2019/20 State League: Finals Week 1 Wrap

The South Perth Cubs were victorious over the Carine Cats in the 2020 State League 1 Wildcard Game. Credit: Carine Cats Baseball Club

In the final week of baseball action before COVID-19 ceased all game activity until further notice, State League 1 kicked off its finals campaign with the South Perth Cubs knocking off the Carine Cats in the Wildcard Game.
 
With a two hugely anticipated semi-final series set to take place, safety and health precautions were prioritised, which unfortunately has ceased all baseball activity for the foreseeable future.

Baseball WA will advise on future action as we attempt to navigate through this challenging time. 
 
Wildcard Game: South Perth Cubs 12-0 Carine Cats
W: Luke Mann (1-0), L: Cody Holt (0-1)
 
It was Adam Gendall’s night on Monday as the South Perth first baseman launched a grand slam and drove in five runs as he lifted the Cubs to a convincing 12-0 Wildcard Game win over the Carine Cats.
 
In a one-off winner takes all game, the Cubs burst out of the blocks – scoring early and often to set up the emphatic win and book their spot in the semi-finals to take on the minor premier, Wanneroo Giants.
 
South Perth scored runs in each of the first four innings – including six in the fourth frame to take a commanding 10-0 lead and put the game beyond reach early on.
 
Although it was Gendall who earned plaudits on the night, he was well supported by his teammates, with Max Wheeler (4-5) and Kent Fitzbibbons (3-4) also having strong game.
 
Wheeler was rewarded with a pair of RBIs for his efforts.
 
On the mound, Cubs starter Luke Mann fanned three batters across five scoreless innings – giving up just two hits in the process before reliever Connor Chebab wrapped up the shutout win with 1.2 frames of work.
 
For the Cats, starting pitcher Cody Holt was rocked early before handing over to the bullpen where Corey Bridger couldn’t stop the bleeding as Carine’s season came to an end. 
 
Semi-Final 1: South Perth Cubs 5-3 Wanneroo Giants 
W: Tony Olson (1-0), L: Tom Bailey (0-1), S: Jake Bowey (1)
 
South Perth carried their momentum into the semi-finals as they took game one against the Wanneroo Giants 5-3.
 
Tony Olson was the standout performer for South Perth – throwing seven stellar innings on the mound before capping off his day with a late home run from inside the batter’s box.
 
Olson struck out four batters during his outing, whilst also leading the Cubs’ hitters with three base knocks. 
 
After both sides got on the scoreboard inside the first inning, South Perth took the lead in the second frame and never looked back as they raced out to an early 4-1 lead before prevailing 5-3. 
 
Wanneroo starter Tom Bailey was tagged with the loss for the minor premiers after surrendering four runs in as many innings. 
 
Nick Riley steadied the ship for the Giants, but it wasn’t enough as Jake Bowey collected the final six outs of the contest to nail down the save for the Cubs and give his side a 1-0 series lead.