Brisbane baseball challenge awaits

IPSWICH Musketeers early season good form faces its toughest test yet on Sunday.

The Muskets have a bye tonight before travelling to the coast to take on reigning Brisbane Major League champions Surfers Paradise on Sunday.

Adding to the challenge is they do so without star hitter Josh Roberts, while first baseman Steven Bayliss remains injured and pitcher Dean Jones has not played a game so far this season due to illness.

That comes on top of the loss of key players Shayne Watson, Aven Fletcher and Sam McNeice from last season.

Despite that, Musketeers take confidence into the game that comes from sitting second on the Greater Brisbane A grade ladder, with three wins from five games.

“To be in that position at the moment is very pleasing because we have lost a couple of bats and a very good pitcher,” Musketeers catcher Michael Bozhoff said.

Bozhoff believes the Muskets must get some runs on the board early on against Surfers.

“Surfers have usually got strong pitchers and pretty awesome offence,” he said.

“Trying to get on top of that early is the key.

“If we do the little things right in the field and make the plays, it gives us a chance.”

Bozhoff believes the team is benefitting from a relaxed approach to games this season.

“Some young guys have stepped up and some new guys have produced big plays at big times,” he said.