THE confidence levels in the Williamstown Wolves ranks went sky-high after their spectacular 33-2 victory over Footscray on Saturday.
The win sends a warning to their Baseball Victoria division 2 semi-finals opponents Werribee for the Thursday clash.
The Wolves got off to a slow start against a struggling Footscray but never looked back once they got going.
Coach David Simpson said his side put on a "fantastic all-round performance" in a "great season so far" for the club.
"We started slowly but went bang, bang, bang ... through the entire batting line-up six times, which is unheard of at this level," Simpson said.
"Footscray have had a tough couple of years and they struggle a bit with their pitching, which showed on Saturday, but from our side it was pleasing to see us batting well and we're in good form leading into the finals.
"We were able to give guys who haven't played much recently some game time, which is great as everyone's set and ready to go against Werribee."
Looking ahead to Thursday's semi-final, Simpson said his team could match the high-flying Werribee "pound for pound", and added he was "looking forward to the challenge" of trying to overcome such a "difficult opponent".
"Werribee's coach Earl Byrne is a former teammate of
mine. He has a great baseball mentality and has put together a strong team which deserved to finish
on top of the ladder," Simpson said.
"I think we are on par with them
... we'll definitely come out all guns blazing."
Simpson will count on experienced players Justin Charles and Ben Burke, who, he hopes, will show "good leadership".
"Justin has been away from baseball for about five years so he's like a kid in a lollyshop ... he's so excited to be playing finals baseball," Simpson said.
"He has worked so hard at training and shown great leadership and Ben Burke has done the same since being signed from Port Melbourne.
"Both players have been fantastic and I expect them to step up for us and put on a big performance."
The semi-final kicks off at the Altona Baseball Centre this Thursday at 7pm.