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25 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Recap: Australia hangs tough, but falls to USA at Women's World Cup

Australia suffered its first defeat of the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup on Friday night, falling 10-5 to tournament powerhouse the United States in a spirited performance.

The challenge was always going to be immense. The Americans entered the contest unbeaten at 2-0, having outscored their first two opponents 46-5. They handed the ball to tournament ace and one of the biggest names in women’s baseball, Kelsie Whitmore.

Australia refused to back down.

TOURNAMENT HUB: Follow the tournament live

The Emeralds matched the United States early, with Leah Cornish doubling home the tying run before the Americans eventually pulled away behind a three-run homer from Denae Benites and a four-run fourth inning built on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.

There were plenty of positives despite the result.

Australia actually outhit the United States 12-10 and became the first team at the tournament to keep the Americans within a single digit winning margin. The closest margin of victory before tonight was 19.

BOX SCORE: Live stats from USA vs AUS

After winning their opening two games by a combined 41 runs, the USA were pushed far harder by the Emeralds.

Cornish continued her outstanding tournament, finishing 3-for-4, while Lili Cavanagh also collected three hits.

Claire O’Sullivan impressed both at the plate and in the field with several outstanding defensive plays at second base, while Molly Paddison delivered a two-RBI double late in the game.

One of the most heartwarming moments came when 37-year-old Jess Johnson made her Emeralds debut. The rookie reliever tossed 2.2 scoreless innings under pressure to keep Australia fighting until the final out.

Australia now faces Korea (1-2) on Sunday morning in a winner-takes-all clash. Victory would send the Emeralds through to the 2027 Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals.

How the game unfolded

Australia did an admirable job early of limiting hard contact thanks to some nice work from starting pitcher Bronwyn Gell.

But the Americans showed why they are favourites by manufacturing runs and capitalising on every opportunity.

Naomi Ryan singled home the opening run in the first inning to give the USA a 1-0 lead.

Facing Whitmore, Australia remained patient at the plate and worked deep counts. The approach paid off in the second inning when Leah Cornish doubled before Claire O’Sullivan singled up the middle to tie the game at one.

The USA regained the lead in the third. Fresh off a two-home run performance, Ashton Lansdell found a hole through the Australian shift to make it 2-1 before later stealing home during a rundown to extend the lead to 3-1.

Australia’s most experienced Emerald, Bronwyn Gell, did well to induce soft contact throughout her outing and received excellent defensive support. Lili Cavanagh made a superb running catch in centre field, while Claire O’Sullivan produced a diving stop at second base.

The Emeralds answered immediately to get themselves in the right.

Jamie Bastian, Lili Cavanagh and Ticara Geldenhuis opened the inning with three consecutive hits, with Geldenhuis driving in a run on an infield single to cut the deficit to 3-2. One out later, Cornish lined an RBI double to level the scores at 3-3.

The deadlock didn’t last long.

Benites, one of the game’s biggest stars, launched a three-run home run to centre field in the bottom of the inning to restore the American advantage at 6-3.

Gell finished with 3.0 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits with one walk and one strikeout before Abbey Kelly took over in relief.

The USA capitalised in the fourth, scoring four runs through a combination of timely hitting and aggressive small ball.

Ryan drove in her second run of the night, while Benites and Lansdell also collected RBIs as the lead stretched to 10-3.

With the bases loaded and one out, 37-year-old debutant Jess Johnson entered the game in danger of the contest ending via the mercy rule.

Instead, she delivered one of Australia’s brightest moments of the tournament.

Johnson induced a ground ball before striking out the final batter of the inning to strand the bases loaded, then returned with another scoreless frame in the fifth. Her 2.2 shutout innings marked just the second and third scoreless innings thrown against the United States during the tournament.

Whitmore finished after four innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out five.

Australia continued to battle.

The Emeralds loaded the bases in the fifth but couldn’t break through before Molly Paddison delivered a two-out, two-RBI double later in the game to bring Australia’s final tally to five runs.

Despite the loss, Australia showed it can compete with the world’s best and will now turn its full attention to Sunday’s must-win showdown against Korea, with a place at the 2027 Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals on the line.

CURRENT STANDINGS

Top three teams qualify for the World Cup Finals, a group of six, held in 2027 in Rockford.

1 Canada 3-0
2 USA 3-0
3 Australia 2-1
4 Korea 1-2
5 Mexico 0-3
6 Hong Kong 0-3

23 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Hall of Fame Chats: Samantha Hamilton

Early this year, Baseball Australia revealed six new additions to the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame.

It’s a rightfully a hard group to crack. You have to be among the best to ever to it in this country.

I’ve decided to try to talk to all of our newest inductees to learn a little bit more about their journey in baseball, some of their great moments and ultimately how their hall of frame brains work.

I’ve started with Samantha Hamilton. She’s one of the most decorated players in women’s baseball history.

Her resume and some notes on her career can be found below. What’s amazing about Samantha is she did not start playing baseball until she was in her 20s.

It adds remarkable context to an extraordinary career in a phenomenal era of women’s baseball.

Samantha is among just six players globally to have competed in all of the first five IBAF Women’s World Cups between 2004 and 2012. She competed in three World Series before then, playing in Major League stadiums.

Across a 13-year national team career, she delivered consistently elite performances and played a key role in Australia’s early international success, including bronze (2001), gold (2002) and silver (2003) at the Women’s World Series, along with a silver medal at the 2010 World Cup and the 2006 stolen bases title.

She played a crucial role both defensively and offensively during Australia’s historic silver medal campaign at the 2010 World Cup in Venezuela. That tournament, by the way, was crazy. You HAVE to hear her accounts of it…

You can listen on Spotify…or Apple…or wherever you get your pods. Search baseball.com.au.

Across a 16-year career with Victoria at the Australian Women’s Championships, Hamilton was an integral part of the squad that secured ten national titles. She delivered a walk-off double in the 2011 National Championship Gold Medal game and was awarded the National Championship Hitting Award and All-Star Team honours in 2012.

She also went overseas.

In 2005, Hamilton was among the first Australians to play semi-professionally, completing a season in Japan with Taiken Wellness of Tokyo College.

At club level, she was a founding member of Doncaster Baseball Club and became the first woman to reach 350 games.

It’s an incredible career.

Listen to the conversation below.

23 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia Women's Baseball

Emeralds explode for 10 extra-inning runs to open World Cup with a win

Australia erupted for 10 runs in extra innings to defeat Mexico 12-2 in its opening game of the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Just getting to extra innings was a challenge. It was a tense pitcher and defensive duel, filled with plenty of “what if” moments for both teams.

That all changed when the Emeralds finally broke the game open with a relentless offensive outburst that saw eight different Australians drive in runs during the decisive frame. Ticara Geldenhuis delivered the biggest blow, clearing the bases with a three-run double that stretched Australia’s lead to 9-2 and put the game beyond doubt.

“This is a huge win in the scheme of the tournament,” says manager Jason Pospishil. “I thought our pitchers were outstanding to keep that quality of Mexican offense off the board. Two runs across eight innings is awesome.”

Hub: Australia Tournament Hub

Elodie O’Sullivan was the standout offensive performer, finishing 2-for-4 with four RBI in an incredible return to the national team after an eight-year absence.

Her two-run single in the third gave Australia its first lead before she delivered the go-ahead RBI single in extra innings. She later drew a bases-loaded walk to cap a four-RBI afternoon.

Allie Bebbere was equally influential, throwing 4.1 innings of shutout relief. She allowed just two hits, walked none and struck out five, while producing a game-saving pickoff in the seventh inning to send the contest to extras.

Getting there was anything but straightforward.

Box Score: Stats from AUS v MEX

Mexico’s defence repeatedly frustrated the Emeralds, turning four double plays to erase scoring opportunities. The biggest came in the top of the seventh when Australia appeared poised to take the lead. With the bases loaded and one out, reliever Camila Cruz induced Leah Cornish into a remarkable 5-1-3 double play to keep the game tied.

Mexico then looked set to walk it off in the bottom of the seventh after Marcela Diaz and Gabriela Sandoval opened the inning with back-to-back doubles.

However, Bebbere caught Diaz too far off second base and picked her off to erase the winning run. She then induced a groundout before finishing the inning with a strikeout to send the game to extras.

“We had some chances to win it earlier but didn’t execute,” says Pospishil. “However, we stayed on task when the game was on the line. I’m so proud of how we competed as a group.”

Mexico had opened the scoring in the second inning after a runner reached second before a fly ball was dropped in right field by Ticara Geldenhuis, allowing the game’s first run to score. The run was unearned off starting pitcher Claire O’Sullivan.

The Emeralds prevented the deficit from growing an inning later thanks to Elodie O’Sullivan, who laid out for a spectacular diving catch in left field to rob Mexico of another run.

Australia had placed its leadoff hitter aboard in each of the opening four innings before finally capitalising in the third. With runners on second and third, O’Sullivan lined a two-run single into left field to put Australia ahead 2-1. The Emeralds continued to threaten by loading the bases, but Mexico escaped further damage.

Mexico answered immediately in the fourth with a two-out rally. Marcela Diaz delivered an RBI single to level the scores, ending Claire’s outing after 3.2 innings. She allowed five hits and two runs, only one of them earned, while striking out six without issuing a walk.

O’Sullivan also had a crucial run-saving pick-off at second bae.

Bebbere entered in relief and immediately escaped further trouble before settling into a dominant outing that kept Australia within striking distance. It included the big time pick off play.

“I knew bunt was an option, but we put on a play. I saw Caitlin break, I turned around and made a good throw,” said Bebbere. “It was called safe, but I knew it was close. While Pops challenged, I asked Caitlin if she got her and she said, ‘It would have been close.’ Obviously, I was pumped to have the call go our way. I let myself have a little celebration, but it was quickly back to telling myself, ‘The job’s not done. Let’s go after this next hitter.’”

Then came the eighth.

With two runners aboard under the international tiebreak rule, Chloe Atkinson laid down a perfect bunt to load the bases before O’Sullivan punched a single back through the middle to restore Australia’s lead.

The floodgates then opened.

Jamie Bastian forced home a run with a bases-loaded walk before Abbey Kelly and Georgia Cavanagh each delivered RBI bloop singles to make it 6-2.

Geldenhuis delivered the knockout blow with a three-run double to extend the margin to 9-2. Leah Cornish added another RBI before O’Sullivan drew a bases-loaded walk for her fourth RBI of the day. Bastian followed with an RBI single, while Gen Beacom capped the remarkable inning with Australia’s 13th run.

“I just needed to find a way to shut them out so our girls could go out and get some runs,” she said. “When I went back out in the eighth, I knew I didn’t have to be as fine and could attack the hitters.”

Mexico starter Rosa Del Castillo threw 6.1 innings, allowing four hits and two runs in the loss.

Australia starts the tournament 1-0 and will face Hong Kong (0-1) on Friday.

22 July 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Baseball Australia confirms 2025-26 national participation increase

Baseball Australia has recorded significant participation growth across the country, with numbers up 6.8% to just over 34,600 registered players.

Over 41,000 participants, including volunteers, are now registered within the sport marking an increase of 23% from the last financial year (2024-25).

The numbers come off the back of Baseball Australia’s newly launched National Participation Plan, “Play Ball, Play Well,” which was unveiled in June in alignment with the Australian Sports Commission’s national Play Well Strategy.

The growth has been driven by a collaborative effort across clubs, associations and state members, creating more opportunities for Australians of all ages to access and enjoy baseball.

Other areas featuring strong increases include junior participation, Little League T-Ball, volunteer engagement and school programs.

There are now nearly 13,000 players are aged 13 and under, with a sharp increase in Little League T-Ball participation.

A membership increase was recorded in six state associations, with Western Australia polling the biggest increase.

“It was great to see so many new people connect with our great sport this season. A credit to the baseball community right across the country for creating welcoming, enjoyable experiences that encourage people to give baseball a go, while ensuring those who already love the game continue to come back year after year,” says Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams.

“The growth we’ve seen is the result of a tremendous collective effort by volunteers, clubs, associations and members across Australia.”

Read the Participation Plan: ‘Play Well, Play Ball’

KEY NUMBERS – A SNAPSHOT

Club Finder: Find your baseball home today

Here are some numbers from the 2025-26 financial year period that stand out:

– Playing participation increased by 6.8 percent year-on-year, rising from to just over 34,500 in 2025-26;

– Junior baseball continues to drive much of that growth, with participation among players aged under 18 increasing by 7.2 percent;

– Nearly 13,000 players are now aged 15 or younger, highlighting the strength of baseball’s grassroots pathway and the growing number of children entering the sport through local clubs, T-Ball and community programs;

– Retention Rate at 69%, a benchmark marked higher than industry standard

– Growth was also recorded at the senior level, with participation among players aged 18 and over increasing by 6.4 percent.

– The rise in participation extends beyond those taking the field. Registered volunteer numbers increased dramatically from approximately 1,500 to more than 7,000, underlining the important role volunteers continue to play in supporting clubs, competitions and events across Australia;

– Participation increased in six states and territories, with New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all recording year-on-year growth;

– New South Wales remains the largest baseball community in the country with more than 16,000 participants, while Western Australia recorded the biggest increase and now boasts a membership base exceeding 5,000;

– Women’s participation also remains an important area of focus, with females representing 17.5 percent of Australia’s playing population. It reflects great work undertaken by an Australian Women’s Working Group, identifying key areas to address in our game. Last year, this number sat at 15%;

– School participation is approaching 45,000 students nationwide, representing an increase of nearly 25 percent since 2024 and providing a strong foundation for future participation growth.

The figures reflect continued momentum for the sport at all levels, from introductory school programs and junior competitions through to senior community baseball. It is not possible without the tremendous work done at the grassroots level by the clubs.

Baseball Australia was also a recipient of a Play Well Grant to support participation efforts.

With over 34,500 players, more than 7,000 volunteers and tens of thousands of students being introduced to baseball each year, the sport continues to build a strong platform for future growth across Australia.

21 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

South Australia's Haru Riley set for College Baseball opportunity at Sussex County

Adelaide pitcher Haru Riley will continue his baseball journey in the United States after committing to Sussex County Community College.

The right-hander out of Kensington Baseball Club will study Business Administration while developing his baseball skills on the mound.

He leaves July 30 and will be joined by Victoria’s Ryder Wilson, who committed to Sussex County early this year.

While Riley was developed in Australia, he has Japanese heritage. It was by watching on of Japan’s most famous baseball events that made him fall in love with the game.

“I fell in love with baseball when I watched the Japanese Koshien High School Baseball Tournament,” Riley says.

The right-hander has developed into a crafty pitcher, relying on a varied repertoire rather than pure velocity.

His arsenal features a fastball, two-seam fastball, slider and a forkball with an intention of inducing soft contact.

“My strengths are using off-speed pitches such as my slider and forkball to get weak ground balls and pop-ups,” Riley said. “My forkball knuckles a bit and it can surprise the batter.”

Riley hopes his time in the American college system will help him add another dimension to his game.

“I want to improve my velocity on the mound while learning to take care of my body and become a more effective pitcher,” he said. “I’m also hoping to improve my physicality through gaining weight and strength.”

Before earning his college opportunity, Riley built valuable experience through Baseball Australia’s pathway, representing South Australia at both the Under-16 and Under-18 Australian Youth Championships while also competing in Division 1 senior club baseball in South Australia.

MORE COLLEGE STORIES: Click here

“Playing in the Australian Youth Championships at the Under-16 and Under-18 levels, along with Division 1 senior club baseball, has given me experience playing against the best players and dealing with pressure situations,” Riley said.

He credits both his parents for his improved skill and success over the last few years.

“My parents were influential in encouraging me to work hard and improve my skills.”

Riley joins a growing list of Australian players choosing the US college pathway. Follow Australians abroad at www.aussiebaseballtracker.com.

20 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Five young Australians to attend World Children's Baseball Fair in Japan

Five young Australian baseball players will represent the country at this year’s World Children’s Baseball Fair in Japan, where baseball becomes the vehicle for friendship, cultural exchange and lifelong memories.

Hosted by the World Children’s Baseball Foundation (WCBF), the annual event brings together kids from around the globe for 10 days of baseball clinics, cultural activities and international friendships.

Founded by baseball legends Sadaharu Oh and Hank Aaron, the program was created to use baseball to connect young people from different countries while promoting goodwill and understanding.

Australia has once again been invited to participate in the prestigious event, with five players from Melbourne’s Moorabbin Baseball Club earning the opportunity to travel to Japan later this month.

Moorabbin was selected due to the club’s sustained and genuine commitment to creating inclusive, positive sporting experiences for all. Moorabbin Baseball Club’s work supporting young people, particularly through involvement with Team Sports 4 All, reflects what the sport in Australia stands for.

Representing Australia will be:
– Isabelle Gammal
– Cooper Gammal
– Max Ciccarella
– Mark Bramwell
– Issac Kim

The group will be accompanied by Stephanie Campbell, a tireless Moorabbin Baseball Club volunteer whose dedication behind the scenes has helped make the trip possible despite several late changes to the travelling party.

The World Children’s Baseball Fair will be held from 30 July to 8 August, with the Australian group departing on 29 July.

While baseball is at the heart of the program, the experience is designed to be about much more than wins and losses.

Children from countries across the world live, learn and play together, building friendships that often last well beyond the final day of the event.

The lasting impact of the program has already been seen through previous Australian participants. Logan McCargill attended the World Children’s Baseball Fair in 2024, and just two years later returned to Japan during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Through the relationships built by the World Children’s Baseball Foundation, McCargill was invited to meet Japanese baseball icon Sadaharu Oh alongside Team Australia stars Robbie Perkins and Robbie Glendinning.

Perkins and Glendinning themselves attended the World Children’s Baseball Fair as children.

Best of luck and enjoy the experience!

20 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

Stanford graduate and Sydney product Jimmy Nati signs with Kansas City Royals

Jimmy Nati has become the latest Australian to begin his professional baseball career, signing with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent following four standout seasons at Stanford University.

The New South Wales infielder is now the 27th Australian currently under contract with a Major League Baseball organisation and continues a growing trend of Australians using the NCAA pathway to reach professional baseball.

Since 2024, the likes of Travis Bazzana (Cleveland Guardians), Brent Iredale (Pittsburgh Pirates), Kailen Hamson (Baltimore Orioles), John Lemm (St. Louis Cardinals) and now Nati have all either been drafted or signed affiliated contracts after completing their college careers.

For Nati, the journey began in the Ryde junior baseball system.

He developed as a junior with the Greenway Giants before representing Ryde at Australian National Little League Championships and his state at Australian Youth Championships.

As one of Australia’s most highly regarded young prospects, he attracted significant professional interest while still a teenager. Rather than beginning his professional career immediately, Nati chose a different path.

He committed to Stanford University, one of the world’s leading academic institutions and one of college baseball’s premier programs, backing himself to develop both on and off the field.

The decision – evidently – paid dividends. Not only does he have a college degree in science, technology and society, but he’s just become professional player.

AUSSIE PLAYER TRACKER: Follow Australians in the pro system around the world

Nati earned ACC All-Academic Team honours twice during his collegiate career, establishing himself as one of Australia’s top student-athletes while becoming a mainstay in the Cardinal lineup.

His baseball numbers stack up, too.

Across four seasons, he appeared in 174 games, making 159 starts while batting .278 with an .850 OPS. He collected 173 hits, including 40 doubles, scored 108 runs and drove in 87.

After breaking into the lineup as a freshman, Nati enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024, hitting .308 with a .905 OPS across 54 starts. He followed that with another outstanding season in 2025, batting .300 with a career-best .948 OPS before finishing his senior year with 45 starts for the Cardinal.

Although his name wasn’t called during the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, it didn’t take long for the Royals to come calling. Jimmy made it official on the weekend.

Nati will report to the Royals organisation in the coming days before receiving his first assignment within Kansas City’s minor league system.

He officially signed his contract on Sunday.

14 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

Australian John Lemm signs with St. Louis Cardinals after standout college season

Queensland baseball player John Lemm has signed with Major League Baseball franchise the St. Louis Cardinals following a standout senior season in US college baseball.

The Narangba product, who plays catcher and outfield, hit .322 with 10 home runs and 54 RBIs for the University of Alabama in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference (SEC). It was his lone season with the Crimson Tide after spending two years in junior college and one season at Southern Illinois.

The 23-year-old played a key role in Alabama’s run to the College World Series, helping the program reach Omaha for the first time since 1999.

Although Lemm went unselected in last weekend’s MLB Draft, he has since signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.

He becomes the 26th Australian currently signed to a Major League organisation. His professional career begins immediately, with Lemm reporting to the Cardinals’ player development complex before being assigned to a club within the minor league system.

Fans can track the progress of Australians playing overseas via Aussie Baseball Tracker: https://aussiebaseballtracker.com/.

Lemm is a product of Windsor Royals Baseball Club.

Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball are currently on the All-Star break, with Sydney’s Travis Bazzana set to represent the American League in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on Wednesday morning (AEST).

11 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

Girls and Invitational Little League Newspaper July 11: Manly and Cronulla claim Little League Gold Medals in Redcliffe | Recap and Highlights

It’s Gold Medal Day at Redcliffe Baseball Club in beautiful Moreton Bay for the Little League Girls and Invitational tournaments.

Who will go to bed tonight as a national champion?

The Gold Medal Games are streamed live and free on Baseball+ (plus.baseball.com.au).

To follow the scoring of the tournament and a single camera feed on Diamonds 3 and 4, check out the respective GameChanger link.

Scroll down for recaps and highlights.

Scoring: Girls | Invitational

Hub / Past Results: www.baseball.com.au/redcliffe

This tournamement is proudly brought to you by the City of Moreton Bay.

DAY 5 | SCHEDULE AND RESULTS – JULY 11 |

GOLD MEDAL GAMES
watch on Baseball+

– Invitational Gold Medal Game: Manly 8 def Adelaide Marlins 0

– Girls Gold: Cronulla 2 def West Coast Rays Blue 1

CONSOLATION GAMES
follow on Baseball+

– Girls Bronze: West Coast Rays Gold 12 def Hills 2
– Girls 5th Place Game: Belles 15 def Adelaide Seahorses 4

– Invitational Consolation: Sunshine Coast 16 def Wanneroo Giants 6

– Invitational Consolation: Wanneroo Giants 17 def Melbourne Rangers 7

Scoring: Girls | Invitational

Master Schedule: Tournament Schedule

GOLD MEDAL RECAPS

GIRLS GOLD: Millie May has a day as Cronulla win Little League Girls title in epic pitcher’s duel

It was Matilda May Day in Redcliffe.

The Cronulla Sharks starter brought her best on the biggest of ocassions. Her final line: 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 SO.

The only hit she conceded was an infield single in the bottom of the last inning as West Coast Blues tried to rally.

Haley Bone came through with a two-out, two-RBI single in the third inning to score both of Cronulla’s runs. Bone later struck out the last batter to record the final out.

It was one of only two Cronulla hits on the day because West Coast pitchers Amelia Castle and Rachel Hosken were both excellent. Castle started, allowing two hits and two runs in 2.0 innings. Rachel Hosken threw 3.0 hitless, shutout innings with eight strikeouts.

Who had the other base hit, you ask? Matilda May. Of course.

West Coast rallied late, thanks to Amelia Castle putting the ball in play to score a run.

Congratulations to Cronulla on their first Little League Girls title. They are: Emma Vuljanic, Kelsey Streater, Tayah Perrin, Haley Bone, Matilda May, Ruby Kosanic, Charli Hilley-Hulme, Isabelle Hutton, Emily Pekert, Catalina David, Gisele Streater, Emilia Maclean, Holly Fordyce, Charlize Anne Davis. COACHES: Matthew Bone, Chris May, Ashley Streater, Kate Vuljanic, Curtis David.

CRONULLA

Hits (2): Haley Bone, Matilda May
RBI: Bone (2)

WEST COAST RAYS BLUE

Hits (1): Mackenzie M

INVITATIONAL GOLD: Manly shutout Adelaide to claim Invitational Gold

Manly have claimed 2026 Australian Little League Invitational Gold after a dominating display at Redcliffe.

Starting pitcher Oli Curtin was excellent. He threw 5.0 shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out six.

The offense gave Curtin a boost.

Blaise Reid opened the scoring with an RBI single in the first. Max Brennan and Sidney Prevost followed with back-to-back RBI singles the second to open up a 3-0 lead.

Manly pulled away with a four run third. Ryder Macpherson’s bases-clearing RBI double proved to be the getaway moment, pushing the Eagles out to a 7-0 advantage.

Manly outhit Adelaide 10-3. Macpherson and Curtin led the team with two hits apiece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVuVMD7j8YY

Congrats to Manly on their national title.

The winning players are: Lachy Addison, Ziggy Avalon, Eli Austin, Max Brannan, Oli Curtin, Noah Donnelly, Cameron MacBride, Ryder MacPherson, Kitt Mote, Ayden Prevost, Sidney Prevost, Blaise Reid, August Ropiha.

MANLY

Hits (10): Oliver Curtin (2), Ryder Macpherson (2), Blaise Reid, Noah Donnelly, Max Brannan, Ayden Prevost, Sidney Prevost, Lachy Addison

RBI: Macpherson (3), Reid (2), Brannon, S. Prevost, Addison

Pitching – Oliver Curtin: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO

MARLINS

Hits (3): Oliver Wilson, Riley Clifton, Henry Duits

Pitching – Riley Clifton: 4.0 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO

NOTES ON CONSOLATION GAMES

– West Coast Rays Gold claimed Little League Girls Bronze after defeating Hills 12-2. The girls combined for 14 hits, led by Mia Green who had three. Tamryn Nairn drove in three runs. Chloe Waight pitched the whole game, allowing four hits, two runs and struck out seven.

– The Victoria Belles won their second straight game, this time a 15-4 win over the Adelaide Seahorses. They finish with a 2-3-1 record and fifth place overall. The Belles scored 15 runs off three hits, two of them from Mahlia Rutgers. Aleayah Marshall threw 2.1 hitless innings with five strikeouts.

– Sunshine Coast piled on the runs in a 16-6 win over the Wanneroo Giants. The Bronze medalists won their third game of the tournament. Jackson Caton continued his superb week by going 2-for-3 with an RBI. George Collins also had two hits and drove in pair. Jaxon Brown had two hits and 2 RBI for Wanneroo.

– Wanneroo Giants rolled to a 17-7 win over Melbourne to conclude consolation play. Connor Scott led the offensive output with three hits while driving in a pair. As a group, the Giants combined for 14 base hits.

Welcome to Moreton Bay – a region full of hidden gems! Whether you’re exploring the beautiful open beaches and coastal towns or wandering the peaceful trails of charming hinterland villages, the Moreton Bay region offers natural beauty paired with a welcoming charm.

Just under an hour from both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay invites you to discover its diverse offerings. From the peaceful hinterland retreats of Woodford and Dayboro to the lively buzz of the Redcliffe Peninsula and the relaxing shores of Bribie Island, there’s something for everyone, just waiting to be uncovered!

Head to www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au to plan your adventure while visiting for baseball.

Or, upgrade your weekend! Visit www.whatsonmoretonbay.com.au/ for more information.

10 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

Girls and Invitational Newspaper: July 10 | Six walk-offs in seven games - Scores, Recaps, Highlights

Redcliffe Baseball Club was home to perhaps the most epic national championship day of the 2026 season with the League Girls and Invitational tournaments.

On the final day of Girls Pool Play and the first day of Invitational Finals, we were treated to six (!!!) walk-offs in seven games.

Our Gold Medal Games are now set.

Read about each game below with stats, photos and / or highlights.

To watch Diamond 1 coverage free, visit Baseball+ (plus.baseball.com.au). To follow the scoring of the tournament and a single camera feed on Diamonds 2 and 3, check out the respective GameChanger link.

Scroll down for recaps.

Scoring: Girls | Invitational

Hub / Past Results: www.baseball.com.au/redcliffe

This tournamement is proudly brought to you by the City of Moreton Bay.

DAY 4 | SCHEDULE AND RESULTS – FRIDAY 10 JULY |

LITTLE LEAGUE GIRLS
Watch free on Baseball+

– Cronulla 8 def Adelaide Seahorses 7
– Victoria Belles 8 def West Coast Rays Gold 7
– West Coast Rays Blue 6 def Hills 5

LITTLE LEAGUE INVITATIONAL
Follow / Watch on GameChanger

– Finals: Adelaide Marlins 8 def Sunshine Coast Riptides 4
– Finals: Manly 3 def Sunshine Coast Riptides 2
– Finals: Adelaide Marlins 14 def Manly 13

– Consolation: Wanneroo Giants 10 def Melbourne Rangers 9

Scoring: Girls | Invitational

Master Schedule: Tournament Schedule

CURRENT STANDINGS

GIRLS
*top two qualify for Gold Medal Game

Cronulla 4-1*
West Coast Rays Blue 3-1-1*
Hills 2-3
West Coast Rays Gold 2-3
Adelaide Seahorses 2-3
Victoria Belles 1-3-1

Cronulla and West Coast Rays Blue advance to Gold Medal Game at 1:30PM on Saturday on Baseball+.

INVITATIONAL FINALS STANDINGS
*top two advance to Gold Medal Game

Adelaide Marlins 2-0*
Manly 1-1*
Sunshine Coast Riptides 0-2

Adelaide and Manly advance the Gold Medal Game, Saturday at 11:15PM on Baseball+.

Tiebreaker: 1. Head-to-Head, 2. runs allowed.

DAY 5 SCHEDULE (SATURDAY 11 JULY) – CLICK HERE

RECAP STORIES

INVITATIONAL: Adelaide Marlins 8 def Sunshine Coast Riptides 1 | Marlins explode for five runs in the fourth inning to pull away

The Adelaide Marlins broke up a tense pitcher’s duel with a five run fourth inning to pick up their first win of the Finals Round Robin bracket.

They scored five runs off six hits, highlighted by a bases clearing single by Finn Diment that plated three runs.

Diment played a big role on the mound. He threw 4.0 innings, allowing one run and two hits in his start.

Eight different Marlins had hits, led by Allesandro Vadagnini who had two.

George Collins and Jackson Caton both had two hits for Sunshine Coast, who played three key runs in the last inning. The runs could be crucial because runs allowed is a tiebreaker in event of a three way tie.

Sunshine Coast must defeat Manly to keep their Gold Medal hopes alive.

ADELAIDE MARLINS

Hits (9): Braxton B, Armando Gabriele Cerquozzi-Rodriguez, Jonte Nottage, Riley Clifton, Kai Abe, Finn Diment, Henry Duits, Allesandro Vadagnini (2)

RBI: Cerquozzi-Rodriguez, Nottage, Clifton, Diment

SUNSHINE COAST

Hits (4): Jackson Caton (2), George Collins (2)
RBI: Caton, Collins

INVITATIONAL: Manly 3 def Sunshine Coast 2 | Manly score all runs in last inning, walk-off Sunshine Coast to advance to Gold Medal Game

Manly are playing for Gold.

After managing just one hit through five innings, Manly scored three times in the bottom of the last inning to walk-off Sunshine Coast and secure a place in the Gold Medal Game.

Sidney Prevost tied the game with a 2-RBI double. Moments later, Ziggy Avalon doubled in the winning run.

It spoiled an almight effort from Sunshine Coast starting pitcher Jackson Caton. He threw 5.1 innings, allowing three hits, three runs and three walks with 11 striekouts.

He had a one-hitter going through five.

Manly pitching was also up for the task. Kitt Mote struck out nine in 4.2 innings. He allowed two runs and four hits. Noah Donnelly allowed one hit in 1.1 innings of relief to keep Manly in with a fighting chance.

Sunshine Coast grinded out a run in the fourth and fifth inning to lead 2-0 heading into the last.

Unfortunately, it drops Sunshine Coast’s finals record to 0-2 and makes it impossibel to advance to the Gold Medal Game. They will win bronze.

Manly and the Marlins will play-off for Championship Gold on Saturday at 11:15AM on Baseball+.

MANLY

Hits (4): Cameron Macbride, Max Branna, Sidney Prevost, Ziggy Avalon
RBI: Prevost (2), Avalaon

SUNSHINE COAST

Hits (5): Rafael Monroy (2), Max Calner, Levi Ngaha, Blake D
RBI: George Collins

INVITATIONAL: Adelaide Marlins 14 def Manly 13| Marlins walk-off to win wild shoutout in Grand Final preview

Both teams entered the game knowing they would be playing each other for gold tomorrow.

That didn’t stop either side from giving us a show.

Allesandro Vadagnini came through with a walk-off RBI double to secure a 14-13 win for the Marlins. It was his third hit and fifth RBI of the game.

The game featured a combined 31 hits between two teams.

Adelaide scored four runs in the bottom of the second to take a 5-4 lead. They added two in the third and six in the fourth to lead 13-5 and look in command.

But Manly rattled off eight straight runs – including six in the top of the sixth – to tie the game.

Vadagnini led all batters by going 3-for-3 with 5 RBI.

Ryder Macpherson and Noah Donnelly each had two hits for Manly.

The teams meet again tomorrow at 11:15 AM in the Gold Medal Game.

MANLY

Hits (19): Eli A, Ayden Prevost (2), Cameron Prevost (2), Oliver Curtin, Ryder Macpherson (3), Blaise Reed (2), Kitt Mote, Noah Donnelly (3), Max Brannan, August R, Lachlan Addison

RBI: A. Prevost, Curtin (3), Macpherson (2), Mote, Donnelly, August

MARLINS

Hits: Armando Gabriele Cerquozzi-Rodriguez, Oliver Wilson, Jonte Nottage, Riley Clifton, Kai Abe, Allesandro Vadagnini (3), Finn Diment (2), Leonard Vadagnini

RBI: A. Vadagnini (5), Diment (3)

GIRLS: Cronulla 8 def Adelaide Seahorses 7 | Emilia Maclean the hero has Cronulla comeback to win ‘game of the tournament’ and secure place in Gold Medal Game

Awesome.

Cronulla scored four dramatic runs in the last inning, coming back from 7-4 down, to edge the Seahorses by one and book a spot in the Little League Gold Medal Game.

This game had it all.

Three lead changes. Two comebacks. Last inning dramatics. A pair of unbelievable national championship performances. A spot in the gold medal game secured.

Epic.

Where do we start? It has to be with Emilia Maclean.

The dual-threat Cronulla player started her big day in the first inning. She had an RBI single that plated two runs to put Cronulla up 4-0 in the first.

Adelaide scored the next seven runs, including six in the third inning. The Seahorsese rallied for six hits in the big inning, including a critical 2-RBI single from Adele Neiswander. 7-4.

All the while, Layla O’Reilly was turning in one of the best performances of the 2026 National Championship season.

The 12-year-old from Adelaide Angels struck out 14 in 4.0 no-hit innings to allow the Seahorses to come back. It’s the most strikeouts in any of the 2026 Little League events.

Back to Maclean.

The 10-year-old Cronulla pitcher entered the game in the the third inning. She stunted Adelaide momentum by throwing 3.0 innings of hitless ball, allowing just one walk, no run and struck out seven.

She then provided a two-RBI single in a four-run sixth inning that put Cronulla in front. She struck out a batter for the last of the game.

Maclean finished with a game high two hits and 4 RBI.

There were some excellent defensive plays in this game, too. Let’s start with Adelaide’s Macy Qualmann, who made a great diving effortin the outfield to rob Cronulla of some runs.

Cronulla starter Charli Hilley-Hulme also turned a wicked line-drive double play.

Cronulla will play for Gold on Saturday afternoon at 1:30PM.

ADELAIDE SEAHORSES

Hits (8): Maddy Kenny-Kleinig, Mia-Grace Walton, Winter Moroney, Layla O’Reilly, Alyssa Marrich, Kaylee Ratcliffe, Sophie Marrich, Adele Neiswander

RBI (7): Layla O’Reilly (2), Adele Neiswander (2), Maddy Kenny-Kleinig, Mia-Grace Walton, Kaylee Ratcliffe

Pitching: Winter Moroney, Layla O’Reilly, Alyssa Marrich, Shem Hawkes, Kaylee Ratcliffe

CRONULLA LLG

Hits (3): Emilia Maclean (2), Matilda May

RBI (4): Emilia Maclean (4)

Pitching: Charli Hilley-Hulme, Emilia Maclean

GIRLS: Victoria Belles 8 def West Coast Rays Gold 7 | Belles win first game thanks to Penna masterclass and two epic game ending tags by Zoe Mudford

The Belles can thank a hot start and a wild finish for their first win of the tournament.

A patient approach helped the Belles build a 7-0 lead through two innings.

Meanwhile, Imogen Penna dominated on the mound, compiling 13 strikeouts through 5.0 innings. She surrendered just three hits and two runs while walking two.

West Coast Rays didn’t go down without a fight. They needed to win this game to have a chance at playing for gold.

Katie Cross kickstarted a comeback with an inside-the-park homer in the third.

Savannah Carnaby helped settle the ship in relief for the Rays. She allowed one hit and one run with eight strikeouts in three innings.

Trailing 8-2 entering the last, the Rays scored five runs to get within one. Sophie Anderson had a bases clearing double.

With one out and two runners on, the Rays looked like they were going to take the lead.

But Belles catcher Zoe Mudford made back-to-back sensational diving efforts to tag out the would be tying run(s) at home end the game.

The Belles pick up their first win of the tournament.

WEST COAST RAYS GOLD

Hits (7): Sophie Anderson (2), Chloe Waight, Mia Green, Tamryn Nairn, Kathleen Cross (2)

HR: Kathleen Cross

RBI (7): Sophie Anderson (3), Tamryn Nairn, Mia Green, Kathleen Cross (2)

Pitching: Laylah Newell, Kathleen Cross, Savannah Carnaby

BELLES

Hits (3): Aleayah Marshall, Lexi Quaine, April Friend

RBI (2): Aleayah Marshall, Abbie McPhail

Pitching: Imogene Penna, Lexi Quaine, Aleayah Marshall

GIRLS: West Coast Rays Blue 6 def Hills 5 | Elsie Shaw’s bases clearing walk-off double sends West Coast Rays Blue the Gold Medal Game

Pre-Game Scenario: Winner goes to the Gold Medal Game

Elsie Shaw had the swing of her young life.

With two outs in the bottom of the last, bases loaded, her team own by two, and a Gold Medal Game spot on the line, Shaw crunched a ball to centrefield to clear the bases.

Walk-off pandemonium.

Hills were looking the goods early. They built a 4-0 lead by the fourth inning.

Tamara Jarczewski had a key RBI single in the process. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Caitlin Jefferies struck out 10 in 4.1 innings while allowing just two runs.
The drama unfolded in the sixth. Hills added an insurance marker to lead 5-2.

Then came the Rays.

They loaded the bases with two outs and drew a walk to cut the deficit to 5-3.

Enter Elsie Shaw for her moment.

Shaw also threw 3.2. relief innings, allowing two runs and struck out nine.

West Coast Rays Blue will play Cronulla on Saturday afternoon for Gold.

WEST COAST RAYS BLUE

Hits (9): Elsie Shaw (2), Monet Padfield, Mackenzie Magorian, Penny Homer, Amelia Castle (2), Annabelle Vague, Astrid Young

RBI (6): Elsie Shaw (3), Penny Homer (2), Heidi Foley

Pitching: Amelia Castle, Elsie Shaw, Abigail Sibly

HILLS

Hits (9): Maia Voinea (2), Audrey Jackson, Sophie Lotan, Caitlin Jefferies, Emerson McAdam, Saphera Lachmund-Davis, Tamara Jarczewski, Amelia Yates

RBI (3): Amelia Yates (2), Tamara Jarczewski

Pitching: Caitlin Jefferies, Saphera Lachmund-Davis

INVITATIONAL CONSOLATION: Wanneroo Giants 10 def Melbourne Rangers 9 | Giants score four in the last to walk off Rangers

Liam Fisher delivered a walk-off winning hit in the last inning, capping off a four run inning and five run comeback in the Consolation bracket.

Melbourne led 8-3 in the fourth and 9-6 in the last.

Oliver Wimhurst doubled in three runs to tie the game before Fisher’s heroics.

Wimhurst led all batters by going 2-for-3 with 4 RBI.

Tatian H also had two hits for Wanneroo.

Big shoutout to Tanner Karlsen who struck out ten in his start for the Rangers.

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How the game unfolded

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Girls and Invitational Little League Newspaper July 11: Manly and Cronulla claim Little League Gold Medals in Redcliffe | Recap and Highlights

DAY 5 | SCHEDULE AND RESULTS – JULY 11 |

GOLD MEDAL RECAPS

GIRLS GOLD: Millie May has a day as Cronulla win Little League Girls title in epic pitcher’s duel

INVITATIONAL GOLD: Manly shutout Adelaide to claim Invitational Gold

NOTES ON CONSOLATION GAMES

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Girls and Invitational Newspaper: July 10 | Six walk-offs in seven games - Scores, Recaps, Highlights

DAY 4 | SCHEDULE AND RESULTS – FRIDAY 10 JULY |

CURRENT STANDINGS

RECAP STORIES

INVITATIONAL: Adelaide Marlins 8 def Sunshine Coast Riptides 1 | Marlins explode for five runs in the fourth inning to pull away

INVITATIONAL: Manly 3 def Sunshine Coast 2 | Manly score all runs in last inning, walk-off Sunshine Coast to advance to Gold Medal Game

INVITATIONAL: Adelaide Marlins 14 def Manly 13| Marlins walk-off to win wild shoutout in Grand Final preview

GIRLS: Cronulla 8 def Adelaide Seahorses 7 | Emilia Maclean the hero has Cronulla comeback to win ‘game of the tournament’ and secure place in Gold Medal Game

GIRLS: Victoria Belles 8 def West Coast Rays Gold 7 | Belles win first game thanks to Penna masterclass and two epic game ending tags by Zoe Mudford

GIRLS: West Coast Rays Blue 6 def Hills 5 | Elsie Shaw’s bases clearing walk-off double sends West Coast Rays Blue the Gold Medal Game

INVITATIONAL CONSOLATION: Wanneroo Giants 10 def Melbourne Rangers 9 | Giants score four in the last to walk off Rangers

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