The Australian Baseball League (ABL) is about eight games into the 2024 season. All teams have just finished their second series. At this point, all the teams have relatively similar records. The difference between the top and bottom teams in the standings is just two games.
Sydney Blue Sox Are Better Than Their Record
Currently, the Sydney Blue Sox have the best record, boasting a record of five and three. However, the Blue Sox have been far more dominant than their record shows. The Blue Sox have scored the most runs in this young season, scoring 40 runs in just eight games. Additionally, the Blue Sox have given up the least runs per game, leading to the Blue Sox having by far the best run differential in the league. Moreover, because of the Blue Sox dominant start, the Sydney ball club has the best expected record this season. This hot start for the Blue Sox, who had the worst record in the league last year, is no fluke. The Blue Sox should be considered the favorites in the ABL right now.
Perth Heat Are Pretenders
The Perth Heat are far worse than their record shows. Perth has scored the least number of runs in the ABL season and has given up the most runs. The Heat currently have a staggering run differential of negative 14, just eight games into the season. However, despite these terrible team statistics, the Heat have found ways to win baseball games. The Perth ball club currently sits in second place in the ABL, standing with a record of four and four. However, do not buy into the Heat’s success. Their good luck will most likely run out soon. The Heat have the worst expected record in the league, a fair assessment based on their early performances in the 2024 season.
The Aces’ Two-Headed Monster Dominating ABL
The Melbourne Aces are the most exciting team in the ABL to watch hit the baseball. The Aces have the two best power hitters in the ABL: Greg Bird and Arturo Disla. Bird and Disla have nearly identical statistics at the plate. The Aces two-headed monster have 24 total bases, four home runs, and eight RBIs. Bird and Disla are the ABL co-leaders in all three of these statistical categories. Disla has been the slightly more consistent hitter for the Aces this season, leading the ABL in total hits with 12 hits in eight games. If the Aces want to contend this season in the ABL, the Melbourne team will need to get production at the plate out of players other than Bird and Disla.
Fans can watch the ABL on Baseball+ all season.
