The Bristol Badgers overwhelmed the Bristol Bats 18-2 in the first derby match of the 2017 SWBL (South West Baseball League) season.

After scoring first, and despite the Bats keeping it tight early, runs flowed freely in the 5th and 6th innings giving the Badgers an unassailable lead.

The Badgers game was built around an MVP performance from short stop Nils Eliasson who had three hits including a double, three RBIs and was involved in one of the two double plays.

The Badgers also benefitted from a strong pitching performance from Deivydas Trinkunas and a lack of errors while the Bats suffered from the late withdrawl of their scheduled starting pitcher, Ben Smith, due to injury.

“It was a good performance from us on the day and gives us hope going forward,” said Tom Hollies, the manager of the victorious Badgers. “There was great pitching, 10 stolen bases and we made only one error in the field.”

For the Bats, it was a big disappointment after their victory over the Taunton Muskets the previous Sunday. Ashley Pooley was awarded the team’s MVP for some sterling defensive work in left field and a solid performance with the bat including a double to centre field.

“We are disappointed that we couldn’t carry on our level of performance from the previous week,” said Bats manager Billy Vickery. “The Badgers were just too strong for us on the day but we will be working hard to improve for our next game.”

This coming Sunday (21st May) the Badgers host the Taunton Muskets at Somerdale Pavilion while the Bats travel down the M5 to take on the Taunton Musketeers. Both matches start at 12 noon and spectators are welcome.