Liam Hendriks returns to where it all Began with Minnesota Twins deal

12 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Liam Hendriks returns to where it all Began with Minnesota Twins deal

Australian star Liam Hendriks is headed back to familiar territory, agreeing to a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins in a full-circle moment for one of the country’s most accomplished Major League pitchers.

The veteran reliever will receive an invitation to Major League Spring Training as he looks to continue a remarkable career that began with the Twins more than a decade ago.

Hendriks originally debuted with Minnesota in 2011 and pitched for the club through the 2013 season before establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier late-inning arms across multiple organisations.

Across 14 Major League seasons, the right-hander has suited up for the Twins, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox, compiling 116 saves with a career ERA under 4.00.

A three-time All-Star and American League Comeback Player of the Year, Hendriks has built a reputation for resilience throughout his career, including returning to the mound after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023.

Now, the Australian fan favourite returns to the organisation that first gave him his Major League opportunity, adding experienced bullpen depth as Minnesota prepares for the upcoming season.

The agreement has been reported but has not yet been officially confirmed by the club.

06 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Roster, Schedule and Hub | Team Australia at the 2026 World Baseball Classic

FOR FULL COVERAGE, LINKS TO FEATURES, INTERVIEWS, STORIES AND SCHEDULE PLEASE VISIT THE 2026 WBC HUB AT www.baseball.com.au/wbc

—

This roster announcement is presented by Four’N Twenty

Team Australia has unveiled its 30-man roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, assembling a balanced squad blending experience with emerging talent as the green and gold prepare to compete on baseball’s biggest international stage.

The World Baseball Classic is the premier global tournament for the sport, bringing together the world’s top baseball nations in a high-stakes competition. Australia will open tournament play in Tokyo as part of Pool C, where they will face Chinese Taipei (March 5), Czechia (March 6), Japan (March 8) and Korea (March 9).

The top two teams advance to the quarterfinals in Miami.

The tournament begins March 4, with Team Australia aiming to build on a historic 2023 campaign that saw the nation reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

Here are some notes on the roster:

Roster Notes: Continuity and Youth

Seventeen players return from the 2023 World Baseball Classic squad, including nine position players and eight pitchers, providing valuable tournament experience.

Media Guide: Read more about each player

The roster also signals a strong future for Australian baseball:
– 13 players are aged 26 or under
– 12 players will make their World Baseball Classic debut
– 10 players are set for their senior Team Australia tournament debut
– Five players bring Major League Baseball experience: Curtis Mead, Alexander Wells, Warwick Saupold, Jack O’Loughlin and Aaron Whitefield
– All 30 players have strong ties to Australian Baseball League clubs;
– Seven players are currently affiliated with an MLB or KBO organisation
– Four players — Lachlan Wells, Coen Wynne, Warwick Saupold and Jarryd Dale — have KBO experience

HUB: Follow Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic

For media enquiries, contact Eric Balnar at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au

TEAM FIRST APPROACH

Team Australia manager David Nilsson has emphasised a team first approach. He believes the roster’s strength lies in collective execution rather than individual star poser.

“I think the strength of the team is it is built around the sum of parts. It’s not about individuals. It’s about having a sum of parts that can execute towards a collective goal and by playing as a team,” Nilsson said.

“For any team to have success in an international baseball tournament, you need to be fundamentally sound pitching and defensively. That will be one of our strong focus. We have great players who we know can succeed.”

Roster versatility was another priority.

“In such a short tournament you want to have some roster flexibility. You don’t know how things will play out so you try to cover as many different unseen happenings,” said Nilsson. “I think that’s really gone into the selection of the position players.”

Nilsson credited a detailed and collaborative evaluation process.

“Every month the selection committee would meet. As it got closer, the meetings became more frequent. The ABL season absolutely influenced decisions. But, we have eyes everywhere. There are people everywhere that contribute to these decisions,” said Nilsson.

High-profile Australian Liam Hendriks has not been named to the 30-man roster but has been included in the designated pitcher pool as a reserve.

The veteran right-hander continues his recovery from a significant injury and is focused on preparing his body to face the best hitters in the world during the 2026 MLB season.

Nilsson said he is excited to see how roster competition develops over the next month.

“My job and my responsibility is to have the best team on the field on March 5. There’s a lot that can happen in the next four weeks,” said Nilsson.

Planning for the roster began well before this announcement.

“It started back in 2023 during the tournament and honestly before. You’re always trying to read guys. You always have your eyes on the future,” Nilsson said. “You follow every level. As you get closer, you narrow it down. It never stops. We’re already looking at 2028 Olympics. The cycle never stops.”

Nilsson will be supported by an experienced and well rounded coaching staff.

Nilsson has been at the helm of the senior men’s team since 2018 and has helped lead Team Australia to consistent results, including a Super Round appearance at the Premier12 (2019), a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal (2023) and seventh place finish at the 2024 Premier12.

Baseball Australia CEO commended Nilsson and his staff for the selection process.

“The opportunity to represent Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic always brings out the best in our playing group,” said Williams. “Final selection decisions are never easy, and the selection panel has done an outstanding job through a lengthy and detailed process. They’ve tackled what is a very difficult task head-on, gathering, considering and weighing information from all sources to select the strongest possible team for the WBC. These are really exciting times ahead.”

WHAT’S NEXT: TRAINING CAMP IN FUCHU

23 players on Team Australia will depart to Fuchu City for a two week training camp.

Seven others – Lachlan Wells, Jarryd Dale, Curtis Mead, Travis Bazzana, Max Durrington, Mitch Neunborn and Blake Townsend – will attend their respective professional club’s Spring Training.

Nilsson says the training camp will sharpen their preparation. It’s an important step in ensuring the group is ready for the intensity of international competition.

“Fuchu is about preparation. We need to be as prepared as we can for elite level baseball,” Nilsson said. “The camp is about hard work, and everyone really understanding where they fall in the team, connecting and narrowing down on their roles. There is a large emphasis on process to get better and on game speed.”

SCHEDULE: WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

All times AEDT (Sydney)

– March 5, 2:00PM: Australia vs Chinese Taipei
– March 6, 2:00PM: Australia vs Czechia
– March 8, 9:00PM: Australia vs Japan
– March 9, 9:00PM: Australia vs Korea

All games broadcast in Australia on ESPN / Disney+.

05 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

A list of Australian coaches and performance staff across Major and Minor League Baseball

Spring Training begins shortly in the United States for Major League clubs.

Australia’s impact on professional baseball continues to grow, with a strong group of coaches, performance staff, and analysts currently working throughout Major League Baseball organisation.

From the Major League dugout to the engine rooms of player development, Australians are helping shape the future of the game at every level.

Before we begin, a note. I apologise if I missed anyone. I am trying my best to find as much information as possible. If I have overlooked you, I am so sorry. Please email me so the record can be corrected.

It is also important to recognise that many scouts are employed by MLB organisations to work in Australia. This article is specifically focused on coaches, performance, and analytics staff.

Below is a snapshot of Australians currently contributing across professional baseball:

Major League Baseball

– Will Bradley – Assistant Hitting Coach, Tampa Bay Rays

– Allan De San Miguel – Bullpen Coach, Kansas City Royals

Minor League Coaching Staff

– Chris Adamson – Bench Coach, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A, Philadelphia Phillies)

– Rich Thompson – Manager, Arkansas Travellers (Double-A, Seattle Mariners)

– Michael Collins – Manager, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Double-A, New York Mets)

– Andrew Graham – Rehab Coach, Philadelphia Phillies (Minor Leagues)

– Josh Spence – Pitching Coach, Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A, Milwaukee Brewers)

– Tyler Anderson – Pitching Coach, Lakeland Tigers (Class-A, Detroit Tigers)

– Luisa Gauci – Hitting Coach, Milwaukee Brewers

-Sam Eades – Specialist: Pitching and Performance, Kansas City Royals

– Lisa Norrie – Travelling Minor League Coach, Athletics

Performance, Science, and Support Staff

– Jason Morriss – Minor League Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, Milwaukee Brewers

– MacKenzie Bourke – Clubhouse Manager and Minor League Travel Coordinator, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (High-A, Philadelphia Phillies)

– Campbell Quirk – Performance Analyst, St. Louis Cardinals

– Bill Johnson – Senior Biomechanist, Washington Nationals

– Jonathan Freeston – Director of Science, Cleveland Guardians

– Georgia Giblin – Vice President, Health & Performance, Detroit Tigers

– Tim Buszard – Performance Science, New York Yankees

01 February 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Team Australia

Team Australia to return to Fuchu for pre-World Baseball Classic training camp

Team Australia will return to their Japanese home in Fuchu City for a pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

From February 16-28, Australia will base themselves at the Tokyo suburb, running daily training sessions, and playing a series of exhibition games at the historic Fuchu City Baseball Field.

Fuchu has become Australia’s “home away from home.” National teams have trained at Fuchu before major international events since 2018.

The full schedule is at the bottom of this article.

This year, Fuchu has upgraded their training facilities including a brand new infield in preparation for Australia’s arrival.

Fuchu City invested $2 million dollars over the past 18 months in upgrading their stadium and facility with Team Australia and the broader local baseball community in mind.

TOURNAMENT HUB: Follow Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic

“This will be our fifth official Team Australia camp in Fuchu City and we keep going back for a reason,” says Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams. “Mayor Takano and the City of Fuchu could not be more supportive of our team, and our players always feel genuinely welcome when they arrive. The support from the local community is incredible, and we’re really looking forward to getting back to our home away from home as we prepare for an exciting World Baseball Classic campaign.”

In addition to the training, Team Australia will immerse themselves in the local community. The team has organised school visits as well as a clinic for local junior baseballers.

Australian players have often expressed their gratitude to Fuchu, and enjoy exploring the neighbourhood and trying local foods.

“I love it here [in Fuchu],” one player said in an article last tournament. “Everybody is so excited that you are here. They absolutely love baseball. You feel like celebrities and it really feels like home. It also is nice for the returning players to show new people some of their favourite things to do and see.”

On the field, Australia will play exhibition games vs local company teams. The schedule will be confirmed soon and be made available to the public.

The Australian roster will be revealed on Friday 6 February. However, only non-affiliated players will be at the Fuchu camp. Following the pre-tournament camp, Team Australia will fly out to Miyazaki on February 28, where the World Baseball Classic events officially begin and MLB-affiliated players can join the team.

After a three-day MLB-run camp in Miyazaki, the team will fly back to Tokyo to begin Pool Play on March 5.

Baseball.com.au will provide coverage of the camp thanks to Aces Sporting Club.

FULL GAME SCHEDULE

– February 21 (Saturday) – 12:00 p.m. – vs All Ashikaga Club
– February 22 (Sunday) – 12:00 p.m. – vs All Fuchu
– February 24 (Tuesday) – 11:30 a.m. – vs Metropolitan Police Department Baseball Club
– February 25 (Wednesday) – 11:30 a.m. – vs Gold Gym Baseball Club
– February 26 (Thursday) – 11:30 a.m. – vs 3GoodGroup HOZEN

– February 21 (Saturday): 11:30AM – Sogo Ceremony
– February 22 (Sunday): 10:15AM – Baseball Experience for Community

27 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

Resilient Ryder Wilson commits to college in the United States

One of Victoria’s most resilient and accomplished young pitchers is taking the next step in his baseball journey to the United States.

Right-handed pitcher Ryder Wilson has committed to Sussex County Community College in New Jersey, where he will study Exercise Science and continue his development on the mound. Wilson is scheduled to depart for the U.S. in Fall 2026.

Wilson’s pathway has been anything but linear. It’s turned into a defining part of what makes him the player he is.

Wilson is an AYC Gold Medalist and AYC Golden Arm winner.

A product of Melbourne’s deep club baseball system, Wilson currently plays summer baseball with Melbourne Baseball Club and winter baseball with Greenhills-Montmorency Baseball Club, where he has spent the last three seasons refining his craft and establishing himself at the highest domestic level.

He began his junior career with Upwey Ferntree Gully, an environment he credits with shaping his early foundation.

“I was lucky to have Donovan Hendricks guiding my transition from juniors to seniors,” Wilson says. “He backed me early, showed confidence in my ability, and promoted me into the Premier Division 1 senior team at a young age.”

Wilson was part of back-to-back VSBL Division 1 premiership teams at just 15 and 16 years old, gaining exposure to senior baseball well ahead of schedule.

During winter seasons, he developed further at North Balwyn Baseball Club, where he says being surrounded by elite talent helped set his standards.

“Working under Neil Burke was incredibly inspiring,” Wilson says. “Being around ABL and Australian players like Chris Burke, Darryl George, Cam Gibbons, Jon Kennedy, the Dales and the Youngs gave me the chance to watch, learn, and understand what high-level baseball actually looks like.”

Breaking into North Balwyn’s first team was difficult, and as Wilson matured, he made a defining career decision.

“Three years ago, I made the tough call to move to Greenhills-Montmorency,” he says. “They have exceptional talent, strong coaching, and a real development focus. I arrived at the right time and was given meaningful opportunities.”

Those opportunities turned into results.

Wilson earned Second Grade MVP in his second season, then followed it up by winning First Grade MVP the following year. He pitched a complete game in the semi-final and a shutout in the grand final as part of a Division 1 championship side.

He then became a ‘pitcher only.’

“My Victorian pathway reflected that versatility,” he explains. “I was selected as a catcher for the U16 AYC team, then shifted to outfield and pitching in my first U18 year. When I returned for my final U18 trials, I nominated as a pitcher only.”

Wilson now works with a five pitch mix — a four-seam fastball, sinker, slider, curveball and change-up — and prides himself on attacking hitters.

“I’ve always pitched with the same mindset,” he says. “Go hard, attack hitters, and trust your field.”

His biggest strength, however, is not just physical.

“I’d say my biggest strength is grit and resilience,” Wilson says. “I was never the biggest kid on the diamond, but I refused to be outworked. Development isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon.”

Wilson has represented Victoria at three Australian Youth Championships, medalling three times – Silver, Bronze and Gold.

“He’s had a great junior career,” says Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell. “He’s had one of the two better outings we’ve ever seen at a national championship, a Team Australia trip to Florida and an MLB select trip to Florida.”

He’s also represented the Australia Region at a Senior League World Series.

Winning Gold at the 2024 AYC carried special meaning.

“I’d missed out on World Cup selection earlier, and that setback motivated me,” he says. “I came into the tournament with something to prove and ended up being awarded the Golden Arm. I’ve always looked at non-selection as ‘not yet’ rather than ‘no’.”

That momentum continued internationally. Wilson was selected to represent Australia at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Tournament in Florida, before earning a spot on the MLB World Select Team for the Arizona College Showcase tour.

Those experiences helped shape his college decision.

But, Andrew Riddell praises Wilson’s patience to his college approach.

“He decided to take a year off after high school when he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his future and it allowed him to take a step back and really focus on what is going to help him in college,” says Riddell. “He had a great year in club ball in Melbourne, added velocity and most importantly worked on his secondary pitches so that when he gets to college he will be able to compete at a high level with multiple different pitches in the strike zone.”

Wilson has a strong Australian connection waiting for him at Sussex County. Billy Parsons, a former Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces pitcher who has represented Australia and now competes professionally with the Sussex County Miners, is currently on the college’s pitching staff.

“I was lucky to have Billy as a mentor during my first year on the Melbourne Aces Development Roster,” Wilson says. “His guidance and his connection to Sussex first led me to explore what the college offered both academically and athletically.”

Wilson says he received scholarship interest from several programs before choosing Sussex County.

“In the end, it was about finding the environment that best aligned with my goals on the field and in the classroom.”

At college, his focus is clear.

“I’m looking to develop physically through strength and conditioning and refine my pitching mechanics to see what my ceiling really is,” he says. “College will be crucial over the next two years — not just for development, but for positioning myself for the best opportunities when it’s time to move on to a four-year school.”

Riddell thinks his stuff will compete at college.

“He has always been a tough competitor that wants the ball in the biggest of games and situations and his versatility to be able to start games or come out of the bullpen is really going to help him at Sussex,” says Riddell. “I am looking forward to continue watching him develop and help his team win games just like he has done everywhere he has pitched in Australia.”

Wilson credits his father as the person who first set him on this path.

“My dad introduced me to baseball,” he says. “He never played, but a throwing clinic presentation by Jon Deeble made a huge impression on him. He suggested I try baseball in winter, and I loved it straight away.”

In a full-circle moment, the first professional development roster Wilson ever joined was with the Melbourne Aces — signed by Jon Deeble himself.

“That’s where my baseball journey really began,” Wilson says.

Now, with a clear identity on the mound, a proven competitive résumé, and a college commitment secured, Wilson is ready for the next challenge.

21 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Corporate News World Baseball Classic

Iconic food brand Four’N Twenty partners with Team Australia ahead of World Baseball Classic

Four’N Twenty, one of Australia’s most iconic food brands, has announced a renewed partnership with Team Australia ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign.

The partnership will see Four’N Twenty backing Team Australia as they take on the biggest baseball nations in the world at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, beginning March 4 in Tokyo.

Four’N Twenty will feature proudly on the team’s uniform and branding as Team Australia plays in front of tens of millions of baseball fans globally. Their iconic meat pies, already on sale in Japan, will also be available to fans at the Tokyo Dome throughout the tournament.

This announcement marks another chapter in Four’N Twenty’s long history of supporting the national baseball team, following partnerships at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship and the 2024 Hanwha Series in Melbourne.

The iconic Four’N Twenty meat pie is also a staple in clubhouses around diamonds at a grassroots level across Australia.

Anand Surujpal, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Patties Food Group, said the company is excited to stand behind the national program once again.

“We’ve been feeding Aussie sports fans for generations, and supporting Team Australia on the world stage is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Surujpal said.

“Four’N Twenty has been part of major sporting moments in this country for over 75 years, and we’re thrilled to back Team Australia as they head to Tokyo. There’s nothing more Australian than enjoying a pie while cheering on the green and gold.”

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams welcomed the continued partnership.

“Four’N Twenty and Australian sport have a long and successful history together,” Williams said.

“They’ve been tremendous supporters of Team Australia in recent years, including the APBC and the Hanwha Series, and this renewed partnership takes that connection to another level. We’re proud to take such an iconic Australian brand with us onto the world stage.”

Four’N Twenty’s presence in Japan has grown significantly since 2019, with their famous pies becoming a fan favourite at the Tokyo Dome and Escon Field. Their continued support aligns perfectly with Team Australia’s expanding international profile.

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to community sport. With participation rates rising sharply across the country and thousands of volunteers supporting the grassroots game, both organisations value their deep connections to local communities.

Team Australia enters the World Baseball Classic hoping to build on their historic quarterfinal appearance in 2023.

Williams adds that it feels appropriate that a ballpark staple is going with the team to Japan.

“Most of us grew up eating Four’N Twenty pies at the local ballpark. To have their support on the biggest stage in world baseball means a lot. The team is excited and can’t wait to represent Australia in Tokyo,” he said.

As Four’N Twenty continues expanding its presence in major global sports, the renewed partnership with Team Australia brings together two Australian icons ahead of an exciting World Baseball Classic campaign.

About Four’N Twenty:

Since being created in 1947 in regional Australia, Four’N Twenty has taken the great Australian taste to new markets. The Australian icon produces 21,000 pies per hour to keep up with the demand of 146,000 Four’N Twenty pies consumed around the globe every day.

Four’N Twenty is now available in more than 15 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the US, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Pacific Islands.  Four’N Twenty pies are currently sold in Japan in Aeon stores, convenience outlets, theme parks, ski resorts and major sports stadiums such as the Tokyo Dome and Escon Field.

About Baseball In Australia:

Baseball has been played in Australia for over 100 years. It’s a growing sport with strong success on the international stage. Team Australia is ranked 11th in the world and has international finishes that includes a 2004 Olympic Silver Medal, a Gold Medal at the 1999 Intercontinental Cup and a recent quarterfinal finish at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Home to the Australian Baseball League (ABL) where the best domestic talent is showcased. The League plays host to future MLB players every summer over a 10-week season.

15 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Australian Youth Championships

Award winners announced at 2026 Australian Youth Championships

The 2026 Under 16 and Under 18 Youth Championships is in the books.

Here are your final standings and award winners from each division.

HUB: Follow the tournament on Baseball.com.au

15 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Australian Youth Championships

2026 U18 Gold Medal Game and Highlights | Victoria comes back from four down to win U18 Gold

Victoria piled it on late in their four run comeback to claim a 9-4 Gold Medal Game victory over Western Australia at Essendon Baseball Club.

Here’s how it all happened.

You can watch the recap free on Baseball+.

The game story by Raff Casey and the mini-match highlights are below.

Tournament Hub: www.baseball.com.au/ayc2026

14 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Australian Youth Championships

Jan 14 AYC Recaps | Western Australia and Victoria to play for Gold in U18s after walk off wins

Three one run ball games in the Under 18 Finals at Essendon. There were also two walk offs.

Our Gold Medal match is set.

The recaps, with mini-match highlights, are posted below.

Don’t forget to follow us on socials via baseball.com.au and through our Hub at www.baseball.com.au/ayc2026 for up-to-date news.

SCHEDULE / RESULTS

Here is the schedule and format for the remainder of the tournament:

Qualification Final: Western Australia 3 def Victoria 2 | WA advances to Gold. Victoria plays in the Preliminary Final.

Elimination Final: NSW 3 def SA 2 | New South Wales advances to preliminary final against Victoria

Preliminary Final: VIC 10 def NSW 9 | Victoria advances to Gold Medal Game. New South Wales wins bronze.

GOLD MEDAL GAME: Victoria vs Western Australia, 2:30PM on Thursday 15 January at Essendon.

Watch live and free on Baseball+. All games at Essendon Baseball Club.

Consolation Game: Queensland 16 def ACT Roos 3

RECAPS & MINI MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

WA 3 def VIC 2 | Western Australia win ‘game of the tournament’ in walk-off fashion

This one had it all.

Clutch pitching. Big time hits. Double plays. And a walk-off.

Let’s set the stage of the last inning. 2-2, bottom of the seventh. With one out and a runner on first and second, Lenny Golding grounded into what could have been an inning ending double play to force the game to extras.

Victoria made the first out at second, but Golding hustled down the line and there throw to first was not in time.

It allowed Cam Bahr to fly around third and slide in safe for the winning run.

Moments earlier, Jake Bertucci tied the game at 2 for Victoria, with his team down to their final out in a dramatic top of the seventh.

The game was tight throughout. Each team was stifled by a tremendous pitching performance.

Riley Peoples tossed 3.1 innings in his start for Victoria. He allowed six hits, one run and four strikeouts. Cooper Busch allowed one unearned run in his 2.2 innings of relief. Cooper Bishop-Worn took the loss.

Luan Van Splunder threw 4.2 innings, allowing just three hits and one unearned run in his start for Western Australia. Dylan Palethorpe threw 2.1 innings, allowing three hits and one run.

There were no runs until the fourth inning, when they each traded a pair. WA took the lead briefly in the fifth inning and led 2-1 until the last.

Western Australia advance to the Gold Medal Game. Victoria have another chance to get the gold but they’ll need to beat either South Australia or New South Wales.

Western Australia will now play for Gold.

Watch the highlights below:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (10): E. Samukawa, Q. Fatai, C. Bahr, C. Branch (2), L. Golding (2), C. Barber, H. Wooden, C. Benseman

RBI: Wooden, Williams

VICTORIA

Hits (6): Jake Bertucci (2), Bishop-Worn, Coote, Brodie
RBI: Bertucci

NSW 3 def SA 2 | Ashton Kennedy shuts down South Australia and advances New South Wales to a Preliminary Final

By Raff Casey

Ashton Kennedy put up an MVP worthy performance in NSW’s win over South Australia. He pitched a complete game that secured at least a bronze medal for his state.

He became the first pitcher to record ten strikeouts this tournament.

After sitting down the first six SA batters, NSW took the lead from Ben Sawyer’s RBI single.

Kennedy struck out another two hitters in the third alongside a great throw by catcher Draven Fatu to catch the South Australian runner stealing.

In the fourth South Australia found a run of their own. Following is Single, Harry Taintey went on to steal second and third, before crossing the plate on a wild throw. 1-1.

NSW were quick to take back their lead.

Ryan Chou worked a walk before being brough in to score by a long Draven Fatu double.

Sam Galpin turned an excellent un-assisted double play to end the inning.

Liam Worne added to NSW’s advantage with a single. 3-1.

The South Aussies engineered one more run via a sacrifice fly off the bat of Owen Couzner, but were unable to tie the game.

Ashton Kennedy proved to be almost unstoppable. He pitched all 7.0 innings allowing just three hits and one earned run. He struck out ten SA hitters. He also cashed in a hit of his own.

Toby Kortekaas stepped on the mound for SA to throw the remaining 1.1 innings. He allowed one hit and no runs, striking out three.

New South Wales moves onto the preliminary final against Victoria live on Baseball+.

NSW

HITS: K. Cusbert, A. Kennedy, L. Worne, F. Clarke, D. Fatu (2), B. Sawyer (2)

RBI: L. Worne, D. Fatu, B. Sawyer

HITS: H. Taintey, O. Hayes, J. Wilton

RBI: O. Couzner

VIC 10 def NSW 9 | Victoria come from behind and walk off New South Wales in a thrilling slugfest

One of the most chaotic games of the tournament’s most climatic moment came in the bottom of the penultimate inning.

Mitch Langworthy launched a solo shot for Victoria to tie the game at nine.

It gave Victoria a chance to score the winning run, and that they did, on a wild pitch in the last inning, to walk off New South Wales and head to the Gold Medal Game.

This game was a pure slug fest.

NSW took an early lead in the first thanks to RBI’s from Tahlan Cavill and Frank Clarke. 3-0. All runs were scored before Victoria registered an out. Windsor Breckenridge came in relief and stopped the damage at three.

It allowed Victoria to take control and reply with six runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. 6-3 after one.

Sam Walk begun the rally with an RBI single, and was backed up by Coote, Shanks, Brodie, and Bishop-Worn.

Back and forth was the name of the game as NSW scored five more to take the lead in the second.

Cusbert drove in one on a single before Liam Worne hit a comedic bases-clearing double that he scored on via throwing errors. 8-6.

Once again, Victoria had a response in the bottom of the second.

Sam Walk knocked in another RBI before later crossing the plate himself to tie the game. 8-8.

In the third, Liam Worne once again drove in a run on a single, giving NSW the 9-8 lead.

With time running out, Victoria needed a run to keep the game going.

Mitch Langworthy stepped up to the plate and crushed a solo-homerun to bring the game to a tie once more.

After holding New South Wales scoreless in the fifth, Victoria had a chance to walk it off.

A single, intentional walk, sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch allowed the winning run to cross the plate.

Victoria will face WA in the gold medal game LIVE on Baseball+.

VIC

HITS: C. Bishop, B. Stokes, M. Langworthy (2), S. Walk (2), R. Coote, R. Shanks (2), H. Brodie (2)

RBI: C. Bishop, M. Langworthy, S. Walk, R. Coote (2), R. Shanks, H. Broke (2)

HR: M. Langworthy

NSW

HITS: K. Cusbert (2), A. Kennedy (2), T. Cavill, L. Worne (3), F. Clarke, R. Chou, D. Fatu, B. Sawyer, R. Reekie

RBI: K. Cusbert, T. Cavill, L. Worne (3), F. Clarke (2)

CONSOLATION: Queensland 16 def ACT Roos 3 | Queensland pile it on in consolation clash

Queensland scored early and often in their consolation win.

They scored two in the first thanks to Lachlan Pawsey and Coleby Ryerson base hits.

ACT Roos took a 3-2 lead in the top of the second thanks to two Kai Ueki RBI.

Then Queensland took off. They scored seven in the second and seven in the fourth.

Cooper Reed had three hits to lead all players. Cody Harrison also had three RBI.

Blake Pearce and Tom Calvert combined to allow just two hits with seven strikeouts.

QUEENSLAND

Hits (11): Reiss McDermott, Lachlan Pawsey (2), Paddy McLouglin, Coleby Ryerson (2), Axel Strachan (2), Cooper Reed (3)

RBI: L. McKenna (2), R. McDermott, L. Pawsey, P. McLoughlin, C. Ryerson (2), A. Strachan (2), Cooper Reed (3)

ACT Roos

Hits (2): F. Starkey, C. Lewis
RBI: K Harris

13 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Australian Youth Championships

Jan 13 AYC Recap | New South Wales crowned national Under 16 champions in 2026

photos by Hugh Whittle, story by Eric Balnar

Congratulations to New South Wales, your 2026 Under 16 Australian Youth Championships Gold Medal Winners.

They defeated Victoria 12-1 at Essendon to secure the chocolates. You can read the recap and watch the mini-match below.

Meanwhile, two Under 18 Finals were played.

The recaps are sorted by division and in order of completion. Looking for something? Keep scrolling.

Don’t forget to follow us on socials via baseball.com.au and through our Hub at www.baseball.com.au/ayc2026 for up-to-date news. You can find the FULL SCHEDULE there.

SCORES AND SCHEDULE

U16 Division

– GOLD MEDAL: New South Wales 12 def Victoria 1

– Consolation: NSW Country 7 def Western Australia 3
– Consolation: Queensland 14 def South Australia 6

U16 Game Changer Scoring Link: Click here

U18 Division

– Finals Game 1 (G1): Victoria 9 def New South Wales 2

– Finals Game 2 (G2): Western Australia 10 def South Australia 1

– Consolation: New South Wales Country 10 def ACT Roos 4

U18 GameChanger Scoring Link: Click here

REMAINING U18 FINALS SCHEDULE & BRACKET

WEDNESDAY

– 11:30AM: Qualification Final: Victoria vs Western Australia
– 2:00PM: Elimination Final: New South Wales vs South Australia
– 4:30PM: Preliminary Final: Winner Elimination Final vs Loser Qualification Final

THURSDAY

– 2:30PM: Gold Medal: Winner Preliminary Final vs Winner Qualification Final,

RECAPS – U16 Gold Medal

NSW 12 def VIC 1 | Noah Nash leads New South Wales to glory as they win gold over Victoria

By Raff Casey

Noah Nash had a game he will remember for a long time.

He had four hits, two RBI, a diving catch, two shutout innings pitched and a save, as he helped lead New South Wales to a dominating 12-1 in the Under 16 National Championship Final.

Nash was named tournament MVP.

The rest of his team was excellent, too. They tallied 19 hits.

Jack Phegan tossed 5.0 innings, allowing one run. He won the Golden Arm Award.

NSW wasted no time getting started, scoring three runs in the first inning before an out was recorded.

Noah Nash’s two-run triple was the biggest blow. He was later brought in by Mitch Howay on a single.

Howay knocked in another single in the second inning to add two more to their advantage. Owen Hart and Alex Bennetts backed him up with RBI hits of their own.

While the score may not show it, the pitching and defense from both sides was incredible.

NSW starter Jack Phegan shoved 5.0 innings allowing eight hits but just one run. He struck out three.

Victorian reliever Cale Morris threw 4.0 innings. He saw just one run cross the plate and also sat down three on strikes.

Many great defensive plays were made from both sides, highlighted by a sliding catch by Noah Nash. He went through contact with his teammate and held onto the ball. Tom Hill also had a great catch to deny Stockdale of a double.

Not only did Nash stay in the game after the collision, but he also stepped onto the mound to throw the remaining 2.0 innings for New South Wales.

It was two no-hit innings. He also added a strikeout to his tally.

NSW added five more runs in the seventh inning to secure their win. Beau Stockdale, Mitch Howay, Nicholas Turley, and Austin Murdoch all had RBI contributions.

New South Wales accumulates nine-teen hits in the game, where six different athletes had a multi-hit game. They stole six bases, two of them via Beau Stockdale.

TOURNAMENT AWARD WINNERS:

MVP: Noah Nash (NSW)

Golden Arm: Jack Phegan (NSW)

Golden Bat: Buzz Mecham (QLD)

Golden Glove: Daniel Price (NSW)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits: B. Stockdale (3), J. Kelly (2), N. Nash (4), M. Howay (3), O. Hart (2), A. Bennetts, N. Turley, A. Murdoch (2), C. Smith

RBI: B. Stockdale (2), N. Nash (2), M. Howay (3), O. Hart, A. Bennetts, N. Turley, A. Murdoch

VICTORIA

Hits: O. Shimakura (2), J. Northfield, J. Burton (2), J. Thomas, J. Tayler (2)

RBI: T. Hill

RECAPS – U18 Finals

VICTORIA 9 def NEW SOUTH WALES 2 | Liam Puncher shoves as Victoria advance to Qualification Final

Liam Puncher came through with perhaps the best pitching performance of the 2026 Under 18 Championships so far.

The Victorian starter tossed 5.0 innings, allowing three hits, no earned runs and two walks with nine strikeouts.

Both New South Wales runs were unearned.

It allowed the bats to take flight.

After trailing 2-0 early, Victoria ripped off three runs in the second to take a 3-2 lead. They added a pair more in the third and four in the sixth to round out the scoring.

Brody Stokes led the charge, going 3-for-4 with 2 RBI. Harrison Brodie went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI in a tremendous effort.

Roman Coote and Cooper Bishop-Worn also had two hits.

Kobe Cusbert, Jake Shorey, Christian Morrison and Griffiths shared the pitching load for New South Wales, who were very careful to not go over their pitching restriction limits.

Victoria will play in the Qualification Final on Wednesday morning vs the winner of South Australia and Western Australia. The winner of the Qualification Final goes directly to the Gold Medal Game.

New South Wales will play the WA / SA loser in an Elimination Final tomorrow afternoon with their tournament lives on the line.

VICTORIA

Hits (12): Brodie Stokes (3), Cooper Bishop-Worn (2), Mitch Langworthy, Sam Walk, Roman Coote (2), Riley Shanks, Harrison Brodie (2)

RBI: Stokes (2), Coote, Shanks (2), Brodie (3)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Hits (3): Liam Worne, Kobe Cusbert, Ryan Reekie
RBI: Liam Worne

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 10 def SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1 | Samukawa homers, Bandy tosses complete game, Western Australia secure at least a bronze medal

Dylan Bandy provided a solid base for his Western Australian team mates to lift off vs South Australia.

Bandy tossed 6.0 innings, allowing six hits, one run and two walks to help Western Australia advance to the Qualifying Final vs Victoria. It’s another excellent outing in the tournament baseball career for the reliable pitcher.

Western Australia capitalised off a couple miscues to take an early 2-0 lead. Carlton Branch continued his huge tournament with a 2-RBI double in the third. 4-0.

Eita Samukawa hit his third homer of the week to expand the lead to 5-0.

Sam Galpin made sure South Australia got on the board in the fifth with a solo shot of his own. 5-1.

Western Australia sealed the deal with a five run sixth. Tom Williams provided a 2-RBI single, before Lenny Golding drove in a pair on his double.

Williams led all batters with two hits.

Zac Tibbits tossed 3.1 innings, allowing four earned runs for South Australia. Toby Kortekaas followed with 1.2 shutout innings.

Jack Wilton had two of South Australia’s six hits.

Western Australia will play in the Qualification Final on Wednesday morning vs Victoria. The winner of the Qualification Final goes directly to the Gold Medal Game. They can’t finish worse than third.

South Australia will meet New South Wales in an Elimination Final tomorrow afternoon with their tournament lives on the line.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (8): T. Williams (2), E. Samukawa, Q. Fatai, C. Bahr, C. Branch, L. Golding, C. Benseman
RBI: T. Williams (2), C. Branch (2), L. Golding (2), C. Bahr, E. Samukawa
HR: Samukawa

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (6): J. Wilton (2), O. Couzner, S. Galpin, W. Tanner, L. Manson
RBI: Galpin
HR: Galpin

CONSOLATION GAME RECAPS

U16 | NSW COUNTRY 7 def WESTERN AUSTRALIA 3 | Seven run sixth powers New South Wales Country to comeback win

Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the sixth, New South Wales Country ripped off seven runs to secure their third win over the tournament.

Dustan Evans delivered the biggest blow of the inning, driving in two runs on a double. Tennyson Bragg led all Country batters with a 2-for-4 effort with 2 RBI.

There were some nice pitching efforts in this game.

Corey Daniels started for Country. He gave up five hits and three runs over 3.2 innings. Cooper Stark threw 3.1 innings of no-run ball in relief for County.

Archie Moffat tossed 4.1 shutout innings with just three hits allowed for Western Australia.

NSW COUNTRY

Hits (8): T. Bragg (2), H. Kelly, K. Gilbert, L. Gardner, D. Evans, A. Turner

RBI: D. Evans (2), T. Bragg (2), L. Gardner,

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (6): R. Lines, C. Humble, A. Samukawa, H. Ostazewskyj
RBI: R. Lines, T. Massamini, H. Ostazewskyj

13 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Australian Youth Championships

2026 Under 18 AYC Stat Leaders | Key performers after Group Play

The Group Stage of the 2026 Australian Youth Championships is complete in the Under 18 Division.

All seven teams have played six games against each other.

Finals begin Tuesday live and free on Baseball+. The U16 Gold Medal Game is played at 2:30PM

Here’s a look at the leaders after the minor rounds.

A massive thank you to all our scorers for their hard work this tournament.

HUB: Follow the Tournament (U16 and U18)

News