“From the Diamond” Round 18

17 Feb

State league Division One | 14TH February

The Battle for Sixth Spot Heats Up

The battle for sixth spot in State League Division One took a major twist in Round 18, with Woodville claiming a dramatic 3–2 walk-off win over Port Adelaide at Findon — a result that may prove decisive in the finals race.

With the victory, the Senators now sit three points clear of the Magpies with three games remaining. Woodville faces a tough run home with a double-header against Southern Districts and a single clash with East Torrens, all away from home. Port Adelaide, meanwhile, hosts Kensington twice before travelling to Goodwood.

There’s still work to be done — but Round 18 showed just how tight the race remains.

Woodville d Port Adelaide 3–2

Walk-off drama at Findon

For four innings, neither side could break through as starting pitchers AJ Verastegui (Woodville) and Joe Cedano (Port Adelaide) controlled proceedings.

Woodville struck first in the bottom of the fifth, plating two runs through a well-worked rally that featured RBI hits from Wade Moore and Jose Pimentel.

Port responded in the sixth through a Nick Vasic double and Sammy Steigert RBI single, before tying the game in the eighth when Jack Stead drew a two-out RBI walk.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the ninth. With the bases loaded, Pimentel’s ground ball was thrown away, allowing the winning run to cross the plate and ignite celebrations for the Senators.

Verastegui finished with 10 strikeouts across six innings, while Pimentel earned the win with three strong frames out of the bullpen.

East Torrens d Sturt 11–10

Deliyannis delivers in another thriller

Another heart-stopper unfolded at Payneham, where East Torrens edged Sturt 11–10 in a game that swung wildly from start to finish.

Sturt exploded early with back-to-back two-run home runs in the opening inning, but East Torrens responded with a six-run third to seize momentum.

Both sides continued trading blows until the Redsox walked it off in the bottom of the ninth, with Harry Deliyannis driving home the winning run with a no-out RBI single.

The victory all but locks in a finals berth for East Torrens in a season defined by grit and resilience.

Glenelg d Northern Districts 5–1

Eldridge dominates from the mound

A composed pitching performance from Jayden Eldridge led Glenelg to a controlled 5–1 win at Glenelg Oval.

Eldridge struck out 10 batters across seven innings, while the Tigers capitalised on errors and timely hitting to build their lead.

Northern Districts managed just one run, with Glenelg’s pitching depth proving the difference.

Henley & Grange d Gawler Rangers 15–4

Eight-run fifth breaks it open

An explosive eight-run fifth inning paved the way for Henley & Grange’s emphatic win at Karbeethan Reserve.

Jack Partington starred at the plate with a three-run double and a solo home run, while Wilson Lee and Cam Tilly also went deep.

Rolando Herredia-Bustos was outstanding on the mound, striking out 12 batters over seven innings.

Adelaide d Kensington 12–2

Ladies Day success at Plympton

In front of a strong crowd celebrating Ladies Day in support of Catherine House, Adelaide delivered a commanding performance.

A six-run second inning set the tone, with the Angels pulling away late through key hits from Ian Heck and Stefan Welch.

Heck also starred on the mound, conceding just four hits across five innings to secure the win.

Southern Districts d Golden Grove Central Districts 11–1

Hawks pull away late

After an even start, Southern Districts took full control by scoring in five consecutive innings at Christie Downs.

Home runs from Matt Hutchings, Brett Hattersley and Riley Moore highlighted a dominant offensive display, while the Hawks’ pitching staff combined for 16 strikeouts.

West Torrens d Goodwood 8–3

Eagles steady after early scare

Goodwood jumped out early, but West Torrens responded with a four-run fifth inning to regain control and finish strongly at West Beach.

Masa Sawada picked up the win in relief, while James McFarlane impressed defensively with catches in five consecutive innings across multiple outfield positions.

Round 18 – Division One Results

Adelaide d Kensington 12–2
Southern Districts d GGCD 11–1
Woodville d Port Adelaide 3–2
Henley & Grange d Gawler Rangers 15–4
Glenelg d Northern Districts 5–1
West Torrens d Goodwood 8–3
East Torrens d Sturt 11–10

Premiership Points (Top 7):
Henley & Grange (46), Adelaide (44), Southern Districts (42), West Torrens (36), East Torrens (36), Woodville (34), Port Adelaide (31)

Women’s League Division One | 15TH February

Adelaide d Sturt 14–3

Adelaide continued their strong February form, highlighted by Aleesha Mead’s inside-the-park grand slam. Angela Mourtzios claimed the win, lowering her season ERA to 5.40.