Bristol Badgers secured a spot in the British Baseball Federation AAA playoffs with their 9-1 victory over Bracknell Inferno in the second game of a hot Sunday afternoon. The victory was built around another strong pitching performance from Alex Martinson who struck out eight Bracknell batters and a flawless fielding display from the Bristol side.
Tom Hollies, Michael Comport and George Braeger led the Badgers’ offense with a combined six hits, including doubles by Hollies and Braeger. The victory guaranteed a second place finish in the BBF AAA South West Division with just one more regular season game to play; in two weeks, away to Cardiff Merlins.
The first game of the double header was a classic pitchers duel which the Inferno won 4-3 in extra innings. Sean Wilkins was in fine form for the Badgers striking out six Inferno batters and giving up just three earned runs over his eight innings pitched.
The Badgers found it equally difficult against the Inferno’s starting pitcher Henry Collins who struck out eight Bristol batters over his own eight innings, while giving up just two hits – to Hollies and Brownlee.
The scores were tied at 1-1 at the end of the seventh but the Inferno managed to score three runs to lead 4-1. The Badgers scored two in reply but were unable to force another inning.
The fielding from both sides was excellent with the Badgers again being perfect in terms of committing no errors. The highlights were an amazing play by Martinson at shortstop who fielded the ball deep in the infield before turning, leaping and making a perfect throw to first to nab the runner. One batter later, first baseman Hollies made an outstanding play, diving to his right and snagging a hard hit line drive. The plays put an exclamation point on what several in attendance called one of the best games of baseball they’d been involved with in the UK.
“Our first goal was to make the playoffs and we have achieved that and we now have to focus on the playoffs in September,” said Badgers manager Rhodri Theaker. “Our fielding and pitching was outstanding on Sunday and we need to keep that level of performance up for the rest of the season if we are to win the title.”
Up Next: The Bats sadly had to forfeit their game in Bournemouth last weekend, however will be back in action next week against Oxford Kings at Somerdale knowing a win will secure their own playoff spot. After a week off, the Buccaneers will also be at Somerdale this Sunday hosting Cardiff Merlins A in the South West and Wales Baseball League Championship semi final, with the winners going to Truro on 25th August to face either the home team Claycutters or Weston Jets. The Badgers have a week off, before their final games in Cardiff.