The Brewers overcame a sluggish start to record a 13-9 victory in the final Victorian Summer Baseball League division three match before the Christmas break.

Both teams struck the ball sweetly for the majority of the day as hot and

humid conditions proved to be a challenge for the pitching staff.

Ricky Eustace rebounded from a mediocre start, which included several free passes, to finish the match with a no decision after six innings. 

The Rebels signalled their intent by jumping out to an early 4-1 lead before Brewers 300-game veteran Hamish Burrows sparked Ballarat into a six-run fourth innings for an 8-4 lead.

Mulgrave took the lead in the seventh inning, before the Brew Crew responded in style to score runs in the next two before closing the match out in the top of the ninth with some tight defence.

Now facing a four-week break, the Brewers remain in first position on the ladder with a 9-2 record, with Ormond-Glenhuntly Hunters second on an identical record, while Chelsea Dolphins remain dangerous in third.

Ballarat will continue to train and prepare for the back end of the season as they aim to finish in the top-two for a double chance in the finals. 

The first game after the break promises to be the most important of the season, with Ormond-Glenhuntly waiting.

Meanwhile, Ballarat’s seconds secured a 33-0 win over Mulgrave, while the thirds ground out a 16-6 win over Geelong.

Ballarat City 0 1 1 6 0 3 1 1 (13)

Mulgrave 2 0 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 (9)

Safe hits: 13, Leigh Ashmore 5, George Davidson 3, Ethan Etheridge 2, Scott Kerr 2, George Psimaris 2, Hamish Burrows 1, Hayden 1, Brent Jacobsson 1, Zach Harris 1.

Ballarat City 1 11 14 1 6 (33)

Mulgrave 0 0 0 0 (0)

Safe hits: 32, James Elford 6, Darren Mewitt 4, Jordon Orr 4, Dan Hamilton 4, Adam Myles 4, Dave Myers 3, Alan Jones 3, Steve Kugele 2, Greg Ashmore 2.

Ballarat City 3 0 0 7 1 5 (16)

Geelong 0 0 0 2 3 1 (6)

Safe hits: 16, Scott Jones 4, Anthony Perkins 3, Kellan Drever 2, David Young 2, Tim Pettie 1, James Elford 1, Damian Woolley 1.