{{Short description|Baseball competition}} {{Use Australian English|date=January 2018}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox sports season | image = Claxton Shield 2010.png | alt = A graphic of a baseball with the text "Claxton Shield 2010 Est. 1934" superimposed. | caption = The logo for the 2010 Claxton Shield | sport = Baseball | no_of_teams = 5 | duration = 6 November 2009 – 7 February 2010 | defending_champs = Perth Heat | season = Regular season | season_champs = Victoria Aces | first_record = (17–7) | second_name = Second place | second_place = South Australia | second_record = (14–10) | third_place = New South Wales Patriots | third_record = (14–10) | finals = Championship series | finals_champ = Victoria Aces | num_championships = 22 | finals_runner-up = South Australia | prevseason_year = 2009 | prevseason_link = 2009 Claxton Shield }} The '''2010 Claxton Shield''' was the 76th Claxton Shield tournament, the premier baseball competition in Australia, and was held from 6 November 2009 to 7 February 2010. It was hailed as the precursor to the new Australian Baseball League that would start in the place of the Claxton Shield in late 2010 to early 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=58480|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718181038/http://www.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=58480|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 July 2012|last=Collins|first=Kingsley|date=9 October 2009|title=Anticipation builds for Claxton Shield|publisher=Baseball Victoria|access-date=11 October 2009}}</ref> The Victoria Aces defeated South Australia two games to nil in the championship series to win the tournament; this was the 22nd time the Claxton Shield had been awarded to a Victorian team.<ref name=gf2report>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62430 |title=Victoria claim the 2009/10 Domino's Claxton Shield |last=Laidlaw |first=Robert |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |date=6 February 2010 |access-date=7 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102309/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62430 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref> The competition was sponsored by Domino's Pizza.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/CLAXTONSHIELD/claxton2009/image/australian_baseball.jpg |title=2010 Claxton Shield website banner |access-date=24 January 2010 |website=claxtonshield.baseball.com.au |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |format=JPG |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205101229/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/CLAXTONSHIELD/claxton2009/image/australian_baseball.jpg |archive-date=December 5, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.perthheat.baseball.com.au/?Page=60290 | title=Domino's announces sponsorship of Australia's premier baseball competition | date=20 November 2009 | access-date=26 January 2010 | publisher=Baseball WA }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
At the conclusion of the regular season, the Victoria Aces finished in first place with a 17–7 record, earning home-field advantage for the three-game championship series. South Australia hosted the three-game semi-final series against the New South Wales Patriots. Both teams finished with a 14–10 record. The Perth Heat (12–12) and Queensland Rams (3–21) both failed to qualify for the finals.<ref name="results and standings"/>
== Overview == {{see also|Australian Baseball League#New Australian Baseball League|l1=New Australian Baseball League}} In June 2009, it was announced that the rights to the Claxton Shield had been sold to a new Australian Baseball League (ABL), with ownership split between Major League Baseball's 75 percent share and the 25 percent share owned by the Australian Baseball Federation. The 2010 tournament was considered preparation for the inaugural ABL season starting in 2010–11.<ref name="abl faq" /> It varied from the 2009 Claxton Shield by expanding the season to include ten rounds. Since an uneven number (five) teams were involved, four teams paired off for each round and played a three-game series, while the remaining team took a bye. During the season, each team had two bye rounds and played two rounds against each other team, one at home and one away. In total, the schedule allowed for 24 regular-season games per team before a postseason similar to the 2009 edition: the first-place team directly qualified for the championship series and played against the winner of a playoff series between the second- and third-place teams.<ref name=schedule />
During the regular season, games were played on a Friday night and a doubleheader on Saturday; in each doubleheader one of the two games was shortened to seven innings. The exception to this was when Perth played their home games; they played on a Thursday night instead of a doubleheader on Saturday. Each postseason series was scheduled for a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.<ref name=schedule />
== Teams ==
=== Rosters === The 2010 series allowed each team to make use of a 19-man active roster.<ref name="abl faq" /> Exceptions were made in two cases that allowed teams' active rosters to expand to 21 players, both times for the same reason. Two games during the season had to be postponed because of poor weather. Both games involved teams meeting for the first time during the season; make-up games were scheduled at the start of the return series between the teams, and this resulted in two four-game series. In both cases, the teams had a 19-man roster for the make-up game, and an expanded 21-man roster for the originally scheduled series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vpbl.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61701 |title=Season at a pivotal stage for both clubs |publisher=Victorian Provincial Baseball League |date=13 January 2010 |access-date=8 April 2010 |last=Collins |first=Kingsley |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101733/http://www.vpbl.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61701 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref>
==== New South Wales Patriots ==== The New South Wales Patriots announced on 4 November 2009 both their 30–man roster<ref name=nsw30>{{cite web | url=http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59447 | title=PATRIOTS – Announce 30 Man Roster for 2009/10 | date=4 November 2009 | publisher=Baseball NSW | last=Ristic | first=Daniel | accessdate=8 November 2009 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216000746/http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59447 | archive-date=16 December 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> and their 19–man roster for the opening series of the season.<ref name=nsw19vqld>{{cite web | url=http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59451 | title=NSW Patriots 19 man roster for opening series | date=4 November 2009 | accessdate=8 November 2009 | publisher=Baseball NSW | last=Ristic | first=Daniel | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121215202114/http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59451 | archive-date=15 December 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> {{baseball tournament roster | TeamName = New South Wales Patriots | BC1 = #010249 | FC1 = #0080ff | BC2 = #0080ff | FC2 = #010249 | RHP = *{{MLBplayer|21|Jarrett Commane}} *{{MLBplayer|32|Todd Grattan}} *{{MLBplayer|14|Lee Ingram}} *{{MLBplayer|44|Wayne Lundgren}} *{{MLBplayer| 9|Jarryd Sullivan}} *{{MLBplayer|26|Matthew Williams}} | LHP = *{{MLBplayer|31|Craig Anderson}} *{{MLBplayer|10|Tim Cox}} *{{MLBplayer|19|Matthew Rae}} | Catchers = *{{MLBplayer|23|Andrew Graham}} *{{MLBplayer|20|Patrick Maat}} | Infielders = *{{MLBplayer|24|Mark Holland}} *{{MLBplayer|16|Michael Lysaught}} | Outfielders = *{{MLBplayer|30|Tim Atherton}} *{{MLBplayer|33|Tim Auty}} *{{MLBplayer|17|Mitch Dening}} *{{MLBplayer|25|David Kandilas}} | DHAlt = Utility players | DH = *{{MLBplayer|11|Trent D'Antonio}} *{{MLBplayer| 6|Jason Pospishil}} | ProvisionalAlt = Inactive roster | ProvisionalPlayers = *{{MLBplayer|--|Alessio Angelucci}} *{{MLBplayer| 3|Scott Dalgairns}} *{{MLBplayer|36|Josh Dean}} *{{MLBplayer|43|Josh Freeman}} *{{MLBplayer|37|Vaughn Harris}} *{{MLBplayer|22|Alex Johnson}} *{{MLBplayer|42|Boss Moanaroa}} *{{MLBplayer|12|Shannon Pender}} *{{MLBplayer| 2|Trent Schmutter}} *{{MLBplayer|28|Aaron Sookee}} *{{MLBplayer| 5|Tim Stanford}} *{{MLBplayer|39|Bradley Tippett}} *{{MLBplayer|29|Mark Trau}} *{{MLBplayer|35|Todd Van Steensel}} | Manager = *{{MLBplayer|18|Glenn Williams}} | Coaches = *{{MLBplayer|15|Gary White}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> *{{MLBplayer| 7|Graham Cassel}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> *{{MLBplayer|31|Chris Oxspring}} <small>(pitching coach)</small> '''Other Staff''' *Eddie Bray <small>(Executive Officer)</small> | Caption = Correct as of 31 January 2010<ref name=nsw30>{{cite web | url=http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59447 | title=PATRIOTS – Announce 30 Man Roster for 2009/10 | date=4 November 2009 | publisher=Baseball NSW | last=Ristic | first=Daniel | accessdate=8 November 2009 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216000746/http://www.nsw.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59447 | archive-date=16 December 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=nsw19>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59301&MenuID=Teams/23150/59365,NSW_Patriots/23347/59300/0 | title=NSW Patriots Active Roster | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | accessdate=31 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205233804/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59301&MenuID=Teams%2F23150%2F59365%2CNSW%5FPatriots%2F23347%2F59300%2F0 | archive-date=5 December 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> }}
====Queensland Rams==== {{baseball tournament roster | TeamName = Queensland Rams | BC1 = #800000 | FC1 = #ffd700 | BC2 = #010249 | FC2 = #ffd700 | RHP = * {{MLBplayer|41|James Albury}} * {{MLBplayer|45|Justin Erasmus}} * {{MLBplayer| 5|Brett Montgomery}} * {{MLBplayer|48|Simon Morriss}} * {{MLBplayer|37|Drew Naylor}} * {{MLBplayer|44|Aaron Thompson}} * {{MLBplayer|29|Matthew Timms}} | LHP = * {{MLBplayer|11|Chris Lamb}} * {{MLBplayer|21|Rodney Wodson}} | Catchers = * {{MLBplayer|25|Joel Naughton}} * {{MLBplayer|18|Mitch Nilsson}} | Infielders = * {{MLBplayer|31|Andrew Campbell}} * {{MLBplayer|24|Brad Dutton}} * {{MLBplayer|15|Daniel Lamb-Hunt}} * {{MLBplayer| 8|Alan Schoenberger}} | Outfielders = * {{MLBplayer| 6|Joel McInnes}} | DHAlt = Utility players | DH = * {{MLBplayer|52|Ryan Battaglia}} * {{MLBplayer|20|Andrew Utting}} * {{MLBplayer|13|Shayne Watson}} | ProvisionalAlt = Inactive roster | ProvisionalPlayers = * {{MLBplayer|42|Trent Baker}} * {{MLBplayer|--|PJ Bevis}} * {{MLBplayer|35|Jarrod Bruce}} * {{MLBplayer|27|Nathan Crawford}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Tristan Crawford}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Wade Dutton}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Todd Fairbrother}} * {{MLBplayer|46|Aven Fletcher}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Stephen Greer}} * {{MLBplayer|--|James Linger}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Jay Nilsson}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Carlos Prichard}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Rory Rhodes}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Ryan Searle}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Phil Stockman}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Logan Wade}} * {{MLBplayer| 9|Luke White}} | Manager = * {{MLBplayer|14|Dave Nilsson}} | Coaches = * {{MLBplayer|17|Peter Gahan}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> * {{MLBplayer| 7|Brett Ward}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> * {{MLBplayer|19|Gary Nilsson}} <small>(pitching coach)</small> '''Other Staff''' * Robert Moden <small>(Executive Officer)</small> * Chris Beaton <small>(physiotherapist)</small> | Caption = Correct as of 24 January 2010<ref name=qld30>{{cite web | url=http://www.qldrams.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=58204&MenuID=Team_Info/23246/0/ | title=2009/2010 Queensland Rams Roster | publisher=Baseball QLD | accessdate=26 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227203658/http://www.qldrams.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=58204&MenuID=Team_Info%2F23246%2F0%2F | archive-date=27 December 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=qld19>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59303&MenuID=Teams/23150/59365,QLD_Rams/23348/59302 | title=QLD Rams Active Roster | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | accessdate=24 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205204230/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59303&MenuID=Teams%2F23150%2F59365%2CQLD%5FRams%2F23348%2F59302 | archive-date=5 December 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> }}
====Perth Heat==== {{baseball tournament roster | TeamName = Perth Heat | BC1 = #dd0000 | FC1 = #ffa500 | BC2 = #000000 | FC2 = #ff4500 | RHP = * {{MLBplayer|17|Benn Grice}} * {{MLBplayer|32|Mark Kelly}} * {{MLBplayer|35|Scott Mitchinson}} * {{MLBplayer|22|Dylan Peacock}} * {{MLBplayer|30|Warwick Saupold}} * {{MLBplayer|21|Brendan Wise}} | LHP = * {{MLBplayer|26|Daniel Schmidt}} * {{MLBplayer|33|Terrence Wohlever}} | Catchers = * {{MLBplayer|11|Allan de San Miguel}} * {{MLBplayer| 9|Chris House}} | Infielders = * {{MLBplayer|34|Dallas Christison}} * {{MLBplayer| 2|Mitch Graham}} * {{MLBplayer|16|Luke Hughes}} * {{MLBplayer| 4|Andrew Kyle}} | Outfielders = * {{MLBplayer|38|Brandon Dale}} * {{MLBplayer|10|Nick Kimpton}} | DHAlt = Utility players | DH = * {{MLBplayer|19|Matthew Kennelly}} * {{MLBplayer|23|Timothy Kennelly}} * {{MLBplayer|14|Dean White}} | ProvisionalAlt = Inactive roster | ProvisionalPlayers = * {{MLBplayer| 1|Corey Adamson}} * {{MLBplayer|40|Robin Adamson}} * {{MLBplayer|21|Lachlan Dale}} * {{MLBplayer|29|Nathan Driessen}} * {{MLBplayer|20|Jesse Barron}} * {{MLBplayer|18|Liam Hendriks}} * {{MLBplayer|12|Liam Hopkins}} * {{MLBplayer|31|Bryant Kraus}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Cameron Lamb}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Richard Michell}} * {{MLBplayer| 7|Todd Murphy}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Travis Murphy}} * {{MLBplayer|27|Aaron Ottoway}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Ben Risinger}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Graeme Scorer}} * {{MLBplayer| 6|Jason Smit}} | Manager = * {{MLBplayer| 5|Don Kyle}} | Coaches = * {{MLBplayer|40|Greg Jelks}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> * {{MLBplayer|37|Graeme Lloyd}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> * {{MLBplayer|28|Steven Kirkham}} <small>(pitching coach)</small> '''Other staff''' * Annie Italiano <small>(physiotherapist)</small> | Caption = Correct as of 24 January 2010 }}
====South Australia==== {{baseball tournament roster | TeamName = South Australia | BC1 = #dd0000 | FC1 = #000060 | BC2 = #000080 | FC2 = #ffd700 | RHP = * {{MLBplayer|27|Richard Bartlett}} * {{MLBplayer|17|Hayden Beard}} * {{MLBplayer|26|Darren Fidge}} * {{MLBplayer|62|Chris Lawson}} * {{MLBplayer|21|Steven O'Connor}} * {{MLBplayer|32|Wayne Ough}} * {{MLBplayer|99|Dushan Ruzic}} | LHP = * {{MLBplayer|23|Paul Mildren}} | Catchers = * {{MLBplayer|29|Michael Collins}} * {{MLBplayer|20|Dan Wilson}} | Infielders = * {{MLBplayer| 6|Josh Cakebread}} * {{MLBplayer|51|Jeremy Cresswell}} * {{MLBplayer| 4|Scott Gladstone}} * {{MLBplayer|55|Ryan Murphy}} * {{MLBplayer|22|Stefan Welch}} | Outfielders = * {{MLBplayer| 8|Angus Roeger}} * {{MLBplayer| 3|David Washington}} * {{MLBplayer|37|Ben Wigmore}} | DHAlt = Utility players | DH = * {{MLBplayer|15|Mathew Smith}} | ProvisionalAlt = Inactive roster | ProvisionalPlayers = * {{MLBplayer|--|Dylan Child}} * {{MLBplayer| 5|Chris Doyle}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Wilson Lee}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Ben Lodge}} * {{MLBplayer| 9|Jackson Lodge}} * {{MLBplayer|11|Ricky Meinhold}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Brendan Pett}} * {{MLBplayer|18|Nick Talbot}} | Manager = * {{MLBplayer|14|Tony Harris}} | Coaches = * {{MLBplayer|16|Warwick Marks}} <small>(pitching coach)</small> * {{MLBplayer|12|Craig Watts}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> '''Other Staff''' * David Hilterbrand <small>(Executive Officer)</small> * Andrew Darcey <small>(physiotherapist)</small> | Caption = Correct as of 7 February 2010<ref name=sa30>{{cite web | url=http://www.baseballsa.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=71 | title=2009/2010 Claxton Shield Statistics - South Australia | publisher=Baseball SA | accessdate=26 December 2009 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131007003029/http://www.baseballsa.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=71 | archive-date=7 October 2013 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=sa19>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59307&MenuID=Teams/23150/59365,South_Australia/23350/59306 | title=SA Active Roster | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | accessdate=14 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207010429/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59307&MenuID=Teams%2F23150%2F59365%2CSouth%5FAustralia%2F23350%2F59306 | archive-date=7 December 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> }}
====Victoria Aces==== {{baseball tournament roster | TeamName = Victoria Aces | BC1 = #000060 | FC1 = #FFFFFF | BC2 = #BBBBBB | FC2 = #000060 | RHP = * {{MLBplayer|18|Matthew Blackmore}} * {{MLBplayer| 4|Ross Hipke}} * {{MLBplayer|15|Shane Lindsay}} * {{MLBplayer|17|Russell Spear}} | LHP = * {{MLBplayer| 5|Elliot Biddle}} * {{MLBplayer|22|Adam Blackley}} * {{MLBplayer|11|Adam Bright}} * {{MLBplayer|19|Donovan Hendriks}} | Catchers = * {{MLBplayer|16|Grant Karlsen}} * {{MLBplayer|24|Tristan McDonald}} | Infielders = * {{MLBplayer| 7|James Beresford}} * {{MLBplayer|10|Josh Davies}} * {{MLBplayer|23|Hayden Dingle}} * {{MLBplayer|12|Brad Harman}} * {{MLBplayer| 6|Matthew Lawman}} | Outfielders = * {{MLBplayer| 3|Andrew Russell}} * {{MLBplayer|14|Paul Weichard}} | DHAlt = Utility players | DH = * {{MLBplayer| 2|Brett Tamburrino}} * {{MLBplayer| 9|Scott Wearne}} | ProvisionalAlt = Inactive roster | ProvisionalPlayers = * {{MLBplayer|27|Dean Barker}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Blake Cunningham}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Josh Davies}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Matthew Gourlay}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Lee Hogan}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Justin Huber}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Casey Jones}} * {{MLBplayer|13|Scott McIntyre}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Matthew Prior}} * {{MLBplayer|--|Tim Sullivan}} * {{MLBplayer|28|Greg Wiltshire}} | Manager = * {{MLBplayer|43|Phil Dale}} | Coaches = * {{MLBplayer|29|Phil Allen}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> * {{MLBplayer|26|David Clarkson}} <small>(assistant coach)</small> '''Other Staff''' * Alicia Tang <small>(physiotherapist)</small> | Caption = Correct as of 7 February 2010<ref name=vic30>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/vic.htm | title=2009/2010 Claxton Shield Statistics - Victoria | publisher=Baseball Vic | accessdate=27 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102132/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/vic.htm | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=vic19>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59342&MenuID=Teams/23150/59365,VIC_Aces/23351/59308 | title=VIC Aces Active Roster | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | accessdate=14 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102149/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=59342&MenuID=Teams%2F23150%2F59365%2CVIC_Aces%2F23351%2F59308 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> }}
=== Venues === The 2010 Claxton Shield was contested between five teams from around Australia. In previous years, many of the teams had played their home games at multiple venues. This season each team held their home games at only one venue. There was one scheduled exception to this at the start of the season: the New South Wales Patriots' final home series against the Perth Heat was held at Gilchrist Oval, whereas all of their other home games were held at Blacktown Baseball Stadium.<ref name=schedule />
{{Australia locator map | size = 350 | adelaide-bb-icon = SA | adelaide-label = South Australia | adelaide-color = crimson | brisbane-bb-icon = QLD | brisbane-label = Queensland Rams | brisbane-color = maroon | geelong-bb-icon = VIC | geelong-label = Victoria Aces | geelong-color = navy | perth-bb-icon = Perth | perth-label = Perth Heat | perth-color = darkorange | sydney-bb-icon = NSW | sydney-label = NSW Patriots | sydney-color = blue }} As a result of poor attendance at Geelong Baseball Park, game one of the fifth-round series between New South Wales and the Victoria Aces was moved to La Trobe University, Melbourne.<ref name=latrobe>{{cite web|url=http://www.southerndistricts.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=60415 |title=Target 1000: Support our Aces |date=23 November 2009 |access-date=8 April 2010 |publisher=Southern Districts Baseball Club |last=Collins |first=Kingsley |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706103546/http://www.southerndistricts.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=60415 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref> Although the Geelong games had attracted crowds of no more than 500,<ref name="geelong crowds">{{cite news | url=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/11/24/124661_geelong_sports.html | title=Claxton Shield baseball moved from Geelong due to poor crowds | date=24 November 2009 | access-date=15 January 2010 | newspaper=Geelong Advertiser | last=Green | first=Bradley | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091228180000/http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/11/24/124661_geelong_sports.html| archive-date= 28 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> the moved game had an attendance of 2,200.<ref name=boxscore26>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/26.htm |title=New South Wales vs Victoria (Dec 04, 2009) |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=15 January 2010 |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205225524/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/26.htm |archive-date=December 5, 2010 }}</ref> Though no further regular season games were moved, the finals series hosted by the Aces was held at La Trobe University as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62114 |title=Claxton Shield Grandfinal Seats – On Sale Now |last=Foster |first=Ben |date=28 January 2010 |access-date=28 January 2010 |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102303/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62114 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref>
The venues are as follows: {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! Team ! Stadium(s) ! Location(s) |- | style="text-align:left;" | New South Wales Patriots | Blacktown Baseball Stadium<br />Gilchrist Oval | Rooty Hill <small>(Sydney)</small><br />Campbelltown <small>(Sydney)</small> |- | style="text-align:left;" | Perth Heat | Baseball Park | Thornlie <small>(Perth)</small> |- | style="text-align:left;" | Queensland Rams | Holloway Field | Newmarket <small>(Brisbane)</small> |- | style="text-align:left;" | South Australia | Norwood Oval | Norwood <small>(Adelaide)</small> |- | style="text-align:left;" | Victoria Aces | Geelong Baseball Park<br />La Trobe University | Grovedale <small>(Geelong)</small><br />Bundoora <small>(Melbourne)</small> |}
== Regular season == The regular season was held from 6 November 2009 through to 23 January 2010. All five teams competed in a double round-robin format; playing each other team in two series of three games each, totaling 24 games played each. The top three teams progressed to the finals series. The top team automatically qualified for the championship series, to face the winner of the semi-final series between the second and third placed teams.<ref name=schedule />
The Queensland Rams were the first team to be eliminated from contention for the finals, after being swept four games to nil by the Victoria Aces in round 8.<ref name="f&d round 8"/><ref name="f&d round 7"/> The following round saw South Australia clinch a position in the finals, despite finishing the round in second position.<ref name="f&d round 8"/><ref name="f&d round 9"/> It was not until the final round that the last two spots in the finals were decided: the Aces clinched top spot by sweeping the Perth Heat, which combined with the New South Wales Patriots sweep of the Rams eliminated Perth from contention and secured the last finals spot for the Patriots.<ref name="f&d round 9"/><ref name="f&d round 10"/>
=== Standings === {{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WL |show_GB=true|for_against_style=none|ranking_style=%|update=complete |team_order=VIC,SA,NSW,PER,QL |result1=CS |result2=SF |result3=SF
|win_VIC=17 |loss_VIC= 7 |win_SA= 14 |loss_SA= 10 |win_NSW=14 |loss_NSW=10 |win_PER=12 |loss_PER=12 |win_QL= 3 |loss_QL= 21
|name_VIC=Victoria Aces |name_SA=South Australia |name_NSW=New South Wales Patriots |name_PER=Perth Heat |name_QL=Queensland Rams
|res_col_header=Q |col_CS=green1 |text_CS=Advance to Championship series |col_SF=green2 |text_SF=Advance to Semi-final series }}
=== Round 1 === The New South Wales Patriots and the Victoria Aces hosted the opening round of the 2010 Claxton Shield, against the Queensland Rams and the Perth Heat respectively. New South Wales overcame a loss in their first game to take both games in the doubleheader, while Victoria had a first up win, then split their double header with Perth.
{{hidden begin | title = Round 1 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 6 November 2009 |team1 = '''Queensland Rams''' |score = 4 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/1.htm |team2 = New South Wales Patriots |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team1wp = Justin Erasmus (1–0) |team2lp = Vaughn Harris (0–1) |team1sp = Matthew Timms (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 6 November 2009 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 8 – 9 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/2.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Casey Jones (1–0) |team1lp = Mark Kelly (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = Timothy Kennelly (1) |team2hr = Hayden Dingle (1)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 7 November 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 1 – 10 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/claxg3.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team2wp = Timothy Cox (1–0) |team1lp = James Albury (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 7 November 2009 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 3 – 8 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/4.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Matthew Blackmore (1–0) |team1lp = Travis Murphy (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = Mitchell Graham (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 7 November 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 3 – 4<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/claxg5.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team2wp = Aaron Sookee (1–0) |team1lp = Matthew Timms (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 7 November 2009 |team1 = '''Perth Heat''' |score = 11 – 1<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/6.htm |team2 = Victoria Aces |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team1wp = Dylan Peacock (1–0) |team2lp = Greg Wiltshire (0–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 2 === The Perth Heat hosted their first series of the competition, winning their series against the New South Wales Patriots two games to one. South Australia had their first games of the season, hosting and sweeping the Queensland Rams three–nil. The second game of both series featured the first extra innings games of the season, with the respective home teams winning both matches.
As a result of their sweep, South Australia (3–0) took the outright lead of the competition, leaving Victoria (2–1) in second, New South Wales and Perth (3–3) tied, and Queensland (1–5) in last position.
{{hidden begin | title = Round 2 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 12 November 2009 |team1 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |score = 5 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/game7.htm |team2 = Perth Heat |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team1wp = Matthew Rae (1–0) |team2lp = Benn Grice (0–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = Mitch Dening (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 13 November 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 0 – 7 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gm8.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Darren Fidge (1–0) |team1lp = Simon Morriss (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 13 November 2009 |team1 = New South Wales Patriots |score = 2 – 3 <small>(F/11)</small> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/9.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Travis Murphy (1–1) |team1lp = Jarrett Commane (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 14 November 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 5 – 6 <small>(F/8)</small><sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/10.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Wayne Ough (1–0) |team1lp = Aaron Thompson (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 14 November 2009 |team1 = New South Wales Patriots |score = 5 – 6 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/12.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Benn Grice (1–1) |team1lp = Timothy Atherton (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 14 November 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 0 – 9 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/11.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Richard Bartlett (1–0) |team1lp = Chris Lamb (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = Angus Roeger (1)}} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 3 === The Queensland Rams hosted the Perth Heat, while South Australia travelled to Geelong to face the Victoria Aces. After winning the opening game, Queensland (2–7) dropped both games of the doubleheader to fall further behind the rest of the field. With Perth's (5–4) series win, they moved ahead of New South Wales (3–3) into outright third.
South Australia (4–1) and Victoria (3–2) split their series. The final game of their doubleheader suspended in the bottom of the second due to rain with South Australia leading 2–0. At the time the game administrators considered continuing the game from the point of suspension when the teams next met in Round 9, though the game was actually restarted and eventually won by South Australia.<ref name="results and standings" />
{{hidden begin | title = Round 3 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 20 November 2009 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 1 – 8 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/13.htm |team2 = '''Queensland Rams''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team2wp = Simon Morriss (1–1) |team1lp = Mark Kelly (0–2) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = Andrew Utting 2 (2), Brad Dutton (1)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 20 November 2009 |team1 = '''South Australia''' |score = 6 – 4 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/14.htm |team2 = Victoria Aces |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team1wp = Paul Mildren (1–0) |team2lp = Donavon Hendricks (0–1) |team1sp = Wayne Ough (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 21 November 2009 |team1 = '''Perth Heat''' |score = 7 – 4<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/15.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Terrence Wohlever (1–0) |team2lp = Justin Erasmus (1–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = Timothy Kennelly (2), Chris House (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 21 November 2009 |team1 = South Australia |score = 2 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/16.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Casey Jones (2–0) |team1lp = Darren Fidge (1–1) |team2sp = Lee Hogan (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 21 November 2009 |team1 = '''Perth Heat''' |score = 4 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/17.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Dylan Peacock (2–0) |team2lp = PJ Bevis (0–1) |team1sp = Warwick Saupold (1) |team1hr = Mitchell Graham (2), Timothy Kennelly (3) |team2hr = Andrew Utting (3)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 21 November 2009 |round = ''Game suspended – weather''<br><small>''Replayed in Round 9''</small> |team1 = South Australia |score = 2 – 0 <small>(Bot 2nd)</small><sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/18.htm |team2 = Victoria Aces |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team1wp = |team2lp = |team1sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 4 === South Australia, closely followed by New South Wales, had the first games called prior to their scheduled end due to a mercy rule. South Australia's 10–run win helped to set up their series win against Queensland in Brisbane, while the Patriot's 13–run win over Victoria snapped a 3–game losing streak and was the significant part of the 20 runs they scored in the two games for the day.
South Australia (6–2) extended their tournament lead to a game and a half over New South Wales and Perth (5–4), once again tied. Victoria (4–4) fell to fourth, while Queensland (3–9) remained in last. {{hidden begin | title = Round 4 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 27 November 2009 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 6 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/19.htm |team2 = New South Wales Patriots |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team1wp = Casey Jones (3–0) |team2lp = Todd Grattan (0–1) |team1sp = Matthew Blackmore (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 27 November 2009 |team1 = '''South Australia''' |score = 15 – 5 <small>(F/7)</small> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/20.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Paul Mildren (2–0) |team2lp = Simon Morriss (1–2) |team1sp = Hayden Beard (1) |team1hr = Dan Wilson (1), Stefan Welch (1), Ben Wigmore (1), Michael Collins (1) |team2hr = Joel Naughton (1)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 28 November 2009 |team1 = Victoria Aces |score = 5 – 18 <small>(F/7)</small> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/21.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team2wp = Timothy Cox (2–0) |team1lp = Donavon Hendricks (0–2) |team2sp = |team1hr = Grant Karlsen (1) |team2hr = Andrew Graham (1), Mitch Dening (2)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 28 November 2009 |team1 = '''South Australia''' |score = 3 – 2<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/22.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Dushan Ruzic (1–0) |team2lp = PJ Bevis (0–2) |team1sp = Wayne Ough (2) |team1hr = Michael Collins (2) |team2hr = Alan Schoenberger (1)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 28 November 2009 |team1 = Victoria Aces |score = 1 – 2<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/23.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team2wp = Wayne Lundgren (1–0) |team1lp = Dean Barker (0–1) |team2sp = Matthew Rae (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 28 November 2009 |team1 = South Australia |score = 7 – 9 <small>(F/8)</small> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/24.htm |team2 = '''Queensland Rams''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team2wp = PJ Bevis (1–2) |team1lp = Chris Lawson (0–1) |team2sp = Matthew Timms (2) |team1hr = Angus Roeger (2) |team2hr = Alan Schoenberger (2), Joel Naughton (2)}} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 5 === As a result of poor attendance at Geelong Baseball Park, game one of the fifth round series between New South Wales and the Victoria was moved to La Trobe University, Melbourne.<ref name=latrobe /> Having previously attracted crowds of no more than 500,<ref name="geelong crowds" /> the moved game had an attendance of 2,200, which the home team won 3–2.<ref name=boxscore26 /> The series concluded in a doubleheader at Geelong, split between the two teams, giving the Aces the series win. Despite winning the series at Norwood Oval, South Australia suffered their first defeat at home, losing to Perth in the second game of the series.
At the end of the round, South Australia (8–3) held a two-game lead over Victoria (6–5). New South Wales and Perth (6–6) remained tied, having dropped to third place, while Queensland (3–9) remained in last position.
{{hidden begin | title = Round 5 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 4 December 2009 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 1 – 2 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/25.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Hayden Beard (1–0) |team1lp = Warwick Saupold (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 4 December 2009 |team1 = New South Wales Patriots |score = 2 – 3 |boxurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20101205225524/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/26.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} La Trobe University, Melbourne |team2wp = Matthew Blackmore (2–0) |team1lp = Aaron Sookee (1–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 5 December 2009 |team1 = '''Perth Heat''' |score = 4 – 2<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/27.htm |team2 = South Australia |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team1wp = Mark Kelly (1–2) |team2lp = Darren Fidge (1–2) |team1sp = Dean White (1) |team1hr = Matthew Kennelly (1) |team2hr = Ryan Murphy (1)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 5 December 2009 |team1 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |score = 13 – 10 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/28.htm |team2 = Victoria Aces |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team1wp = Todd Van Steensel (1–0) |team2lp = Matthew Blackmore (2–1) |team1sp = Matthew Rae (2) |team1hr = Andrew Graham (2), Michael Lysaught (1) |team2hr = Grant Karlsen (2), Matthew Lawman (1)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 5 December 2009 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 3 – 8 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/29.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Dushan Ruzic (2–0) |team1lp = Daniel Schmidt (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = Matthew Smith (1)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 5 December 2009 |team1 = New South Wales Patriots |score = 3 – 9<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/30.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Donavon Hendricks (1–2) |team1lp = Wayne Lundgren (1–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = David Kandilas (1) |team2hr = Scott Wearne (1), Paul Weichard (1)}} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 6 === For the second time in the season, the Queensland were swept in a series this time by the Heat at Baseball Park. The Patriots hosted South Australia, and after dropping the first game won both games in the doubleheader to win the series, and inflict their first series loss of the season.
Despite their series loss, South Australia (9–5) remained in first place. Perth (9–6) moved to second place on the back of their sweep, only one half game behind. Victoria (6–5) dropped to third without playing a game. New South Wales (8–7) fell to fourth, while Queensland (3–12) remained in last place. {{hidden begin | title = Round 6 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 10 December 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 2 – 5 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/31.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Dylan Peacock (3–0) |team1lp = Justin Erasmus (1–2) |team2sp = Warwick Saupold (2) |team1hr = |team2hr = Luke Hughes (1)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 11 December 2009 |team1 = '''South Australia''' |score = 7 – 2 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/33.htm |team2 = New South Wales Patriots |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team1wp = Paul Mildren (3–0) |team2lp = Timothy Cox (2–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 11 December 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 0 – 1 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/32.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Nathan Dreissen (1–0) |team1lp = PJ Bevis (1–3) |team2sp = Benn Grice (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 12 December 2009 |team1 = South Australia |score = 1 – 2 <small>(F/9)</small><sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/35.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team2wp = Matthew Rae (2–0) |team1lp = Hayden Beard (1–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 12 December 2009 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 3 – 10 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/34.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Mark Kelly (2–2) |team1lp = Chris Lamb (0–2) |team2sp = |team1hr = Alan Schoenberger (3) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 12 December 2009 |team1 = South Australia |score = 5 – 6 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/36.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Blacktown Baseball Stadium, Sydney |team2wp = Aaron Sookee (2–1) |team1lp = Richard Bartlett (1–1) |team2sp = Timothy Atherton (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 7 === {{hidden begin | title = Round 7 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 18 December 2009 |team1 = New South Wales Patriots |score = 2 – 8 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/37.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Richard Bartlett (2–1) |team1lp = Todd Grattan (0–2) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 18 December 2009 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 3 – 2 <small>(F/12)</small> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/38.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Matthew Blackmore (3–1) |team2lp = Matthew Timms (0–2) |team1sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = Andrew Utting (4)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 19 December 2009 |team1 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |score = 2 – 1<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/39.htm |team2 = South Australia |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team1wp = Wayne Lundgren (2–1) |team2lp = Darren Fidge (1–3) |team1sp = Matthew Rae (3) |team1hr = Andrew Graham (3) |team2hr = Ryan Murphy (2)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 19 December 2009 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 5 – 2 <small>(F/6)</small><sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/40.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Dean Barker (1–1) |team2lp = James Albury (0–2) |team1sp = |team1hr = Scott Wearne (2), Andrew Russell (1) |team2hr = Andrew Utting (5)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 19 December 2009 |team1 = New South Wales Patriots |score = 1 – 4 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/41.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Paul Mildren (4–0) |team1lp = Jarrett Commane (0–2) |team2sp = Hayden Beard (2) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 19 December 2009 |round = ''Game postponed – weather''<br><small>''Played in Round 8''</small> |team1 = Victoria Aces |score = – |boxurl = |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = |team2lp = |team1sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 8 === {{hidden begin | title = Round 8 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 8 January 2010 |round = <small>''Postponed from 19 December 2009 (Round 7)''</small> |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 8 – 1<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/42.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team1wp = Adam Blackley (1–0) |team2lp = Simon Morriss (1–3) |team1sp = |team1hr = Paul Weichard (2), Brett Tamburrino (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 7 January 2010 |team1 = South Australia |score = 3 – 8 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/43.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Dylan Peacock (4–0) |team1lp = Paul Mildren (4–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 8 January 2010 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 1 – 3<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/44.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Matthew Blackmore (4–1) |team1lp = James Albury (0–3) |team2sp = Russell Spear (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 8 January 2010 |team1 = '''South Australia''' |score = 6 – 4 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/45.htm |team2 = Perth Heat |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team1wp = Richard Bartlett (3–1) |team2lp = Warwick Saupold (0–2) |team1sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 9 January 2010 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 3 – 9<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/46.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Dean Barker (2–1) |team1lp = Drew Naylor (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = Daniel Lamb-Hunt (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 9 January 2010 |team1 = South Australia |score = 3 – 11 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/48.htm |team2 = '''Perth Heat''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team2wp = Todd Murphy (1–0) |team1lp = Ricky Meinhold (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 9 January 2010 |team1 = Queensland Rams |score = 0 – 2<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/47.htm |team2 = '''Victoria Aces''' |stadium = {{flagicon|Victoria}} Geelong Baseball Park, Geelong |team2wp = Donavon Hendricks (2–2) |team1lp = Justin Erasmus (1–3) |team2sp = Ross Hipke (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = }} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 9 === {{hidden begin | title = Round 9 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |round = <small>''Postponed from 21 November 2009 (Round 3)''</small> |date = 14 January 2010 |team1 = '''South Australia''' |score = 13 – 6 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/18.htm |team2 = Victoria Aces |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team1wp = Richard Bartlett (4–1) |team2lp = Lee Hogan (0–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = Michael Collins 3 (5) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 15 January 2010 |team1 = Victoria Aces |score = 2 – 5 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/49.htm |team2 = '''South Australia''' |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team2wp = Paul Mildren (5–1) |team1lp = Adam Bright (0–1) |team2sp = |team1hr = |team2hr = Michael Collins (6)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 15 January 2010 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 2 – 8 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/50.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Gilchrist Oval, Campbelltown |team2wp = Tim Cox (3–1) |team1lp = Dylan Peacock (4–1) |team2sp = Lee Ingram (1) |team1hr = Mitchell Graham (3), Luke Hughes (2) |team2hr = Michael Lysaught 2 (3) }} {{Baseballbox |date = 16 January 2010 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 13 – 5<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/51.htm |team2 = South Australia |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team1wp = Russell Spear (1–0) |team2lp = Dushan Ruzic (2–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = Justin Huber (1), Brett Tamburrino (2), Grant Karlsen (3) |team2hr = Ryan Murphy (3)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 16 January 2010 |team1 = '''Perth Heat''' |score = 12 – 8<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/52.htm |team2 = New South Wales Patriots |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Gilchrist Oval, Campbelltown |team1wp = Dean White (1–0) |team2lp = Matthew Williams (0–1) |team1sp = |team1hr = Luke Hughes (3), Matthew Kennelly (2), Chris House (2) |team2hr = Michael Lysaught (4)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 16 January 2010 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 8 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/53.htm |team2 = South Australia |stadium = {{flagicon|South Australia}} Norwood Oval, Adelaide |team1wp = Matthew Blackmore (5–1) |team2lp = Darren Fidge (1–4) |team1sp = |team1hr = Andrew Russell (2), Josh Davies (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 16 January 2010 |team1 = Perth Heat |score = 7 – 11 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/54.htm |team2 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |stadium = {{flagicon|New South Wales}} Gilchrist Oval, Campbelltown |team2wp = Jarrett Commane (1–2) |team1lp = Scott Mitchinson (0–1) |team2sp = Lee Ingram (2) |team1hr = Timothy Kennelly (4) |team2hr = Timothy Atherton (1)}} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Round 10 === Going into the final round, the Perth Heat and the Victoria Aces were the two teams that could have taken first place and assured themselves of a home final. In the first game of their series though, the Aces clinched the top spot, and in doing so made the Patriot's chance of overtaking the Heat and making the finals easier.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61914 | title=Victoria record 17 hits against WA | last=Laidler | first=Gemma | date=22 January 2010 | accessdate=22 January 2010 | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102320/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61914 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref> The following two games saw New South Wales beat Queensland to move them into third position,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61971 | title=NSW still in with a chance for finals berth | last=Laidler | first=Gemma | date=22 January 2010 | accessdate=23 January 2010 | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102326/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61971 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref> and Perth drop another game to Victoria to allow South Australia to secure second, and a home semi final series.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61972 | title=Victoria win second game in a row against WA | last=Laidler | first=Gemma | date=22 January 2010 | accessdate=23 January 2010 | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706102333/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61972 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Patriots secured the last remaining finals berth in the first game of their doubleheader, beating the Rams 16–0 and eliminating the Heat from finals contention.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nswpatriots.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61993 | title=NSW Patriots clinch playoff berth! | last=Bray | first=Eddie | date=23 January 2010 | accessdate=23 January 2010 | publisher=Baseball NSW | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101732/http://www.nswpatriots.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=61993 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{hidden begin | title = Round 10 Results | titlestyle = background:#AAAAAA; color:#FFFFFF | bodystyle = background:#DDDDDD }} {{Baseballbox |date = 21 January 2010 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 6 – 3 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/55.htm |team2 = Perth Heat |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team1wp = Donovan Hendricks (3–2) |team2lp = Scott Mitchinson (0–2) |team1sp = |team1hr = Scott Wearne (3) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 22 January 2010 |team1 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |score = 7 – 5 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/56.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Vaughn Harris (1–1) |team2lp = Simon Morriss (1–4) |team1sp = Lee Ingram (3) |team1hr = |team2hr = Joel Naughton (3)}} {{Baseballbox |date = 22 January 2010 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 5 – 4 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/57.htm |team2 = Perth Heat |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team1wp = Matthew Blackmore (6–1) |team2lp = Benn Grice (1–2) |team1sp = Adam Bright (1) |team1hr = |team2hr = Brandon Dale (1), Mitchell Graham (4)}} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 23 January 2010 |team1 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |score = 16 – 0 <small>(F/7)</small> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/58.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Wayne Lundgren (3–1) |team2lp = Chris Lamb (0–3) |team1sp = |team1hr = Trent D'Antonio (1), Patrick Maat (1), Tim Auty (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |date = 23 January 2010 |team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' |score = 6 – 0 |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/60.htm |team2 = Perth Heat |stadium = {{flagicon|Western Australia}} Baseball Park, Perth |team1wp = Adam Blackley (2–0) |team2lp = Mark Kelly (2–3) |team1sp = |team1hr = Elliot Biddle (1) |team2hr = }} {{Baseballbox |bg = #CCCCCC |date = 23 January 2010 |team1 = '''New South Wales Patriots''' |score = 5 – 1<sup>*</sup> |boxurl = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/60.htm |team2 = Queensland Rams |stadium = {{flagicon|Queensland}} Holloway Field, Brisbane |team1wp = Jarrett Commane (2–2) |team2lp = James Albury (0–4) |team1sp = |team1hr = Patrick Maat (2) |team2hr = }} :<nowiki>*</nowiki>—Scheduled as a 7–inning game {{hidden end}}
=== Statistical leaders === {{col-begin}} {{col-break}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+ Batting leaders |- ! style="width:5%;"| Stat ! style="width:30%;"| Player<ref name="season stats"/> ! style="width:5%;"| Total |- | AVG || Matthew Lawman <small>(VIC)</small> || .423 |- | HR || Michael Collins <small>(SA)</small> || 6 |- | RBI || Timothy Kennelly <small>(PER)</small> || 23 |- | R || Michael Lysaught <small>(NSW)</small> & {{nowrap|Scott Wearne <small>(VIC)</small>}} || 21 |- | H || Josh Davies <small>(VIC)</small> & {{nowrap|Timothy Kennelly <small>(PER)</small>}} || 34 |- | SB || David Washington <small>(SA)</small> || 12 |} {{col-break|gap=1em}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+ Pitching leaders |- ! style="width:5%;"| Stat ! style="width:30%;"| Player<ref name="season stats"/> ! style="width:5%;"| Total |- | W || Matthew Blackmore <small>(VIC)</small> || 6 |- | L || James Albury <small>(QLD)</small>, {{nowrap|Darren Fidge <small>(SA)</small>}} & {{nowrap|Simon Morriss <small>(QLD)</small>}} || 4 |- | ERA || Casey Jones <small>(VIC)</small> || 1.75 |- | K || Timothy Cox <small>(NSW)</small> || 46 |- | IP || Darren Fidge <small>(SA)</small> || 50 |- | SV || Lee Ingram <small>(NSW)</small> & {{nowrap|Matthew Rae <small>(NSW)</small>}} || 3 |} {{col-end}}
== Finals series == The finals series made use of the same structure as had been used in the 2009 season. The top three teams at the conclusion of the ten rounds of regular season games qualified. The second and third placed teams faced each other in a best-of-three series hosted by the second placed team. The winner of that series then faced the first placed team for a best of three series. South Australia hosted the New South Wales Patriots at Norwood Oval, Adelaide for the semi-final series, while the Victoria Aces hosted the championship series at La Trobe University, Melbourne.<ref name=schedule />
In the finals, the home team and away team alternated during each of the series. As a result, South Australia was officially the away team for game two of its series against New South Wales,<ref name=sf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/sf2.htm |title=South Australia vs New South Wales (Jan 30, 2010) |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |work=2010 Claxton Shield |date=30 January 2010 |accessdate=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206065356/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/sf2.htm |archivedate=6 December 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref> as was Victoria in game two of the championship series.<ref name=gf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gf2.htm |title=Victoria vs South Australia (Feb 06, 2010) |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |work=2010 Claxton Shield |date=6 February 2010 |accessdate=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206065142/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gf2.htm |archivedate=6 December 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>
South Australia came from behind in the semi-final series to win 2–1. New South Wales won game one 1–0 on the back of Timothy Auty's RBI-double, as well as Timothy Cox and Lee Ingram combining for a four-hit shutout.<ref name=sf1report /> Despite being outhit 10–6, South Australia won game two 3–2. Unusually, the winning run was scored in the top of the ninth inning without a safe hit being recorded.<ref name=sf2report /> Game three was won by South Australia 1–0, largely through the man of the match performance of Ryan Murphy; he pitched a complete game shutout, and scored the only run of the game on a solo home run to right field.<ref name=sf3report />
Despite splitting their regular season games 3–3,<ref>{{cite news | last=Petrie | first=Andrea | title=Victoria and South Australia battling for national supremacy | url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/victoria-and-south-australia-battling-for-national-supremacy-20100204-ng51.html | accessdate=21 September 2010 | newspaper=The Age | date=5 February 2010 | location=Melbourne }}</ref> Victoria swept South Australia in the championship series 2–0.<ref name="age gf"/> Despite taking an early lead in game one, South Australia was unable to hold on after allowing six runners to reach base resulting in three runs scoring in the fourth inning. Victoria held its 5–3 lead for the rest of the game through the pitching of Russell Spear and finals MVP Matthew Blackmore.<ref name=gf1report1 /> In game two, South Australia led for much of the game, but a costly error by Ben Wigmore in the sixth inning, hits from Andrew Russell, Paul Weichard, James Beresford and Matthew Lawman in the ninth, and a run-free pitching performance from Ross Hipke and Russell Spear in the final three innings allowed Victoria to come from behind two nights in a row to win 7–4, and claim the states' 22nd Claxton Shield title.<ref name=gf2 /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=48637&MenuID=Archive/369/0,2009_Library/21613/48573/0,History/21864/0/0 |title=Claxton Shield Trophy Winners |accessdate=22 May 2010 |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313143142/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/?Page=48637&MenuID=Archive%2F369%2F0%2C2009_Library%2F21613%2F48573%2F0%2CHistory%2F21864%2F0%2F0 |archivedate=13 March 2012 }}</ref>
=== Bracket === {{3TeamBracket | RD1 = Semi-final series | RD2 = Championship series | RD1-seed1 = 2 | RD1-team1 = '''South Australia''' | RD1-score1 = 2 | RD1-seed2 = 3 | RD1-team2 = New South Wales Patriots | RD1-score2 = 1 | RD2-seed1 = 1 | RD2-team1 = '''Victoria Aces''' | RD2-score1 = 2 | RD2-seed2 = {{nowrap|SF W}} | RD2-team2 = South Australia | RD2-score2 = 0 }}
=== Semi-final series === ==== Game 1 ==== The finals series started off with a pitcher's duel: both teams were held scoreless through the first six innings, with both New South Wales' Timothy Cox and South Australia's Paul Mildren holding their opposition to only three hits in that time. But in the seventh, Patrick Maat led off the inning for the Patriots with a base hit to centre field. He then advanced to second base on Andrew Graham's sacrifice bunt, and scored on Timothy Auty's double. Cox pitched 8 innings, giving up 4 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 9 batters to pick up the win. Lee Ingram came into the game for the ninth inning to close the game, picking up a strike out while retiring three hitters in a row to get the save.<ref name=sf1report>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62168 | title=SA lose heartbreaker to NSW in Game One of Semi-finals | last=Laidlaw | first=Robert | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | work=2010 Claxton Shield | date=29 January 2010 | accessdate=20 September 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313142935/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62168 | archive-date=13 March 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
{{linescore | team-width = 225 | Date = 29 January | Time = 19:05 (GMT+10:30) | Location = Norwood Oval, Adelaide | Road = '''New South Wales Patriots''' <small>(1–0)</small> | RoadAbr = NSW | Home = South Australia <small>(0–1)</small> | HomeAbr = SA | R1 = 0 | R2 = 0 | R3 = 0 | R4 = 0 | R5 = 0 | R6 = 0 | R7 = '''1''' | R8 = 0 | R9 = 0 | RR = 1 | RH = 6 | RE = 1 | H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 0 | H5 = 0 | H6 = 0 | H7 = 0 | H8 = 0 | H9 = 0 | HR = 0 | HH = 4 | HE = 0 | WP = Timothy Cox (1–0) | LP = Paul Mildren (0–1) | SV = Lee Ingram (1) | Attendance = 2,157 | BoxURL = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/sf1.htm }}
==== Game 2 ==== In another tight contest, South Australia snapped a streak of eight losing efforts in a row in finals games to New South Wales,<ref name=sf1report /> winning 3–2. South Australia opened the scoring in the top of the fifth. Ben Wigmore and Dan Wilson hit back–to–back singles, Mathew Smith grounded out to advance both. With two out, Jason Pospishil errored on Scott Gladstone's hit to second base, allowing both runners to score.<ref name=sf2report>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62183 | title=SA force decider | last=Laidlaw | first=Robert | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | work=2010 Claxton Shield | date=30 January 2010 | accessdate=31 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313142942/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62183 | archive-date=13 March 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Pospshil helped the Patriots to recover immediately in the bottom of the inning, with a single to lead off the inning. He then scored on Mark Holland's double to cut the deficit in half. In the eighth inning, New South Wales evened the game, with David Kandilas's infield hit driving in Patrick Maat. In the ninth however, South Australia regained the lead without a hit: two walks and two hit by pitches allowed Stefan Welch to score.<ref name=sf2report />
{{linescore | team-width = 225 | Date = 30 January | Time = 19:05 (GMT+10:30) | Location = Norwood Oval, Adelaide | Road = '''South Australia''' <small>(1–1)</small> | RoadAbr = SA | Home = New South Wales Patriots <small>(1–1)</small> | HomeAbr = NSW | R1 = 0 | R2 = 0 | R3 = 0 | R4 = 0 | R5 = '''2''' | R6 = 0 | R7 = 0 | R8 = 0 | R9 = '''1''' | RR = 3 | RH = 6 | RE = 0 | H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 0 | H5 = '''1''' | H6 = 0 | H7 = 0 | H8 = '''1''' | H9 = 0 | HR = 2 | HH = 10 | HE = 1 | WP = Darren Fidge (1–0) | LP = Wayne Lundgren (0–1) | SV = Hayden Beard (1) | Attendance = 2,119 | BoxURL = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/sf2.htm }}
==== Game 3 ==== Like the first two games of the semi-final series, the third and deciding game was also decided by one run. Ryan Murphy was named man of the match, after pitching a two–hit shutout, and hitting a solo home run in the second inning to score the only run in the game. Prior to the game, Murphy had not started on the mound in any game in the season, and had only pitched one and a third innings in one prior appearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/lgplyrs.htm |title=2009/2010 Claxton Shield –Individual Statistics (Overall) |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |work=2010 Claxton Shield |date=24 January 2010 |accessdate=20 September 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914172704/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/lgplyrs.htm |archivedate=14 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Michael Lysaught almost tied the game in the third inning with a solo home run of his own. Only Dan Wilson's catch from over the fence in right field prevented it.<ref name=sf3report>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62197 | title=Ryan Murphy does it all for SA | last=Laidlaw | first=Robert | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | work=2010 Claxton Shield | date=31 January 2010 | accessdate=7 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313143030/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62197 | archive-date=13 March 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
{{linescore | team-width = 225 | Date = 31 January | Time = 19:05 (GMT+10:30) | Location = Norwood Oval, Adelaide | Road = New South Wales Patriots <small>(1–2)</small> | RoadAbr = NSW | Home = '''South Australia''' <small>(2–1)</small> | HomeAbr = SA | R1 = 0 | R2 = 0 | R3 = 0 | R4 = 0 | R5 = 0 | R6 = 0 | R7 = 0 | R8 = 0 | R9 = 0 | RR = 0 | RH = 2 | RE = 0 | H1 = 0 | H2 = '''1''' | H3 = 0 | H4 = 0 | H5 = 0 | H6 = 0 | H7 = 0 | H8 = 0 | H9 = X | HR = 1 | HH = 7 | HE = 1 | WP = Ryan Murphy (1–0) | LP = Craig Anderson (0–1) | HomeHR = Ryan Murphy (1) | Attendance = 1,500 | BoxURL = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/sf3.htm }}
=== Championship series === ==== Game 1 ==== Baseball returned to La Trobe University for the Victoria Aces' home championship series, after having just the one game there during the regular season. Unlike the semi-final series, scoring started immediately in the championship series, with South Australia scoring in the top of the first inning: Jeremy Cresswell singled and then advanced to third when Stefan Welch reached on a throwing error by catcher Grant Karlsen. Michael Collins and Ryan Murphy each walked in consecutive plate appearances, advancing Cresswell to score the first run. Before the inning could be closed out, Welch scored on a wild pitch to extend South Australia's lead to two.<ref name=gf1report1>{{cite web | title=Victoria go one up in the Grand Final Series | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62386 | last=Laidlaw | first=Robert | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | work=2010 Claxton Shield | date=5 February 2010 | accessdate=20 September 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313143230/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62386 | archive-date=13 March 2012 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Brad Harman opened the scoring for Victoria in the second inning, with a first pitch solo home run to halve the deficit.<ref name=gf1report2>{{cite web | title=Harman, Blackmore turn it around for Aces | url=http://www.vicaces.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62387 | last=Collins | first=Kingsley | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | work=Victoria Aces | date=5 February 2010 | accessdate=20 September 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101935/http://www.vicaces.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62387 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Victoria tied the game up at 2–2 through back to back doubles in the third, first from Brett Tamburrino and followed by Andrew Russell to drive Tamburrino in. South Australia briefly regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning: Ben Wigmore lead off the inning with a walk, advanced to second on Mathew Smith's single, and scored on Scott Gladstone's double.<ref name=gf1report1 />
Gladstone's RBI-double was the final pitch for Adam Blackley, having scattered 4 hits over {{frac|3|1|3}} innings pitched, striking out 7 and allowing 3 runs, only 1 of which was earned. He was replaced by Matthew Blackmore, who pitched into the ninth inning, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 4 over 5 innings pitched. Neither starting pitcher pitched beyond the fourth inning, as South Australia's Paul Mildren was also replaced after {{frac|3|1|3}} innings, allowing 7 hits and 5 runs (4 earned), and striking out 3.<ref name=gf1>{{cite web|title=South Australia vs Victoria (Feb 05, 2010) |url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gf1.htm |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |work=2010 Claxton Shield |date=5 February 2010 |accessdate=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205104731/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gf1.htm |archivedate=5 December 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>
Victoria regained the lead permanently in the bottom of the fourth, and in the process drove Mildren from the game. James Beresford led off the inning with a walk, advanced to third on Matthew Lawman's double and scored on Elliott Biddle's single. Scott Wearne reached second on a throwing error by second baseman Smith, which also allowed Lawman to score. Tamburrino received a walk, followed by Russell being hit by a pitch which forced Biddle to score.<ref name=gf1report2 /> The hit batter resulted in Chris Lawson replacing Mildren on the mound. Like the other relievers in the game, Lawson did not allow a run to score over his {{frac|2|2|3}} innings pitched.<ref name=gf1 /> The 5–3 score at the end of the fourth inning would be maintained for the rest of the game. Russell Spear entered the game in the ninth inning to close the game for Victoria, earning the save.<ref name=gf1report2 /> Blackmore was credited with the win, while Mildren was charged with the loss for South Australia.<ref name=gf1 />
{{linescore | team-width = 225 | Date = 5 February | Time = 19:35 (GMT+11) | Location = La Trobe University, Melbourne | Road = South Australia <small>(0–1)</small> | RoadAbr = SA | Home = '''Victoria Aces''' <small>(1–0)</small> | HomeAbr = VIC | R1 = '''2''' | R2 = 0 | R3 = 0 | R4 = '''1''' | R5 = 0 | R6 = 0 | R7 = 0 | R8 = 0 | R9 = 0 | RR = 3 | RH = 5 | RE = 2 | H1 = 0 | H2 = '''1''' | H3 = '''1''' | H4 = '''3''' | H5 = 0 | H6 = 0 | H7 = 0 | H8 = 0 | H9 = X | HR = 5 | HH = 7 | HE = 2 | WP = Matthew Blackmore (1–0) | LP = Paul Mildren (0–1) | SV = Russell Spear (1) | HomeHR = Brad Harman (1) | BoxURL = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gf1.htm }}
==== Game 2 ==== The second game of the series started in even fashion: both sides were retired in order in the first inning, and each got runners into scoring position without actually scoring in the second.<ref name=gf2/> The games' first run came in the third inning, and for the fourth time in the 2010 postseason a run was driven in by a walk. Tristan McDonald led off the inning with a single to center field. He advanced to second on Brett Tamburrino's single to right field, to third when Andrew Russell was hit by a pitch, then scored when Paul Weichard drew a walk. South Australia tied the score again in the fourth inning. Ben Wigmore walked to lead off the inning, and advanced to second when Dan Wilson ground out to first base. Wigmore then scored on Mathew Smith's single.<ref name=gf2report2>{{cite web | last=Collins | first=Kingsley | title=Aces wrap it up in two | url=http://www.vicaces.baseball.com.au/?page=62431 | work=Victoria Aces | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | accessdate=20 September 2010 | date=6 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101941/http://www.vicaces.baseball.com.au/?page=62431 | archive-date=6 July 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Victoria immediately regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Tamburrino singled, and then advanced to third on Russell's own base hit. Weichard hit a deep fly ball to center field, allowing Tamburrino to score on the sacrifice fly. However South Australia took the lead for the first time in the game in the bottom of the inning, when Shane Lindsay—pitching in relief of Adam Bright, who'd struck out 5 and allowed 5 hits, 1 walk and 1 run over 4 innings pitched—walked David Washington and Jeremy Cresswell, before giving up a home run to Michael Collins to take the score to 4–2.<ref name=gf2report2 /> After the home run Lindsay, Ross Hipke and Russell Spear would combine to keep South Australia from scoring again in the game.<ref name=gf2 />
That lead was halved in the sixth through an unearned run. Elliot Biddle got on through an infield hit, and then advanced to third when Ben Wigmore dropped a fly ball in center field off the bat of Hayden Dingle. This allowed Tristan McDonald to drive Wigmore in on a sacrifice fly. Richard Bartlett entered the game to pitch for South Australia in the seventh inning, but was unable to hold on to the one-run lead he was given, allowing the tying run to score in the eighth when he walked McDonald and gave up an RBI-double to Scott Wearne.<ref name=gf2 />
James Beresford drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning in the form of Paul Weichard after he and Andrew Russell hit back to back infield singles. Hayden Beard was brought in by South Australia to try to stop the flow of runs, but gave up a two run-double to Matthew Lawman to take Victoria to a 7–4 lead.<ref name="age gf">{{cite news | last=McNicol | first=Adam | title=Victoria snares 17th title with late charge | url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/victoria-snares-17th-title-with-late-charge-20100207-nk39.html | accessdate=21 September 2010 | newspaper=The Age | date=7 February 2010 | location=Melbourne }}</ref> Russell Spear entered the game for Victoria as closer for the second night in a row, and despite giving up two hits was able to keep South Australia scoreless to earn a second save.<ref name=gf2report2 />
{{linescore | team-width = 225 | Date = 6 February | Time = 19:35 (GMT+11) | Location = La Trobe University, Melbourne | Road = '''Victoria Aces''' <small>(2–0)</small> | RoadAbr = VIC | Home = South Australia <small>(0–2)</small> | HomeAbr = SA | R1 = 0 | R2 = 0 | R3 = '''1''' | R4 = 0 | R5 = '''1''' | R6 = '''1''' | R7 = 0 | R8 = '''1''' | R9 = '''3''' | RR = 7 | RH = 13 | RE = 1 | H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = '''1''' | H5 = '''3''' | H6 = 0 | H7 = 0 | H8 = 0 | H9 = 0 | HR = 4 | HH = 8 | HE = 2 | WP = Ross Hipke (1–0) | LP = Richard Bartlett (0–1) | SV = Russell Spear (2) | HomeHR = Michael Collins (1) | BoxURL = http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/gf2.htm }}
== Awards == At the conclusion of the finals series, the winner of two awards were announced. Matthew Blackmore won both the Pitcher of the Year award and the Finals Series MVP award.<ref name="finals awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.vicaces.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62431 |title=Aces wrap it up in two |date=6 February 2010 |access-date=15 February 2010 |last=Collins |first=Kingsley |publisher=Baseball Victoria |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101733/http://www.vicaces.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=62431 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref> At the Baseball Australia Diamond Awards, held on 6 March at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Adelaide, Wayne Lundgren was announced as the 35th winner of the Helms Award; the Claxton Shield's Most Valuable Player award. Lundgren was the first pitcher to win since 1986. Runners-up by two votes were Paul Mildren and Michael Collins.<ref name=helms>{{cite web | url=http://baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=63319 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710025123/http://baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=63319 | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 July 2012 | title=Wayne Lundgren named 2010 Helms Award winner | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | format=PDF | date=1 April 2010 | access-date=1 March 2010 }}</ref>
== References == <references>
<ref name="abl faq">{{cite web|url=http://www.geelongassociation.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/geelongassociation/downloads/ABL_Basic_Player_Information.pdf |title=Australian Baseball League – Player Information and Frequently Asked Questions |format=PDF |last=Foster |first=Ben |publisher=Australian Baseball League |date=25 August 2009 |access-date=27 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101916/http://www.geelongassociation.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/geelongassociation/downloads/ABL_Basic_Player_Information.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref> <ref name=schedule>{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59314 | title=2010 Claxton Shield Game Schedule | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | year=2009 | access-date=8 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114053819/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=59314 | archive-date=14 November 2009 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> <ref name="results and standings">{{cite web|url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=60882 |title=Results and Standings |access-date=24 January 2010 |publisher=Australian Baseball Federation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205102706/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=60882 |archive-date=December 5, 2010 }}</ref> <ref name="f&d round 7">{{cite web|title=Week 7 Series (Claxton Shield 2010 - Table & Results)|url=http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S7.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131055646/http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S7.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=31 January 2013|publisher=Flintoff & Dunn's Australian Major League Baseball|access-date=11 July 2010}}</ref> <ref name="f&d round 8">{{cite web|title=Week 8 Series (Claxton Shield 2010 - Table & Results)|url=http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S8.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204015309/http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S8.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=4 February 2010|publisher=Flintoff & Dunn's Australian Major League Baseball|access-date=11 July 2010}}</ref> <ref name="f&d round 9">{{cite web|title=Week 9 Series (Claxton Shield 2010 - Table & Results)|url=http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S9.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204015022/http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S9.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=4 February 2010|publisher=Flintoff & Dunn's Australian Major League Baseball|access-date=11 July 2010}}</ref> <ref name="f&d round 10">{{cite web|title=Week 10 Series (Claxton Shield 2010 - Table & Results)|url=http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S10.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202221536/http://www.pflintoff.com/CLAXT10/CLAX-S10.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2 February 2010|publisher=Flintoff & Dunn's Australian Major League Baseball|access-date=11 July 2010}}</ref> <ref name="season stats">{{cite web | url=http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/lgldrs.htm | title=2009/2010 Claxton Shield - Individual Statistics | date=24 January 2010 | access-date=24 January 2010 | publisher=Australian Baseball Federation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103083507/http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/claxtonshield/downloads/Statistics/lgldrs.htm | archive-date=3 January 2010 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
</references>
== External links == *[http://www.claxtonshield.baseball.com.au/ 2010 Claxton Shield] – Official Tournament Website *[http://www.baseball.com.au/ Official Baseball Australia Website]
{{Claxton Shield}}
{{good article}}
Category:Claxton Shield Category:January 2010 sports events in Australia Category:February 2010 sports events in Australia Category:November 2009 sports events in Australia Category:December 2009 sports events in Australia Category:2010 in Australian sport Category:2010 in baseball