Sheffield Bruins earn famous series sweep over London Capitals
BBF NBL
London Capitals @ Sheffield Bruins
Sheffield Bruins stopped the championship-chasing London Capitals with their first-ever series victory over them at Thorpe Green Park.
The Bruins's shock victory brought an end to a four-game losing streak against the Capitals. They have now won three consecutive NBL matches- their best run of the season.
Capitals pitcher Johan Villanueva struggled against an alert Bruins offense who capitalised on a series of defensive errors to take a 6-2 lead after the third inning.
A fantastic pitching performance from Alex Deacon allowed no more Capitals runners to score and added run support in the fifth and sixth innings made the score in game one 11-2.
The Bruins’ Alex Deacon was in fine form from the mound striking out seven Capitals over his seven innings pitched
Right fielder Jamie Ratcliffe and third baseman Jonathan Rodriguez shone from the Yorkshire side’s batting order. Both players recorded three hits, one run, and one RBI.
The Bruins immediately picked up where they had left off in the following match. Rodriguez homered to both corners of the field in consecutive innings to drive home four out of his team’s five runs from the first two innings.
Jonathan Rodriguez homered twice for the Bruins in the second game of the double header against the London Capitals.
Two runs from Louis Wampler and another from Masa Hashiguchi pulled the Londoners within two runs of their opponents, but Bruins pitcher Ray Sass kept his cool on the mound to strike out Bobby Anderson for the final out, stranding one runner at third base.
The Northerners’ 5-2 win pulled them to just one-and-a-half games behind the Capitals in third place.
Bruins’ manager Charlie Batho heaped praise on his team following their impressive set of results: “Very proud to see where the squad has taken itself to.
“A group that have experienced their fair share of losses, has now found a way to overcome these obstacles.
“Feels like we have clicked at the right time and are playing our best ball.”
Both teams are involved in two single matches next week at Roundshaw Playing Fields in Croydon.
Capitals will get a chance at revenge with their first match against the Bruins before they take on BC Vetra.
Bottom-of-the-table Bournemouth Bears await the Bruins after their repeat of today’s fixture.
Essex Arrows @ London Mets
First-placed Essex Arrows split a two-game series with the reigning NBL champions London Mets at Enfield playing fields.
Following city rivals London Capitals’ series defeat to Sheffield Bruins, the Mets have moved to second place in the table, but they are still two-and-a-half games behind the high-flying Arrows.
It was the 2023 champions who took game one with a 6-3 scoreline. Second baseman Brendan Power was the Mets' offensive star with two hits, two RBIs, and one run from just three at-bats.
The Arrows took revenge in the next match, narrowly edging out the Londoners 6-5.
Angel Perez was an expected star for Essex finishing the game with two hits, two RBI’s, and one run. The centre fielder’s batting average of 0.431 is now the third-highest in the division this season.
Mets pitcher Ryan McLaughlin showed respect for his team’s opponents after their split. He said:” Essex is always a tough challenge, and one we look forward to.”
“Although we came into Sunday looking to sweep, we felt like we played well both games and can’t hang our heads on the performance.
“We’re excited for the chance to play them again next weekend as well.”
As well as their rematch in Croydon next weekend, the Mets will face Bournemouth Bears.
BBF AAA
Bracknell Inferno 4-6 & 8-10 Cardiff Merlins (AAA)
Croydon Pirates (AAA) 5-15 & 11-12 Herts Cardinals
Essex Saxons 3-10 London Metros
Bristol Badgers 15-5 & 10-0 New Forest Thunder
Cambridge Lancers 0-7 (Forfeit) & 0-7 (Forfeit) Richmond Roebucks
BBF BBL Higher
Sheffield Kodiaks 3-6 & 9-25 Liverpool Trojans
Long Eaton Storm 8-13 & 8-7 Manchester A's
BBF AA
Richmond Knights 5-8 & 20-1 London Sidewinders
London Meteors 13-2 London Mustangs
Kent Buccaneers 4-15 & 10-11 Brighton Brewers
Bristol Bats 4-6 & 7-13 Guildford Mavericks
Jack Burdett was in fine pitching form for Guildford Mavericks in Sundays victory over the Bristol Bats
Milton Keynes Bucks 18-2 & 11-10 Herts Hawks
Formosa Islanders 3-10 & 4-8 Richmond Dragons
Brighton Aces 4-14 & 7-17 Tonbridge Wildcats
BBF A
New Forest Knights 16-9 & 18-19 Bournemouth Bears (3)
Richmond Dukes 1-10 & 5-14 London Mercury
Hurricanes Baseball 9-8 & 11-12 Bracknell Phoneix
Cardiff Merlins (A) 10-9 & 18-15 Bristol Brunels
Weston Jets 10-11 & 20-5 Bristol Buccaneers
Bristol Buccaneers celebrate being crowned SWWBL Severn Division champions at Somerdale Pavilion
Taunton Muskets 15-5 & 20-6 Cornish Pioneers
Richmond Barons 9-4 & 17-12 Croydon Pirates (A)
Herts Buzzards 15-17 & 7-8 Herts Ravens
Hastings Pirates 15-16 & 15-16 Kent Mariners
Essex Redbacks 8-14 & 9-10 Milton Keynes Bucks (2)
Cornish Claycutters 20-2 & 25-2 Taunton Pistols
Herts Eagles 5-15 & 7-15 London Minotaurs
The South West & Wales Baseball League has concluded its regular season and will now head to the playoffs to decide the regional champion in the final on 25th August.
The semi-finals are on 18th August:
Weston Jets @ Cornish Claycutters
Cardiff Merlins A @ Bristol Buccaneers
BBF BBL Lower
Wragby Warhammers 23-6 & 19-0 Halton Trojans
Leeds Locos 6-7 & 13-9 Hull Scorpions
East of England Baseball League
Harwich Town Bay Area Blues 8-9 & 14-8 Cambridge Monarchs
Cambridge Royals 11-14 & 24-11 Norwich Warriors
Words - Michael Thomas
