The Melbourne Aces split their four-game series with the Perth Heat at Melbourne Ballpark over the weekend.
Melbourne won the first two games to break the franchise’s all-time winning streak of eight matches before Perth bounced back to claim the final two games.
Pitcher Wes Helsaback inspired the Aces to a 3-1 victory on Friday night with 12 strikeouts.
A Delmon Young single in the final inning helped the Aces to a 4-3 win in the first game of the Saturday doubleheader. The 2012 MLB American League Championship Series MVP’s only hit of the match allowed Yuma Mune and Hayato Nishiura to cross home plate for a come-from-behind win.
Perth recovered for a 9-7 win on Saturday night to end the Aces’ winning streak. Melbourne had their chances, but the Heat were ruthless at the mound, registering a team total of 12 strikeouts.
A final inning grand slam home run from Heat star Robbie Glendinning stole victory for Perth on Sunday. Both sides were level heading into the top of the ninth before Australian national team representative Peter Moylan was introduced for the Aces.
The former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher endured a tough time, allowing three Heat players to walk before Glendinning smashed him over the fence.
Both sides now have an 8-4 record after 3 weeks. Melbourne sit second in the Australian Baseball League Southwest Division standings.
This week the Aces travel to Adelaide to take on the Giants.
You can listen to all Melbourne Aces home games through the SEN app.