An early burst of offence powered the Doncaster Dragons to an impressive win over Williamstown in the first midweek game of the season at Deep Creek.
Only three days after having just three hits in a 2-0 loss to Moorabbin, the Dragons bounced back in style against the Wolves, winning 7-3.
Coach Brendan McDonald praised his team’s ability to turn things around.
“The guys had great intent at the plate right from the outset,” McDonald said.
“To respond to the Moorabbin game – the first game this season we haven’t led at some point – by jumping out of the blocks against a quality arm [Wolves starter Dennis Neal], it really showed what we’re capable of.”
Although the game lasted only four offensive innings, the Dragons collected 11 hits on their way to their first home win of the season.
After Williamstown took the lead with an unearned run in the top of the first, the Doncaster offence wasted no time erasing that deficit. McDonald, Jean Alvarado, Callum Lethborg, Billy Findlay, Rolando Curiel and Luke Utting all singled to give their team a 5-1 lead after one inning.
The score didn’t change until the fourth, when Williamstown narrowed the gap to 5-3. But again the Doncaster hitters rose to the challenge. A walk to Dakota Gibson, a sacrifice bunt by McDonald, a double by Brian Chen and an RBI single by Findlay restored the four-run advantage.
Any chance Williamstown had of mounting a challenge was snuffed out by Matt Josselyn, who pitched a complete five-inning game, giving up four hits and four walks, striking out four and allowing just two earned runs.
“Matt battled a bit tonight but knows how to win,” McDonald said. “He’s got a great mound presence and is a leader in the dugout. He’s a great fit for this team.”
Doncaster’s next challenge is a home game against Melbourne on Saturday, starting at 4pm.
Doncaster Baseball Club 