The Adelaide Giants have officially punched their ticket to the ABL Championship Series, delivering a composed and professional 4–0 shutout win over the Perth Heat on Friday night in Adelaide.
With a place in the Australian Baseball League’s biggest series on the line, the Giants produced one of their most complete performances of the season, leaning on elite pitching, timely offence and trademark defensive discipline to close out the Heat and set up a title showdown with the Sydney Blue Sox next week.
Josh Hendrickson Leads Dominant Giants Pitching Display
The tone was set early by Adelaide starter Josh Hendrickson, who was in complete control across six shutout innings. The right-hander scattered four hits, struck out seven and did not issue a walk, consistently attacking the strike zone and preventing Perth from building any momentum.
Perth had opportunities to apply pressure but could not capitalise, finishing the night hitless with runners in scoring position and managing just four hits from 32 at-bats. Hendrickson’s command and efficiency laid the platform for a flawless bullpen effort, with Camron Hill, Cooper Morgan and Danyony Pulido combining for three perfect innings to seal the shutout.
Timely Hitting Books Giants’ Place in the Big Dance
Offensively, Adelaide did exactly what was required in key moments. The Giants opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning when Devin Salitiban lined a single to left field, allowing Drew Davies to score after advancing on a Nick Ward hit.
The decisive moment came two innings later as Jose Colmenares continued his outstanding late-season form. With runners aboard, Colmenares ripped a triple to right field, driving in two runs and opening up the game. The veteran finished the night with two RBIs and once again proved to be one of the hottest bats in the Adelaide lineup at the perfect time of year.
Moments later, Robbie Glendinning added further insurance with a sharp RBI single, bringing Colmenares home and extending the lead to 4–0. From there, the Giants’ pitching staff took complete control, ensuring Perth never threatened a comeback.
Momentum Building Ahead of Championship Series
Adelaide finished with eight hits and four walks, consistently applying pressure while remaining calm and clinical in execution. While it was a true team performance, the Giants’ ability to deliver in high-leverage moments stood out and reflected a group well prepared for the intensity of finals baseball.
For Perth, starter Gary Grosjean battled through six innings but received little offensive support as the Heat lineup was neutralised by a Giants staff operating at peak efficiency.
The result confirms Adelaide’s place in next week’s ABL Championship Series, where they will face Sydney with momentum, confidence and a pitching group firing on all cylinders. On Friday night in Adelaide, the Giants sent a clear message, they are ready for the biggest stage in Australian baseball.