Finals starts in Intermediate League. Finals spots will be locked up in Junior League. Bring it on.

Welcome to your Newspaper Story. This will bring you today’s scores, quick game recaps, key stats, highlights, and photos from across both tournaments.

By Monday, two teams will earn the right to represent Australia at their respective World Series events.

To watch live and free, head to Baseball+ via the app or at Baseball+. The master schedule can be found here. 

TODAY’S SCHEDULE AND SCORES

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JUNIOR LEAGUE – Tournament Hub

– 9:00AM, Diamond 1: Canberra Rangers (0-2) vs Brisbane North (1-2) | Watch on Baseball+
– 9:00AM, Diamond 2: Melbourne Twins (0-2) vs Gold Coast (0-3) | Watch on GameChanger

– 11:15AM, Diamond 1: Eastern Phantoms (2-1) vs Melbourne Athletics (2-1) | Watch on Baseball+
– 11:15AM, Diamond 2: Adelaide Marlins (3-0) vs Hills Blue (3-0) | Watch on GameChanger

– 1:30PM, Diamond 1: Canberra Rangers (0-2) vs Cronulla Black (1-2) | Watch on Baseball+
– 1:30PM, Diamond 2: Melbourne Twins (0-2) vs Wanneroo Giants (1-2) | Watch on GameChanger

Live Scoring via GameChanger

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE – Tournament Hub

FINALS
– 9:00AM, Diamond 3A: Adelaide Armada vs Cronulla Black | Watch on Baseball+
– 11:15AM, Diamond 3A: Southern Titans vs Gold Coast | Watch on Baseball+

CONSOLATION
– 9:00AM, Diamond 3C: Ryde Red vs Melbourne Twins | Watch on GameChanger
– 11:15AM, Diamond 3C: Brisbane Metro vs Eastern Phantoms | Watch on GameChanger

Live Scoring via GameChanger

CURRENT STANDINGS

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JUNIOR LEAGUE

Top three in each group make finals

Pool A

Adelaide Marlins 3-0*
Hills Blue 3-0*
Wanneroo Giants 1-2
Melbourne Twins 0-2
Gold Coast 0-3

Pool B

Cronulla Black 2-1
Melbourne Athletics 2-1
Eastern Phantoms 2-1
Brisbane North 1-2
Canberra Rangers 0-2

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE FINALS BRACKET

– Game 1 (G1): Adelaide Armada vs Cronulla Black
– Game 2 (G2): Southern Titans vs Gold Coast

– Qualifying Final (Sat): Winner G1 vs Winner G2, winner advances to Gold Medal Game, loser to Preliminary Final
– Elimination Final (Sat): Loser G1 vs Loser G2, winner advances to Preliminary Final
– Preliminary Final (Sat): Loser Qualifying Final vs Winner Elimination Final

– Gold Medal (Sun): Winner Qualifying Final vs Winner Preliminary Final

RECAPS – INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE FINALS

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RECAPS – JUNIOR LEAGUE

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Holy Guacamole! The final day of Pool Play in Intermediate League went down to the wire and we had a crazy three-way tiebreaker that was decided on the final pitch of the day. Read about it below, including how finals works for Intermediate League and tomorrow’s schedule.

But…Welcome to your Newspaper Story. This will bring you today’s scores, quick game recaps, key stats, highlights, and photos from across both tournaments.

By Monday, two teams will earn the right to represent Australia at their respective World Series events.

To watch live and free, head to Baseball+ via the app or at Baseball+. The master schedule can be found here. 

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

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JUNIOR LEAGUE – Tournament Hub

– Brisbane North 12 def Eastern Phantoms 2, replay on Baseball+
– Melbourne Athletics 9 def Canberra Rangers 5

– Cronulla Black 9 def Melbourne Athletics 4, replay on Baseball+
– Adelaide Marlins 7 def Gold Coast 5

– Hills Blue 23 def Melbourne Twins 1
– Eastern Phantoms 1 def Cronulla Black 0

– Wanneroo Giants 14 def Gold Coast 9

Live Scoring via GameChanger

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE – Tournament Hub

– Ryde Red 4 def Adelaide Armada 3
– Gold Coast 6 def Eastern Phantoms 0

– Brisbane Metro 6 def Melbourne Twins 4
– Adelaide Armada 7 def Eastern Phantoms 0

– Southern Titans 5 def Cronulla Black 2
– Gold Coast 15 def Ryde Red 8

Live Scoring via GameChanger

CURRENT STANDINGS

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JUNIOR LEAGUE

Top three in each group make finals

Pool A

Adelaide Marlins 3-0*
Hills Blue 3-0*
Wanneroo Giants 1-2
Melbourne Twins 0-2
Wanneroo Giants 0-3

Pool B

Cronulla Black 2-1
Melbourne Athletics 2-1
Eastern Phantoms 2-1
Brisbane North 1-2
Canberra Rangers 0-2

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

Top two in each group make finals
*clinched finals

Pool A

Adelaide Armada 2-1*
Gold Coast 2-1*

—
Ryde Red 2-1
Eastern Phantoms 0-3

Adelaide and Gold Coast advance on runs allowed ratio.

Pool B

Southern Titans 3-0*
Cronulla Black 2-1*
Brisbane Metro 1-2
Melbourne Twins 0-3

RECAPS – JUNIOR LEAGUE

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BRISBANE NORTH 12 def EASTERN PHANTOMS 2 | Brisbane North stay alive with run-rule win 

After an 0-2 start to the Junior League Championships, Brisbane North needed a response on Friday morning. They got exactly that.

Trailing 2-1 in the fourth inning, Brisbane North exploded for 11 unanswered runs to storm past Eastern Phantoms in a 12-2 in a crucial run-rule victory. They scored five in the fourth and six in the fifth.

The win improves Brisbane North to 1-2, keeping their top three hopes alive. Eastern Phantoms drop to 1-1.

Eastern Phantoms grabbed the early lead when Sam Gardiner singled home a run in the second before Jake Hayden restored the advantage with an RBI single in the fourth.

That’s when Brisbane North’s bats erupted.

Five runs crossed in the bottom of the fourth as Brisbane North turned a one-run deficit into a 6-2 lead. Braxton Black delivered the key hit of the inning with a two-run single.

The floodgates fully opened in the fifth.

Patrick Fogg drove in two runs with a single before Edward Bain launched a two-run homer to left field. Lachlan Gale later added a two-run single to clinch the run-rule victory.

Callum Wheeler starred on the mound for Brisbane North, delivering a complete-game effort. Wheeler allowed just four hits and two runs, only one earned, across five innings while striking out eight.

Brisbane North finished with 14 hits in the win.

Fogg drove in three runs and went 2-for-3, while Bain, Luke Baisley, Wheeler and Fogg all collected two hits. Issei Hamano and Mitchell Larkin each stole two bases as Brisbane North swiped six bags as a team.

Eastern Phantoms managed four hits, with Josh Watts, Hayden, Brody Warner and Gardiner recording one each.

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits (14): E. Bain (2), L. Baisley (2), C. Wheeler (2), P. Fogg (2), M. Larkin, I. Hamano, X. Reid, A. Bell, B. Black, L. Gale

RBI (12): P. Fogg (3), E. Bain (2), L. Gale (2), B. Black (2), C. Wheeler, L. Baisley, X. Reid

HR: E. Bain

WP: C. Wheeler 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K

EASTERN PHANTOMS

Hits: J. Watts, J. Hayden, B. Warner, S. Gardiner

RBI (2): J. Hayden, S. Gardiner

LP: B. Stingers 1.0 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS 9 def CANBERRA RANGERS  5 | Athletics improve to 2-0 and shoot to top of Pool A

The Melbourne Athletics jumped out early and never looked back, defeating Canberra Rangers 9-5 on Friday to stay firmly in the hunt in Junior League Pool B.

Canberra opened the scoring in the first when Eric “the Edge” Cochrane drew a bases-loaded walk, but the Athletics answered immediately with a five-run bottom half to seize control. Charlie Fegan delivered a key RBI double in the inning as Melbourne turned a 1-0 deficit into a 5-1 advantage.

The Rangers kept battling and scored in four separate innings, but Melbourne continued to respond and limit damage in the process. Three more Athletics’ runs in the fourth helped create breathing room before the Athletics added another insurance run in the sixth.

Jackson Berg got the start for Melbourne and struck out two over the opening inning, while Albert Baragwanath impressed in relief with two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out one.

Baragwanath also starred at the plate, collecting two hits from the number eight spot in the lineup. Alexander Knell and John Gogos each drove in two runs, while Melbourne received contributions throughout the order in a complete offensive performance.

Canberra finished with six hits in the loss. They drop to 0-2.

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS

Hits (7): A. Baragwanath, E. Lane, C. Fegan, L. Moulton, A. Knell, P. Toye

RBI (8): A. Knell (2), J. Gogos (2), C. Fegan, H. Huang, A. Baragwanath, P. Toye

WP: A. Baragwanath 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

CANBERRA RANGERS

Hits (6): I. Evans, A. Matavesi, K. Blundell, E. Cochrane, C. Edel, L. Barrett
RBI (4): I. Evans, J. Amundson, C. Edel, L. Barrett
LP: I. Evans 3.2 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

ADELAIDE MARLINS 7 def GOLD COAST 5 | Marlins first team to clinch finals spot after holding off Gold Coast rally

The Adelaide Marlins became the first team to officially secure a place in the Junior League Championships finals after surviving a late comeback to defeat Gold Coast 7-5 on Friday.

The victory improves the Marlins to 3-0 after backing up yesterday’s double-header sweep with another crucial win.

Gold Coast threatened late and even brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh inning, but Adelaide held firm to close out the result.

The Marlins jumped on Gold Coast early, scoring twice in the first inning before adding runs in the second and third to build a 4-0 lead. Sebastien Haskett was a key player on the mound and at the plate in the win.

Haskett opened the scoring with an RBI groundout before Jamie Ferris added an RBI single in the second. Sam Clarke later ripped a double to extend the advantage.

Haskett was dominant to start the game for Adelaide, carrying a no-hitter into the fourth inning. He allowed just one run over 3.2 innings while striking out four.

Gold Coast clawed back into the game with two runs in the fifth and another two in the seventh, but Adelaide responded with insurance runs throughout the middle innings to stay in front.

Ashton Mogg starred offensively for the Marlins, finishing 2-for-2, while the team wreaked havoc on the bases with nine stolen bags.

Adelaide has already locked in a Top 3 finals berth, but Saturday’s showdown with undefeated Hills Blue (2-0) could determine whether the Marlins secure a direct semi-final bye or are forced into a quarter-final.

Gold Coast drop to 0-2 and now likely need to win out to make the finals.

ADELAIDE MARLINS

Hits (9): A. Mogg (2), S. Clarke, L. Burns, J. Zischke, C. Sanders, J. Redding, J. Ferris, N. Sutherland
RBI (5): S. Clarke, S. Haskett, J. Zischke, J. Ferris, A. Mogg

Pitching:
S. Haskett — 3.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
S. Clarke — 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
T. Cutler — 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

GOLD COAST

Hits (4): B. Shearer, N. Marr, B. Courts, J. Ryan
RBI (3): B. Shearer, B. Courts, J. Ryan

Pitching:
M. Vanderkemp — 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
L. Peters — 3.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
S. Waters — 1.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

CRONULLA BLACK 9 def MELBOURNE ATHLETICS 4 | Blyton blasts two homers as Cronulla close in on finals spot

Cronulla Black are now one win away from locking in a Junior League Championships finals spot after a power-hitting display led them past Melbourne Athletics 9-4 on Friday.

The victory improves Cronulla to 2-0 in Pool B, while Melbourne Athletics slip to 2-1 but remain firmly in the hunt for a Top 3 finish with one game still to play.

Four home runs flew out of Diamond 1 in a slugfest headlined by Christopher Blyton, who crushed two homers and drove in four runs in a dominant performance.

Cronulla wasted no time getting on the board when Benjamin Napier launched a solo homer in the first inning.

Blyton then took over.

The Cronulla slugger smashed a two-run homer in the second before going deep again in the fifth as part of a four-run inning that blew the game open. His second long ball of the day scored two more runs and gave Cronulla breathing room.

Lincoln Potter added a sacrifice fly later in the inning before Fenix Cutajar drove in another run with an RBI single.

Melbourne Athletics battled throughout and collected nine hits, including a solo home run from Leo Moulton in the seventh inning, but could not slow Cronulla’s offence.

Kai Shibata gave Cronulla a huge lift on the mound, striking out six over 2.2 scoreless innings to start the game. Franklin Pyke followed with 4.1 innings in relief to earn the win.

Cronulla now sits just one victory away from officially securing a finals berth in Pool B, as do the Melbourne Athletics.

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits (7): C. Blyton (2), B. Napier (2), L. Vigil, Z. Fordyce, F. Cutajar

RBI (8): C. Blyton (4), B. Napier (2), L. Potter, F. Cutajar

HR: C. Blyton (2), B. Napier

Pitching:
K. Shibata — 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
F. Pyke — 4.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS

Hits (9): J. Berg (2), P. Toye (2), E. Lane, H. Doganay, L. Moulton, A. Baragwanath, N. Dikranis

RBI (4): J. Berg, H. Doganay, P. Toye, L. Moulton

HR: L. Moulton

H. Doganay — 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
J. Gogos — 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
J. Moulds — 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

HILLS BLUE 23 def MELBOURNE TWINS 1 | Hills pile it on and clinch spot in Finals

Hills Blue locked up a top two finish in Junior League Pool A on Friday after a dominant 23-1 victory over Melbourne Twins.

The win improves Hills Blue to 3-0 and sets up a massive showdown with Adelaide Marlins, also 3-0, on Saturday. With both teams already securing top three finishes, the game will now decide first place in Pool A and a direct bye into the semi-finals.

The loser will still advance, but will have to survive a quarter-final.

Hills Blue blew the game open with a staggering 14-run second inning and never looked back, piling up 18 hits and 19 RBI across just four innings.

Thomas Whalley starred with an inside-the-park home run and four RBI, while Fletcher Dobb, Harry Hobbs, Hudson Dobb and Justin Jang all collected multiple hits.

Fletcher Dobb also impressed on the mound, allowing just two hits and one run across four innings while striking out three.

Hudson Dobb scored three runs and went 2-for-2, Harry Hobbs finished 3-for-3, and Fletcher Dobb drove in two runs while also scoring twice.

The result also creates a fascinating finals race at the bottom of Pool A.

Melbourne Twins now sit at 0-2 alongside Wanneroo Giants and Gold Coast, with just one remaining playoff spot still available.

HILLS BLUE

Hits (18): H. Hobbs (3), F. Dobb (2), S. Dobb (2), J. Jang (2), H. Dobb (2), H. Graham (2), T. Whalley, E. Cross, A. Jacovides, S. Howick, W. Bennett

RBI (19): T. Whalley (4), A. Jacovides (3), S. Howick (2), H. Dobb (2), F. Dobb (2), W. Bennett, E. Cross, H. Graham, H. Hobbs, S. Dobb, L. Lawes

HR: T. Whalley

Pitching:
F. Dobb — 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K

MELBOURNE TWINS

Hits (2): M. McKelvie, T. Thomas
RBI (1): T. Thomas

EASTERN PHANTOMS 1 def CRONULLA 0 | Riley Malcolm throws complete game shutout to stun Cronulla

Eastern Phantoms have blown Pool B wide open after knocking off previously unbeaten Cronulla Black 1-0 in a brilliant pitching duel on Friday.

The headline belonged to Riley Malcolm.

Malcolm threw a complete game shutout for the Phantoms, going all seven innings while allowing just four hits, striking out six, and walking two in one of the best pitching performances of the tournament so far.

Every out mattered in a game where runs were almost impossible to find.

The Phantoms scored the game’s only run in the bottom of the first inning when Lincoln Ellis delivered an RBI single, bringing home Hunter Gordon.

That proved enough thanks to Malcolm’s dominance on the mound and a sharp defensive effort behind him.

Cronulla starter Lincoln Potter was also outstanding, giving up just one run across three innings while striking out four without issuing a walk. Eli Foo and Logan Glasheen combined for three more scoreless innings in relief to keep Cronulla within striking distance all game.

Eastern Phantoms improved to 2-1 with the victory, while Cronulla Black dropped to 2-1 after entering the contest unbeaten.
The result plunges Pool B into complete chaos heading into the final day.

Nobody has clinched a playoff spot. All five teams can still make the playoffs, and all five teams can still miss.

EASTERN PHANTOMS

Hits (4): J. Hayden, L. Ellis, J. Watts, B. Warner
RBI: L. Ellis

Pitching:
R. Malcolm — 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits (4): L. Glasheen, E. Foo, C. Blyton, B. Napier

Pitching:
L. Potter — 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 K
E. Foo — 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
L. Glasheen — 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

WANNEROO GIANTS 13 def GOLD COAST 8 | Wanneroo pick up first win as Pool B set to go down to the wire

Wanneroo Giants are still alive in the race for the Junior League playoffs after storming back from an early four-run deficit to defeat Gold Coast 14-9 on Friday.

The result leaves Adelaide and Hills already qualified, while Wanneroo (1-2), Gold Coast (0-3) and Canberra (0-2) will battle for the final playoff spot on Saturday.

Gold Coast looked in control early.

Marcus Vanderkemp opened the scoring in the first inning before Sebastian Waters doubled home a run and Banjo Shearer ripped a two-run triple as Gold Coast jumped ahead 4-0.

But the game flipped completely in the third.

Wanneroo exploded for seven runs in the inning to surge in front 9-4, despite recording just one hit in the frame. Jacob Bond delivered the biggest blow with a two-run single during the rally.

Gold Coast continued to fight and trimmed the deficit, but Wanneroo answered again with five more runs in the sixth inning to break the game open.

Connor Branch drove in a run with a single before Bond added another clutch two-run hit. Nicol later forced a fielder’s choice that brought home two more runs in a chaotic finish.

Bond finished 2-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored, while Beau Gordon also collected two hits and delivered a huge relief outing with 2.2 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.

Wanneroo showed patience at the plate all game, drawing 10 walks and stealing six bases.

Gold Coast collected 13 hits in the loss, led by Shearer, who went 4-for-4 with a triple and three runs scored.

Vanderkemp drove in three runs, while Jeremy Ryan and Waters both finished with multi-hit games.

WANNEROO GIANTS

Hits (6): Bond (2),  Gordon (2), Branch, Burns
RBI: Bond (3), Burns (2),  Nicol (2), Branch, Thomas, Richardson

GOLD COAST

Hits (13):  Shearer (4), Vanderkemp (2), Ryan (2), Waters (2), Courts, Anderson, Hodgman
RBI: Vanderkemp (3), Ryan, Anderson, Hodgman, Shearer, Waters

RECAPS – INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

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GOLD COAST 6 def EASTERN PHANTOMS 0 | Combined complete-game shutout keeps Gold Coast Finals hopes alive

A phenomenal combined one-hitter in a must-win clash between two 0-1 teams by three young Gold Coast pitchers is the story from Diamond 3.

With both sides needing a victory to stay in the hunt, Gold Coast delivered behind an outstanding pitching performance from Luku Masuda, Reef Bevan and Isaac Foster.

Gold Coast broke through with two runs in the second inning before adding one in the fourth and three more in the sixth to steadily pull away.

The story was the pitching.

Masuda opened with two scoreless innings and four strikeouts before Bevan took over and completely silenced the Phantoms across 3.2 dominant innings, allowing no hits while striking out four. Foster closed out the combined one-hitter as Gold Coast struck out nine in total.

Jayden Zheng led the offence with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate, while Bevan (pictured above) added two hits and an RBI. Kahu Bishop drove in two runs and Gold Coast finished with 11 hits overall.

Eastern Phantoms managed just one hit for the game, coming from Kai Close. Both teams close out Pool Play today with a top two finish in sight.

GOLD COAST

Hits (11): Jayden Zheng (3), Reef Bevan (2), Isaac Foster, Aidan Heschl, Kahu Bishop, Jack Railsback, Tace Ahu, Oliver Hayward

RBI (4): Kahu Bishop (2), Jayden Zheng, Reef Bevan

Pitching:

Luku Masuda — 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Reef Bevan — 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Isaac Foster — 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

EASTERN PHANTOMS

Hits (1): Kai Close

RBI: None

LP: Mason Scott — 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K

RYDE RED 4 def ADELAIDE ARMADA 3 | Ryde Red are the last unbeaten Pool A team after tight win

Ryde Red are 2-0 after a gritty 4-3 win over Adelaide Armada on Friday morning on Baseball+.

But, neither side locked in a playoff berth as Pool A heads toward a dramatic finish this afternoon.

Ryde Red now face Gold Coast later today, with a win sending them through to the finals. At worst, they can end up in a three-way tie at 2-1.

Adelaide Armada will take on Eastern Phantoms at 11:15am in what shapes as a must-win game. There are a lot of three-way tiebreak scenarios at play.

Ryde struck first in the opening inning before adding two more in the third to build a 3-0 advantage.

Adelaide responded in the fourth, plating all three of their runs in one inning to tie the game. Jack Blanton, Ethan Zoontjens and Archie Wallis each drove in runs during the rally.

The deadlock held until the sixth when Ryde Red found the decisive run off a Fielder’s Choice.

Jenson Koch starred for Ryde Red, driving in two runs while also dominating on the mound in relief. Koch fired 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five.

Ryde’s pitching staff combined for 10 strikeouts and held Adelaide to only four hits.

Adelaide’s arms were also strong in defeat, surrendering just one earned run across six innings.

RYDE RED

Hits (6): Helliar, Koch, Phelps, Powell, Huang, Kiddle
RBI (3): Koch (2), Phelps

Pitching:
Kevin Park — 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Brian Huang — 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Jenson Koch — 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

ADELAIDE ARMADA

Hits (4): Jack Blanton, Archer Spratt, Ethan Zoontjens, Flynn Dienelt
RBI (3): Jack Blanton, Ethan Zoontjens, Archie Wallis

Pitching:
Harrison Malec — 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Angus Deer — 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Zachary Gratton — 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

BRISBANE METRO 6 def MELBOURNE TWINS 4 | Brisbane Metro finish third in Pool B after a timely homer powers a victory

Brisbane Metro closed out pool play with their first win of the tournament, defeating Melbourne Twins 6-4 on Friday to finish third in Intermediate League Pool B.

The result sees Brisbane Metro end pool play at 1-2, while Melbourne Twins finish 0-3. Both teams will now move into consolation games on Saturday.

Melbourne struck first in the opening inning when Isaac Low laid down a sacrifice bunt and Harvey Coone followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

Brisbane Metro answered quickly.

Joshua Gryl delivered an RBI single before Joey Allen added another run-scoring hit in the second inning to push Brisbane Metro ahead 3-2.

The biggest swing came an inning later when Felix Moncrieff launched a two-run homer to right field, extending the lead to 5-2. Moncrieff finished with three RBI in a standout offensive performance.

Melbourne Twins threatened late with a two-run seventh inning, but Brisbane Metro held on to secure the win. Malcom Scott hit a moon-shot solo homer in the seventh.

Riley Kameus started on the mound for Brisbane Metro and allowed two runs over 3.1 innings, while Zachary Nolan tossed two scoreless innings in relief with three strikeouts.

Moncrieff and Arevalo each collected two hits for Brisbane Metro, while the Queensland side also caused havoc on the bases with six stolen bases.

Melbourne Twins finished with nine hits, led by Tiger Ah-Lit, Brodie Leigh and Malcolm Scott, who each had two-hit games. Scott also homered for the Twins.

 

BRISBANE METRO
Hits (8): F. Moncrieff (2), J. Arevalo (2), A. Rosuck, Z. Nolan, P. Blowes, J. Gryl

RBI (6): F. Moncrieff (3), J. Arevalo (2), J. Gryl

Pitching:
R. Kameus — 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Z. Nolan — 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
T. Lamb — 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

MELBOURNE TWINS

Hits (9): T. Ah-Lit (2), B. Leigh (2), M. Scott (2), J. McKenner, L. Farrow, N. Macaulay
RBI (4): I. Low, R. Edmonds, H. Coone, M. Scott
HR: M. Scott

I. Low — 3.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
J. McKenner — 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
R. Edmonds — 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

ADELAIDE ARMADA 7 def EASTERN PHANTOMS 0 | Adelaide shutout Phantoms, now face nervous finals wait

Adelaide Armada bounced back in style on Friday, combining for a dominant shutout victory over Eastern Phantoms to finish Intermediate League Pool A play with a 2-1 record.

Adelaide’s pitching staff delivered one of the best performances of the tournament so far. It came from a trio of pitchers.

Ethan Zoontjens started the game and struck out six across four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Flynn Dienelt followed with two shutout innings before Harvey Ingram closed the door in the seventh as the trio combined for a three-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts.

The breakthrough came in the fourth inning when Archer Spratt launched a home run to left field to open the scoring. Zachary Gratton later added an RBI groundout to make it 2-0.

The Armada then exploded for five runs in the fifth inning to blow the game open. Ingram drew a bases-loaded walk, William Fuller was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Jack Blanton added another RBI walk, Spratt was plunked to force in a run, and Zoontjens capped the inning with an RBI single.

Dienelt, Harrison Malec and Zoontjens each collected two hits for Adelaide, while Cooper Scarabotti drew two walks as the Armada piled up six free passes overall.

Eastern Phantoms were held to just three hits, with Harrison Smith, Mason Scott and Sonny Rowland collecting one each.

Now comes the waiting game.

The Armada kept their finals hopes alive with the 7-0 win, but their fate now rests in the hands of Ryde Red and Gold Coast. If undefeated Ryde Red defeat Gold Coast, Adelaide advance to the finals. If Gold Coast win, Pool A will finish in a three-way tie and the calculations begin.

ADELAIDE ARMADA

Hits (9): F. Dienelt (2), H. Malec (2), E. Zoontjens (2), A. Spratt, A. Wallis, H. Ingram
RBI (5): A. Spratt, E. Zoontjens, Z. Gratton, W. Fuller, J. Blanton
HR: A. Spratt

Pitching:
E. Zoontjens — 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
F. Dienelt — 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
H. Ingram — 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

EASTERN PHANTOMS
Hits (3): H. Smith, M. Scott, S. Rowland

Pitching:
H. Mann — 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
K. Close — 1.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 1 K
H. Smith — 0.0 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 3 BB
B. Bolton — 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

SOUTHERN TITANS 5 def CRONULLA BLACK 2 | Titans lock up top seed thanks to steady pitching

Southern Titans have secured the No. 1 seed in Intermediate League Pool B after a 5-2 win over Cronulla Black on Friday.

The victory locked the Titans into first place heading into finals after another composed performance on both sides of the ball.

Southern Titans opened the scoring in the second inning when pressure on the bases forced a Cronulla error, before adding insurance runs later in the game to pull away.

The Titans pitching staff was outstanding throughout.

Jack Clarke struck out five across two scoreless innings to start the game before Archie Golding took over and dominated in relief, tossing 3.1 shutout innings with four strikeouts while allowing just two hits. George Fifield closed things out despite Cronulla pushing across two late runs.

At the plate, Cody Knott, Archie Golding, and Enzo Lee each collected two hits for Southern. Knott also stole two bases and drove in a run, while Jacob Golding and Alexander Joseph each added RBI.

Cronulla Black battled throughout and cut into the deficit late.

Tim Wicks drove in both runs for Cronulla and finished 1-for-3, while Ethan Underwood, Kobe Chu, Ash Garnero, and Wicks each recorded a hit. Garnero and Chu both swiped two bases.

The result sees Southern Titans finish atop Pool B and head into finals with momentum.

SOUTHERN TITANS

Hits (8): Cody Knott (2), Archie Golding (2), Enzo Lee (2), Brodie Carr, Aiden Wieman
RBI: Jacob Golding, Cody Knott, Alexander Joseph

Pitching:
Jack Clarke — 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Archie Golding — 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 K
George Fifield — 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 2 K

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits (4): Ethan Underwood, Kobe Chu, Ash Garnero, Tim Wicks
RBI: Tim Wicks (2)

Pitching:
Ezekiel Coughlin — 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 K
Ned Rankin — 2.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 K
Mason Hayes-Conway — 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K

 

GOLD COAST 15 def RYDE RED 8 | GOLD COAST SURVIVE WILD TIEBREAKER DRAMA TO REACH FINALS

Gold Coast are through to the Intermediate League semi-finals after a chaotic, high-scoring finish to Pool A that came down to the final runs allowed ratio in a three-way 2-1 tiebreaker.

Entering Friday’s final clash of the day, Ryde Red sat unbeaten at 2-0, Adelaide Armada had already completed pool play at 2-1, and Gold Coast entered at 1-1 needing a win to force a three-way tie.

But it was not that simple.

Under the tournament tiebreaker system, only the top two teams in runs allowed ratio would advance. Adelaide had finished pool play having allowed eight runs, Gold Coast had allowed nine, and Ryde just four.

In the simplest of terms, that meant Gold Coast needed to beat Ryde by at least five runs to move through.

And somehow, after a game full of momentum swings, they did exactly that (and a little more).

Gold Coast defeated Ryde Red 15-8 on Friday to punch their ticket to the playoffs alongside Adelaide, while Ryde’s tournament trophy dream comes to a heartbreaking end despite finishing 2-1.

The game itself was absolute chaos.

After the sides traded early runs, Gold Coast exploded for nine runs in the third inning to suddenly build an 11-2 lead and take control of both the game and the tiebreaker scenario.

Reef Bevan delivered one of the biggest blows of the inning with a two-run single, while Isaac Foster, Aidan Heschl, KeCheng Huang and Jack Railsback all helped pile on pressure.

At that point, Gold Coast were comfortably through.

But Ryde refused to go away. They cut the margin to the ‘cut line’ of five.

Miles Powell launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning as Ryde began clawing back into the contest, eventually cutting the margin to 11-6 and suddenly putting themselves on the cusp of a qualifying position.

With the margin sitting exactly at five, every run became massive.

Gold Coast answered again with two crucial runs in the fifth to push the lead back out to seven, only for Ryde to respond once more and trim it back to five in the top of the sixth.

13-8.

The tension only continued to build as calculators, scoreboards and dugouts all tracked the live tiebreaker implications pitch-by-pitch.

Gold Coast finally found breathing room again in the sixth inning with a dramatic late hit sequence helping extend the lead back beyond the danger zone and secure their finals place.

The result capped off one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far.

Gold Coast collected 12 hits in the win, with Foster, Heschl, Huang and Railsback all recording multi-hit performances. Railsback and Bevan each drove in three runs.

Luku Masuda doubled and walked twice, while Gold Coast also drew eight walks and stole six bases in an aggressive offensive display.

Ryde battled throughout the game and threatened repeatedly despite the huge deficit.

Powell homered and drove in two runs, while Kevin Park, Flynn Helliar, Jenson Koch, Kye Matthewson and Jake Bunn all contributed hits.

But, Ryde miss out on the finals.

Gold Coast and Adelaide are in.

GOLD COAST IL POOL A
Hits (12): Isaac Foster (2), Aidan Heschl (2), KeCheng Huang (2), Jack Railsback (2), Luku Masuda, Reef Bevan, Luke Jenkins, Oliver Hayward

RBI: Railsback (3), Bevan (3), Jayden Zheng (2), Foster, Heschl, Masuda, Tace Ahu

RYDE RED IL POOL A

Hits (6): Kevin Park, Flynn Helliar, Jenson Koch, Kye Matthewson, Miles Powell, Jake Bunn
RBI: Powell (2), Park, Helliar, Koch, Matthewson

FINALS STRUCTURE – PATH TO GOLD

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Saturday 23 May – Finals Round 1

Game 1 (G1): Adelaide Armada vs Cronulla Black
Game 2 (G2): Southern Titans vs Gold Coast

Sunday 24 May  – Elimination Day

Qualifying Final: Winner G1 vs Winner G2, winner advances to Gold Medal Game, loser to Preliminary Final

Elimination Final: Loser G1 vs Loser G2, winner advances to Preliminary Final

Preliminary Final: Loser Qualifying Final vs Winner Elimination Final

Monday 25 May – Gold Medal Day

Gold Medal: Winner Qualifying Final vs Winner Preliminary Final

The sun is shining in Lismore as the 2026 Australian Intermediate League and Junior League Championships get underway.

By Monday, two teams will earn the right to represent Australia at their respective World Series events.

Welcome to your Newspaper Story. This will bring you today’s scores, quick game recaps, key stats, highlights, and photos from across both tournaments.

Intermediate League was a lot of fun – and has wrapped up. We saw a triple play, lots of homers, and two teams clinch finals! We have them below.

In Junior League, two teams start undefeated.

To watch live and free, head to Baseball+ via the app or at Baseball+. The master schedule can be found here. 

TODAY’S SCHEDULE AND SCORES

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JUNIOR LEAGUE – Tournament Hub

– Eastern Phantoms 14 def Canberra Rangers 6
– Hills Blue 4 def Wanneroo Giants 1

– Hills Blue 9 def Gold Coast 1
– Melbourne Athletics 11 def Brisbane North 9

– Adelaide Marlins 8 def Wanneroo Giants 6
– Cronulla Black 10 def Brisbane North 0

– Adelaide Marlins 17 def Melbourne Twins 8

Live Scoring via GameChanger

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE – Tournament Hub

– Adelaide Armada 9 def Gold Coast 5
– Southern Titans 9 def Melbourne Twins 6

– Ryde Red 11 def Eastern Phantoms 1
– Cronulla Black 5 def Brisbane Metro 4

– Southern Titans 10 def Brisbane Metro 5
– Cronulla Black 15 def Melbourne Twins 1

Live Scoring via GameChanger

STANDINGS

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JUNIOR LEAGUE

Top three in each group make finals

Pool A

Hills Blue 2-0
Adelaide Marlins 2-0
Melbourne Twins 0-2
Gold Coast 0-1
Wanneroo Giants 0-2

Pool B

Eastern Phantoms 1-0
Melbourne Athletics 1-0
Cronulla Black 1-0
Canberra Rangers 0-1
Brisbane North 0-2

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

Top two in each group make finals
*clinched finals

Pool A

Adelaide Armada 1-0
Ryde Red 1-0
Eastern Phantoms 0-1
Gold Coast 0-1

Pool B

Cronulla Black 2-0*
Southern Titans 2-0*
Brisbane Metro 0-2
Melbourne Twins 0-2

RECAPS – JUNIOR LEAGUE

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EASTERN PHANTOMS 14 def CANBERRA RANGERS 6 | Phantoms erase five-run deficit to storm past Canberra Rangers in Junior League opener

After surrendering the first home run of the tournament and falling behind by five runs in the opening inning, Eastern Phantoms responded with 14 of the game’s final 15 runs to defeat Canberra Rangers 14-6 on Thursday.

Canberra exploded out of the gates in the top of the first.

Lincoln Barrett opened the scoring with a two-run double before Eric Cochrane launched the first home run of the 2026 Australian Junior League Championships, a three-run shot to left field that gave the Rangers a quick 5-0 lead.

Eastern Phantoms slowly chipped away before completely flipping the game in the fourth inning.

Trailing 5-4 entering the frame, the Phantoms erupted for six runs on five hits to take control. Lincoln Ellis delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a two-run single as Eastern surged ahead 10-5.

The offense never slowed down.

Eastern added four more runs across the fifth and sixth innings while the bullpen locked things down after the rocky opening frame. Riley Malcolm, Brody Warner, Lincoln Ellis, Jordan Abbot and Bailey Stingers all combined for scoreless relief appearances.

Ellis finished 2-for-3 with three RBI to lead the Phantoms offensively, while Hunter Gordon also drove in three runs. Eastern showed patience throughout the lineup, drawing 13 walks in the win.

Cochrane drove in three runs for Canberra with his first inning homer, while Barrett and Kale McIntyre each collected two hits.

EASTERN PHANTOMS

Hits: Lincoln Ellis 2, Riley Malcolm 1, Hunter Gordon 1, Joshua Watts 1, Samuel Gardiner 1, Troy Kingma 1, Ryder Canny 1

RBI: Hunter Gordon 3, Lincoln Ellis 3, Riley Malcolm 2, Joshua Watts 1, Brody Warner 1, Brody Perkins 1, Ryder Canny 1

WP: Lincoln Ellis 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K

CANBERRA RANGERS

Hits: Kale McIntyre 2, Lincoln Barrett 2, Eric Cochrane 1, J. Bentley 1

RBI: Eric Cochrane 3, Lincoln Barrett 2, E. Lessard 1

HR: Eric Cochrane

LP: K. Blundell 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 K

HILLS BLUE 4 def WANNEROO GIANTS 1 | Three-peat World Series-chasing Hills Blue open with statement win over Wanneroo

A group already etched into Australian youth baseball history took another step toward a third straight World Series appearance on Thursday, with Hills Blue defeating Wanneroo Giants 4-1 to open the 2026 Australian Junior League Championships.

This Hills core continues to attempt to build one of the country’s great junior dynasties.

The team represented Australia at the 2024 Little League World Series before winning the 2025 Intermediate League Championship to secure a second straight international berth. Now, they are chasing a third World Series appearance in as many years across a third division.

Sayre Howick starred in the opener, going 2-for-2 with three RBI to power the Hills offense.

After driving in the opening run in the first inning, Howick added another key RBI knock during a two-run fourth inning that helped Hills create separation.

Harry Hobbs also collected two hits, while the Hills pitching staff combined to allow just four hits and one run across seven innings.

Spencer Dobb opened with 2.2 scoreless innings before Justin Jang struck out five across 3.1 strong innings in relief. Harry Dobb closed out the victory with a scoreless seventh.

Wanneroo continued to pressure on the bases throughout the game, stealing six bags. Tate Oldfield led the Giants with two hits and two stolen bases.

Hills also played flawless defense, finishing without an error.

HILLS BLUE

Hits: Harry Hobbs 2, Sayre Howick 2, Hudson Dobb 1, Fletcher Dobb 1, Thomas Whalley 1
RBI: Sayre Howick 3, Thomas Whalley 1
WP: Justin Jang 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 5 K

WANNEROO GIANTS

Hits: Tate Oldfield 2, J. Bond 1, C. Bennetts 1
RBI: Declan Burns 1
LP: C. Branch 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 K

HILLS BLUE 9 def GOLD COAST 1 | Sayre Howick announces himself as Hills Blue roll on

The two-time champions and tournament favourites kept rolling on Thursday, with Hills Blue crushing Gold Coast 9-1 behind a huge all-around performance from Sayre Howick.

Howick did it everywhere.

He launched a two-run homer in the first inning to help Hills jump out to an early lead, then dominated on the mound with seven strikeouts across 3.1 innings.

The powerhouse Hills group, chasing a third straight World Series appearance after winning the 2024 Little League and 2025 Intermediate League national titles, never looked back.

Ethan Cross and Hugh Graham slammed the door out of the bullpen, combining for 3.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts as Hills punched out 13 batters as a staff.

Fletcher Dobb collected two hits and two RBI, while the Hills lineup showed patience all game with nine walks.

Hills are 2-0 and in good shape to make finals with two games left to play.

HILLS BLUE

Hits: Fletcher Dobb 2, Levi Lawes 1, Harry Hobbs 1, Sayre Howick 1, Anton Jacovides 1, Ethan Cross 1, Hugh Graham 1
RBI: Sayre Howick 2, Fletcher Dobb 2, Hugh Graham 2, Alex Jacovides 1
HR: Sayre Howick 1

Pitching:
– Sayre Howick: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 7 K
– Ethan Cross: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K
– Hugh Graham: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K

GOLD COAST

Hits: Banjo Shearer 1, Nate Marr 1, Benjamin Courts 1, Christopher Hill 1
RBI: Christopher Hill 1

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS 11 def BRISBANE NORTH 9 | Athletics survive frantic Brisbane North comeback attempt 

Melbourne Athletics held off a furious late rally from Brisbane North to escape with an 11-9 win in one of the wildest games of Day 1 at the Junior League Championships.

The Athletics looked in complete control after building an 11-2 lead through five innings before Brisbane North erupted for seven unanswered runs to nearly steal it late.

Melbourne jumped ahead early in the opening inning when Charlie Fegan grounded out to score a run before two more crossed on an error.

Haydn Doganay added to the lead with an RBI double in the third before the Athletics blew the game open with a six-run fifth inning.

Doganay drew a bases-loaded walk, Leo Moulton ripped a two-run double, Albert Baragwanath grounded out to score another, and Phillip Toye also drew a run-scoring walk as Melbourne pushed its advantage to nine.

Brisbane North refused to go away.

The Queensland side answered with five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to RBI hits from Lachlan Gale, Joshua Campbell-Manfield and Logan Roberson, before continuing to chip away in the sixth.

Despite the pressure, Melbourne’s bullpen managed to hang on.

John Gogos started the game before Alexander Knell, Fegan, Hao (Tony) Huang, Doganay and Toye combined out of the bullpen. Fegan closed things out with a scoreless inning and two strikeouts.

Melbourne collected 12 hits in the victory, with Fegan, Jackson Berg and Doganay all recording two-hit games. Moulton, Baragwanath and Doganay each drove in two runs.

Brisbane North also finished with 12 hits. Issei Hamano collected two hits, while Aaron Bell drove in two runs.

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS

Hits: Jackson Berg 2, Charlie Fegan 2, Haydn Doganay 2, Leo Moulton 1, John Gogos 1, Albert Baragwanath 1, Josh Moulds 1, EvieLane 1, Alexander Knell 1

RBI: Haydn Doganay 2, Leo Moulton 2, Albert Baragwanath 2, Charlie Fegan 1

Pitching:
– John Gogos: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER
– Haydn Doganay: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 K
– Hao (Tony) Huang: 1.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 K
– Alexander Knell: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 K
– Phillip Toye: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R
– Charlie Fegan: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits: Issei Hamano 2, Logan Roberson 1, Xander Reid 1, Edward Bain 1, Aaron Bell 1, Lachlan Gale 1, Luke Baisley 1, Braxton Black 1, Joshua Campbell-Manfield 1, Patrick Fogg 1, Mitchell Larkin 1

RBI: Aaron Bell 2, Joshua Campbell-Manfield 2, Logan Roberson 1, Lachlan Gale 1, Patrick Fogg 1, Braxton Black 1, Issei Hamano 1

Pitching:
– Patrick Fogg: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 K
– Edward Bain: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 1 K
– Xander Reid: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 K
– Luke Baisley: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
– Lachlan Gale: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K

CRONULLA BLACK 10 def BRISBANE NORTH 0 | Cronulla Black Throw Combined Shutout To Improve To 2-0 At Junior League Championships

Cronulla Black are off to strong start to the 2026 Junior League Championships with a dominant 10-0 win over Brisbane North, who fall to 0-2.

A three-pitcher combined shutout led the way for Cronulla, while Logan Glasheen and Kai Shibata sparked the offence as the side improved to 2-0 in pool play.

Zack Fordyce started and tossed three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. Pyke followed with a clean inning before Potter closed the game with three strikeouts in the fifth.

Cronulla struck first in the opening inning when Franklin Pyke walked, Logan Glasheen ripped an RBI double and Christopher Blyton drove in a run with a groundout to make it 3-0.

The lead quickly ballooned in the second inning. Fenix Cutajar doubled home a run, Hudson Shorey drew a bases-loaded walk and two more runs scored on a wild pitch as Cronulla pushed the margin to 7-0.

Cronulla added another in the third when Glasheen singled home a run before closing the scoring in the fifth.

Glasheen finished 2-for-2 with two RBI, while Shibata also collected two hits and stole four bases in an aggressive Cronulla running game that produced nine steals overall.

Cutajar and Lincoln Potter each drove in runs, while Blyton added an RBI. Franklin Pyke scored twice and reached base twice via walk.

Brisbane North managed five hits, with Mitchell Larkin, Issei Hamano, Callum Wheeler, Luke Baisley and Xander Reid all recording singles.

Cronulla Black will now take a 2-0 record into Friday’s matchup against Melbourne Athletics.

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits: Logan Glasheen 2, Kai Shibata 2, Fenix Cutajar, Lincoln Potter, Benjamin Napier
RBI: Logan Glasheen 2, Fenix Cutajar, Lincoln Potter, Christopher Blyton

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits: Mitchell Larkin, Issei Hamano, Callum Wheeler, Xander Reid, Luke Baisley

ADELAIDE MARLINS 8 def WANNEROO GIANTS 6 | Zischke delivers late as Adelaide Marlins edge Wanneroo in Junior League thriller

Adelaide Marlins survived a back-and-forth battle against Wanneroo Giants, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning to secure an 8-6 victory on Thursday to open their tournament with a win.

With the game tied 6-6 entering the final frame, Jack Zischke came through with the decisive hit, ripping a two-run single to put Adelaide back in front and cap a dramatic finish.

The contest swung repeatedly throughout the afternoon.

Wanneroo struck first in the second inning when Harvey Scaife singled home a run, before Adelaide responded with a huge five-run fifth inning to grab a 5-3 lead. Tyrone Cutler’s RBI fielder’s choice highlighted the rally.

But the Giants answered immediately.

Connor Branch drove in a run with a single in the bottom of the fifth before Wanneroo edged ahead 6-5 in the sixth inning after Cody Bennetts laid down a go-ahead sacrifice bunt.

Adelaide refused to go away.

Levi Burns opened the seventh-inning rally with an RBI single before Zischke delivered the game-winning blow moments later, scoring two and giving the Marlins the lead for good.

Zischke starred in the middle of the lineup, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBI. Jet Connor and Jack Bowden also collected two hits apiece as Adelaide piled up 11 hits and swiped eight bases.

Bowden, who was named to Australia’s U15 national team today, started on the mound for Adelaide and struck out four across three innings. Burns, Zischke, and Sam Clarke combined in relief before Clarke recorded the final out to seal the win.

Wanneroo collected nine hits in the loss, with Harvey Scaife leading the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance. Declan Burns added two hits, while the Giants also stole six bases in an aggressive offensive display. Wanneroo fall to 0-1.

ADELAIDE MARLINS

Hits: Jack Zischke 2, Jack Bowden 2, Jet Connor 2, Levi Burns, Haskett, Redding,  Camerlengo, Mogg
RBI: Jack Zischke 2, Levi Burns, Tyrone Cutler, Jack Bowden, Charlie Sanders

WANNEROO

Hits: Harvey Scaife 3, Declan Burns 2, Connor Branch, Hayden Thomas, Jacob Bond, B Gordon
RBI: Connor Branch, Cody Bennetts, B Gordon, Harvey Scaife

ADELAIDE MARLINS  def MELBOURNE TWINS | Marlins make Statement with explosive 2-0 start at Junior League Championships

The Adelaide Marlins have stormed out of the gates at the 2026 Junior League Championships, opening Day 1 with two impressive wins to sit equal top of Pool A.

After a dramatic 8-6 comeback win over Wanneroo earlier in the day, Adelaide backed it up with an offensive explosion, defeating Melbourne Twins 17-8 on Thursday night.

The Marlins showed they can win in multiple ways.

Game one required late-inning heroics, with Jack Zischke delivering the go-ahead hit in the seventh inning against Wanneroo.

Game two was built on relentless pressure, aggressive baserunning, and timely hitting as Adelaide piled on 17 runs.

One player who stood at the centre of it all was Jack Bowden.

Earlier in the morning, Bowden was named to Australia’s U15 National Team. He then delivered one of the standout individual performances of the tournament so far.

Across the two wins, Bowden finished 4-for-6 with two doubles, four RBI, and five stolen bases while also throwing three innings with just one earned run allowed and four strikeouts.

Against Melbourne, Adelaide erased an early deficit by scoring four runs in the first inning before repeatedly answering every Twins push.

Melbourne tied the game 6-6 in the fourth inning, but the Marlins immediately responded. Casey Sanders delivered a two-run single before Alexander Camerlengo added another run-scoring play to restore control.

Adelaide then blew the game open with a five-run sixth inning, highlighted by another Bowden RBI double as the Marlins raced away for the mercy-rule victory.

The Marlins finished with 10 hits, eight walks, and an astonishing 14 stolen bases in the game. Combined across both victories on Thursday, Adelaide stole 21 bases as a team, including a steal of home.

Even more impressively, all 13 Adelaide players reached base in the win over Melbourne.

Jake Redding started strongly on the mound with five strikeouts across three innings, while Jamie Ferris, Ashton Mogg, Sam Clarke, and Jet Connor combined for shutout relief innings to close the game.

Melbourne Twins collected 11 hits of their own, with Mason Cvetanoski, Isaac Davis, and Jacob Low all recording multi-hit games.

ADELAIDE

Hits: Jack Bowden 2, Sebastien Haskett, Levi Burns, Jack Zischke, Jet Connor, Tyrone Cutler, Casey Sanders, Noah Sutherland, Sam Clarke
RBI: Jack Bowden 3, Casey Sanders 2, Sebastien Haskett, Jack Zischke, Noah Sutherland

MELBOURNE TWINS

Hits: Mason Cvetanoski 2, Isaac Davis 2, Jacob Low 2, Myles McKelvie, Drayden Jo, Tyler Thomas, L. Fazio, Chester Ferguson
RBI: Mason Cvetanoski 2, Chester Ferguson 2, Isaac Davis, Myles McKelvie, Tyler Thomas

RECAPS – INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

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SOUTHERN TITANS 9 def MELBOURNE TWINS 6 | Preston Taylor’s three RBI lead Southern Titans past Melbourne Twins in tournament opener

Preston Taylor delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three-run double as Southern Titans opened the 2026 Australian Intermediate League Championships with a 9-6 win over Melbourne Twins on Thursday.

With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the third, Taylor (bel0w) ripped a bases-clearing double to put the Titans back in front for good. A bases-loaded walk to Brodie Carr later in the inning extended the lead to 6-2.

Southern Titans had jumped out early in the first when Jack Clarke doubled home a run before Archie Golding followed with an RBI single for a quick 2-0 advantage.

Melbourne responded in the third after Brodie Leigh smoked a two-run double down the left field line to even the game.

The Twins kept battling throughout the contest, scoring twice in both the fourth and seventh innings, but Southern Titans continued to pressure on the bases and finished with 11 stolen bases in the win.

Taylor and Golding each collected two hits for Southern Titans, with Golding also driving in two runs. Carr was strong out of the bullpen, striking out five across 2.2 scoreless innings.

Leigh paced Melbourne offensively, going 2-for-2 with two RBI. Tiger Ah-Lit added three stolen bases, while the Twins drew seven walks as a team.

SOUTHERN TITANS

Hits: Preston Taylor 2, Archie Golding 2, Jack Clarke, Cody Knott, Jacob Golding
RBI: Preston Taylor 3, Archie Golding 2, Jack Clarke

WP: Brodie Carr 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K

MELBOURNE TWINS

Hits: Brodie Leigh 2, Jackson McKenner, Thomas Macaulay

RBI: Brodie Leigh 2, Tiger Ah-Lit, Isaac Low

HR: None
LP: Seleyne Ilievski 1.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 K

ADELAIDE ARMADA 9 def GOLD COAST 5 | Adelaide Armada pitching staff powers opening win over Gold Coast

Adelaide Armada showcased its pitching depth in the opening game of the 2026 Australian Intermediate League Championships, defeating Gold Coast 9-5 behind a dominant performance from six different arms.

The Armada struck first in the opening inning when Ethan Zoontjens delivered an RBI single before Adelaide slowly built separation through the middle innings.

Adelaide’s pitching was the story early.

Archer Spratt (above) overpowered Gold Coast hitters with seven strikeouts across 2.1 scoreless innings to open the game, while Archie Wallis followed with a clean inning and three more strikeouts. In total, Armada pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts while working around eight hits and seven stolen bases.

Gold Coast stayed within striking distance and produced the biggest swing of the game in the sixth inning when Tace Ahu launched a two-run homer to right field to cut into the deficit.

Adelaide responded immediately.

Ethan Zoontjens and Harrison Malec each collected two hits, while Zoontjens, Angus Deer, Cooper Scarabotti and Brock Harding all drove in two runs apiece.

The Armada also showed patience offensively, drawing nine walks. Harvey Ingram and Spratt each walked twice, while Ingram added two stolen bases.

Gold Coast used seven pitchers in the game and received multi-hit performances from Jayden Zheng and Luku Masuda.

ADELAIDE ARMADA

Hits: Ethan Zoontjens 2, Harrison Malec 2, Jack Blanton 1, Brock Harding 1, Angus Deer 1, Cooper Scarabotti 1
RBI: Ethan Zoontjens 2, Angus Deer 2, Cooper Scarabotti 2, Brock Harding 2

WP: Archer Spratt 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 7 K

GOLD COAST
Hits: Luku Masuda 2, Jayden Zheng 2, Aidan Heschl 1, Reef Bevan 1, KeCheng Huang 1, Tace Ahu 1
RBI: Tace Ahu 2, Jayden Zheng 1, Reef Bevan 1, KeCheng Huang 1
HR: Tace Ahu

LP: Kahu Bishop 0.0 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER

CRONULLA BLACK 5 def BRISBANE METRO 4 | Cronulla Black rally, hold on late to edge Brisbane Metro in Intermediate League opener

Cronulla Black used a three-run fifth inning to break a tie and escape with a 5-4 victory over Brisbane Metro in a back-and-forth Intermediate League battle on Thursday.

Brisbane Metro struck first in the opening inning when Zachary Nolan grounded out to bring home a run before extending the lead to 2-1 in the second on a Parker Blowes RBI groundout.

Cronulla responded.

Zeke Coughlin tied the game in the second with an RBI groundout before Mason Hayes delivered another game-tying RBI single in the fourth inning.

The game turned in the fifth.

Ash Garner ripped a go-ahead double down the right field line before sacrifice flies and walks from Kobe Chu and Axle Stubbs helped Cronulla push across three runs to grab control.

Brisbane Metro had a pushback in the sixth, scoring twice to move the scoreline to 5-4. Thats’ as close as they’d come.

Will Crynes gave Cronulla a strong start on the mound, allowing just one hit across four innings while striking out three. Ethan Uncle followed with a scoreless inning and two strikeouts before Mason Hayes closed the final two innings.

Felix Moncrieff was impressive early for Brisbane Metro, striking out five over 2.1 innings without allowing a hit.

Ash Garner, Ethan Uncle, Axle Stubbs, Cooper Jacenko, Ned Rankin, Mason Hayes and Will Crynes all recorded hits for Cronulla, while Hayes added two stolen bases.

CRONULLA BLACK

Hits: Ash Garner 1, Ethan Uncle 1, Axle Stubbs 1, Mason Hayes 1, Ned Rankin 1, Cooper Jacenko 1, Will Crynes 1
RBI: Ash Garner 1, Kobe Chu 1, Axle Stubbs 1, Mason Hayes 1, Zeke Coughlin 1

WP: Ethan Uncle 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K

BRISBANE METRO

Hits: Alex Rosuck 1, Thomas Lamb 1, Riley Kameus 1
RBI: Alex Rosuck 1, Zachary Nolan 1, Parker Blowes 1

LP: Parker Blowes 2.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 K

RYDE RED 11 def EASTERN PHANTOMS 1 | Ryde Red launch four homers in dominant opening game win.

Kye Matthewson, Flynn Helliar, Liam Kelly and Brian Huang all homered as Ryde Red powered past Eastern Phantoms 11-1.

Many of the Ryde players featured in last year’s Little League Championship gold medal game and looked every bit the experienced tournament group in their opening Intermediate League outing.

Eastern Phantoms struck first in the opening inning when Harrison Mann grounded out to score a run, but Ryde answered quickly.

Matthewson launched a two-run homer to centre field in the top of the second to hand Ryde a 2-1 lead before Helliar broke the game open an inning later with a three-run blast.

Ryde continued to pile on throughout the middle innings. Kelly connected for a solo homer in the fourth before Miles Powell added an RBI single. Huang then capped the performance with a two-run shot in the seventh.

The Ryde pitching staff matched the offence.

Matthewson started on the mound and struck out six across 2.2 innings while allowing just one unearned run. Yoh Kaneko, Billy Kiddle and Kevin Park combined to close out the final 4.1 innings as Ryde pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts.

Ryde finished with 10 hits and seven stolen bases in the victory.

Thomas Phelps and Powell each collected two hits, while Helliar drove in a game-high three runs. Madeleine Cesare drew two walks, while Kevin Park and Powell each stole multiple bases.

Eastern Phantoms were led by Bentley Bolton, who collected two hits from the leadoff spot. Mann drove in the team’s lone run.

RYDE RED

Hits: Thomas Phelps 2, Miles Powell 2, Flynn Helliar 1, Jenson Koch 1, Liam Kelly 1, Kye Matthewson 1, Brian Huang 1, Yoh Kaneko 1
RBI: Flynn Helliar 3, Kye Matthewson 2, Brian Huang 2, Jenson Koch 1, Liam Kelly 1, Miles Powell 1
HR: Flynn Helliar, Kye Matthewson, Liam Kelly, Brian Huang

Pitching:
– Kye Matthewson: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 6 K
– Yoh Kaneko: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K
– Billy Kiddle: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 K
– Kevin Park: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K

EASTERN PHANTOMS

Hits: Bentley Bolton 2, Bremer Renwick 1, Mason Scott 1, Aiden Gianatti 1
RBI: Harrison Mann 1

Pitching:
– Riley Connaughton: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 K
– Mason Scott: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 K
– Harrison Mann: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 K
– Bremer Renwick: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 K
– Judd Moyle: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 K
– Aubree Mills: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 K

CRONULLA BLACK 15 def MELBOURNE TWINS 1 | Two homer as Cronulla Black Stay Perfect With Mercy-Rule Win Over Melbourne Twins

Cronulla Black improved to 2-0 and grabbed a stranglehold on Pool B with a 15-1 run rule win to conclude their double-header day.

Ash Garnero and Tim Wicks both homered for Cronulla, who exploded offensively with five-run innings in both the third and fifth frames.

Cronulla opened the scoring in the first before taking full control in the third inning. Ash Garnero launched a home run as part of the rally, while the lead continued to grow with four runs in the fourth and another five-run outburst in the fifth.

Garnero finished 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI to lead the offence, while Wicks added a two-run homer. Cooper Jacenko continued a strong tournament with two hits, three runs scored, one RBI and three stolen bases.

Will Crynes also collected two hits and drove in two runs, while Zeke Coughlin scored twice and added an RBI. Axle Stubbs, Ned Rankin and Kobe Chu each contributed hits as Cronulla piled up 11 hits and seven walks.

On the mound, Kobe Chu was excellent in relief, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Tyler Rixon started the game before Jacenko closed it out with 1.1 hitless innings and two strikeouts.

Melbourne Twins scored their lone run in the first inning and finished with four hits. Malcolm Scott led the offence with two hits, while Brodie Leigh drove in the team’s only run. Alexander Ward also recorded a hit.

Tiger Ah-Lit started on the mound for Melbourne Twins, with Len Farrow, Nathan Macaulay and Harvey Coone also appearing in relief.

A win for the Southern Titans later today would mean Cronulla clinch a spot in top two.

CRONULLA

Hits: Ash Garnero 2, Cooper Jacenko 2, Will Crynes 2, Kobe Chu, Tim Wicks, Axle Stubbs, Ned Rankin, Zeke Coughlin
RBI : Ash Garnero 4, Tim Wicks 2, Will Crynes 2, Cooper Jacenko, Zeke Coughlin
HR: Ash Garnero, Tim Wicks

MELBOURNE TWINS

Hits:: Malcolm Scott 2, Brodie Leigh, Alexander Ward
RBI:: Brodie Leigh

SOUTHERN TITANS 10 def BRISBANE METRO 5 | Southern Titans storm back, clinch Intermediate League playoff spot after triple play twist

The Southern Titans punched their ticket to the 2026 Intermediate League Championship playoffs with a remarkable 10-5 comeback victory over Brisbane Metro.

The Titans scored nine unanswered runs and erased a four-run deficit in a wild contest that featured one of the tournament’s rarest defensive plays.

Brisbane Metro appeared to seize complete momentum in the top of the fourth inning. After escaping a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam with a stunning triple play in the bottom of the third, Metro exploded for five runs on six hits to take a 5-1 lead.

Felix Moncrieff delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run double, while Zachary Nolan added two hits in the game.

But Southern Titans responded immediately. Jack Clarke singled home a run, Brodie Carr ripped an RBI double and Cody Knott added another RBI single during a four-run fourth inning that tied the game at 5-5.

The Titans then broke the game open in the sixth, ending the 5-5 deadlock.

Southern piled on five runs on three hits, highlighted by Alexander Joseph’s two-run single as the side raced away to secure a crucial victory and playoff berth.

Clarke starred offensively, going a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored. Archie Golding collected two hits, while Carr, Knott and Joseph each drove in runs.

Preston Taylor started for Southern Titans and battled through 3.2 innings before Jack Clarke and Jacob Golding combined for 3.1 scoreless innings in relief. Golding struck out four across the final two innings to close the door.

Brisbane Metro finished with eight hits despite committing nine errors in the field. Moncrieff drove in two runs, while Riley Kameus and Nolan each added RBI hits.

Southern Titans will now face Cronulla Black on Friday with a playoff position already secured.

SOUTHERN TITANS

Hits: Jack Clarke 3, Archie Golding 2, Brodie Carr, Cody Knott, Alexander Joseph, George Fifield, Enzo Lee, Preston Taylor
RBI: Jack Clarke, Archie Golding, Brodie Carr, Cody Knott, Alexander Joseph

BRISBANE METRO

Hits: Zachary Nolan 2, Felix Moncrieff, Alex Rosuck, Crosby Wood, Riley Kameus, Parker Blowes, Sebastian Pedder
RBI: Felix Moncrieff 2, Zachary Nolan, Riley Kameus