The Ballarat Royals hopes for a final appearance are looking more and more unlikely following a demoralising outing, going down 17-0 to the East Belmont Saints in a rain-shortened outing.
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The Royals headed to East Belmont needing a victory to help buoy its hopes for a post-season appearance in 2019.
The game was always going to be a challenge for Ballarat, who had not beaten the Saints once in the teams three meetings this season.
East Belmont started the game in hot form as pitcher Cody Anderson tore through Ballarat's opening lineup, sending the Royals out to field without giving up a single hit.
It was at the bottom of the first innings where the Saints did its damage, driving in 10 runs off Ballarat pitcher Brendan Robinson.
Heading back to the plate at the top of the second innings the Royals struggles continued as they once again failed to register a hit against Anderson. The pitcher would ultimately finish the game without giving up a hit.
Following numerous breaks to the game, the contest was eventually ended after the third innings with East Belmont coming away with an impressive 17-0 victory.
The Royals do still hold onto a slim mathematical chance to qualify for finals, needing big victories over Lara and Deakin at home across the final two weeks.
Ballarat has won two of its three outings against Lara and its two match-ups against Deakin this season.
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