15/06/2026
The U12 Porepunkah Panthers were back on home soil this week, taking on Wangaratta Black in what proved to be a high-energy game of baseball.
The Panthers took the field first and wasted no time getting into the action, with Billy Scorsis recording a sharp ground-ball out to open the game and set the tone for the innings. The Wangaratta batters came ready to swing, consistently finding good contact and keeping the Panthers busy across the diamond. Despite the pressure, the Panthers never stopped competing. Archer Harris showed plenty of hustle in the field, Jimi Rocket Jagger was his usual energetic self around the ball, and Nick Giuliano came up with several important plays to help keep the visitors honest throughout the day.
With the bats in hand, Zoe Caswell led the way with a strong hitting performance, while Rylan McCormack, Casey Pronk and Austin Scorsis all found the sweet spot and drove the ball into play. Every at-bat was fiercely contested, with the Panthers making Wangaratta work hard for every out.
While the final result may not have gone the Panthersā way, there was plenty to like from the home side. Against a strong Wangaratta lineup, the game was packed with action, quality hitting and plenty of hustle around the diamond. The Panthers matched the intensity all day, bringing great energy both in the field and at the plate.
With smiles on faces and dirty uniforms, the Panther cubs will be looking forward to getting back on the diamond next week for another Porepunkah home game. š¾ā¾
The C Grade Panthers experienced the batting power of the visiting Wangaratta Rangers Baseball orange team, and know why they are the Grade leaders. 13 runs from 10 safe hits and 11 stolen bases in the 1st 2 innings put the pressure on the fielders to stem this onslaught. 2nd base, Victoria Schmidt threw out 1 batter, as did James Rogers from shortstop in the 3rd innings. 3rd baseman, Jimmy Hughes, held a high fly ball, as did Wade Pronk in left field. Wade started on the mound, but wasnāt as sharp as his last outing, although he still picked up 2 strikeouts. Rory Clarke took over in the 2nd innings and finished the game with a strikeout, giving up only 1 walk. The Panther batters were able to score in each of their innings, always a good sign. Evergreen, Randy Skippen scored the 1st run after scorching a flat hit along the right field line for 2 bases, then a steel and a wild pitch saw him open the account. In the 2nd, Wes Booth accepted the walk and scored on a āsacrificeā hit by Jimmy. Victoria was hit by a pitch to start the 3rd, and when James was again walked, both took advantage of wild pitches to score. Final score, Wangaratta 14 defeated Punkah 4. Next week, the Wangaratta Black team visit, and the Panthers will welcome back at least 3 of its regular players in a must win match.
Panthers B Grade were at home on Sunday to the top of the ladder, Wodonga White side. Both sides were down a few players, Porepunkah in particular were without the Anders brothers (Dean & Heath) along with Mason Anders and Rian Banks, taking a lot of experience out of the line-up but giving others the opportunity to step up.
And step up they did, Luca Barthelmes pitched 3 innings, allowing 7 runs and Jarrod Smith pitched one scoreless inning to complete the game.
Wodonga Warriors Baseball Club White jumped out, scoring 2 runs in their first inning, but Porepunkah replied with 3 runs through hits to Damon Barker and Paul Meddings. Walks to Randy Skippen, Josh Harris and Jarrod Smith helped to apply pressure to the Wodonga fielders.
Wodonga then followed up with another 4 runs. Porepunkah getting out of the inning through catches to Josh and Jarrod and an out at first case between catcher Damon and first baseman Randy.
Porepunkah again replied with 4 runs through hits to Damon and Paul once more, and another 3 walks helped the Panthers cause.
Wodonga then scored one run in their next inning, a solid outfield catch to Andrew Smith helping to limit the visitors scoring. Porepunkah were then unable to capitalise on youngster Rory Clarkes lead off hit, being held scoreless and leaving the game tied at 7 each.
Porepunkah were able to keep the Warriors scoreless in the top half of the fourth inning, leaving the Panthers only needing to score to win the game. This they did, finally winning a tight tussle 8 runs to 7.
The win puts the Panthers in a tie for the top spot on the ladder, with the club looking to improve further in the 2nd half of the season in a run towards the finals.
Next weekend, Porepunkah will be playing at home again vs. Wangaratta Rangers Baseball Black