Sluggers have a point to prove

Cassie Beck connects with the bat for a great start for Wests.

ROB BARICH

SOUTHS Sluggers will not have time to ponder last week’s 12-11 loss to Brothers United, with this weekend’s rivals Moray Eels just as eager to prove their worth.

The three teams have gone blow for blow this season, while Wests Panthers are slowly showing they are premiership material.

“We are all pretty equal at the moment. It’s a great competition. Basically whoever gets that lucky break, or does something extra special, is winning each week,” Eels coach Mike Shanhun said.

Eels had a self-described “shocker” against United a fortnight ago, and were heading down the same path against Wests last week.

“They managed to get girls on bases after some sloppy play from us, and a shanked hit got three of them home,” Shanhun said.

“It is critical to get those small things right, otherwise you pay for it big time, so we were happy to turn it around last week and look forward to a close one again this Saturday.”

Shanhun has already set his sights on a top-two finish, not ready to take the risk of bowing out to a red-hot Wests in the semis.

“That could happen quite easily, so we want that top two spot, which means we need to win games like this (against Sluggers),” he said.

Sluggers’ pair Nadia Dittman and Jenna Kaddatz have been on fire pitching and catching respectively, while their deep batting order will test Shanhun’s troops.

“I think it’s going to be a very close one and every play will count,” Shanhun said.