![]() Adam Bright didn't get the win, but his Aces did on Friday night. (Brett Crockford / SMP Images)
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With a typical Melbourne downpour hitting the Ballpark in the fourth inning, many fans were wondering how opening night would play out, with the Aces already having had one washed out home opener in the first three years of the competition.
The Aces took an early lead in the second when Darryl George was able to work a long count to his advantage, drawing a walk before lead-off hitter Aaron Sayers drove a single up the centre to bring George home from third.
The advantage should have been greater, with the Aces twice working themselves into a situation with men in scoring position, yet the rain mixed with heavy winds made hitting nearly impossible on a night where the sides combined for just nine hits.
Aces starter Adam Bright was perfect through three innings, with his come-backer grab in the second showcasing his ability in the field.
With pitching being the order of the day in the early stages it was a throwing error from George that knotted the scores at one, allowing Nathan Melendres to score.
Fan favourite Bubbie Buzachero came on in relief after Bright's solid five innings of work, allowing a walk while striking out two in two innings of work.
While the Aces never look like trailing, the nerves increased as the game prolonged, with hero Biddle emphasising that as he spoke post-game.
"I was willing Sayers to get to third [Sayers hit a lead-off double in the bottom of the ninth], but by the time I came to the plate I wasn't worried about the numbers on the scoreboard." Manager Phil Dale was full of praise for Biddle along with many of the younger Aces players for the discipline they showed at the plate. "He [Biddle] had some great at bats tonight, you don't want guys to take pitches and go down looking, it's great that they're all out there and trying to do things, they'll get better." The Aces are back in action at 5.05 on Saturday afternoon for game two of the series against the Bite.
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