Bulldogs secure spot in playoffs

Bullldogs evergreen pitcher, Jim Laird fires a ball during his side's vicotry over Pine Hills on Sunday. Photo Breet McDonald BGM Images.

WESTERN Districts secured a playoff berth after thumping Pine Hills in their two-game series during the penultimate round of the Queensland Major Baseball League season over the weekend.

But in a stunning move, Bulldogs A-grade coach, Alan Connors has lied to his troops so they wouldn’t become complacent ahead of the post season.

“We’re actually telling them that we still need to win one of our two games against Ipswich, but no, we’re in,” he said.

“I think, obviously, getting into the playoffs is good, but we want to keep that winning feeling and harmony going.

“Momentum for us is quite important.”

Thanks to some powerful hitting from American import, Chris FitzPatrick, the Darra-based Bulldogs cruised to a comfortable 12-7 victory over Pine Hills on Friday night.

But his dominant display was overshadowed by veteran pitcher Jim Laird, who conceded just one run in Sunday’s win to help the Bulldogs sweep the series.

“Jim Laird, again, was outstanding,” Connors said after his team’s 9-1 victory at Atthows Park.

“He pitched the entire game and tossed 91 pitches – he was exceptional.

“I really believe there’s no other player in the entire competition that can regularly do what Jimmy does for us.”

Before the Bulldogs turn their attention to the playoffs, first they have a mouth-watering two-game series against their arch nemesis, Ipswich this weekend.

With the Musketeers having nothing but pride to play for, Connors expected their rivals to come out guns blazing.

More often than not when these two passionate clubs meet sparks fly, but Connors felt Ipswich were an ideal dress rehearsal for their finals campaign.

“I’m actually excited about playing Ipswich,” he said.

“Whenever Ipswich and Wests play, they’re always hard fought games and there tends to be a bit of tension.

“I’m sure they’ll be trying hard to take the two games and disrupt our finals preparations. So it’s going to be a good test and a good opportunity to take the series.”