DODGERS DOMINANT IN GRAND FINAL WIN OVER EAST TORRENS
Surrey Downs SA ~ 16 March 2025
The Golden Grove Central Districts Dodgers were crowned Little League U13-1 Baseball Champions of South Australia on Sunday with a decisive 14-5 victory over arch rival East Torrens Red Sox.
In a much anticipated showdown between the two northeastern Adelaide rivals, the Dodgers jumped out to a five run first inning lead and then scored in every inning on their way to victory in the Baseball South Australia Major Little League Grand Final played at Surrey Downs.
2024-25
U13-1 Baseball SA Ron McBeth Division Premiers
Golden Grove Central Districts Dodgers
Davey Roach ~ Back to Back Premierships
The Dodgers fielding, steady pitching, timely hits, and aggressive base running, proved to be the determining factors in the win, and once the home side jumped out to the early lead, the momentum continued in their favour.
Golden Grove’s Noah Soar once again was the starting pitcher for the home side following a very impressive stint pitching in last week’s semi-final win over Kensington. The young right hander bared down from the opening pitch, attacking the Red Sox batters and shutting them out in the first and second innings.
The Dodgers then went to work offensively, getting timely hits, and taking advantage of wild pitches and passed balls to score six runs in the first two frames before the Red Sox were able to register a run.
Soar remained composed in his three innings of work, throwing 51 pitches, striking out three, walking two, scattering six hits for three runs, to be credited as the winning pitcher.
Dodgers coach Davey Roach then handed the ball to “Mr. Reliable” Cameron Majewski in the fourth inning and Majewski threw 41 pitches over the next two innings, fanning four, allowing four hits, two bases on balls and two runs, to finish the game.
Jack Adams had a big day at the plate for Golden Grove, with a single in the second, and then brought a roar from a large group of Dodgers supporters, with a fourth inning smash deep into the gap in left centre that was scored a triple, but a wild throw in to third by the Red Sox outfield, allowed Adams to run home on the play.
Majewski also had a big day offensively with three singles, while Noah Sutherland, Chevy Roach, Hunter Ung, and Caleb LeCouteur also contributed singles.
The Red Sox came to life in the third inning scoring three runs on four hits and two bases on balls, and could have added to that tally when with two out and the bases loaded, right fielder Noah Sutherland scooped up what should have been a base hit, and then nailed the Sox batter who was sprinting to first, for an exciting 9 to 3 out, and preventing at least two more East Torrens runs.
The Sox made another late effort in the top of the fifth, when they scored two, and could have added more, only to be interrupted on a line drive back to Majewski who threw over to first to double up the Sox runner who took off for second on the hard hit line drive.
Flynn Dienelt, was the top hitter for East Torrens with two singles and a double, also scoring two runs, Josh Bell, added two singles, with a run scored, Oscar Patman, single, run scored, Zac Gratton, single, and Ky Excelby, single.
Gratton the East Torrens star pitcher started the game, and went 2 innings, throwing 65 pitches, striking out two, allowing four hits, three walks and two hit batters. Dienelt then came in to relieve Gratton in the third inning, throwing 44 pitches, surrendering 8 runs, four hits, three BB, and striking out two.
In the bottom of the fifth the Dodgers added two more runs to their total, and the Umpire Ron Kennealy then called game, with the maximum five runs per inning rule eliminating East Torrens’ chance to overcome the nine run Golden Grove lead.
“All season we’ve had confidence that every player on our team was a contributor", said Dodgers coach Davey Roach.
“To win games we’ve needed all cylinders to fire at the same time, even in a season where we only had one loss. Never did we imagine a scenario where in the most important game of the season, in front of the biggest crowd they’ve played before, all players would find their own way to place their hand firmly on the Premiership Shield and take what they felt belonged to them”, continued Roach following the game.
This marks Roach’s second consecutive premiership as a coach, following a successful year last season guiding the U11-1 Dodgers to the flag. It was his third Grand Final as a coach, after the Dodgers finished runners up in the U11-1 Grand Final in 2021-22.
PHOTOS by TANYA LeCOUTEUR
GGCD Dodgers Coach Davey Roach gives the green light to Chase Mazurek to head for home on a ball in play against the Kensington Cardinals in Semi Final action at the Dodgers home field at Surrey Downs.
PHOTO - Tanya LeCouteur
DODGERS WIN DRAMATIC SEMI FINAL OVER KENSINGTON TO ADVANCE TO GRAND FINAL
Surrey Down SA ~ 11 March 2025
The Golden Grove Dodgers walked off with a dramatic 5-4 come from behind win over a stubborn Kensington Cardinals on Sunday (9 March) to advance to the Baseball SA Major Little League Grand Final this weekend against East Torrens.
Trailing 4-3 and down to their final three outs, the Dodgers refused to surrender, tying the game, and then with one out and the bases loaded, second baseman Jack Adams drew a walk to force in the winning run in a nail bitting encounter at Illyarrie Reserve, Surrey Downs.
Kensington were the only team to beat Golden Grove this season and they were motivated to knock the first place Dodgers out of the playoffs. The Cardinals started with their ace pitcher Archer Spratt on the mound, while the home side Dodgers handed the ball to Noah Soar who was returning to the team following a recent wrist injury.
Kensington scored in the top of the first when Spratt smashed a long ball to deep right field, where the Dodgers’ Noah Sutherland made the catch, but Kensington’s Jack Robertson, who had reached base on an infield error, had plenty of time to scoot home from third on the sacrifice fly.
From that point on, Soar and the Dodgers limited the Kensington offense to just two runs in the opening three innings, and another two in the fifth. Golden Grove scored one run in the bottom of the third dig when Chase Mazurek crossed the plate on a passed ball, following up with two runs in the fourth and finishing with the two runs in the sixth.
The Dodgers pitching certainly was the big story in the win, striking out 12, while allowing only one safe hit. Soar was stoic coming back from a sprained wrist in February, pitching an impressive 2 ⅔ innings, fanning five batters, while walking three, one hit by pitch, and limiting the Cards to just two runs.
Cameron Majewski took over from Soar with two out in the bottom of the third, throwing 55 pitches over 2 ⅓ innings and proving to be a handful for the visitors, striking out 7, walking 3, 2-HBP, while surrendering two runs in the fifth. Ashton Mogg, came on for the sixth inning, shutting down the Red Birds on just 12 pitches.
Spratt threw his limit 65 pitches in 3⅓ innings for Kensington, giving up 1 hit, while striking out 9, allowing 3 walks, and being charged with three earned runs. Kensington then brought in Liam Harris, who was also coming off an injury. Harris threw 55 pitches in 2⅔ innings, allowing 2 hits, 4 walks, 1 HBP, and 2 runs.
Both teams were quiet offensively, with all the runs coming from runners reaching base either on walks, hit by pitch, and a combination of stolen bases, passed balls, errors, and wild pitches.
The three Dodger hits came off the bats of Cameron Majewski, with a double, with Jack Adams and Hunter Ung adding singles. Alex Camerlengo had the lone safe hit for the Cardinals, when he singled in the fifth inning.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team after grinding away for a come from behind win against quality competition like Kensington”, said Dodgers coach Davey Roach. “We knew Kensington were going to provide a tough challenge and we never took the game lightly”, he added.
Archer Spratt once again belted a long and high fly ball to deep centre in the third frame, but the ball got lost in the sun and the Dodger outfield was unable to track it and make the catch, allowing Kensington to score another run and increase their lead to 2-0. Mazurek put Golden Grove on the board in the bottom of the third when he crossed the plate on a passed ball.
In the bottom of the fourth the Dodgers’ Hunter Ung reached first on a passed ball after striking out, and then advanced around to third on a wild pitch and then a passed ball. Kensington then replaced their starter Spratt, with Liam Harris. Harris then got Noah Soar to hit a ground ball to the infield, scoring Ung with the tying run, but a wild throw to first allowed Soar to reach safely and then take second on the overthrow, before moving over to third on yet another passed ball. Caleb LeCouteur then drove in Soar when he hit a grounder to the infield, lifting the Dodgers into a 3-2 lead.
The Cardinals refused to roll over and regained the lead in the top of the fifth when Golden Grove reliever Cameron Majewski beaned the first two Cardinal batters, but then silenced the Kensington bench when he struck out star player Archer Spratt. Two batters later, Alex Camerlengo singled to right, driving in two runs and putting the Cardinals back in front.
“We’ve always considered our player list to be the deepest in the league, and with the finals being six inning games, and not time limited like the minor round, we have the ability to apply constant pressure all the way to end”, noted Roach. “The longer the games go the better for us, allowing us to apply constant pressure, which takes a toll on our opposition. If we’re able to get on base and move our runners around late in games, then we’re able to claw back and overcome our opponents”.
Golden Grove failed to score in their bottom of the fifth, and after Mogg stymied Kensington in the top of the sixth, the stage was set for a dramatic final at bat for the home side in the bottom of the sixth.
The ever-dependable Hunter Ung opened the sixth with a single to left, followed by Noah Soar drawing a walk, and then Caleb LeCouteur putting the ball in play with a ground ball to the infield, scoring Ung to even the score, and moving Soar over to third.
Kensington coach Ben Robertson then opted to intentionally walk both Mazurek, and Mogg, loading the bases, strategically hoping for the force at home, or a double play to get out of the jam.
With the drama unfolding for both benches, and their supporters, the Dodgers’ second baseman Jack Adams stepped into the box against Harris with just one out. Adams had a sharp eye and waited for his pitch. With the count at 3 balls and 1 strike, Harris delivered a low and outside pitch, the umpire called a ball for a game ending walk, forcing in Soar with the winning run.
“It was a great game” said Kensington coach Ben Robertson. “We gave ourselves the opportunity to win and the momentum swung back and forth, and although it didn’t go our way, we’ll learn plenty from it. As a team this season we matched it with the other top 4 teams, and to date we’re the only team to have a win against Golden Grove. Credit to them for staying strong and getting the result. I’ve grown up with baseball and always look forward to the close games – it’s what keeps us all coming back.”
Across town the East Torrens Red Sox slugged their way to a memorable 17-16 extra inning win over the Adelaide Angels to advance to the Grand Final this Sunday against the Dodgers.
“Where we have held a lead, we have extended, and our players are aware of this and we have an absolute full commitment to the team plan heading to the Grand Final next week against East Torrens”, added Davey Roach.
“The coaching staff are extremely satisfied that we have everyone on board. Our fielders, batters, and base runners all understand their roles and execute plays with confidence, and our pitching staff have been fine tuning their craft for weeks. Every element of our game is running on 8 cylinders and we’re eager to play our game and leave it all on the field come Grand Final Day on Sunday.”
“Finishing top of the ladder has put a target on our backs, and we understand the opposition consider us the team to beat,” continued Roach.
“The kids are pumped to the next level to come out firing to play six innings of high intensity pressure baseball this Sunday,” promised the confident Dodgers skipper.
Jack Adams - Single. and then the big RBI on a base on balls produced the walk off winning run.
Cameron Majewski ~ Threw 55 pitches over 2 ⅓ innings, 7 strikeouts.
Noah Soar - Fourth inning RBI tied the game and then he scored the go ahead run
Hunter Ung - Single for the winning Dodgers
Walk Off - Dodgers celebrate walk off win to qualify for the grand final.
Ben Robertson ~ "Credit to Golden Grove for staying strong and getting the result. I’ve grown up with baseball and always look forward to the close games – it’s what keeps us all coming back.”
Contributed Photo
RESILIENT DODGERS ELIMINATE HAWKS
IN OPENING FINALS ROUND WIN
Surrey Downs SA ~ 5 March 2025
Dodgers Ralley - Five runs in the third inning clinched the win.
Noah Sutherland - Single and Run scored.
Caleb LeCouteur - Single and Run scored.
Ashton Mogg - Retired the first seven batters faced.
The Golden Grove Central Districts Dodgers erupted for five runs in the third inning enroute to a 12-4 win over the Southern Districts Hawks in the opening round of the Baseball South Australia Major Little League Finals Series last Sunday (2 March) at Illyarrie Reserve, Surrey Downs.
The Elimination Final victory over the Hawks moves the Dodgers into the next round of the finals, while the season comes to an end for Southern Districts.
“With contributions across the board, that’s as good of a team win as we’ve had this season”, said a happy Dodgers Head Coach Davey Roach, following the win.
“We were able to play the ultimate team game and easily put away a Souths team determined to break our focus with bush league tactics. Our mental resilience has been a season long development process, and it came to the fore at the right time with laser sharp focus by all involved on the thing that matters most…good baseball.”
Golden Grove’s Hunter Ung ignited a five run Dodger rally in the third inning, when the lefty batter sliced a double deep into a left field gap driving in two, and then after Caleb LeCouteur scored from third on a passed ball, Ashton Mogg singled to left to drive in two more runs, opening a sizeable lead the visitors were never able to overcome.
Golden Grove kicked things off with two runs in the bottom half of the first inning, then added one in the second, five in the third, and another four in the fourth to account for their twelve runs. Southern Districts scored two in the third, and two in the fourth inning.
In addition to his double, Ung also added a single to his offensive tally, while Mogg had two singles, with Chase Mazurek, and Noah Sutherland each collecting singles.
Southern Districts pitching also gave up six walks and beaned one batter, all contributing to the Dodgers scoring.
“With a patient approach at the plate we were able to capitalise on our batters getting on base, and with aggressive base running we often found ourselves with runners on third. The boys understand how much the odds of scoring increase, once we get a runner to third and the whole team knew what to do and played their roles to perfections”, said Roach.
Starting pitcher Ashton Mogg was credited with the win for the Dodgers, opening with two dominant innings, retiring the first seven batters, before the Hawks bats finally responded with two runs in the third, and then another two in the fourth. Mogg notched six strikeouts in 3⅓ innings of work, surrendering four hits, and four runs. Cameron Majewski came on in relief for Mogg, throwing the final 1⅔ innings, fanning four Hawks, on just 25 pitches.
“A clearly determined Ashton was able to stifle the Hawks batters and fearlessly challenging the hitters with every pitch. I haven’t seen Ashton that focussed before and felt the right move was to stay out of his way and let him do his thing. Cam (Majewski) followed that up with his zippy fastballs and our fielders pulled off plenty of solid confident plays in the field” noted Roach.
Lewis Bailey, and Billy Young were top hitters for Southern Districts each belting doubles, while Kobe Smith, and Cooper Wild both singled.
Cooper Scarabotti threw 71 pitches over 2 ⅔ innings for the Hawks, standing firm in the opening two digs, limiting the potent Dodgers offense to just three runs. That all changed in the third inning however, when Golden Grove opened the flood gates scoring five. Cooper Wild then replaced Scarabotti, tossing the final 2⅓ innings for the Hawks.
“I havent seen our guys get it so right so efficiently and I’m convinced that if we continue to buy into the team plan then we’re hot favourites to take out the final two games for a Premiership win”, said the positive Dodgers skipper. “The boys are ready for a redemption showdown against Kensington in the Semi Finals”.
The Dodgers advance to the next semi final round against the Kensington Cardinals, this Sunday 9 March, 11:00am at Illyarrie Reserve.
The Cardinals handed Golden Grove their only loss of the minor round, an 8-6 setback only three weeks ago on 16th February at the Cardinals home in Burnside.
Kensington lost their opening round of the finals to East Torrens, played last Sunday at Burnside.
PHOTOS - Tanya LeCouteur
