Bristol Brunels advanced to the British Baseball Federation (BBF) national Division Five quarter finals after a decisive 13-7 win over Exeter Wyverns.
Starting pitcher Rohan Ninawe struck out 14 Exeter batters over his complete game performance while the Brunels scored consistently throughout. Olivia Spooner and Ryan Harris had four hIts and drove in three runs between them while Andre Shlimon also drove in three runs. Third baseman Declan Ryan hit the first triple of his career as the Brunels maintained good plate discipline to only stike out five times.
“It was a very solid performance by everyone and we now get another opportunity at the weekend to reach the last four,” said Brunels manager Ryan Harris.
The Brunels will face Bracknell Pyros on Saturday at Somerdale Pavilion. First pitch is 12 noon.
Bristol Badgers were on the wrong end of a 10-inning thriller in their BBF Division Two semi-final in London eventually going down 14-7 to the Brighton Brewers.
Starting pitcher Andy Bergh continued his excellent season form, striking out eight Brewers over his six innings pitched. The Bristol side went down 2-0 early but fought back to level the scores in the bottom of the fifth, following singles by Cameron Hunter and Tom Hollies.
The Brewers then went ahead 5-2 before the Badgers tied it up again at the bottom of the ninth inning, however a nine run 10th inning, including a three-run home run by the Brewers’ Stephen Pollard, left the Badgers with a mountain to climb as the team’s hopes off a final ended.
“Its been a good season for us and it was a real shame we were unable to take the win against Brighton despite having some chances to clinch the win,” said Rhodri Theaker, the Badgers player manager.
It was heartbreak in Cambridge for the Buccaneers who went down 19-18 to the Royals in the BBF Division Four quarter final. The thriller went the full nine innings, with the lead changing hands several times before the Royals scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth.
Outfielder Callum Todd starred with the bat for the Buccaneers with three hits and four runs driven in. Keith Weinberg had two hits, including a double, while Yarlandis Despaigne and Will Marshall had five hits and drove in two runs between them. Marshall struck out four Royals over his five innings pitched before Sam Lacey came in as relief pitcher for the final two innings.
“Its been an incredible season for the team and every member of the roster contributed to the regional title and to this fantastic performance against the second seeds,” said Jean-Pierre Bernard, assistant manager of the Buccaneers.
In Cardiff, Bristol Bats took on the Merlins, regional champions, and in a tight BBF Division Three quarter final went down 8-3.
A Cardiff seven-run third inning was the difference between the two sides as the Bats fought hard against the home team’s pitching. Right fielder Declan Meads got two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs, while Nerius Tamosiunas was solid on the mound over his seven innings pitched.
“Its been great season and we knew this would be a tough game against a very good Cardiff side,” said Bats manager Richard Evans.
On Deck: This weekend the club hosts the finals of the BBF National Baseball League (NBL) and BBF Division Two.
London Mets will take on Essex Arrows in the three game NBL final series while Brighton Brewers face London Metros in the three game Division Two final.
The first games are on Saturday starting at 11:00. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.
The Bristol Brunels will also be at Somerdale on Saturday, facing Bracknell Pyros at 12:00 as they attempt to reach the Division 5 semi finals.