Final regular season game of the Geraldton Softball League produces close results

The final qualifying round before the Geraldton softball finals featured dominant wins, close finishes and key victories shaping the post-season.

On Friday night in men’s division one, Batavia Blaze shut out Martians 7-0 with Jack Etherton striking out nine batters and Blaze delivering six safe hits, including two home runs from Sean Thompson and Eli Etherton.

Martians struggled offensively, failing to register a hit, though Thomas McDonald stood out defensively. In the other division one men’s match, Rams edged Suiside in a dead-rubber, with Fletcher Harrison and Jordan Narkle delivering crucial hits.

Dean Pascoe’s no-doubt line-drive home run was a game highlight. Blaze and Martians now face off for a finals spot.

On Saturday in women’s division one, PI’s Panthers capitalised on Martians’ fielding errors to win 6-5, despite Martians recording more safe hits. Janelle Phillips led the Panthers’ batting with a double and two singles, while Tamara Kuipers and Halo Colley impressed for Martians.

Later in the day, Suiside beat Rams 13-5, with Tyah Palmer excelling on the mound.

Saturday also saw the men’s Martians Red dominate in division two, winning 16-6 over Rams White and 32-5 over Gunduwa.

Kynan Leggett, Murphy Reid, and Jaryd Bear delivered standout performances, with Leggett and Mason Coffey each hitting two home runs.

Martians Black staged a late surge to defeat PI’s Panthers 22-13, breaking a 9-9 tie in the fourth inning with 13 runs. Suiside edged Rams Blue 3-2, while Blaze overpowered Marlins 20-3, with Eli Etherton’s four RBIs leading the charge.

On the same game day, in women’s Division two, Martians and Gunduwa battled to an 8-8 draw, both tallying 10 safe hits. Halo Colley and Kellie Atkinson stood out for Martians, while Cassie Green and Kavita Pepper led Gunduwa’s efforts.

Marlins crushed Suiside 18-2, with Lily Belotti driving in four runs, including an inside-the-park homer. PI’s Panthers defeated Rams White 10-8, while Blaze split their double-header, losing 22-6 to Suiside in their second double header match, but bouncing back with a 4-1 win over Rams Blue.

Semi-finals are set, with Rams and PI’s Panthers vying for the first women’s division one grand final spot.

Men’s division two sees Suiside face Blaze, while Martians Red meet Rams Blue. In women’s division two, Marlins take on Suiside, with PI’s Panthers playing Gunduwa.

Men’s division one has one final regular round before finals, with the winner of the Blaze v Martians rematch going on to face Rams in an elimination round.