2026 Senior League | Day 2 Recaps, Scores, Results | May 14

14 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2026 Senior League | Day 2 Recaps, Scores, Results | May 14

Day 2 is wrapped up at the 2026 Senior League Championships.

Our first team, Cronulla Black, has clinched a spot in the Finals! You can read about how the day unfolded below.

You’ll want this important update – Our modified Day 3 schedule has been released

Follow the tournament and get archived scores here at the Tournament Hub.

Watch Diamond 1 coverage live and free on Baseball+ – plus.baseball.com.au – or via the App. Diamond 3 coverage is available on GameChanger with a single camera feed.

DAY 2 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS | MAY 14

All times AEST

– Pool B: Gold Coast 18 def Adelaide Armada 10, watch replay on Baseball+
– Pool A: Ryde Red 4 def Melbourne Mets 3
– Pool B: Melbourne Athletics 11 def Adelaide Armada 1, watch replay on Baseball+
– Pool A: Ryde Red 11 def Central Firebirds 9
– Pool B: Cronulla Black 4 def Gold Coast 2, replay on Baseball+
– Pool A: Manly 8 def Brisbane North 5
– Pool B: Cronulla Black 8 def Carine Cats 3, replay on Baseball+

BROADCAST: Baseball+ | SCORING: GameChanger

STANDINGS

Top three teams advance to finals. #2 and #3 advance to quarterfinals, #1 in each pool straight to semis.

POOL A

Brisbane North 2-1
Ryde Red 2-1
Manly 2-1
Central Firebirds 1-1
Melbourne Mets 0-3

POOL B

Cronulla Black 3-0*
Carine Cats 1-1
Gold Coast 1-1
Melbourne Athletics 1-2
Adelaide Armada 0-2

*clinched finals spot

RECAPS

RYDE RED 4 def MELBOURNE METS 3 | Spencer Kelly’s complete games allows Ryde to steal lead late in Pool A thriller

Spencer Kelly tossed a complete game and Jordan Lowe provided late game dramatics in Ryde’s first win of the tournament.

Let’s start with Kelly. He tossed all 7.0 innings, allowing three runs off seven hits while striking out three and walking three.

He kept Ryde in it as long as he could.

Down 3-2 with two outs and two on in the bottom of the sixth, Jordan Lowe cracked an RBI single to give Ryde the lead.

It was a good pitching battle. The combination of Max Talpey and Lucas Kelly allowed just three hits combined during the game.

It helped the Mets overcome an early 2-0 deficit. They scored three runs in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead thanks to back-t0-back hits from Flynn Suggest and Lucas Joel.

Cale Morris led all batters with three hits.

Ryde improve to 1-1. Melbourne Mets drop to 0-3 with one game to play.

RYDE RED

Hits (3): Max Draper, Jordan Lowe, Nick Turley
RBI: Lowe

MELBOURNE METS

Hits (7): Cale Morris (3), Lucas Joel (2), Parks Halasz, Flynn Suggett
RBI: Joel (2), Suggett

GOLD COAST 18 def ADELAIDE ARMADA 10 | Gold Coast win 3:15 marathon slug fest

Tylah Laurie drove in four runs off three hits to lead Gold Coast over Adelaide in a game that took over three hours to complete.

Laure doubled in the fifth scoring two, tripled in the first, and singled in the fourth.

The teams went back and forth in a game with multiple lead changes. Have a look:

Mid 1: Adelaide 2 – Gold Coast 0
End 1: Gold Coast 3 – Adelaide 2
Mid 2: Adelaide 6 – Gold Coast 3
End 3: Gold Coast 7 – Adelaide 6
Mid 5: Adelaide 8 – Gold Coast 8
End 5: Gold Coast 14- Adelaide 8

The biggest damage came in the fifth inning, when Gold Coast plated six runs.

They had some timely defense in the sixth, too. Down 14-10, Adelaide loaded the bases. Enter Chase Neilan.

Neilan got three quicks out and didn’t surrender a run. He pitched the final inning in perfect fashion.

Gold Coast worked 13 walks on the day. Tylah Laurie and Buzz Mecham each produced three hits.

Archer Walsh and Matthew Barnes had two hits to lead the Armada. Barnes chipped in with 2 RBI.

Both teams play double headers today.

GOLD COAST

Hits (11): Tylah Laurie (3), Buzz Mecham (3), Zavier Leigh (2), Robert Bishop, Reuben Millar, Aaron Scott, Ashton Wise
RBI: Tylah Laurie (4), Robert Bishop (2), Reuben Millar (2), Max Arlow, Zavier Leigh, Aaron Scott, Ashton Wise

ADELAIDE

Hits (9): Matthew Barnes (2), Archer Walsh (2), Asher Jeffry, Kaeden Sanders, Hudson Thomas, Parker Rawson, Owen Monaghan

RBI: Matthew Barnes (2), Matthew Dunn, Asher Jeffry

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS 11 def ADELAIDE ARMADA | Excellent Athletics powers run rule victory

The Melbourne Athletics picked up a crucial win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

A pair of excellent pitching performances drove the win forward.

Ned Richards opened the game and threw two shutout innings with no hits and no runs. He left with an apparent injury.

Aiden Incoll took over from there. He went the rest of the way: 4.0 IP, 3H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO. He also went 2-for-2.

The game was relatively close until the bottom of the sixth when the Athletics scored five runs to win it 11-1. Jacob Tayler had a key RBI double in the sixth, cashing in two of his three RBI.

Harvey Devlin was immense in this game. The Athletics centrefieler went 2-for-2 with 5 RBI and a walk.

Adelaide combined for just three hits and fall to 0-2.

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS

Hits (11): Keinosuke Lee (2), Oliver Baillargeon (2), Jacob Tayler (2), Ned Richards, Aiden Incoll (2), Max Lord (2), Matthew Golden, Harvey Devlin (2)
RBI: Taylor (3), Devlin (5), Lord, Godden

ADELAIDE ARMADA

Hits (3): Kaeden Sanders, Ben Perkins, Kobe Rann
RBI: Sanders

RYDE RED 11 def CENTRAL FIREBIRDS 9 | They do it again! For second time in day, Ryde score late winning runs in comeback victory

There’s something about this Ryde team.

Just hours after coming from behind to beat Melbourne Mets with a late winner, Ryde Red did it again against the Central Firebirds.

This time, Ryde erased a five-run deficit, coming from behind (twice) to claim a key win.

The comeback was completed with a four-run bottom of the sixth inning. Patton Van Der Westhuizen delivered a game-tying two-RBI single to level the score at 9-9 before Max Draper and Jordan Lowe each drove in a run to seal an 11-9 victory.

Central Firebirds built an early 6-1 lead, with Archie Moffat driving in three runs.

Ryde stormed back in the fourth. Ryan Reekie singled home a run before Patrick Kaye and Van Der Westhuizen each added RBI hits to tie the game at 7-7.

The Firebirds reclaimed the lead in the sixth when Chayce Humble and Alex Clark each drove in a run to make it 9-7.
Then came Ryde’s decisive four-run response in the bottom half.

Lachlan Matsunaga followed by tossing perfect sixth and seventh innings to lock down the win — and the save.
Ryde now sits at 2-1 with one game remaining against Manly. A win would secure a Top 3 finish.

Van der Westhuizen led Ryde with 3 RBI.

Central Firebirds fall to 1-1 and will fight for a finals spot tomorrow against Brisbane North (2-0) and Melbourne Mets (0-3).

RYDE RED

Hits (9): Spencer Kelly, Ryan Reekie (2), Patrick Kaye, Patton Van der Westhuizen (2), Max Draper, Jordan Lowe, Lachlan Matsunaga
RBI: Reekie (2), Howay, Kaye, Van Der Westhuizen (3), Drape

CENTRAL FIREBIRDS

Hits (4): Chayce Humble, Alex Clark, Archie Moffat, C. Drew
RBI: Drew, Moffat (3), Clark, Humble

CRONULLA BLACK 4 def GOLD COAST 2 | Superb Cronulla pitching gets Sharks over the line

Cronulla managed just one hit but still found a way to defeat Gold Coast 4-2 and improve to 2-0 at the tournament.

The win was built on outstanding pitching from Will Bonham, Patrick Williams and Harrison Thomas-McLean.

Bonham set the tone with 4.1 innings of work, allowing just one unearned run on three hits while striking out four without issuing a walk.

Williams followed with a clean inning of relief, giving up just one hit and one walk.

Thomas-McLean slammed the door shut with a dominant 1.2 innings. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out six.

Cronulla scored all four of its runs in the fifth inning, taking advantage of walks and defensive miscues.

Zavier Leigh collected three of Gold Coast’s five hits in the loss.

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits (1): Jake Shorey
RBI: Williams (2), Jacenko, Gerstenberg

GOLD COAST

Hits (5): Zavier Leight (3), Scott, Millar
RBI: Tylah Laurie

MANLY 8 def BRISBANE NORTH 5 | Manly explode for four sixth inning runs to create Pool A Log Jam

Manly delivered when it mattered most, scoring four runs in the sixth inning to snap a 4-4 deadlock and hand previously undefeated Brisbane North a crucial Pool A loss at the Senior League Championships.

The decisive rally came quickly.

Hamish Mallam opened the inning with one of his game-high three hits and drove in a run. Jack Phegan followed with another RBI knock before Jesse Hanrahan added a single to keep the pressure on. Jude Trevitt then brought home another run with a sacrifice as Manly surged ahead for good.

The result creates a major logjam in Pool A.

Manly, Brisbane North and Ryde all sit at 2-1 after Day 2, while the Central Firebirds remain firmly in contention at 1-1. With only three finals spots available, every game looms large heading into the final stretch.

Manly’s offence fired throughout the contest. They also posted a four-run third inning to erase an early deficit and take a 4-1 lead.
Brisbane North fought back in the fifth. Two-out RBI hits from Will Bain and Logan Lokeni tied the game and briefly swung momentum back their way before Manly answered late.

Mallam starred offensively with three hits, while Austin Murdoch added two as nine different Manly players recorded a hit in a balanced team performance.

Murdoch, Mallam and Gereaux combined on the mound for Manly.

Thomas White collected two hits for Brisbane North, while White, Petersen and Bain shared pitching duties.

Brisbane North scored a late run on a wild pitch.

MANLY

Hits (11): Tennyson Bragg, Jack Kelly, Austin Murdoch (2), Hamish Mallam (3), Jack Phegan, Daniel Gereaux, Jesse Hanrahan, Cooper Williams

RBI: Bragg, Murdoch, Mallam, Phelan, Hanrahan, Williams

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits (7): Thomas White (2), Will Bain, Logan Lokeni, Chase Crew, Xavier Honsa, Archie Baert

CRONULLA vs CARINE CATS | Cronulla sweep the day and lock up a finals spot

Cronulla Black are the first team through to the Senior League Championships finals.

An 8-3 win over the Carine Cats secured Cronulla a perfect 3-0 record and the head-to-head tiebreaker over the chasing teams in Pool B. They are now the tournament’s only unbeaten side.

The result all but seals top spot in Pool B, sending Cronulla straight to Saturday’s semi-finals and avoiding the quarterfinals.
The game remained tight until the closing innings.

With the score locked at 3-3 in the top of the sixth, Patrick Williams ripped a two-out RBI double to give Cronulla the lead for good.

Will Bonham then helped preserve the advantage with a clutch double play in the bottom half to erase a Cats scoring threat.
Cronulla broke it open with four runs in the seventh. Bonham tripled, Harry Fuz doubled, Williams added another RBI single and Aidan Southcombe brought home a run with a sacrifice fly.

Williams led the offence with three hits and two RBI, while Bonham and Fuz each collected two hits.

Hugh Kelly started for Cronulla and allowed three runs across 4.0 innings. Zac Jacenko followed with 2.1 scoreless innings before Mikey Gerstenberg closed the door.

For Carine, Arata Samukawa and Finley Scott each had two hits, with Scott driving in all three runs. Jake Coorey impressed in relief, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings.

Carine drop to 1-1 and face a crucial final day of Pool Play.

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits (10): Williams (3), Fuz (2), Bonham (2), Gerstenberg, Sampson, Southcombe

RBI: Sampson, Bonham (2), Fuz, Williams (2), Southcombe

CARINE CATS

Hits (7): Nugura, Samukawa (2), Scott (2), Coorey, Richardson

RBI: Scott (3)

13 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2026 Senior League | Day 1 Recaps, Scores, Results

You can’t say Day 1 of the Senior League Championships wasn’t memorable.

Teams battled each other – and the rain – in a day that lasted over 14 hours at the ballpark.

One team, Brisbane North, was there from start to finish.

TOURNAMENT HUB: All your Senior League Info Here

You can read about how the day unfolded below.

Please note, there is an altered schedule tomorrow in the graphic here:

You can watch Diamond 1 coverage live and free on Baseball+ – plus.baseball.com.au – or via the App.

DAY 1 SCHEDULE | MAY 13

– Pool A: Brisbane North 10 def Melbourne Mets 5
– Pool A: Central Firebirds 7 def Manly 4

– Pool A: Manly 17 def Melbourne Mets 5

– Pool B: Cronulla Black 6 def Melbourne Athletics 4

– Pool B: Carine Cats 13 def Melbourne Athletics 6

– Pool A: Brisbane North 13 def Ryde Red 5

– POSTPONED to MAY 14, 9:00AM – Adelaide Armada vs Gold Coast

BROADCAST: Baseball+ | SCORING: GameChanger

STANDINGS

Top three teams advance to finals. #2 and #3 advance to quarterfinals, #1 in each pool straight to semis.

POOL A

Brisbane North 2-0
Central Firebirds 1-0
Manly 1-1
Ryde Red 0-1
Melbourne Mets 0-2

POOL B

Cronulla Black 1-0
Carine Cats 1-0
Adelaide Armada
Gold Coast
Melbourne Athletics 0-2

RECAPS

Brisbane North 10 def Melbourne Mets 5 | Powered by pitching, Brisbane North battle back from early deficit to claim first win of tournament

Brisbane North showed why they are one of the tournament favourites in a resilient comeback effort.

Despite falling behind 3-0 in the top of the first inning, Brisbane North combined for 12 hits at the plate and 13 strikeouts from the mound in a 10-5 win.

The momentum started changing thanks to Xavier Honsa. He entered the game in the top of the third with his team down 3-0, the bases loaded and bases loaded.

He proceeded to strike out the side and not allow any further damage. Honsa’s RBI single kick-started a pivotal five-run second inning that put Brisbane North up for good.

His final pitching line? 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB and 4 SO.

Archer Peterson allowed one run in 0.2 innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts. Chase Crew dominated in his bullpen stint, going 30 innings with two hits, no walks and seven strikeouts. Rory Gately had a one pitch out to finish it.

Thomas White, Will Bain, Tirrell Wai-Wai, Archer Petersen and Chase Crew each tallied a pair of hits.

Parks Halasz starred for Melbourne with two hits to his name, including a triple. Max Talpey was impressive in his 1.2 innings of shutout work.

Brisbane North play later this afternoon on Baseball+. The Mets quickly turnaround to face Manly.

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits (12): Thomas White (2), Will Bain (2), Logan Lokeni, Tirrell Waiwai (2), Archer Petersen (2), Chase Crew (2), Xavier Honsa
RBI: White (2), Bain, Lokeni (2), Waiwai, Honsa, Tyler Wilson

MELBOURNE METS

Hits (5): Parks Halasz (2), George Steer, Jack Northfield, Cruise Chase
RBI: Cruise Chase (2), Northfield, Jacob Young, Cale Morris

Central Firebirds 7 def Manly 4 | Firebirds win a wild one by scoring three in the last inning

The Firebirds won a wild one.

It wasn’t easy. They traded shots with Manly all game long. It went a little like this…

Firebirds led 2-0 and 3-1.

Manly tied it at 3 in the fifth.

Firebirds took a 4-3 lead in the sixth.

Manly tied it right back up at 4.

The Firebirds loaded them up in the last, when finely Taj Humble and Ryan Arnold combined for three RBI to put the game to bed.

The game began as a pitcher’s duel. Archie Moffat was excellent for the Firebirds, going 3.0 innings with no runs, four hits and no walks. Kai Riddle was solid for Manly, surrendering two hits and two runs (but none earned) in 2.2 innings.

Manly caused chaos in the fifth, tying the game at 3 with a pair of runs thanks to a single from Jesse Hanrahan and a bases-loaded walk from Jack Kelly.

Ryan Arnold put Central Firebirds back up 4-3 with an RBI double in the sixth. Hamish Mallam’s RBI single for Manly tied it back up at four.

Then, the seventh. 7-4 your final.

Cooper Troung and Alexander Clark closed things out for Central Firebirds.

Clark and Arnold both had two hits for the Firebirds. Humble and Arnold each had two RBI.

Mallam led the way with a pair of base knocks for Manly.

CENTRAL FIREBIRDS

Hits (6): Chayce Humble, Alex Clark (2), Archie Moffatt, Ryan Arnold (2)
RBI: Moffat, T. Humble (2), Arnold (2)

MANLY

Hits (6): Hamish Mallam, Jude Trevitt, Kai Riddle, Tennyson Bragg, Jesse Hanrahan
RBI: Mallam, Hanrahan

Cronulla Black 6 def Melbourne Athletics 4 | Cronulla battle back with late runs to down Melbourne Athletics

Cronulla scored five unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth inning to start the tournament off 1-0.

Will Bonham drove in a first inning run to put Cronulla up 1-0 but the Athletics temporarily took over.

Max Lord had a two-RBI single in the first, and later expanded their lead to 3-1. Finn Welte was solid in his start for Melbourne, tossing 3.0 innings, allowing five hits and one run.

When he left the game, Cronulla took advantage. They tied the game in the fifth thanks to a ground out by Jake Shorey and a single from Bonham.

Cronulla Black took the lead for good, taking advantage of walks, errors and wild pitches to lead 6-3 in the sixth.

Bonham drove the middle of the lineup for Cronulla, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. Harrison Thomas-McLean also had two hits.

Jacob Tayler led Melbourne Athletics with two hits.

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits (8): Will Bonham (2), Harrison Thomas-McLean (2), Lachlan McGuckin-Anderson, Aiden Southcombe, Zac Jacenko, Jake Shorey

RBI: Bonham (2), Shorey

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS

Hits (6): Jacob Tayler (2), Max Lord, Oliver Baillargeon, Ned Richards, Keinosuke Lee
RBI: Lee, Lord (2), Oliver Baillargeon

Manly 17 def Melbourne Mets 5 | Manly even up record with dominant win

Manly claimed the first ‘Run Rule’ victory of the tournament in a dominant 17-5 that ended after five innings.

Manly did all their scoring in four batting innings. At one point, they built up a 14-0 lead.

They scored three in the first, second and fourth. But their best work came in the third inning, when Manly played a whopping eight runs.

Kai Riddle had an RBI single, Austin Murdoch drew a bases-loaded walk, Harry Webb drove in a run off a hit, Aidan Clarke added another, while Williams and Jack Kelly each worked a bases-loaded walk.

After their eight-spot, they led 14-0.

Riddle very much led the way. He had two hits, a walk and an RBI.

Kai Harris (above) threw 3.0 shutout innings with just two hits and a walk allowed with three strikeouts.

Harry Webb had two hits. Murdoch, Harris, Webb and Williams all had a pair of RBI. Williams and Mallam both drew three walks.

As a team, Manly reached base 31 times – 14 off hits, 17 off walks.

The Mets scored five runs in the fourth. Flynn Suggett had two hits and two RBI.

Melbourne Mets drop to 0-2 and face a few must-win games in a row. Manly improve to 1-1.

MANLY

Hits (10): K. Riddle (2), J. Kelly, A. Murdoch, K. Harris, H. Webb (2), A. Clarke, H. Mallam, C. Williams.
RBI: Riddle, Murdoch (2), Harris (2), Webb (2), Clarke, Williams (2)

METS

Hits (5): F. Suggett (2), C. Papadopolous, P. Halasz, J. Northfield
RBI: Sugget (2), Papadapolous, Morris, Young

Carine Cats 13 def Melbourne Athletics 6 (Extras) | Resilient Carine Cats survive 7 hour marathon, two rain delays, and four run deficit to win it in extras

The Carine Cats will remember this for a long time.

In a game that had two rain delays and finished 7 hours and 15 minutes after it first began, the Carine Cats used an eight-run extra inning to sink the Melbourne Athletics.

What’s more impressive is Carine were down 5-1 in the sixth inning before rallying to tie it in the last to force the tiebreaker.

Zach Devins, Sam Nugura and Darcy White all had key RBI in the eight-run extra-inning outburst.

Nugura collected three hits in the Winn, none bigger than his extra innings get-away moment.

Things started off well for the Athletics. They opened up a 3-0 advantage in the first inning thanks to a Ned Richards sacrifice fly and Ollie Allen two-RBI single. They took at 5-1 lead in the fifth.

Keinosuke Lee helped build the early lead by tossing 4.0 innings, allowing just one run off three hits and two hits. He also had two hits at the plate to lead the team.

The game paused for two hours and 30 minutes in the fifth inning.

The Cats started the comeback in the sixth when play resumed. They made the most of a couple Athletics’ error to move the scoreline to 5-3.

Then, Zach Richardson singled down the line on an 0-2 count which helped tie the game at five in the the seventh.

As a team, Carine combined for 15 hits. Nugura and Finley Scott each had three.
They sit at 1-0 after Day 1.

Melbourne Athletics fall to 0-2.

CARINE CATS

Hits (13): Finley Scott (3), Samuel Nugura (3), Jake Coorey (2), Arata Samukawa (2), William David-Moss, Darcy White, Declan McDonnell, Zachary Devins, Zach Richardson

RBI: Nugura (2), Scott, David-Moss, White (2), Devins, Richardson, Aidan Corkill

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS

Hits (7): Keinosuke Lee (2), Jacob Tayler, Oliver Baillargeon, Max Lord, Ollie Allen, M. Godden
RBI: Ned Richards, Baillargeon (2), Allen (2)

Brisbane North 13 def Ryde Red 5 | Brisbane North cap off 14-hour day at ballpark with a win to improve to 2-0

Brisbane North started the day like they finished – with a big win.

Thanks to the rain, Brisbane North spent over 14 hours at the ballpark. They have two wins to show for it.

Brisbane built up a 10-1 lead after five innings. Ryde pushed back with four in the sixth. Then the weather stepped in, creating a four hour delay before play resumed.

When they did, Brisbane North picked up right where they left off by adding another three runs to the tally.

Will Bain and Archer Petersen both had two hits and two RBI in the win.

The pitchers were a big story. They limited Ryde to just two hits.

Tirrell Waiwai struck out five in 2.2 innings, allowing one run. Lachlan Richards struck out three in 1.2 shutout innings. Tyler Wilson allowed one earned run (4 total) in his 1.1 innings. Rory Gately closed it out with 1.1 perfect innings.

The win puts Brisbane North in good stead with a 2-0 record after Day 1.

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits (7): Will Bain (2), Logan Lokeni, Coleby Ryerson, Archer Petersen (2), Archie Baert
RBI: Thomas White, Will Bain (2), Ryerson, Petersen (2)

RYDE RED

Hits (2): Spencer Kelly, Max Draper
RBI: Kelly, Draper, Nick Turley, Lachlan Matsunaga

13 May 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Brisbane pitcher Brandan Bidois called up by Pirates, could become 40th Australian to play in Major Leagues

The Pittsburgh Pirates today recalled right-handed pitcher Brandan Bidois.

He will become the 40th Australian-born player in MLB history, following Cleveland’s Travis Bazzana on April 28, 2026.

He could debut as soon as today. The Pirates are currently hosting the Colorado Rockies.

Bidois, 24, from Brisbane, began the season with Indianapolis in Triple-A. He made 15 appearances with a 3-2 record, 7.20 ERA (12er/15.0ip) and 23 strikeouts.

THE LIST: All 39 Australian Major Leaguers

He is fresh off perfect outings on May 7 and May 9 where he struck out five batters across 2.1 innings in relief.

Bidois, who features a fastball in the high 90mph range, had a breakout season in 2025. He won the Pirates’ Reliever of the Year and climbed four levels in the organization last season, splitting time between Single-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro, Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis.

Bidois put together a stellar campaign, registering a 0.74 ERA with an 8-0 record, 69 strikeouts, 0.80 WHIP and .110 batting average against (22-for-200) across 40 minor league relief outings, giving up runs in only five appearances all season, and earned runs in just three of those.

In his fifth professional season, all with Pittsburgh, Bidois has totaled 107 minor league games with a 14-7 record, 2.59 ERA (39er/135.1ip), 184 strikeouts and a .168 batting average against (80-for-476).

Bidois last played for the Brisbane Bandits in the 2020-21 ABL season. His home club is the Windsor Royals.

Here is an MLB.com story on Brandan Bidois.

07 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Emeralds Announced! Australia names 2026 Women's Baseball World Cup Roster

Australia’s roster for Pool A the 2026 Women’s World Cup Group Stage has been locked in.

Off the back of the recent Women’s National Championships, manager Jason Pospishil and the High Performance arm of Baseball Australia have named a 20-woman squad for the July tournament.

Australia’s national team, also known as the Emeralds, will compete in Pool A in Rockford, Illinois from July 22-27.

They will face a challenging mix of powerhouses and emerging nations. Australia will take on No. 2 USA, No. 6 Mexico, No. 8 Hong Kong, China, No. 12 Korea, and the winner of a playoff series between Canada and Puerto Rico.

If they finish Top 3 in the Group, they will qualify for the Finals with five other nations in 2027.

The athletes will depart to the USA in advance of the tournament for a five-day training camp where they will practice, adjust to a new times, and play exhibition games. Between now and then, the players will work out with their respective Performance Pathways Programs.

Here’s a little bit more about the roster:

AT A GLANCE

This roster features:
– 13 players with World Cup experience
– 11 returning players from 2023
– An average age of 25.8
– 7 players set to make their Emeralds debut
– 13 pitchers, including 8 who can play multiple positions
– 9 Women’s Professional Baseball Draft Picks
– 3 teenagers: Atkinson, Cornish, Paddison
– 11 players aged 25 or younger

ROSTER CONSTRUCTION

This group is built on versatility.

Head coach Jason Pospishil notes that having players who can play multiple positions is important due to the number of two-way players in the mix.

“We have such a high percentage of quality two-way players, we need as much defensive versatility as possible,” says Pospishil. “One of our foundations is being able to throw two pitches for strikes in any count. There was a big emphasis on pitchers who were able to do that.”

“One of the other pillars is that we are a tournament style baseball-centred team. We picked 20 players who we think fit into this team and give us as many good options as possible for the environment we’re about to play in.”

Pospishil said the lessons from 2023 heavily influenced the roster makeup. Australia finished fourth, barely missing out on qualifying for the Final Stage. They made six errors in two key – and close – losses.

“It would be very naïve of me to not take into consideration the lessons we learned from three years ago,” he says. “That’s played a big part in the ability to be better defensively, throw more strikes, and foster a positive winning culture.”

He also pointed to the impact of the recent Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) on selection decisions.

“The AWC put some players in contention and allowed players to make this team that may not have been as firmly on the radar before,” says Pospishil. “What the AWC showed us is there are parts of each individual game they can work on for the next eight-to-10 weeks. We were studious on looking at players and how their skill sets measure up with the Team Australia foundations.”

Pospishil believes the balance of youth and experience gives the Emeralds a strong foundation heading into the tournament.

“We have a great mix of ages here,” he said. “We have a few young players on this team, three teenagers, and players who have clubhouse leadership in veteran leadership. I think that’s a really good mix.”

“At just under 26, the average age is in the sweet spot,” he adds.

Culture also played a major role in the final selections.

“It’s important we all understand who we are right away,” said Pospishil. “There are players on this team we picked because of their outstanding clubhouse qualities.”

Now, the focus shifts to what the team can do on the field. Australia is looking to medal for the first time since 2014.

“Our expectation is qualify for the World Cup Finals next year,” said Pospishil.

At the same time, he stressed the door remains open for players who missed this roster, especially with the 2027 Finals in mind.

“2027 is an option for players that didn’t make this team,” he said. “We have four players who were on the radar and missed out last World Cup cycle that are now here. So for those that aren’t part of this twenty it doesn’t mean the book is closed on you. When we qualify for 2027, players are going to play AWC and the process continues. The book is not closed on the people that didn’t make this team.”

“I think that’s what the AWC also showed. There is so much talent coming through. I can’t put a line through a player ever. I can’t stress enough how excited I am,” he adds.

THE NEW FACES

The Emeralds feature nine players who were not on the 2023 World Cup squad – a group that fell one place short of advancing to the finals.

They are catcher Jamie Bastian, catcher Chloe Atkinson, 2B / RHP Bronwyn Gell, OF / LHP Molly Paddison, OF Elodie O’Sullivan, UTIL Riordan Bradley, RHP Brittney Baker, RHP Mackenzie Jackson and RHP Jess Johnson.

It’s hard not to be excited with what each brings to the table.

Atkinson is an 18-year-old emerging superstar. She has won back-to-back Golden Bats at the Women’s Nationals (AWC) and is a Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) draft pick.

Molly Paddison, 18, is also a WPBL draft pick and has led Queensland to the finals the last few AWC.

Jamie Bastian put together a huge tournament behind the plate. She led Victorian pitching staff to the best ERA and threw out multiple runners on the base paths. Bastian also missed out narrowly in 2023. With a great ability to control the run game, it’s evident why she cracked the squad this time around.

Rio Bradley missed out narrowly on World Cup selection in 2023. She pieced together a brilliant 2026 National Championship with Queensland and is one of the fastest players on the roster. She can catch, play outfield, run and provides the team with a versatile option with leadership ability.

Bronwyn Gell has already appeared in five World Cups but hasn’t been on a roster since 2016. She’s been one of the most dominant players in Victorian baseball over the last couple of seasons and a leader over the last two decades.

Elodie O’Sullivan was on the 2018 squad but missed out on 2023 selection after not quite being healthy enough after a foot injury. O’Sullivan plays professionally in Japan. More on her below.

Then there’s the pitchers. Brittney Baker and Jess Johnson both make the team shortly after becoming mums for the first time. Johnson is a rookie at 37.

Mackenzie Jackson was arguably the best pitcher at the 2025 Nationals for New South Wales. She tore her labrum and missed nearly all of the recent season. She returned and fired off four shutout innings at the 2026 nationals and made the squad.

THE RETURNEES

11 players are back from 2023 – many of them already young players with more experience.

Claire O’Sullivan has turned into one of the best all-around players in Australia and has even won a national championship in Japan. She was selected in the recent WPBL draft, too.

22-year-old Caitlin Eynon is the reigning Women’s MVP and considered one of the best players in the world. She, like O’Sullivan is a WPBL draft pick.

There are four other WPBL picks: OF Ticara Geldenhuis, INF Leah Cornish, RHP Allie Bebbere and RHP Maddi Erwin. Bebbere was one of the best statistical pitchers in the 2023 tournament, Cornish had an .800 OBP as a 16-year-old, and Geldenhuis went deep fro Australia in 2023.

Maddi Heath returns for her second year behind the plate, with more experience and a national title to her name.

Gen Beacom offers serious power at first base, and has been playing top level softball in the NCAA college system at Oregon State.

Abbey Kelly returns for her fourth World Cup experience. She’s won nearly every award you can at a nationals.

Meaghan Haggart can play multiple positions and will play in her second World Cup. She pitched a huge finals game in a win vs eventual champion Victoria in April.

Lili Cavanagh looks ready to become an international star. The 23-year-old was the 2024 Women’s MVP and will play important positions. She’ll pitch, play centrefield and shortstop.

HEAR FROM A COUPLE EMERALDS

“Calling people and telling them they made the team is just awesome,” says Pospishil. “It’s one of the best parts of the job to tell somebody their dream came true. There were tears. They were fun calls to make.”

One of those calls was the Jess Johnson, a 37-year-old pitcher who was one of the final cuts in 2023.

Since then, she has played a key role in winning two Victorian national championships. Importantly, she became a mum in that time.

“It was pretty emotional,” says Johnson of the phone call. “After not making the previous team, there’s always a bit of anxiety around receiving one of those calls. I don’t think reality has fully sunk in yet and it probably won’t until we’re on the plane.”

“I’ve been working towards this for a few years now. Despite everything the goal never really changed, if anything, it pushed me more. The last year especially, coming back after having my son and putting in the work to get back to this level has been a big part of that.”

“Before it was about me and my goals, but now there’s a bigger why behind it. I get to do this not just for myself and the team but also for my son, which makes it really special.”

Another fun call was to Elodie O’Sullivan.

That’s in direct contrast to the last World Cup cycle. Pospishil says a phone call to her in 2023 was one of the harder conversations. He had to tell O’Sullivan, a 2018 representative, that she wasn’t on the team. Lingering issues from a major foot injury was the headline.

O’Sullivan used the disappointment as motivation. She changed her story.

“Over the last three years I’ve been really proud of the narrative I have written for myself. After the work I put in to return from my injury in 2023 I wanted to find a place to play some games; to capitalise on the good shape I was in and I was hungry to challenge myself.”

“I found myself with opportunities to play in the Japanese domestic competition for Tokai Nexus. Being around a whole new level of passion, enjoyment and high standard of the game reminded me of what I want in a baseball environment and an enhanced understanding of how to get the best out of myself.

“I have an immense amount of gratitude for everyone who has supported me (especially my family and friends and a number of Emerald alumni, baseball WA HP staff, Carine Cats, Eastern Suburbs dolphins, my gym Jump Lift Run and Form and Function Chiro who have ensured I’ve been in top shape, and of course Risa Nakashima and Tokai Nexus).”

There are plenty more stories to come!

But for now, congratulations to the 2026 Emeralds.

Note: The Coaching Staff will be announced next month.

07 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

HUB | 2026 Australian Junior and Intermediate League National Championships

There are two tournaments at once, and only one article to pin to the hub page. Looking for Junior League or Intermediate Results? Click the link below to be brought to the HUB for each tournament.

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE: Click here

JUNIOR LEAGUE: Click here

MASTER SCHEDULE (NOTE THERE HAS BEEN AN ADJUSTMENT PLEASE SEE CURRENT HUB FOR ACTIVE STORY): Download the PDF to see when your team plays

——

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.

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 HUB and Schedule

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

UPDATE: Our modified Day 3 schedule has been released

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 | NOTE: As of 9:00PM on Wednesday 13 May the schedule has changed. This schedule is now out-of-date. Please use the hub for most recent schedule.

UPDATE: Our modified Day 3 schedule has been released

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.

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