James Beresford snaps tie to seal shield victory

James Beresford was a star pitcher in Victoria's Claxton Shield win over South Australia. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

Beresford's run-scoring single snapped a 4-4 tie to give Victoria a lead that outfielder Matthew Lawman added to with a two-run single to give Victoria a 7-4 win.

Closer Russell Spear collected his second save of the final as he closed the door on any thoughts of a SA comeback.

It gave Victoria its 23rd Claxton Shield, a victory manager Phil Dale, one of the most decorated players-managers in the country, rated as one of his greatest moments in the game.

Just when it appeared Michael Collins' three-run homer, which catapulted South Australia to a 4-2 lead, in the fifth would send the Claxton Shield into a decider, Victoria slowly, but surely mounted its comeback.

The rally was assisted by a defensive error by South Australia which paved the way for Victoria to level the scores at 4-4 in the eighth.

Victoria seized on that momentum when Andrew Russell led off the ninth with a single and then Paul Weichard legged out an infield hit.

Beresford, a professional with Minnesota Twins, came to the plate with one out and runners on first and second, and responded to the pressure situation with a clutch hit.

Lawman provided the necessary insurance with his two-run single.

While Victoria's offence cranked up when needed, the pitching from starter Adam Bright and relievers Shane Lindsay, Ross Hipske and Spear proved just as telling.

Bright pitched his way out of jams in the second and third inning, but he was not so fortunate in the fourth. He surrendered a two-out run scoring double to SA infielder Mathew Smith to knot the score 1-1.

But the left hander, who struck out five, provided just the foundation Victoria required.

Victoria posted the first run when Tristan McDonald and Brett Tamburino singled and Russell was hit by a pitch to bring Weichard to the plate with just one out in the third.

Weichard drew a walk to push a run across the plate, but Victoria was unable to capitalise with any further runs.

Tamburino provided the impetus for Victoria to regain the lead when he led off the fifth with a single and scored on Weichard's sacrifice fly.

Collins blast gave the visitors a 4-2 lead.

When SA's David Washington muffed a fly ball from Scott Wearne in the eighth it allowed Victoria to level.