mori delivered a two-out, two-RBI single in the fifth to put New South Wales up for good.

Claire O’Sullivan and Isobel Lambert connected to drive in two more in the sixth. 7-4.

It was all made possible by a settling relief appearance from Olivia Bonello. She threw 4.0 innings, allowing just two hits, one walk and no runs.

While she didn’t strike anyone out, she certainly trusted her defense.

Queensland saw an all-time effort by Jess Sullivan. She had three hits and a three run homer – off Claire O’Sullivan nonetheless. Jess Mitchell threw 4.0 innings, allowing three earned runs off four hits.

Cayla Johnston had three hits for New South Wales.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (12): Lisa Nakashio, Ticara Geldenhuis (2), Claire O’Sullivan, Isobel Lambert, Cayla Johnston (3), Kara Cassidy (2), Sayaka Mori (2)
RBI: Nakashio, Geldenhuis (2), O’Sullivan, Heath, Sayaki Mori (2)

QUEENSLAND

Hits (11): Rio Bradley (3), Molly Paddison (2), Jess Sullivan (3), Charlotte Stokes, Ruby Orchard, Lila Hall
RBI: Hall, Sullivan (3)
HR: Sullivan

AYWC ROUND ROBIN FINAL – SOUTH AUSTRALIA 6 def NEW SOUTH WALES 3 | Pitching takes centre stage as South Australia stay alive with critical win

The pre-game scenario was simple. New South Wales win? They play Western Australia for Gold. South Australia win? They still have a chance.

Lillian Sterry and Olivia George provided stability on the mound in the victoria. Sterry threw 3.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 earned run, 2 walks with nine strikeouts. George threw 1.2 innings, allowing two hits, one run, and four strikeouts.

Emma Gainsford started for New South Wales, allowing six runs. Georgia Gately was incredible in her relief outing. She threw 3.2 innings with no hits or runs allowed. She conceeded just two walks and eight strikeouts.

South Australia scored three runs in the first and three runs in the second to build an early 6-0 lead. New South Wales scored three late runs to make things interesting.

There were just seven hits combined.

New South Wales and Western Australia will now play in the final game of the day. A Western Australia win means South Australia and WA will play for Gold. A New South Wales win forces a three-way tie.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (3): Evie Jennings, Lillian Sterry, Makenzie Wigmore
RBI: Jennings, Isla Scott, Sterry, Wigmore

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (4): Lily Baxter (2), Amelia Mahboub, Jess Rosser
RBI: Baxter

AWC PRELIMINARY FINAL – VICTORIA 8 def NEW SOUTH WALES 0 | Allie Bebbere’s complete game shutout leads Victoria to Gold Medal Game

Clinical.

Allie Bebbere threw 6.0 shutout innings with just six hits and a pair of walks in a commanding performace.

Abbey Kelly went 3-for-3 at the plate and played some stellar shortstop. Kira Kuwamoto also had three hits batting second.

Victoria got on the board in the bottom of the second inning after Kira Kuwamoto doubled, scoring two runs, and Abbey McLellan drew a walk.

They scored four more in the fifth, blowing the game wide open to an 8-0 margin. Narumi Kametani, Abbey Kelly and Kira Kuwamoto had key RBI.

Ebony Van Eynde started for New South Wales, allowing four runs.

Victoria advance to the Gold Medal Game vs Western Australia on Saturday at 2:30PM. New South Wales will win Bronze.

VICTORIA

Hits (9): Abbey Kelly (3), Kira Kuwamoto (3), Abbey McLellan, Lilly Simpson, Narumi Kametani
RBI: Kuwamoto (3), Kelly, McLellan, Bastian, Kametani (2)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (6): Lisa Nakashio, Ticara Geldenhuis, Claire O’Sullivan (2), Caylan Johnston, Sayaka Mori

AYWC FINALS – WESTERN AUSTRALIA 10 def NEW SOUTH WALES 4 | Western Australia hits two homers en route to Gold Medal Game

Western Australia stayed unbeaten, slugging two homers and receiving big-time pitching from Jamie Vlasic and Summer Hiscock in a win to send themselves to the Gold Medal Game.

Jemma Golding led the game off with a homer, her third of the tournament. Sara Scott drilled her second homer of the tournament in the last inning to put a bow on the game.

Western Australia combined for 11 hits. Stevie Oates had three of them. Jemma Golding went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI. Sara Scott had two hits as well.

Lily Baxter had a pair of hits and an RBI for New South Wales.

Jamie Vlasic and Summer Hiscock were tremendous on the bump. Vlasic. threw 4.2 innings, allowing 3 earned runs with 8 strikeouts. Summer Hiscock was perfect in 1.1 innings with three strikeouts.

Western Australia built up an early 4-1 lead, and pulled away late. They’ll now take on South Australia for Gold at 9:00AM on Saturday.

New South Wales will win Bronze.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (11): Golding (2), Scott (2), Duckworth, Auld, Oates (3), Kalebic, Stewart
RBI: Golding (3), Scott, Vlasic, Auld (2), Oates (2)
HR: Golding, Scott

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (6): Baxter (2), Arifaki, Mahboub, Pekert, Stevens
RBI: Baxter, Stevens

16 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

Women's and Youth Day 5 Recap | AYWC Finals Spots Sorted! Path to AWC Gold Confirmed

Are you not entertained?

Homers continued to fly in the Youth, as all three finals spots were locked up.

Caitlin Eynon and Abbey McLellan delivered iconic performances for their states on the first day of finals.

Read about how the day unfolded below.

STAT LEADERS: Who are the leaders after Pool Play?

For tournament archived stories and results, visit the Hub at www.baseball.com.au/womens2026.

AWC SCHEDULE & RESULTS | WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL | FINALS

Thursday 16 April
Follow on Game Changer

– FINALS GAME 1 | Western Australia 17 def New South Wales 3
– FINALS GAME 2 | Victoria 15 def Queensland 0

– Consolation: South Australia 20 def Roos 7

Western Australia and Victoria advance to the Qualifying Final (QF). Winner of QF goes to Gold Medal Game. Loser goes to Preliminary Final.

New South Wales and Queensland progress to Elimination Final (EF). Winner advances to Preliminary Final. Loser is eliminated.

Friday 17 April
Watch on Baseball+ (App or plus.baseball.com.au)

– 9:00AM: QUALIFYING FINAL | Victoria vs Western Australia
– 11:30AM:ELIMINATION FINAL | New South Wales vs Queensland
– 2:30PM: PRELIMINARY FINAL | Winner Elimination Finals vs Loser Qualifying Final

Saturday 18 April
Watch on Baseball+ (App or plus.baseball.com.au)

– 2:30PM: GOLD MEDAL: Winner Qualifying Final vs Winner Preliminary Final Final

AYWC SCHEDULE AND STANDINGS – WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL

– Victoria 10 def Queensland 6
– New South Wales 22 def South Australia 1
– Western Australia 10 def South Australia 2

FINAL POOL PLAY STANDINGS

Top three make finals.
*clinched spot in Finals

1. Western Australia 4-0*
2. New South Wales 2-2*
3. South Australia 2-2*
4. Victoria 1-3
5. Queensland 1-3

Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia finish Top 3 after Pool Play and advance to Finals.

They will each play each other on Friday in a mini-round robin. The records reset to 0-0. The top two advance to the Gold Medal Game. The third place team wins bronze.

RECAPS

WOMEN’S

FINAL 1 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA 17 def NEW SOUTH WALES 5 | Caitlin Eynon homers twice as Western Australia advance to Qualifying Final

Caitlin Eynon produced one of the more memorable national championship games in recent memory.

The Emerald and WPBL Draft pick homered twice – including a grand slam – in a dominant victory for Western Australia.

Her final stat line: 2-for-2, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB, 4 R, 1 SB, 1 Grand Slam.

They’ve guaranteed themselves at least a bronze medal, and will have two cracks at advancing to the Gold Medal Game tomorrow.

WA started hot. Chloe Atkinson and Meaghan Haggart produced a pair of RBI to jump to a 3-0 lead. It was one of three hits for Haggart and two for Atkinson.

New South Wales quickly responded thanks to a two-run blast by Ticara Geldenhuis that tied the game at three.

Then Western Australia took over. Haggart, Morris and Bianca Ramsey each drove in a run in a three-run third. 6-3.

Eynon had a two-run homer to left in the fourth. 8-3.

Then, Western Australia exploded for nine runs in the sixth, capped off by grand slam by Eynon.

On the mound, junior baseballer Bella Clarke was excellent. She tossed all 6.0 innings, allowing five runs off six hits, walking just one. After the three runs in the first, she settled.

“Honestly, I was really nervous. New South Wales is a really strong team. I knew if I threw strikes, my team would back me,” she said. “I got rattled in the first inning. Ticara hit an awesome homer. But I just had to reset, and I got some wise words from the coach. I got back out there and did my job.”

And what did she think of Eynon?

“She’s my idol. I’ve always looked up to her, being able to play with her is incredible to me,” she said.

“I have no words. I got so emotional after the game with the adrenaline and how nervous I was. I’m so glad I could get out there and have a great start.”

New South Wales will play either Queensland or Victoria in an Elimination Final tomorrow.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (13): Eynon (2), Cornish, Atkinson (2), Haggart (3), Morris (2), Ramsey, Newman (2)
RBI: Eynon (6), Atkinson, Haggart (2), Morris (2), Ramsey (2), Newman (2)
HR: Eynon (2)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (6): Lisa Nakashio, Geldenhuis, O’Sullivan, Heath (2), Cassidy
RBI: Geldenhuis (2), Heath, Green, Erwin, Johnston
HR: Geldenhuis (2)

FINAL 2 | VICTORIA 15 def QUEENSLAND 0 | Abbey McLellan leads dominant Victorian win

Abbey McLellan went 4-for-4 with a homer and 4 RBI to set the pace for another dominant Victorian batting display.

The win propels Victoria to a Qualifying Final on Friday morning vs Western Australia. The winner of that? Plays for Gold. The loser? Off to the Prelim. Victoria are at the very least guaranteed a medal.

Victoria scored seven in the second innning to surge ahead. Lilly Simpson had a bases clearing double and McLellan barrelled a two-run shot over dead centre to build and 8-0 lead.

On the mound, Narumi Kametani and Brittney Baker combined to allow just three hits and a walk in 5.0 shutout innings.

Miku Saita went 3-for-3 with three runs. in the win. Abbey Kelly, Kira Kuwamoto and Lilly Simpson each had two hits. As a team, Victoria tallied 17 hits.

VICTORIA

Hits (17): Kelly (2), Kuwamoto (2), Cavanagh, McLellan (4), Dale, Saita (3), Saiki, Bentley, Simpson (2)
RBI: Cavanagh (3), McLellan (4), Dale, Saiki (2), Simpson (3)
HR: McLellan

QUEENSLAND

Hits (3): Hannah Marshall, Jess Sullivan, Mackenzie Rogers

CONSOLATION: SOUTH AUSTRALIA 20 def ROOS 7 – Moore, McMahon, Bholonat and Maslin combine for nine hits in big South Australian win

Sarah McMahon, Carly Moore and Jess Maslin combined for nine hits as the 2-3-4 part of South Australia’s line-up in a runaway win.

But let’s be real, there were contributions from everywhere. Ten different players had hits.

Pria Bholonat went 3-for-4 in a standout day. Gemma Letton, Alice Bown and Peyton Daniels also had two hits.

More and Maslin both drove in three.

South Australia scored four in the first, four in the second and five in the third to build a 13-2 lead.

Hannah Nuske and Amara Quinn pitched for South Australia.

Bronwyn Gell had three hits for the Roos to continue her excellent tournament.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (21): Gemma Letton (2), Sarah McMahon (3), Carly Moore (3), Jess Maslin (3), Alice Brown (2), Angela Mourtzious, Peyton Daniels (2), Pria Bholonat (3), Bree Ridding, Sienna Thiele

RBI: Moore (3), McMahon, Maslin (3), Brown (2), Mourtzious, Daniels (2), Thiele

ROOS

Hits (9): Macy Priamo, Maddy Patrick, Reagan O’Rielley, Bronwyn Gell (3), Kira Jansen, Bri Hosie, Felicy Clissold

RBI: Gell (2), O’Rielley, Bree Zavec, Tiff Morris

YOUTH

VICTORIA 10 def QUEENSLAND 6 – Hannah Wilson-Powell homers as Victoria claim first Pool Play Youth Victory since 2023

Victoria fell behind 4-0 early but proceeded to rip off 10 unanswered runs to win their first Pool Play game since 2023.

Every player in the winning line-up had a hit.

Sienna Fens, Bella Nolan and Anouk Newbury continued their strong tournament for Queensland, each driving in runs in a 4-run first inning.

Victoria tied the game in the second thanks to RBI from Sarah Fielden, Airlie Johansen and Quorra Iavazzo Ridd.

In the bottom of the third, Hannah-Willson Powell hit a go-ahead homer – a solo shot to put Victoria up 5-4. They piled on five more runs to lead 10-4.

Paige Anders was excellent on the mound in the win. She tossed 4.0 innings, allowing five hits and two walks with five strikeouts. All four runs allowed were unearned.

Maddie Haynes earned the save.

Tabitha Pitt and Haynes both had two hits.

Victoria improve to 1-3 while Queensland drop to 1-3. The Victoria win clinches South Australia’s place in the Top 3 Finals.

Attention turns to the New South Wales vs South Australia game. If New South Wales, they are secured a place in the Finals. If New South Wales lose, it goes to a 1-3 record tiebreaker between NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

VICTORIA

Hits (11): Tabitha Pitt, Quorra Iavazzo-Ridd, Ayla McCallum, Hannah Wilson-Powell, Allie Egan, Maddie Haynes (2), Paige Anders, Sarah Fielden
RBI: Ridd, Wilson-Powell, Anders, Fielden, Johansen
HR: Wilson-Powell

QUEENSLAND

Hits (6): Sienna Fens (2), Bella Nollan, Lucy Plumb, Anouk Newbury, Tigi Lien-Jenkins
RBI: Fens, Lien-Jenkins, Nolan, Plumb, Newbury

NEW SOUTH WALES 22 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1 | NEW SOUTH WALES MASH THEIR WAY TO THE FINALS

Emma Gainsford and Jemma Pekert homered, as New South Wales evened their record up at 2-2 to secure a top three spot in the finals.

Before today, South Australia had allowed just two runs in the tournament. New South Wales dropped 22.

12 different players drove in a run, while the team gathered 19 hits as a team.

Emma Gainsford went 3-for-3 with a HR, 2 BB and 2 RBI. Jemma Pekert launched a late-game pinch hit homer.

Lily Baxter and Mackenzie Paroz also picked up three hits.

Jessica Rosser tossed 3.0 innings, allowing one run with six strikeouts. Sklah Coyle tossed 1.0 innings, allowing no hits and a walk.

New South Wales will join Western Australia and South Australia in the Top 3 Finals Round Robin tomorrow.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (17): Jessica Rosser, Emma Gainsford (3), Georgia Gately (2), Lucy Glastonbury (2), Jemma Pekert, Lily Baxter (3), Mackenzie Paroz (3), Heba Arifaki, Ashleigh Rose-Thompson

RBI: Rosser, Taylor Stevens, Gainsford (2), Georgia Gately, Adele Acosta, Amelia Mahboub, Lucy Glastonbury, Pekert (3), Baxter (2), Paroz, Arifaki (3), Thompson (2)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (2): Sands, Qualmann
RBI: Qualmann

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 10 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA | Golding and Duckworth homer as Western Australia finish Pool Play undefeated

Western Australia benefited from some excelling pitching and batting in their win to finish Pool Play 4-0.

They outscored opponents 53-18 in their four wins.

Lily Duckworth hit her second homer of the tournament in the first, a two-run blast to give WA an early 3-0 lead.

Emerson Padfield expanded the lead to 6-0 in the third with a double.

Jemma Golding hit a two-run shot in the fourth. 8-0.

Sara Scott, Aleigha Auld and Stephanie Dowsett comibed to allow just three hits and seven strikeouts.

Both South Australia and Western Australia advance to the round robin finals where records reset between the three teams. The top two will play for gold.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (6): Jemma Golding, Isla Kalebic, Summer Hiscock, Lily Duckworth, Emerson Padfield, Imani Moraweic
RBI: Golding (2), Duckworth (3), Padfield, Moraweic

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (3): Olivia George, Juno Bromley, Marley Fridd
RBI: Bromley

A NOTE ON AYWC FINALS

Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia finish Top 3 after Pool Play and advance to Finals.

They will each play each other on Friday in a mini-round robin. The records reset to 0-0. The top two advance to the Gold Medal Game. The third place team wins bronze.

News