The Bristol Badgers offense exploded on Sunday as they swept BBF AAA rivals the Kent Buccaneers 30-4 and 10-8 at Somerdale Pavilion. The club’s top team got off to a flying start in the first game hammering 28 runs in the first three innings.
Outfielders Michael Comport and Darius Tamosiunas both hit triples as the Badgers wracked up 21 hits. Comport also hit a double and drove in three runs while shortstop Mattia Papini went four for five at the plate with three runs driven in. Infielders Deivydas Trinkunas and Carlson Charles drove in seven runs between them while outfielder Seyi Awofadeju kept up his form with two hits and three runs driven in.
Although the second game was closer, the Badgers got off to an early four run lead before pitcher Sean Wilkins struck out three Kent players to get the save. Anthony Desgardin was the most successful hitter driving in two runs.
“Our offense really exploded on Sunday and I was delighted to see players who made their debut making such good contributions to the win,” said Rhodri Theaker, the Badgers player/manager. “Michael Comport was excellent with the bat in hand while pitchers Josh Boulton and Sean Wilkins did exactly what was asked of them from the mound.”
In Cornwall, the Buccaneers got the better of the Claycutters to win two tense games and complete the season sweep over last year’s BBF/SWWBL Wessex Division champions. The Buccaneers won the see-saw first game 12-9 with Michael Buser and Tim Clough both hitting doubles before Jake Boyer stepped up to close out the tense game, striking out five Claycutters in his two innings pitched.
The second game was even closer as the Buccaneers held on to win 9-8. Clough and Buser again drove the Buccaneers offense with Clough hitting his second double of the day. Infielder Paul Blackburn also contributed three hits including a crucial double. The Buccaneers fielding kept the Cornish team in check and caught two Claycutters trying to steal extra bases. The final inning was tense with a runner on third but Boyer struck out three batters in succession to secure the win.
“The team is getting better with every game and we are now confident of winning the close games which we let slip earlier in the season,” said Buccaneers player manager, Michael Buser. “The team spirit is fantastic and everyone is making a valuable contribution and I am particularly pleased to see the error count tumbling.”
The other match at Somerdale saw the Brunels lose 17-7 and 13-12 to the New Forest Thunder Knights in their BBF/SWWBL A Seven Division clash.
The Brunels line-up struggled against Marcus Senior, the Thunder Knights’ starting pitcher, who recorded six strikeouts. Despite eleven batters getting on base, the Brunels were unable to take advantage and score runners.
Catcher Sam Stainsby and shortstop Becky Cottrell were the most successful Bristol hitters with three hits and three runs driven in between them.
It was heartbreak in the second game. With runners on second and third but down to their last out, a play at home plate to tie the scores went in favour of the Thunder Knights and ended the Brunels fightback..Stainsby continued his impressive form with the bat with a double and four stolen bases on his way to scoring three runs. He also struck out five New Forest players over his three innings pitched. There were doubles from Rich Evans and Cottrell while outfielder Ash Day also had a multi hit game and drove in two runs.
“The Thunder Knights have a very solid team but we showed a lot of character to push them close,” said player manager Rich Evans. “Its particularly encouraging to see players in their first year making excellent contributions both in the field and with the bat in their hands.”
On Saturday, the Bristol Bobcats took on Belles Baseball and London Mayhem in round two of the BBF Women’s Baseball League. In the first game, the Bobcats went down 11-3 against the Belles who were the 2021 Women’s League Champions.
The second game against London Mayhem was a heartbreaking 7-6 loss. The Bobcats had grabbed an early lead with debutant Jessica Page hitting a double and a triple while driving in four runs. Heading into the last inning and three runs down, the Mayhem launched a successful counter attack which saw the London team walk off the Bobcats and secure the win.
“Despite the results, we fought hard in both games and showed improvement from the first round of matches,” said Carlson Charles, the Bobcats manager. “A few regulars were unavailable but I was delighted with those making their first appearances which showed real promise for the future.”
Up next
Next Sunday, the Buccaneers and Brunels face each other at Somerdale in the only derby of the season while the Bristol Bats welcome Richmond Dragons for their BBF AA double header.
Both matches start at 12 noon and spectators are welcome.