Bristol Buccaneers got their season off to a flying start by sweeping Cardiff Merlins A at Somerdale Pavilion on Sunday.
The first game was a tight affair, the Buccaneers eventually running out 9-2 winners with debutant Will Marshall pitching a complete game. Great defense backed up Marshall’s pitching performance with Fu Lam, Harley Jones and Jean-Pierre Bernard combining for a double play in addition to Marshall’s three strikeouts. Catcher Tom Rowe and third baseman Paul Blackburn led the Buccaneers offense combining for three hits, an RBI and a double.
The second game was a blowout for the Buccaneers as they ended up 17-2 winners. Rowe and Blackburn were again in form with the bat while the father and son duo of Rod and Luca McCurdy both hit doubles as the Buccaneers scored from the first inning. Marshall completed his first double-header by playing the second game at catcher, with two hits, two runs driven in and two runs scored. Blackburn also contributed a bases-clearing three-RBI double. The team’s fielding was again outstanding as Blackburn, Jones and Bernard combined once more for the day’s second double play. Pitchers Fu Lam and Declan Ryan dominated the Merlins, striking out five batters and only allowing two walks.
“It was a really impressive performance particularly in defense, where we made two double plays and kept the errors down,” said Buccaneers manager Rod McCurdy. “Will Marshall had an outstanding debut from the mound in the first game and we were able to get crucial hits when we needed them.”
Next up: Next weekend the Buccaneers welcome Bournemouth Bears A to Somerdale for their BBF/SWWBL clash, while the Badgers take on the Birmingham Metalheads in their BBF AAA match up also at Somerdale. Both games start at 12.00 noon
Bristol Brunels make the journey to Yeovil to take on the Whirlwinds, while the Bats have a weekend off.