Ferrebus’ Late Homer, 16 Strikeouts Sink Bandits in 6–1 Loss to Giants

ADELAIDE, Australia — Adelaide used timely hitting and dominant pitching to hand the Brisbane Bandits a 6–1 loss on Friday night, opening their series with a controlled performance at Dicolor Australia Stadium.

The Giants broke a scoreless tie in the third inning when Yusei Ishizuka came around to score, then doubled their advantage in the fifth on an RBI double from Nick Ward, who finished with two hits and knocked in a run. Adelaide added separation in the seventh, striking for three runs with two outs, punctuated by a three-run homer from catcher Alirio Ferrebus off Ryo Kohigashi to make it 5–0.

The Bandits managed just four hits and went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, scoring their lone run in the eighth when Noah Barber drew a bases-loaded walk. Brisbane striking out 16 times and grounding into four double plays proved costly in a game where scoring opportunities were scarce.

Max Durrington provided the bulk of Brisbane’s offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base, while Robbie Perkins went 2-for-3 with a walk. The rest of the lineup managed no hits, including four strikeouts from Sohoo Ham and three from George Callil, who also committed a throwing error.

Adelaide starter Jack O’Loughlin set the tone with four scoreless innings and eight strikeouts, but it was reliever Giussepe Velasquez (1–0) who earned the win after three shutout innings with four strikeouts. The Adelaide staff combined to walk just three while piling up 16 strikeouts.

Brisbane starter Matt Beattie (0–1) allowed one run over 2.2 innings while issuing three walks. Brisbane relievers struggled with command, walking three and hitting two batters as Adelaide produced five two-out RBIs.

Drew Davies, Ward and Cameron Tilly each had doubles for Adelaide, while Devin Saltiban reached base twice, scored a run and stole a pair of bases.

The loss dropped the Bandits to 5–7, while Adelaide improved to 5–6. The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 3:30 p.m., with game two to follow. Fans can tune in to all the action on Baseball + and fans in Japan and Taiwan can watch the ABL on DAZN Japan.