rain halts comeback run

Atrocious weather ended a late fightback from Bristol Badgers, who went down 12-8 to the East London Latin Boys in the BBF AA final on Sunday. Trailing 11-0 to the London team early in the game, centre fielder Jamie Prout led the comeback by getting on base in the bottom of the third innings. His hit proved the spark as the Bristol team scored four runs as the conditions worsened at the national baseball complex at Farnham Park near Slough. Pitcher Deivydas Trinkunas, who replaced Justinas Raupenas after the starter injured his arm, pitched brilliantly given the conditions. He kept the Latin Boys to just one run in the fourth and fifth before the Badgers, based at Keynsham’s Somerdale Pavilion, began a second push for glory. Trailing 12-4 with bases loaded and two outs at the bottom of the sixth inning, a Par Eliasson fly ball drove in two runs on a fielding error before Prout scored on a passed ball to make it 12-7. The Badgers scored one more run before the rain made conditions impossible and the game was called with the score at 12-8. “It was a real shame the weather spoilt what would have been a great game and with a lack of matches due to sides forfeiting games against us, our bats weren’t in the best of form,” said manager Tom Hollies. “Our fightback after one bad inning showed the true character of the team and if the rain had stopped I am sure we could have got closer to the win. “We have had a fabulous year and although we didn’t quite pull off the final victory, every single member of the team has produced when needed and I would like to thank our supporters and our other team, the Bristol Bats, for their support throughout the season.”