Grand way to clinch division
Keynsham-based Bristol Badgers secured the BBF AA Central Division title on the back of two grand slams. The latest title caps a successful two years for the Badgers following on from taking the South West Baseball League (SWBL) crown last year. Vil Katinas and Nerius Tamosiunas both hit their maiden grand slams as the Badgers beat the Blue Sox 30-6 and 20-5 in Leicester to reach the end of season national play-offs. Katinas drove in six runs during the first match of the double header as the Badgers scored 17 runs in the second innings, with Rich Green, Jamie Prout and Tom Knox also making their mark from the batter’s box. Pitcher Justinas Raupenas went four innings, striking out seven Blue Sox without conceding a run. It was more of the same in the second game, with pitcher Deivydas Trinkunas hitting a home run as well as being strong on the mound, striking out five Leicester batters First baseman Rhodri Theaker also punished the Blue Sox in the second game with four hits and four runs batted in. The heat took its toll on the umpire who was taken ill at the beginning of the second game. Bristol Badger Rhian Theaker took over umpiring duties for the rest of the match. “The Badgers thoroughly deserve to be division champions in their first year in the BBF and will now be preparing for the playoff games against teams from the south of England,” said chairman Richard Evans. “With the Bats pushing hard for honours in the South West, we hope we can maintain our form until the end of the season.” Next Sunday the Bats travel to Cornwall to take on the St Austell Claycutters while the Badgers are scheduled to welcome Cambridge Monarchs to Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham. Both games start at noon and spectators are welcome.