Preview: Cavalry hoping for triumphant return

Steve Kent will be looking to lead the way for the Cavalry Photo: Ryan Schembri – SMP Images / ABL Media]

It’s been a while since the Canberra Cavalry have graced the diamond at Narrabundah Ballpark. Since hosting Perth Heat in mid-December, the Cavs have been on the road, making trips to Perth and Melbourne respectively. After a mixed festive season, they will be looking to kickstart their charge towards the finals.

What happened last week?

The Cavalry headed west to face the Heat for the second leg of their home and away season. Despite winning 4-3 in the opener, Canberra went on to suffer close losses, 5-2 and 10-9, before being humbled 32-10 in a record-breaking final game.

Needing to bounce back, the Cavs flew to Melbourne to face the Aces. A 2-0 opening win was followed by a 7-5 loss before the Cavs stormed home with two convincing wins, 12-3 and 11-6.

Looking to bite back

The Bite are coming off a hard-fought series against Perth. Similar to the Cavs they suffered two close losses, 5-3 on both occasions; a big loss, 10-7; and a solitary win, 8-6. That’s where the similarities end however as Adelaide find themselves stranded to the foot of the ladder, a whopping 13 games behind league leaders Brisbane.

On home soil and looking to consolidate their finals spot, the Cavs shouldn’t have too much trouble claiming this series.

Players to watch

Cavalry – Steve Kent

The Cavs’ starter was in ominous form last week against the Aces. Veteran Kent threw six scoreless innings in game four of the Melbourne series as his side went on to win 11-6. A repeat performance over the coming weekend will give his batters the room to express themselves and post some big scores.

Bite – Loek Van Mil

Measuring a giant 216 cm, Adelaide’s closer is capable of causing more than a few headaches for opposing batters. The 33-year-old Dutchman is in his third campaign in South Australia.

Did you know?

Narrabundah Ballpark is getting a makeover! As reported earlier this week, the $5 million redevelopment is set to turn the Fort at MIT Ballpark into a world-class facility. As well as upgrading the mainstand, new facilities for patrons, bigger locker rooms for players and the addition of a Canberra Baseball Hall of Fame will transform Narrabundah into one of the best setups in the country.

Cavs general Manger Dan Amodio said the upgrade would hopefully attract more top-level players from North America.

“When they come to visit they love the experience, they know the guys are well taken care of but we’d be foolish to think that walking around and having nice facilities is not going to make them more and more comfortable about sending their players and sending some better players as well,” Amodio said.

When and where?

• Game one: Thursday 11 January @ 7 pm;
• Game two: Friday 12 January @ 7 pm;
• Game three: Saturday 13 January @ 7 pm;
• Game four: Sunday 14 January @ 1 pm.

All games played at Narrabundah Ballpark. Tickets available here.