The Badgers and the Bats both swept their rivals at the weekend to keep up their hopes of qualifying for the postseason playoffs.
The Badgers went down 3-0 early in the first game of their AAA double header against Herts Cardinals but fought back strongly to win 14-10.
Home runs from Mattia Papini and John Brownlee led the way as the Badgers showed lots of discipline at the plate to earn 14 walks to support the pitching of Luke Claflin who struck out nine Cardinals over his seven innings.
The second game followed a similar pattern but a 10 run fourth inning for the Badgers proved too much for the Herts team.
The whole of the Badgers line up contributed to the win with Doug Scriver, and Sean Wilkins both getting three hits and driving in four runs between them. Papini had another good game with the bat, driving in three runs and hitting an important double.
Pitcher Rhodri Theaker grabbed the win for the Bristol team, pitching the whole game and striking out four Herts players.
“This was such an improvement on our previous performance and we fought hard after going behind early on,” said Theaker. “We cut down on errors and were very disciplined at the plate.”
“Defensive plays in the outfield contributed to the win. John Brownlee made two outstanding diving catches in right field and Seyi Awofadeju made an amazing throw from left field to get the runner out at home,” added Theaker.
In Keynsham, the Bats were pushed hard by Cardiff Merlins II in the SWWBL A clash but a walk off single by outfielder Jamie Hartley secured an 8-7 win in the first game.
The second game was dominated by the Bats who ran out 15-1 winners behind a dominant pitching performance by Ty Porter who struck out six Merlins without giving up a walk.
“The first game was far too tight but we have been in those positions before and were able once again to get the crucial run we needed,” said Bats player/manager Neptali Ortega-Gutierrez. “Ty was brilliant on the mound in the second game hitting his spots consistently.”
On Saturday, the Bobcats welcomed London Mayhem for the BBF Womens Baseball League fixture. The Bobcats fought hard against some impressive pitching from the Mayhem’s Lili Cavanagh but lost the first game 14-10 despite an eight run explosion in the fifth inning.
The highlight of the game was a rare triple play turned by the Bobcats after a superb catch at second base by Linnea Kaye.
The second game was rained out with the London team leading 14-10 after three innings.
“The Mayhem pitchers were very impressive but it was fabulous to see us fightback,” said Bobcats manager Pau Miquel Mir. “The triple play was fantastic to see and shows a great deal of calmness under pressure.”
Next weekend the Buccaneers travel to Cardiff to take on Merlins I, the SWWBL Severn division leaders. The Brunels will be in Weston to take on the high flying Jets.