Bristol Buccaneers were crowned BBF/South West & Wales regional Single A champions after beating Exeter Spitfires 15-10 in the final on Sunday at Somerdale Pavilion.
The Buccaneers offense was in form all game and provided good run support to starting pitcher Noah McCurdy who struck out seven Exeter batters over his three innings pitched.
After McCurdy had held the Spitfires scoreless in the first inning, the Buccaneers offense showed great plate discipline and excellent base running to grab a 4-0 lead.
Despite the Spitfires scoring five in the top of the second, the Buccaneers continued to score runs freely. A triple by outfielder Justin Trory drove in Rod McCurdy after McCurdy’s single to right field had driven in two runs.
Noah McCurdy then settled into his pitching groove and with reliever Will Marshall kept Exeter scoreless until the final inning.
By the bottom of the fourth and penultimate inning the Buccaneers had moved to a 15-5 lead and although Exeter managed to claw back five runs it was not enough to thwart the Buccaneers’ quest for title glory.
As well as Trory’s triple, Fu Lam and Tom Rowe both hit doubles while Marshall and Rod McCurdy drove in five runs between them.
“This might have been our best overall performance of the season so far,” said Buccaneers manager Rod McCurdy. “Our hitting and pitching was excellent all game and I am delighted that we only committed one error in the field against a strong hitting Exeter team.”
The Buccaneers move into the first round of the national playoffs on the 7th September as number one seed. They will take on Norwich Iceni Rebels at Somerdale Pavilion.
The Buccaneers championship was just part of the regional championships being hosted by the club.
Taunton Muskets took home the BBF/SWWBL AA crown after defeating Cardiff Merlins 17-15 in a final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final out.
The annual All Star Game between the Severn Division and the Wessex Division was a thriller which saw Severn walk off their opponents to grab a 9-8 victory.
“The Buccaneers have been fantastic all season and thoroughly deserved their title. It was a very impressive performance which went one better than last year when they finished runners up,” said club chairman Rhodri Theaker. “Sunday was a real festival of baseball with the two finals and the all star game and the club was delighted to be a major part of it both on and off the field.”
Up next: Next Sunday, the Badgers have their final regular season game when they welcome Richmond Roebucks to Somerdale Pavilion. They will be aiming to get the two wins needed to try and secure top seeding for the national playoffs.