Baseball Returns for 2024

Baseball returned to Taunton this Easter after the winter break and there is a lot to catch up on. After ten years as the Taunton Muskets Baseball Club, the club decided to rename itself to Taunton Baseball Club this off-season. As well as a slight name change, the club announced they would be fielding a second team for the first time in six years, with the newly formed Pistols joining the Muskets in the South West and Wales Baseball League (SWWBL) in 2024. Alongside the progress of the senior sides, the club put a lot of effort into promoting youth opportunities and started the year by hosting 23 children aged between 7 and 13 at their Easter youth day. 

The end of the Easter holidays was also the opening weekend for the Single A level of the SWWBL season and it saw the Pistols host the Muskets at Taunton Green. It was a tough test for a Pistols side brimming with rookies, but they admirably showed they will be a challenge for a lot of sides in the league this year. The first game of the double header was a tight affair, with two new pitchers taking the mound, Wes Whitaker for the Pistols and Chris Cranmer for the Muskets. It was the Muskets that took the win, getting out to an early lead, however the Pistols shut down the Muskets offense, before adding a few runs themselves. Chris Cranmer recorded his first win as a pitcher, with the Muskets running out 12-5 winners. 

Game two of the double header saw veteran pitcher Al Troake (Muskets) take on Tom Givens making his pitching debut for the Pistols. Despite the Pistols taking an early lead, the Muskets jumped to an 11-5 lead, before a big 5th innings gave the Pistols an unassailable target. It was unfortunate as Tom was pitching well, but the Muskets experience showed, as they targeted the pitches to do damage on. The final score was 24-6. 

“Overall there were plenty of positives to take from today,” Wes Whitaker, Pistols Manager, told us. “It was a tough first fixture, but we will be tough opponents for a lot of teams in this league.” He continued, “I was really impressed, especially with our new players, they all got to grips with the game really quickly.”

It was one of those rookies that stood out, receiving one of three Tricky Cider Player of the Day awards. Sarah Marsh, starting shortstop for the Pistols in both games, made three impressive plays in the field, while getting two hits, two RBI and a run with the bat. She was joined by Chris Cranmer and Wes Whitaker for their efforts on the mound in game one. 

The SWWBL action continues next weekend (Sunday 21st April) as the Pistols host the Cornish Pioneers at Taunton Green, while the Muskets travel to Bristol to take on the Buccaneers, with both games starting at midday. 

Another weekend of baseball in the South West and Wales Baseball League saw both Taunton sides sharing the spoils in their respective double headers. The Muskets made the trip up the M5 to take on the Bristol Buccaneers, while the Pistols hosted the Cornish Pioneers, another development team making their debut this season. The Muskets won their first nail biting game 11-10, before succumbing to a 10-3 defeat, whereas the Pistols lost their first game 21-3, before rallying in the second to win their first competitive game 15-7. 

The Pistols win came in only their fourth competitive game, a feat not to be underestimated when looking at the competitiveness of the league. Game one started positively for the home side, taking a 1-0 lead and recording a double play to end the Pioneer's innings. However the momentum shifted towards the visitors, as the Pistols struggled to string together at bats. A two run rally in the 5th was quickly snuffed out and the Taunton side lost 21-3. Game two saw a much improved performance from the Pistols, capitalising on some wayward Pioneers pitching, the Taunton outfit racked up an insurmountable 15 runs over 4 innings. It was very much a team effort, with all nine starters scoring at least one run and eight of them recording an RBI (runs batted in). The weekend results leave the Pistols last in the Wessex division with a 1-3 record, but they will be buoyed by their showing in game two. 

On the road the Muskets took on an impressive looking Buccaneers side in Bristol. An error strewn, edgy first game saw both sides struggle to settle. The Buccaneers led throughout, until the Muskets rallied in the 4th, scoring 5 to bring the game level at 10-10. Fumihito Yasuhara then manufactured a run on a wild pitch in the top of the 5th to give the visitors the lead. The Buccaneers had the winning run on second base, but resolute defence led the Muskets to victory 11-10. Unfortunately for the Taunton side, they did not take the euphoria of a tight win into game two. Facing a slightly quicker pitcher, the Muskets couldn't get a grip on the encounter, managing only 3 hits and scoring 3 runs. A couple of good defensive plays aside, it was a rather lackluster display from the Muskets as they lost 10-3. 

“We're delighted to get our first win, especially so early in the season, as it shows we can compete in this league.” Sam White, Pistols assistant manager, told us, “we've got a great blend of experience and enthusiasm which should make for an enjoyable summer of baseball.”

There were plenty of options across the two sides for the Tricky Cider MVP awards, but there can only be two. For the Pistols it was João Serrano that took home the bottle of Tricky Cider. Coming in to close out the Pistols win with two strikeouts as well as a couple of good at bats made him a deserving recipient. It was Fumihito Yasuhara for the Muskets, having manufactured the winning run in game one almost single handedly, he was hard to look past. 

The South West and Wales Baseball League season continues with the Muskets hosting Cardiff Merlins A, while the Pistols make the short trip to Weston to take on the Jets. 

South West and Wales Baseball League action continued on Sunday, with the Muskets taking on Cardiff Merlins A at Taunton Green. Unfortunately it was the only fixture played for Taunton Baseball Club, with the Pistols game against the Weston Jets canceled due to field issues. The double header in Taunton for the Muskets was a tale of two performances, losing game one 15-0, before walking off game two 9-8. 

Game one couldn't have gone much worse for the home side, mustering only two hits during an error strewn game that finished with the Muskets losing 15-0. Cardiff Merlins A pitcher Phillip Pallmann had a good day on the mound, allowing only two hits, one walk and getting four strikeouts. 

The second game of the double header was more positive for Muskets as they upped their performance. Behind the pitching of Chris Cranmer and Jake Palmer the home side limited the Merlins to only five hits, although some stellar plays in the outfield, two by Al Troake in centre field, helped limit the damage. Al Troake was also involved in the dramatic ending to the game, reaching home on a hit from Tom Poole, to give the Muskets a 9-8 walk off victory. 

“The less said about game one the better, but it's great to come back and compete in game two.” Chris Chantrey, Muskets coach, continued, “we looked more relaxed in game two and that led to more positive results, but lots to work on before next weekend.”

After the cancellation of the Pistols game the Muskets took the opportunity to award two Tricky Cider MVPs, both from game two. Tom Poole came up to hit the winning RBI and made a couple of crucial plays in the infield, alongside Al Troake, who made a couple of diving catches in the outfield and scored the winning run. 

Next up for the Taunton sides will be the Bristol Buccaneers taking on the Pistols at Taunton Green, while the Muskets make the trip to the South Coast to take on the New Forest Thunder Knights. 

Sunday provided more South West and Wales Baseball League action for Taunton Baseball Club, with the Pistols hosting league leading Bristol Buccaneers and the Muskets traveling to the South Coast to take on the New Forest Knights. There were sweeps in both double headers, the Muskets winning theirs 27-2 and 20-15, while the Buccaneers defeated the Pistols 23-3 and 20-0.

The Muskets enjoyed their trip to take on the New Forest Knights, especially as they welcomed back their ace pitcher, Andres Bianco, from injury. It was a dominating display on his return to the mound in game one and bodes well for the rest of the season. The Muskets showed their experience while at bat too, with four home runs from Chris Cranmer (2), Fumihito Yasuhara and Tom Poole the highlights. Game two was a much tighter affair, but a couple of nice double plays, including one to end the game, and another strong relief pitching performance from Jake Palmer secured the sweep. 

The Pistols were not as fortunate in their opponent at Taunton Green, as they faced off against the Severn division leaders, the Bristol Buccaneers. Boasting an impressive 5-1 record coming into the day, the Buccaneers are already eyeing up one of the playoffs spots. Game one was difficult to say the least, as the home side were left hitless against a strong Bristol pitcher, although they did manage to score three runs. Game two was similarly frustrating for the home side, although they did manage to get a couple of hits at least. 

“It was a brilliant team performance down here, against a good side in the (New Forest) Knights,” Chris Chantrey, Muskets manager, said. “It was great to see Andres back after a long lay off and the home runs capped a very good day.”

It was tough to pick a single Tricky Cider MVP for the Muskets, so they picked two, Andres Bianco for his winning return to the mound and Chris Cranmer, not only for the two home runs, but he got four hits and six RBI too. For the Pistols James Wheatley took the coveted prize for his great outfield assist to throw out a runner at home plate. 

The South West and Wales Baseball League season continues next weekend as the Pistols travel to Cardiff to take on the Merlins, while there is a rematch of last season's Wessex division playoff, as the Muskets host the Weston Jets.

Both Taunton Baseball Club sides were back on the diamond this weekend, with the Muskets hosting the Weston Jets at Taunton Green, while the Pistols traveled to Wales to face the Cardiff Merlins A. The Muskets split their double header with the Jets, losing 17-15, before taking game two 5-4. The Pistols were swept in Cardiff, losing 16-1 and 15-14. 

The Muskets hosted last year's Wessex Division champions, the Weston Jets, having last played them in the divisional playoffs in September 2023. Both games of the double header were hotly contested. The first game ended in defeat for the Muskets, 17-15 the final score. The home side were 17-8 down with two outs in the last inning before rallying with 7 runs to almost snatch the victory, however it was not meant to be. Game two was not the same free scoring affair as the first, with both defenses tightening up. The Jets did have the tying run at third in the last inning, but Muskets pitcher Andres Bianco got the strikeout to secure the 5-4 victory. There were plenty of highlights to pick from both games, however there was one, a 2 run home run for Nick Hodder of the Weston Jets that arguably topped the billing. 

The Pistols had a trip across the Severn to take on Cardiff Merlins A for their double header. Game one was similar to the Muskets outing a few weeks ago, with the Pistols unable to get to grips with Cardiff's pitching. In a tough, error strewn game for the visitors it ended 16-1 to Cardiff Merlins A. Game two was a much tighter affair in terms of score line, with both sides racking up the runs. It was a fine display from the visitors, knocking in 14 runs off 12 hits, including an inside the park home run for pitcher Yechan Kim. Unfortunately they couldn't quite hold onto the lead, with Cardiff walking off the game 15-14. 

Kevin Snow, club chairman was full of praise, “both our sides played really well today, it was unfortunate the Pistols couldn't quite hold on, but they are improving week by week.”

There could only be one winner of the Tricky Cider MVP award for the Pistols. Having pitched well already, capping his debut weekend with the inside the park home run sealed it for Yechan Kim. There were plenty of good performances to pick from the Muskets over their two games, however it was Russ Chorley that took home the cider, with a fine overall display, including a couple of important run preventing defensive plays.

Next weekend sees the Muskets travel up to Weston to face the Jets again, while the Pistols will host Bournemouth Bears at Taunton Green. 

Game week six of the South West and Wales Baseball saw the Pistols host the Bournemouth Bears at Taunton Green, while the Muskets made the short trip to Weston to take on the Jets, in the reverse of last weekend's fixture. Similar to last week there was little to separate the Muskets and Jets, with the sides again splitting the double header, Muskets winning 8-4 and the Jets taking game two 7-4. The Pistols fared much better against the Bournemouth Bears, sweeping the double header, winning 17-9 and 10-9. 

After narrowly missing out on their second win last weekend against Cardiff Merlins A, the Pistols were looking to build on their early season form. They hosted a Bournemouth side that was yet to record a victory this season, however some close defeats suggested they needed to be taken seriously. The first game of the double header was an impressive all round display for the home side. Everyone in the lineup contributed at the plate, while defensively they managed to turn two double plays, which led to a 17-9 win for the Pistols. Game two was a much tighter affair, with the home side needing 4 runs to walk it off 10-9 in the last inning. 

Two junctions away in Weston-super-Mare the Muskets took on the Jets in two evenly contested games. Game one was 4 apiece until the Muskets found their rhythm, scoring 4 unanswered runs, it was enough to seal an 8-4 victory. The second game swung in the Jets favour, they capitalised on some wayward pitching to jump to a 7-2 lead. Unfortunately the Taunton side couldn't find the gaps, only adding two runs in the last inning, losing 7-4. 

Wesley Whitaker, Pistols team manager, was full of praise for his side, “two fantastic results, everyone played well and that led to two great games of baseball. We can see the improvements game to game and that's great.”

The Tricky Cider MVP winners this week were Robert Ford (Muskets) and Leon Brooke (Pistols). Rob racked up 3 RBI across the two games, boasting 1.000% in slugging, batting average and on-base percentage. In the field he had 4 chances for putouts and made all 4 count.  Leon, in his debut season, had a fine game against Bournemouth. Scoring 3 runs and stealing 6 bases, while in the field he started a double play, snagging a flyball in left field and then picking off the retreating runner at 2nd base.

Both Taunton sides will be back in action on June 2nd, with the Muskets hosting the Cornish Pioneers, while the Pistols make the journey to junction 21 to take on the Weston Jets. 

As the calendars flipped to June the South West and Wales Baseball League season is in full swing and both of the Taunton Baseball Club sides were in action again on Sunday. The Muskets hosted the Cornish Pioneers, while the Pistols traveled north to take on the Weston Jets. Across the two double headers the Muskets were victorious in both their games, winning 14-2 and 15-9, meanwhile the Pistols succumbed to two defeats at the hands of the Jets, losing 17-5 and 11-3.

The Pistols got their first look at last year's Wessex Division champions, the Weston Jets, in a make up game from a previous postponement. The Pistols were in good spirits, coming off the back of a two game sweep of the Bournemouth Bears, however the Jets are a well drilled outfit and have started to gain some momentum in the last few weeks. The Pistols gave their all across both games, however the Jets took the spoils, winning 17-5 and 11-3. Despite defeat the Pistols had some positive plays in the field. Third baseman Steve Coles made a lovely unassisted double play in game one, while Yechan Kim and Mark Cross both pitched well across the two games and Stuart Cook, in only his second game, recorded a couple of outs at second base.

In Taunton the Muskets faced off against the Cornish Pioneers, another new development team in the competition this season, albeit boasting a smattering of experience from the Cornish Claycutters. Across the two games the home side batted with aplomb, with a leadoff triple from Kevin Snow in game one setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The confidence gained running the bases bled into the defence too, with outfield plays from Stuart Pike and Michi Yasuhara, strong dominant pitching from Andres Bianco, Chris Cranmer and Fumihito Yasuhara and a game-ending catch from Russell Chorley on a hard line drive to third base. The two game sweep, 14-2 and 15-9, takes the Muskets to second in the Wessex Division with a 10-4 record. 

Pistols team manager, Wesley Whitaker, spoke after the game in Weston-super-Mare, “everyone played really well today, two hard fought games, but we kept pushing to the end.”

The Tricky Cider MVP winners were hard to pick for both sides, with a lot of all-round quality performances, however two stood out amongst the rest. For the Pistols, Mark Cross took home the prize, pitching well in game one and grabbing an RBI with two hits. Gemma O’Toole bagged the cider for the Muskets, notching 3 hits, scoring 4 runs and stealing 6 bases across the two games. 

Both sides have a week off as Major League Baseball visits London on the weekend of the 8th of June, with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in attendance at the London Stadium. The Muskets will return to action on June 16th, hosting the Bristol Brunels at Taunton Green, while the Pistols travel to Cornwall to take on the Pioneers on the same day. 

After a week off to enjoy the professionals of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies entertain the crowds at the London Stadium, both the Muskets and the Pistols returned to South West and Wales Baseball League competition this weekend. The Muskets played host to the Bristol Brunels of the Severn division, meanwhile the Pistols took to the road to face the Cornish Pioneers in Truro. It was a winning weekend for the Taunton Baseball Club sides, winning 3 out of 4 games, as the Muskets swept the Brunels 13-0 and 8-4, with the Pistols splitting the double header in Cornwall 14-15 and 22-15. 

The recent wet weather abated long enough to allow the Muskets to take to the diamond at Taunton Green, facing a well drilled Bristol Brunels side that started the day second in the Severn division. The first game was a hitting and pitching masterclass from the home side. Andres Bianco recorded 9 strikeouts and allowed only one hit from the mound, while, with the bat, all 9 Muskets made it on base. It led to a comfortable 13-0 win for the Muskets. Game two was a tighter affair, with the Taunton side falling behind early, before mounting a comeback. Timely hits for Gemma O’Toole and Al Troake broke the game open for the Muskets, while another strong pitching performance from Al cemented the sweep with the 8-4 victory.

In Cornwall the Pistols took on another new side this season in the Pioneers. Both sides were evenly matched, as evidenced by splitting the double header. Game one was agonisingly close to a victory for the visitors, having taken a lead early on, the Pistols kept their Cornish hosts quiet, until a late rally saw the home side walk it off, 15-14, in the last inning. Game two followed a similar pattern, with the Pistols establishing an early lead, however this time the visitors tacked on some insurance runs in the last inning and secured the 22-15 win behind the strong pitching of rookie João Serrano. 

“A great display across the two games today, everyone contributed and we never let our heads drop after a couple of errors.” Jake Palmer, Musket's manager, continued, “we closed out the second game very professionally, it was great to see.”

As always there were two Tricky Cider MVP awards to hand out, with Connor Colman taking it home for the Muskets and Dan Brown snagging the prize for the Pistols. Connor had two solid games against Bristol, notching two hits and an RBI, as well as a very accomplished catching performance in game two. Dan Brown had a good trip down to Cornwall, scoring four runs and bagging seven steals. He also stepped up to lead the team confidently in the absence of a few key players. 

There was good news to celebrate off the field as well as on it too this weekend for Taunton Baseball Club, as generous fans Erik In’t Veld and Rene donated a trunk full of equipment to the club, including youth bats and new bases. 

Both sides are on the road next weekend, as the Muskets travel to Bournemouth to take on the Bears and the Pistols head back to Cornwall, this time to take on the division leading Claycutters.

Taunton Baseball Club enjoyed a rare double road trip this Sunday, with the Muskets heading to the coast to take on the Bournemouth Bears and the Pistols returning to Cornwall for the second week running, this time to take on the Claycutters. The Muskets maintained their grip on second place in the Wessex division, sweeping the Bears 16-2 and 21-10. Unfortunately the Pistols succumbed to a sweep at the hands of the Claycutters which kept them atop the Wessex division for another fortnight, losing 16-2 and 15-1. 

The Muskets returned to Bournemouth for the first time since losing to Cardiff Merlins in last year's playoff final and it's fair to say this trip was more successful as they swept the Bears across the two games. The ball was definitely flying on the south coast, with the Muskets racking up twenty hits, including four home runs and four doubles. Outfielder Scott Morse will take the plaudits from the day, hitting two home runs and a double, while driving in eleven runs. Veteran pitcher Jake Palmer limited the Bears to just two hits in game one, helping the visitors to a 16-2 victory, before Chris Cranmer and Al Troake combined to seal game two 21-10. The sweep leaves the Muskets second in the Wessex division with a 14-4 record.

Meanwhile, in a rather wet Cornwall, the Pistols faced the unbeaten Claycutters in two tough games. The day started well for the Taunton side, taking a lead in the first after a big hit from Dan Kirby-James and then limiting the Claycutters to just one run to end the first inning 1-1. The Cornish side showed why they are currently unbeaten, limiting the Pistols offence for the next three innings and tacking on the runs themselves, including a three run home run from Stephen Mills. Game one ended 16-2 to the Claycutters, with Game two following a similar theme. The Pistols continued to toil at the plate and the Claycutters were still locked in, leading to a 15-1 loss for the visitors in game two. 

“It's great to get another two wins under our belts, we've got a week off and then a couple of tough games against the Claycutters looming. This is the perfect preparation,” Muskets manager Jake Palmer told us. 

The Tricky Cider MVP winner for the Pistols was João Serrano, another good performance for the rookie pitcher, scoring two runs, showed discipline at the plate and made some good plays in the field. For the Muskets Scott Morse was the obvious choice for MVP, ending the day with six hits, two home runs, eleven RBI and faultless in the field.

The South West and Wales Baseball League has a week off for tournament baseball, with a league team entering the British Baseball Federation summer cup at Farnham Park. When the sides return to action on July 7th the Muskets will be hosting the Claycutters at Taunton Green, while the Pistols will travel to Bristol to face the Brunels. 

After a brief break due to the British Baseball Federation (BBF) Summer Cup at the end of June both teams of Taunton Baseball Club were back in league action on Sunday July 7th. The Muskets hosted the undefeated Cornish Claycutters, meanwhile the Pistols traveled to Bristol to take on the Brunels at Somerdale. The Pistols succumbed to a sweep in Bristol, with the Brunels winning 20-11 and 17-8, while the Muskets split the double header with the Claycutters, losing game one 15-4, before handing the Claycutters their first defeat with a 16-15 walk off. 

The BBF Summer Cup saw multiple members of Taunton Baseball Club join up with other players from the South West and Wales Baseball League (SWWBL) to test themselves against teams across the country. The SWWBL side lost their first game, before winning their next two to reach the final for a second season in a row. Unfortunately it was the second year of heartache for the South West side, as they lost 14-7 to the London Mets in the final game. Taunton's own Russell Chorley did win the MVP for game one of the weekend and the rest of the Taunton players played their part in a successful weekend of baseball. 

Getting back to league action, the Muskets hosted Wessex Division leaders and undefeated Cornish Claycutters at Taunton Green. Game one did not go to plan for the home side, with the Claycutters making the most of some poor fielding, while making the plays they needed in the field to limit the Muskets to just four runs. Game two was a much tighter affair, albeit higher scoring. Spectators were treated to three home runs, one from Musket Andres Bianco and two from Claycutters Aiden Seaton and Cruz Chourre. The Cornish side threatened to take the sweep, taking an 11-5 lead before the Muskets roared back to score 11 runs over the final two innings for a walk off 16-15 win. Fumihito Yasuhara, replacing the injured Al Troake on the mound, pitched well to limit the Claycutters and set up a tense final innings. The split handed the Claycutters their first defeat of the season and leaves the Wessex Division finely poised heading into the final months of the regular season. 

In Bristol the Pistols took on a well drilled Bristol Brunels side. Game one of the double header started slowly for the visitors, with the Brunels shutting them out over the first two innings, while taking a 10-0 lead. The Taunton side fought their way back into the game, scoring 10 runs themselves over the next two innings, however they couldn't stop Bristol scoring, ultimately succumbing to a 20-11 defeat. The second game saw the Pistols improve with the bat, scoring in every innings, however it was run prevention that again saw their downfall. The visitors out hit their hosts 10-7, but the Brunels made the most of their opportunities, taking another win 17-8. 

The Tricky MVP winners this week were difficult to choose as there were a lot of worthy contenders across both Taunton sides. However Fumihito Yasuhara took the prize for the Muskets, with Stuart Cook and Steve Coles sharing the accolades for the Pistols. Steve notched two runs, including a double, stole two bases and got two RBI against the Brunels. Stuart also got two RBI, while in the field he helped turn a double play and made four outs for the Pistols. For the Muskets Fumihito came in mid inning to pitch, striking out three, while on the other side of the ball he scored four runs. 

Next weekend the Pistols will host the resurgent Weston Jets at Taunton Green and the Muskets will make the journey to Cornwall to take on the Claycutters again, hoping to close the gap at the top of the Wessex Division. 

Taunton Baseball Club continued the South West and Wales Baseball League season on Sunday (July 14th), with the Pistols hosting the Weston Jets and the Muskets traveling to Truro to face the Cornish Claycutters. The Pistols battled against the Weston Jets, but succumbed to two defeats, 20-1 & 17-0. In Cornwall the Claycutters and Muskets shared the spoils, the Muskets taking game one 11-7, before the Claycutters won game two 10-3. 

The Pistols faced a tough task hosting the recently resurgent Weston Jets. It was not an easy day for the home side, with the Jets limiting them to just three hits across the two games. The Pistols were also tested in the field and they produced some good defensive plays to limit the Jets. Unfortunately it was not quite enough for the Pistols and they ended up losing 20-1 and 17-0, however the players will take positives from the way they played.

In Truro the Muskets took on the division leading Claycutters in the reverse of last weekend's fixture where they inflicted the Cornish side's first defeat of the season. Game one saw the visitors take an early lead which they never relinquished, with pitcher Andres Bianco dominating the game on both sides of the ball recording ten strikeouts and three RBI, with Scott Morse and Chris Cranmer chipping in with a couple of RBI each too. It led to a solid 11-7 win for the Taunton side. It was the home side that came out swinging in the second game. After surrendering the lead in the bottom of the first inning, the Muskets failed to make the most of their opportunities, leaving eight runners stranded on base across the game. Despite a solid pitching performance from Fumihito Yasuhara the Muskets lost 10-3.

Anna Smith, Taunton Pistols player, spoke to us after the game, “we may have lost both games, but we gave it our all and we can use it as a valuable learning experience.”

The Tricky Cider MVP winner for the Pistols went to Jayden Sherman, son of a Muskets original Kevin Sherman, making his debut this season. Jayden put in a solid performance for his first game and capped it off with a nice catch in the outfield. For the Muskets Robert Ford took the honours, making a couple of nice plays at third base, an important double and an RBI in game one. 

Next weekend (July 21st) sees only the Pistols in league action, taking on the New Forest Knights at Taunton Green. 

Only one half of Taunton Baseball Club was in South West and Wales Baseball League competition on Sunday (July 21st), with the Pistols hosting the New Forest Knights at Taunton Green. In two closely contested games the Pistols swept the Knights, 14-12 and 21-20, giving the Pistols a 6-16 record on the season.

As the Muskets had a weekend off all eyes were on Taunton as the Pistols hosted another side in their debut season, the New Forest Knights. Game one started positively for the home side, limiting the Knights to two runs in the top of the first, the Pistols put up five to take an early lead. Both sides then continued to rack up the runs over the next two innings, however it was the Pistols that sured up their defence in time to take the victory, shutting out the visitors in the top of the fourth innings to win 14-12. The Pistols showed patience at the plate, drawing plenty of walks, as well as adding some timely hits, with Dan Brown, three hits and three RBI, and Steve Coles, four RBI, the most notable amongst the home side. 

With a win under their belt the Pistols looked for a sweep in game two, but it was no easy task. Again the Knights and Pistols traded runs, matching each other in the first two innings, before the Knights took a seven run lead going into the home side's last inning. Having clawed back five, the hosts were down to their last strike when debutant Harry Cave hit a two run single to tie the game and send it to extra innings. The Knights again took the lead, leaving the Pistols needing six to win and again, down to their last out, James Wheatley hit a game winning two run single to walk it off 21-20. Every player for the Pistols recorded an RBI in another solid batting performance, with Mark Cross (5), Harry Cave (4) and Sarah Marsh (3) inflicting the most damage with runners on base. The results leave the Pistols fourth in the Wessex division with a 6-16 record, with four games to go.

“It was a really pleasing club effort today, with a few Muskets helping out too,” Kevin Snow, Taunton Baseball Club Chairman, speaking after the game. “There were some fantastic at bats in both games, an encouraging mix of patience and aggression which helped secure the sweep.”

There was a standout candidate for the Tricky Cider MVP, although too young to receive the celebratory cider, as sixteen year old Harry Cave put in an all round quality performance. Not only did he knock in the game tying runs in game two, but he also pitched the last two innings with the game on the line. As a replacement for the cider he was presented with a bag of Skittles. 

Next up for Taunton Baseball Club is an inter club derby, as the Pistols take on the Muskets at Taunton Green on Sunday July 28th in both sides penultimate game of the South West and Wales Baseball League season. 

Sunday July 28th was a big derby day for Taunton Baseball Club, with the Muskets hosting the Pistols at Taunton Green. In the penultimate round of the South West and Wales Baseball League regular season neither side had a chance of progressing to the postseason, with the Muskets holding third spot in the Wessex Division, just above the Pistols in fourth. In two tightly contested games the Muskets took the sweep, 17-2 and 20-9. 

Game one saw the visitors (the Pistols) take an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, with hits from Daniel Kirby-James, Steve Coles and Sarah Marsh putting the Muskets on the back foot. The Muskets, however, quickly turned the momentum in their favour, scoring five runs of their own to take back the lead. Despite getting runners on base the Pistols were unable to add to their tally, struggling to make an impact against starting pitcher Andres Bianco. Andres also inflicted much of the damage with the bat too, knocking in five runs, with Gabriel Carrillo-Ureta knocking in another three runs on three hits. The Muskets sealed the win at the end of the fourth inning, taking the game 17-2.

The Pistols started positively again in game two, scoring three in the bottom of the first inning, however the Muskets again gained the lead by the end of the first, scoring five. Even though the Muskets continued to rack up the runs, the Pistols were not easily brushed aside, fighting back to take the score to 10-9 to the Muskets at the midpoint of the third inning. It was, however, the closest they came to Muskets, as the hosts added ten unanswered runs over the next two innings. That gave the Muskets a 20-9 win and the season sweep over the Pistols. 

“Today was brilliant to be a part of, this season, having two teams again, has been so enjoyable,” Kevin Snow, Taunton Baseball Club Chairman, told us. “It's a shame the Muskets couldn't quite manage to make the postseason, but both sides have done the club proud, especially the Pistols, with how far they have come in such a short time.”

The penultimate Tricky Cider MVP winners were Jake Meads, Muskets, and Tom Tame, Pistols. Jake notched three hits, including a triple, six RBI, scored five runs and made his pitching debut for the season, shutting out the Pistols, with a strikeout. Tom Tame had a great day at the plate for the Pistols, getting three hits, an RBI, a stolen base and scored a run. 

In the final game week of the regular season of the South West and Wales Baseball League the Muskets travel to Cornwall to take on the Cornish Pioneers, while the Pistols host the Cornish Claycutters at Taunton Green. 

The South West and Wales Baseball League regular season came to an end on Sunday (August 4th) for Taunton Baseball Club with both teams taking the diamond against Cornish opposition. The Muskets travelled to Truro to face the Cornish Pioneers, while in Taunton the Pistols hosted the Cornish Claycutters. The Pistols gave their all against the Wessex Division leaders, losing 20-2 and 25-2, while the Muskets capped their season with two wins on the road, beating the Pioneers 15-5 and 20-6.

The Muskets, having suffered postseason heartbreak, ultimately missing out by one game, saw out their season in style. A free swinging display from the Taunton side saw them rack up 32 hits across the two games and all ten players reached base. The highlights of the afternoon was a huge grand slam home run to deep left field for Chris Cranmer in game two and a dominating pitching performance from Fumihito Yasuhara, who won game one with 12 strikeouts. The professional performance from the Muskets gave them two commanding victories, taking game one 15-5 and game two 20-6.

The Pistols faced a tougher challenge at Taunton Green, hosting the table topping Cornish Claycutters. The visitors showed why they had led the division from almost the first week, putting the Pistols to the sword, winning 20-2 and 25-2. There were positives for the home side though, making a nice defensive play on a run down and pulling off a trick play to end an inning. The results left the Pistol with 6 wins for their debut season and fourth in the division, just above the Pioneers. 

“Everyone played well today,” Wesley Whitaker, Pistols manager, said. “We've had a great first season and I can't wait to see what we can achieve next year.” 

The final Tricky Cider MVP winners of the season were Fumihito Yasuhara for the Muskets and Wesley Whitaker for the Pistols. Both players pitched well for their respective sides and both contributed at the plate too.

The regular season may be over, but Taunton Baseball Club still have lots to offer, with youth sessions on Fridays, starting on August 9th, for children aged 4-14 years old and a ten year anniversary event at Taunton Green on September 8th.