In Bracknell, the Bristol Badgers split their double header with the Inferno with one win needed against Birmingham next week to secure a Division Two playoff spot.
If the Badgers can secure their playoff place, it will mean that all four Bristol Baseball Club adult teams will feature in the national playoffs for the first time ever.
“Having all four teams in the playoffs will be a first and a remarkable achievement for the club,” said club chairman Rhodri Theaker. “The success is down to all the hard work club members have put in on and off the field to build a fantastic club that welcomes players of all standards.”
In Game One in Cornwall, the Claycutters secured an 11-8 dramatic win over the Buccaneers with a walk off grand slam in the bottom of the final inning. In a tight game, the Buccaneers had moved to a 8-7 lead before the dramatic conclusion.
In a must-win Game Two, a four run fifth inning saw the Buccaneers secure a 14-12 victory to secure the playoff berth. Keith Weinberg and Yarlandis Despaigne led the Buccaneers offense with four hits and six runs driven in including a double for Despaigne.
Sam Lacey and James Peterson kept the Claycutters in check from the mound in the last innings to grab the win.
The Bristol Brunels marched into the playoffs sweeping the New Forest Knights 18-12 and 11-10. The second game was a nail biter which was settled through a walk off single by third baseman Cesar Torres.
The Brunels stole 12 bases during the game while Charlie Ricketts struck out five New Forest batters over his four innings pitched. The Brunels offense dominated the first game as they scored heavily across each inning.
Rohan Ninawe and Ricketts both hit doubles while Erin Hart drove in two runs. Ben Monnox drove in four runs on two hits to continue his good form.
“This achievement is outstanding and is a first for the Brunels, the club’s development team,” said manager Ryan Harris. “Every team member deserves congratulations for the effort and commitment they have put in during the season.”
The Badgers travelled to Bracknell and split their BBF Division Two double header taking the first game 16-2 but falling just short in an 18-17 loss in Game Two. The weekend also marked the debut of Katherine Golik. Jocelynn Hernandez and Lachie Ng at the Division Two level.
The Badgers’ offense dominated the first game with six batters recording multi-hit games. Keegan Martinjako hit his first home run of the season while Michael Comport hit a big stand up triple.
Cameron Hunter and Alex Martinson both hit doubles and drove in six runs between them. Tim Singiser was also productive at the plate with two hits and three runs driven in. Doug Scriver returned to good form from the mound over his five innings pitched giving up just two earned runs.
In Game Two, the Badgers just failed to pull off a remarkable comeback victory after being 18-13 down at the top of the final inning.
Lachie Ng singled to get the comeback started before Bracknell errors and good plate disciple saw the Bristol side pull to within one run of tying the game. During the run fest Martinjako and Comport both cleared the fences as the lead swapped hands. Ng and Martinjako both hit doubles as the Badgers top order kept the scoreboard ticking over.
“We played some really good baseball at times and could easily have taken the second game if the bounce had been kind,” said manager Rhodri Theaker. “We now have just the last two regular season weekends and know exactly what we have to do.”
On Deck: Next weekend the Badgers travel to Birmingham for a winner takes all double header while the Bats take on Cardiff Merlins at Somerdale. The Buccaneers face the Claycutters in their regional semi-final and the Brunels take on the Taunton Pistols in their final regular season game. Both matchups are at Somerdale on Sunday.