Baseball NSW congratulates Cronulla for representing New South Wales at the 2025 Junior League Nationals as well as Hills for winning the gold medal at the 2025 Intermediate League Nationals last 20 June in Melbourne.
Cronulla fell 5-2 to the eventual gold medalist Brisbane North in the Junior League semi-final.
Brisbane’s bats only produced three hits, but their pitching helped save the game. Chase Crew pitched for 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, four hits, and four walks while striking out eight.
For Cronulla, Zac Jacenko led the charge with a triple, while Ben Napier and Liam McGuckin-Anderson each had an RBI.
While Cronulla may have fallen short this year, we still congratulate their efforts and their success at making it to the semi-final round.
On the other hand, Hills has proven its championship mettle once again, as nearly the same squad that won the 2024 Little League Nationals also won the Intermediate title.
Moreover, Hills dominated the Melbourne Athletics 12-2, with Sayre Howick striking out 12 hitters and Hugh Graham hitting a massive dinger that kickstarted their momentum.
His monster two-run homer tied the game and sparked the Hills rally.
Melbourne had built a 2-0 lead after the first two innings, but Hills’ bats heated up in the third, fifth, and sixth, scoring four runs.
It was an all-around victory for Hills. Not only were their bats sizzling, but their pitching was also superb.
Ten players combined for 12 hits, including Anton Jacovides, Harry Hobbs, and Justin Jang. Likewise, Howick threw for 5.0 innings and allowed for five hits and two runs.
This win sends Hills to their second straight World Series, to be played in Livermore, California.
It was an impressive showing from both clubs, who dealt with the rain-outs that postponed the final games for both leagues earlier in the month.
BNSW congratulates both teams for their efforts and success, and we wish Hills the very best of luck as they make their way to the World Series!
Photo courtesy of Baseball.com.au