BASEBALL
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Illawarra baseball's dominant clubs over the past decade, Berkeley Eagles and Wests Cardinals, take contrasting form into Saturday's round-nine clash at Eagles Field.
Defending premiers Cardinals look formidable as they chase a fifth title in seven years, while after missing the semi-finals in 2013, Eagles have only the one win this campaign.
Eagles won seven top-grade premierships between 1998 and 2010, but the past couple of seasons have been a struggle.
Last weekend, Berkeley were well beaten 11-3 by Dapto Chiefs, while Cards thrashed Kiama Braves 10-1.
Berkeley and Kiama will likely battle for fourth spot this season, while Cardinals, Chiefs and unbeaten leaders Northern Pirates fight over the top two positions rewarded with a semi-final double chance.
Eagles need a win to build confidence, while Cards cannot afford to drop ground to Chiefs and Pirates if they want a prized top-two spot in the play-offs.
In Saturday's other games, Braves host Pirates at Gainsborough Oval, while Shoalhaven Mariners welcome Chiefs to IBL Field.
Pirates are coming off a 7-1 win over an error-riddled Mariners, with Pirates starting pitching Brendan Lower throwing a no-hitter into the sixth innings.
Saturday's first-grade games are from 2pm, with second grade at 11.45am and third grade at 9.30am.
ILLAWARRA BASEBALL
ROUND 9 (2pm)
Eagles v Cardinals at Eagles Field
Mariners v Chiefs at IBL Field
Braves v Pirates at Gainsborough Oval