Bristol Bats showed their character in sweeping Bournemouth Bears in their British Baseball Federation Division Three doubleheader at the weekend.
In a tight first game, which the Bats held on to win 13-11, the Bristol team moved to a 10-4 lead at the bottom of the fifth innings. Several fielding errors allowed the Bears to get back to within one run before the Bats scored three in the final inning and limited the Bournemouth side to two.
The Bats offense was in good form against Jose Lopez with the McCurdy brothers, Luca and Noah, leading the way with four hits and four runs driven in between them. Luca hit his fourth home run of the season as all the Bats contributed on a hot afternoon on the south coast.
The second game proved to be one sided as the Bats ran out 14-1 winners with the McCurdys again leading the way at the plate. Third baseman Darius Tamosiunas hit a big double to centre right field with Declan Meads and Rod McCurdy contributing four hits and five runs driven in between them. Meads also provided a highlight of the afternoon, skillfully avoiding a tag in a rundown which allowed Jocelynn Hernandez to steal home and score.
“The first game was a real thriller and I was delighted by the way the whole team responded after a poor fielding display which allowed the Bears back into the game,” said manager Richard Evans. “We are hitting well this season and are able to support our pitchers who have all been excellent so far.”
The Buccaneers welcomed Wellington Khaki Sox to Somerdale for their return fixture and split the double header to maintain their second place in the Division Four standings.
Infielder Grant Mathieson starred with the bat with two hits in the 13-5 victory in game one. Doubles from Paul Blackburn, Callum Todd and Sam Lacey meant the Buccaneers were able to keep ahead and provide run support to Lacey who struck out three Khaki Sox over his three innings pitched.
The second game went to Wellington 17-12 as the Buccaneers tried to manage their second string pitchers. Tom Rowe and Yarlendis Despaigne both had multi hit games but errors in the field cost the Bristol team dearly by the end.
“The result in game two was disappointing after the excellent work in the first,” said Jean-Pierre Bernard, the Buccaneers assistant manager. “We were a little short on pitching but a lot of thanks should go to Paul and Callum who stepped up in difficult circumstances.”
The Brunels travelled to Taunton to take on the Pistols in the BBF Division Five clash and recorded their first ever mercy rule win, overwhelming the Taunton side 20-4 in game one.
Rohan Ninawe, Charlie Ricketts, Matt Klein and Ryan Harris impressed with the bat in hand with 14 hits and 13 runs driven in between them. Ninawe and Jake Columbine both hit triples as the Brunels ran riot. Ricketts starred on the mound striking out four Pistols over his four innings pitched.
Game Two went the way of the Pistols who secured an 11-3 victory as the Brunels struggled to get to grips with Stuart Cook, the Pistols starting pitcher who no hit the Bristol side.
“Despite the game two loss, we are still in second place, just three games behind New Forest Thunder,” said manager Ryan Harris. “We get better every week and show real commitment to developing our game each week on the training field.”
After a long lay off, the Badgers travelled to Birmingham for their BBF Division Two clash and suffered two narrow defeats.
In the first game, which Birmingham claimed 9-6, the Badgers could not catch the Metalheads despite excellent hitting from Alex Martinson and Deivydas Trinkunas.
The second game was even closer with the Metalheads sneaking a 5-4 walk off win. Outfielder Keegan Martinjako hit a big double driving in a run, while Tim Singiser also drove in a run from his only hot of the game. Andy Bergh struck out six Birmingham batters over this seven innings pitched giving up just three earned runs.
“The lack of game time certainly had a negative effect,” said Rhodri Theaker, the Badgers manager. “I do believe that as we get more game time, our performance will improve as we move to the heart of the season.”
On Deck: Next weekend, the Badgers host Birmingham at Somerdale Pavilion while the Bats take a break.
The Buccaneers welcome Weston Jets to Somerdale and the Brunels travel to New Forest to take on the Thunder in a crucial top of the table clash.