Much improved defence and a late run surge in game two of their double header against Birmingham Metalheads secured a sweep for Bristol Badgers at Somerdale Pavilion on Sunday.
The Badgers took the first game 5-1 behind a 14 strikeout performance over seven innings pitched by starting pitcher Alex Martinson and excellent defence which kept the Metalheads in check. Bristol shortstop Mattia Papini and outfielder Vil Katinas led the team’s offence with four hits and three runs driven in between them.
In the second game, the Badgers were 2-1 down going into the bottom of the sixth and penultimate inning. A ground-rule double by Martinson got things started and he scored on a throwing error by the Birmingham second baseman. With Katinas getting to second shortly after, Seyi Awofadeju singled to right field to drive him in.
Catcher Tom Hollies followed up with a single to centre field to drive in Deivydas Trinkunas from second. Designated hitter Carlson Charles reached third base on the Hollies hit and scored on a wild pitch to put the Badgers into a lead they never surrendered. Pitcher Doug Scriver had his best performance of the season allowing just one earned run and striking out six batters over his complete game performance.
The key to the victories was the much improved Badgers’ defence. Outfielder Tim Singiser was outstanding in centre field making great plays and key throws to limit runs, while Trinkunas was a brick wall at third base making a series of great plays in both games.
“Overall everyone contributed at key points in both games either offensively or defensively,” said Badgers manager, Rhodri Theaker. “The preseason rust has been shaken off and it was great to see a much better performance in the field than against Bracknell.”
There was a double celebration at Somerdale as the Buccaneers swept Bournemouth Bears 8-3 and 17-4 in their BBF/SWWBL A clash.
Solid hitting and excellent base running by the whole team kept the scoreboard moving while Will Marshall continued his excellent pitching form with seven strikeouts. The Buccaneers ran away with game two as the team accumulated 11 runs including a double by infielder Paul Blackburn. Matt Dunkley-Roberts and Harley Jones also had good games with the bat with four hits and four runs between them.
The game was brought to a dramatic conclusion with three fine defensive plays from third baseman Luca McCurdy who won defensive MVP on the day.
“It was an extremely solid performance with disciplined hitting, great defence and excellent base running behind good work by our pitchers,” said Manager Rod McCurdy. “We are unbeaten over our first four games but know we need to iron out a few things to keep our win streak going.”
The Brunels, the club’s development team, suffered two heartbreaking defeats at the hands of the Whirlwinds in Yeovil.
The Bristol side were walked off 11-10 in the first game after being 10-8 ahead with Sam Walton contributing two hits. Crucial walks in the final inning allowed the Whirlwinds to get the three runs they needed to claim the first game victory.
Yeovil took the second game 14-11, with the Brunets just failing to grab the win at the end of the game. Alex Lane-Kieltyka, Anthony Abel and Callum Todd all shone with the bat in hand. Abel and Lane-Kieltyka both hit doubles, with first baseman Paul D’Amore driving in two runs.
“It was a case of so near but so far again this week,” said manager Alex Lane-Kieltyka. “We are continuing to improve game by game and a win is not far away. In his first pitching start Callum Todd did very well and I am sure he will continue to improve.”
Next Up: Next weekend all the Bristol teams are in action, with the Bats taking on Taunton Muskets and the Brunels welcoming Weston Jets to Somerdale Pavilion.
The Badgers travel to Birmingham for a return match up against the Metalheads, while the Buccaneers face the Bears again in a return fixture on the south coast.