The Australian Baseball League (ABL) regular season is nearing the half point, and the Sydney Blue Sox continue to look like the most dominant team in the league. The second-place Melbourne Aces seem to be the only team that can go toe-to-toe with the Blue Sox. The Aces currently sit in second place in the standings; however, many teams are right on their heels. The Brisbane Bandits look to be a lost cause this season, sitting in last place with a four-and-eleven record.
Disla is the impetus of the Ace’s offense
Arturo Disla has continued to be the strongest hitter in the ABL, boasting an impressive batting average of .400. Disla hails from the Dominican Republic and currently attends Wayland Baptist College in Wayland Baptist, Texas. The 24-year-old right-handed hitter has a league-leading six home runs and 22 hits. Additionally, Disla is leading the ABL in total bases with 43. Disla is the impetus of the Aces offense. Currently, the Aces sit in second place in the ABL standings but are only two games in front of the fifth place Perth Heat. For the Aces to extend their lead over the teams in the middle of the pack, Disla will need to continue to provide at the plate for the Aces in a major way.
Sydney Blue Sox continue to dominate
The Sydney Blue Sox continue to look like the best team in ABL. The Blue Sox have had the best record in the league the whole season. Over the last ten games, the Blue Sox have continued their dominance, going eight and two. The Blue Sox have already matched their win total in 2023, and we are not even halfway through the 2024 regular season. The Sydney ball club has scored more runs than any team this season, scoring 76 runs in just 15 games. Additionally, the Blue Sox have given up the least amount of runs, only conceding 55 runs this season. There are a plethora of hitters contributing to the Blue Sox’s strong offense. The Blue Sox have a batting average of .296 as a team and an OBP of .350. On the mound, the Blue Sox have a league-best 2.83 ERA and a WHIP of 1.23. The Blue Sox have been the best ABL team in all facets of the game and will likely finish the regular season with the best record.
Tyler Beardsley is the ABL’s best closer
The Perth Heat have been struggling lately, currently sitting in fifth place and losing their last four games. However, the Perth ball club has a weapon that no other team has in the ABL: a consistently dominant closer. Tyler Beardsley has been exceptional for the Heat in finishing games, leading the ABL with four successful saves. Beardsley has a 2.00 ERA in nine innings of work. With the Heat currently sitting in fifth place but only two games behind the second-place Aces, the Heat have a great opportunity to climb the standings. If the Heat can consistently put Beardsley in save opportunity positions, the Heat will find themselves near the top of the standings.
ABL Standings
Sydney Blue Sox – 11-4
Melbourne Aces – 8-6
Adelaide Giants – 8-8
Canberra Cavalry – 8-8
Perth Heat – 7-9
Brisbane Bandits – 4-11
Upcoming ABL Schedule
Dec. 11th
Melbourne Aces @ Adelaide Giants
Dec. 12th
Melbourne Aces @ Adelaide Giants
Brisbane Bandits @ Sydney Blue Sox
Canberra Cavalry @ Perth Heat
Fans can watch the ABL all season on baseball+.
