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Perth Heat opponents don’t want to make Niko “the Hulk” Hulsizer angry

Russell ReidThe West Australian
Big hit: Tampa Bay recruit Niko Hulsizer.
Camera IconBig hit: Tampa Bay recruit Niko Hulsizer. Credit: Michael Farnell / Sports Imagery

Niko “the Hulk” Hulsizer has made a big impression in his short time with ABL club Perth Heat.

Tampa Bay Rays recruit Hulsizer has been one of the catalysts for Southwest Division leaders and will be out to build on that promising start against the Adelaide Giants at Perth Harley Davidson Ballpark over the weekend.

Hulsizer opened in dynamic fashion with a home run in game one of Perth’s 3-1 series win against Auckland Tuatara last month.

The 22-year-old from Mohnton, Pennsylvania, built on that explosive opening in the Heat’s 3-1 win over Canberra Cavalry and split series against Melbourne Aces.

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Hulsizer’s blistering form peaked in game one against Geelong-Korea last Thursday, stamping the precocious talent as one of the league’s most exciting prospects.

With four hits from as many at bats, Hulsizer scored four runs, one a towering home run that was key in the Heat’s 12-9 win over Geelong.

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His booming hit in the third inning was timely with Perth trailing 5-0, the Heat adding nine unanswered runs in the next three innings to set up victory.

Describing his early form as “great”, Hulsizer said starting well had been a priority with the Heat.

“I’ve gotten to play in new areas of the world I’ve never played before,” Hulsizer said. “I did open with a homer in Auckland and it definitely got the pressure out of the way. Better to hit the first run sooner rather than later.”

Hulsizer said lining up in the same team as World Series champion Pete Kozma at Perth had been a bonus.

“Pete has the recipe for success and how to stay in this game for a while,” he said.

“Whenever you have the opportunity to take the field on a daily basis with someone like him, you should watch and study their game.

“He’s an amazing team guy with so much knowledge of the game that he is so willing to share.”

Hulsizer said signing for the ABL’s most successful franchise with six Tampa Bay teammates had been simple.

“Coming with other Tampa Bay players and staff has made it a lot easier transition,” he said. “Hearing about the club’s prior success really made the decision easier.”

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