2021 Think Again Junior League State Championship - Day 1 Wrap

The 2021 Think Again Junior League State Championship got underway on Wednesday 7 April at Empire Ballpark. 

Click HERE to view standings/fixtures and read recaps from the third day of play below. Photos are published HERE.

Central Firebirds 8 - Southern Hills 6
Despite a five-run deficit in the third inning, Southern Hills Warriors almost came all the way back, eventually falling 8-6 to Central Firebirds on Wednesday. The Warriors scored five runs in the failed comeback on a sacrifice fly by Hudson Morawiec, a home run by Riley Hall, and a single by Roman Cook, all in the fifth inning.

The Firebirds got things moving in the first inning as Jake Clark drew a walk, scoring one run.

Fletcher Thomas got the start for Central. The righthander surrendered one run on one hit over three innings, striking out two and walking one.
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Ethan Horn toed the rubber for the Warriors, lasting two-thirds of an inning, allowing zero hits and four runs.

Cook went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Warriors in hits.

The Firebirds scattered eight hits in the game, including multiple from Kyle Benson and Clark. The side didn't commit a single error in the field as Jesse Hawke had six chances in the field, the most on the team.

Western Tigers 6 - Central Firebirds 4
Western Tigers snagged a late lead and defeated Central Firebirds 6-4 on Wednesday. The game was tied at four with Western Tigers batting in the bottom of the sixth when Boston Foot singled on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs.

Rowan Edmunds who went 4-for-4 at the plate for the Tigers with three singles and a double. 

The Tigers took an early lead in the second inning when Luke Hodge's wild pitch allowed one run to score.

The Firebirds tied things up at four in the top of the fifth when an error scored one run.

Cody Embrey led things off on the hill for the Tigers. The righty surrendered three runs on three hits over three innings, striking out one and walking one.

Kyle Benson toed the rubber for Central. The pitcher lasted one and two-thirds innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out three and walking one. Hodge, Kaleb Bransby, and Jake Clark each contributed in relief for the Firebirds.

The Tigers had 11 hits in the game. Edmunds, Embrey, and Foot each had multiple hits. 

The Firebirds didn't commit a single error in the field. Jasper Smith had eight chances in the field, the most on the team.

Carine Cats 20 - Western Comets 18
Carine Cats snagged a late lead and defeated Western Comets 20-18 on Wednesday. The game was tied at 15-all with Carine batting in the bottom of the sixth when Simon Staltari singled, scoring two runs.
 
An eight-run lead in the fifth inning was just enough for the Cats to hold off the Comets for the victory. Western Comets scored seven runs in the failed comeback on a walk by Jaxon Daly, a walk by Loclan Farrell (Pribicevich), a single by Jayden Hinchliffe, and a double by Malachi Edwards all in the sixth inning.
 
Western Comets opened up scoring in the first inning. Daly drove in one run when he doubled.

After they scored four runs in the top of the fifth, Carine answered with four of its own. Western Comets scored when Edwards singled, scoring two runs and then Bailey Green scored another run. The Cats then answered when Lachlan Titheradge drew a walk, scoring one run and Elliott Giddens grounded out, scoring two runs.
 
Giddens led things off on the mound for Carine. The righthander surrendered two runs on one hit over two and a third innings, striking out one.
 
Kurt Van Der Graaf was on the mound for Western Comets. The pitcher surrendered six runs on five hits over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two. Jamie Dupagne, Green, Lachlan Godfrey, and Arden Bridson each entered the game as relief, throwing one and two-thirds innings, two-thirds of an inning, two-thirds of an inning, and one-third of an inning respectively.
 
Carine  had 11 hits in the game. Titheradge went 3-for-4 and William Eastman had multiple hits too. Aaron Keating had five of his team's 17 stolen bases.
 
Western Comets totalled 13 hits in the game. Hinchliffe went 3-for-5 while Edwards, Bridson, and Xanda Huisman managed multiple as well. The Comets tore up the base paths, as two players stole at least two bases. Farrell (Pribicevich) led the way with seven.

Wanneroo Giants 21 - Carine Cats 4
Despite allowing three runs in the fourth, Wanneroo defeated Carine 21-4. The offensive firepower by the Cats was led by Daniel Doheny and Kylan Granland, all driving in runs in the frame.

The Giants opened up scoring in the first inning on a stolen base during Rhys Hards's at bat. Hards then singled, driving in one.
 
Lucas Santich got the start for Wanneroo. The pitcher surrendered one run on two hits over one inning.
 
Lucas Nelson was on the mound for Carine. The righthander allowed seven runs on one hit. Nathan Taylor, Aaron Keating, and Simon Staltari each contributed in relief for the Cats.

Wanneroo tallied nine hits on the day. Michael Stephenson, Owen Capes, and Hards had two hits apiece.

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