One of the tightest competitions in recent years is currently underway in the Bendigo Baseball Association.
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The league is now up to round 13, with four more to play in the regular season, which has seen Bendigo East excel to the top of the ladder.
Bendigo East has performed week in week out to lead the A-grade division ladder.
However, the high-flying Falcons trail by just one game followed by the Dodgers and the Scots.
Bendigo East will strive to continue the top form as they have not won an A-grade title for 23 years.
"This year, they seem to have the recipe for success, with a well balanced side that is playing percentage baseball and is being well managed by Kerrin Smith," Bendigo Baseball's Terry Smith said.
Bendigo East currently has an 8-3 record on 14 points at 0.643 per cent ahead of their game with the Falcons this Sunday at Quarry Hill.
Strathfieldsaye Dodgers have also proved they are top contenders for the 2019 title.
One of the team's biggest assets has been the right arm of pitcher Billy Parsons - who surprised the league with a move from the Scots to the Dodgers at the start of the season.
"On his day, Parsons can be almost unhittable, combining a blazing fastball, with a sharp over hand curve with superb control of both," Smith said.
Dodgers currently have a 6-5 record on 12 points at 0.607 per cent ahead of their game with the Scots at Strathfieldsaye.
The Falcons will aim to knock off top squad Bendigo East this weekend to put themselves in prime position to secure the top spot in the final round.
If they can secure a win over Bendigo East on Sunday it will give them a highly valuable double chance in the finals.
The Falcons have not missed a grand final appearance since 1999, but will need to be more consistent in the coming rounds to ensure they make it to the big show in 2019.
"Last round against the Dodgers, they proved they are still capable of performing when it matters, with a 9-7 win," Smith said.
The Scots have not had the best season to date.
After winning the previous five grand finals, the team finds itself on the bottom of the ladder with only one victory with a 1-10 record, on 2 points at 0.204%.
"Unfortunately the team suffered a number of retirements, injuries and the unavailability of players before the season began, and did not have the depth to replace them," Smith said.
However, they will be eager to improve their record in the last few matches to have some impact on the final stand sings.
DIV 1 LADDER
- Bendigo East (8-3), 14 points, 0.643%
- Falcons (7-4), 14 points, 0.561%
- Dodgers (6-5), 12 points, 0.607%
- Scots (1-10). 2 points, 0.204 %
Round 13 Fixture
Bendigo East v Falcons - Quarry Hill 2.30pm
Dodgers v Scots - Strathfieldsaye 2.30pm
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