After a tough week, Auckland Tuatara finally have something to smile about, notching their first win of the season against the Perth Heat at North Harbour Stadium.
Slugger Jared Walker led the way, as they beat the Heat 5-2 in game three of their Australian Baseball League series.
Walker's second-inning home run gave Auckland the spark they needed to claim their first win over Perth in seven attempts.
Victory gives the Tuatara a reason to celebrate, as the team continue to mourn the tragic death of infielder Ryan Costello, who passed away in his sleep earlier this week.
On top of that, Auckland have struggled against Perth, only scoring one run in their first two games of this four-game series.
After Walker put the Tuatara in front, Perth responded with a two-run home run at the top of the third to go in front 2-1.
But Auckland hit back at the bottom of the third, scoring three runs to lead 4-2.
Auckland added one more run in the fourth for a 5-2 result.
The fourth and final game of the series is on Sunday, with the Tuatara chasing a split, after falling behind 2-0.
Josh Collmenter has been named as the starting pitcher for Auckland. Perth has not confirmed its game-four starter.
