Bristol Badgers made an astonishing, 12 run comeback to beat Richmond Roebucks 18-16 in their BBF AAA clash at Somerdale Pavilion on Sunday.
Trailing 15-6 in the middle of the sixth and penultimate inning, the Badgers offense sprang into life to score 12 runs and take a five run lead into the last inning.
A walk by first baseman Anthony Desgardin started the revival as discipline at the plate loaded the bases and a walk from Deivydas Trinkunas scored Desgardin. More walks followed before outfielder Seyi Awofadeju singled up the middle to score Trinkunas and catcher Keegan Martinjako.
Tim Singiser and Desgardin followed with singles to drive in more runs before shortstop Alex Martinson hit a three run homer to left centre to narrow the gap further. It was Martinson’s second home run of the game after he cleared the fences to lead off the bottom of the fifth inning.
Trinkunas and Martinjako then both doubled to complete the comeback and give the Badgers a narrow lead to take into the final inning. Relief pitcher Rhodri Theaker closed the door on the Roebucks and secured a series split against a strong Roebucks team.
The first game went to the Roebucks 5-2 with the Badgers struggling against some good pitching from Luis Ramey who struck out ten Bristol batters. The game marked the AAA debut of 17 year-old Jake Boyer who struck out four Roebucks in an impressive performance at the higher level.
“The second game was one of the most remarkable I have ever been involved in and underlined the team’s capabilities even when up against a large deficit,” said Rhodri Theaker, manager of the Badgers. “We showed great discipline at the plate in the later stages and were able to convert players on base into runs when we needed to.”
The result means that the Badgers maintain their place at the top of their division.
The club was also celebrating the call up of one of their young players to the Great Britain U12s that will compete in Europe in early July. Nathan Goodhew, a member of the Bristol Bolts, started playing baseball in the garden with his Mum and Dad aged six, before attending a youth session at Somerdale four years ago.
“Being involved with Great Britain has been great and given me the opportunity not only to develop my skills but also make a lot of new friends,” said Nathan. Nathan will be part of an 18 strong roster that will journey to Hungary and take on teams from Romania and Slovakia in the group stages.
“Nathan has loved baseball from an early age and I would like to thank Bristol Baseball Club for its support over the last few years,” said Nathan’s Mother Ceri. “On baseball days he is always up and dressed in good time and can’t wait to join his teammates on the field.”
Nathan joins a growing list of players from the Bristol club who have represented Great Britain on the international stage.
“We are absolutely delighted that Nathan has been selected for his country and we wish him well as he starts his international career,” said club Chairman Rhodri Theaker. “Youth baseball is vital for us and as well as Nathan we have a lot of youngsters in the Bolts who show great promise.”
Up next: Next weekend sees the second Bristol Derby of the year as the Buccaneers look to maintain their grip on the BBF/SWWBL Severn Division against the Brunels. The Bats meanwhile will face New Forest Thunder, also at Somerdale, whilst the Badgers enjoy a week off. Games start at 12pm.