Fields edges Bulldogs one step closer

Bulldogs' Glen Fields swings hard at the ball. Photo Brett McDonald BGM Images.

WESTERN Districts are in the box seat to advance to the penultimate stage of Queensland Major Baseball League’s playoffs campaign after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Surfers Paradise on Friday night.

Bulldogs’ evergreen hitter, Chris FitzPatrick produced the game-winning moment during the 7th innings of the nail-biting contest in Palm Meadows.

The American import’s left-centre line drive saw Glen Fields run in the Bulldogs’ second run to break the deadlock and hold on to the win.

Bulldogs coach, Alan Connors was delighted with the way his men held their nerve during tense moments of the match.

“I’m very happy, that’s what finals baseball is all about,” Connors said.

“It was a good, close game. One of those games where you had to take your chances when they came your way and we just capitalised more on our opportunities.

“The guys were primed and ready for it and knew they could compete against a team that have been hovering around first and second place all season.”

Connors said it was fitting Fields was the one to touch the plate to bring up the winning run.

“Overall it was a good team effort, but Glen came through for us when it mattered most,” he said.

“He was superb for us, making three hits – he dominated.”

Unfortunately the Bulldogs were denied a chance to wrap up the best-of-three minor semi-final series after game two was washed out on Sunday.

The Bulldogs were scheduled to meet Surfers last night (Tuesday) and at the time of print, it was yet to be determined when the series decider, if required, would be played.

It’s been almost 10 years since the Darra-based Bulldogs last played in the finals, which they went on to collar the premiership.