The South West and Wales Baseball League continued for both Taunton sides on Sunday (April 13th), with the Pistols hosting the Torrington Riptides at Taunton Green and the Muskets crossing the Severn to take on the Cardiff Merlins. The Pistols continued their winning start to the Wessex Division, sweeping the Riptides 5-4 & 19-15, meanwhile the Muskets split the double header in Cardiff to secure their first win of 2025, losing 13-3, before winning 9-7 in game two. 

In Taunton the Pistols played host to Torrington Riptides in the reverse of last week's Single A opening day fixture. Game one was a tight affair, with Harry Cave and Mark Cross shutting down the Riptides from the mound. The home side took the majority of their offence off a three run double by Stuart Cook, which helped secure the 5-4 win. The second game was the complete opposite, with both sides racking up the runs in the 19-15 win for the Pistols. Harry Cave, Chris Worley and Steve Coles did the bulk of the run producing, combining for 13 RBI (runs batted in) and helping Stuart Cook to his first pitching win, albeit with strong relief pitching from João Serrano. The sweep sees the Pistols sharing top spot of the Wessex Division with the Exeter Spitfires after the first two weeks. 

Across the border the Muskets looked to shake off their opening day defeats against another strong Double A side, the Cardiff Merlins. The first game of the double header was reminiscent of opening day for the Muskets, some good at bats, a few runs, but unable to break down the opposing starting pitcher. The Merlins showed their experience at this level and made the most of their opportunities, taking the game 13-3 after 6 innings, albeit the game felt much closer, if not reflected on the scoreboard. Game two was the tense affair game one failed to provide, with both sides struggling to control the game, but neither giving respite to their opponent. The Muskets were able to punish a couple of mistakes from the home side, including an unusual error strewn strikeout-home run from Chris Cranmer. James Carter, Muskets pitcher, was arguably the star of the game, striking out 13 Merlins in the 9-7 victory to record his first win as a Taunton player.

“Another amazing day,” said Pistols Assistant Manager Steve Coles. “Two great games of baseball, played in good spirits.” 

“It's great to get that first win after two difficult away fixtures, but we're stepping up to the challenge and everyone's competing.” Jake Palmer, Muskets Manager explained.

The Tricky Cider Ltd MVPs for day went to Harry Cave and Chris Worley for their batting performances for the Pistols. While James Carter, notching his first Muskets win, and Dan Kirby-James, for an outstanding run saving sliding catch, took home the cider for the Muskets. 

The Easter weekend provides an early season break for both sides before they return to league action on April 27th. The Muskets will be on the road again, this time to take on the New Forest Thunder, while the Pistols will be hosting the Exeter Spitfires in a top of the table clash at Taunton Green.

Following a brief break due to the Easter bank holiday weekend Taunton Baseball Club welcomed a return to South West and Wales Baseball League action on Sunday (April 27th). The Pistols hosted the Exeter Spitfires at Taunton Green, with Exeter sweeping the double header 26-21 & 35-5, while the Muskets fixture away to New Forest Thunder was forfeited by the hosts. 

The double header at Taunton Green between the Pistols and the Exeter Spitfires was the reigniting of a friendly competitive rivalry dating back to the Muskets inaugural season in 2014 and last played out in 2019. Both sides featured a lot of fresh faces, although there were a handful of experienced players that played in that last meeting six years ago. Game one was a gripping contest, with both sides swinging the bat well, with a combined 35 hits between them, including two triples from Exeter's Danuja Kalhara S Kadakkotti and doubles from Phillip Matthews (Spitfires), Steve Coles and Minyong Lee (Pistols). With the sides trading runs the Spitfires edged ahead 26-11, before a rally by the Pistols in the last inning threatened a walk off home victory, however they fell just short, losing 26-21. 

The second game was not quite as close, at least not going by the final scorecard. Exeter deployed veteran pitcher Tony Watson and his experience and control proved a difficult challenge for the Pistols. He limited the Pistols to just five runs off nine hits, whereas Exeter, also recording only nine hits, punished the home sides errors to rack up thirty five runs across the five inning game. The 35-5 scoreline certainly didn't reflect how close both sides were, however baseball can be an unforgiving sport when you're not quite at your best. The two results leave the Pistols third in the Wessex Division, with a 4-2 record, while Exeter continue their unbeaten start to the season sitting top with a 6-0 record. 

In the Double A division, the forfeited games put the Muskets joint third, with a 3-3 record for the season so far. 

Sam White, Pistols Manager, spoke after Sunday's difficult double header, “to fight back in game one showed great spirit by everyone, especially when you look at the experience of this Exeter side. Unfortunately things didn't go for us in the second game and didn't help ourselves, but we can learn from it.”

Even though the Pistols came out on the wrong side of the results, two performances stood out to receive the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP awards. Steve Coles swung the bat well in game one and played his part on defence behind the plate catching. The second bottle went to Jake Meads, he got four hits across the two games and stepped in to pitch the end of game two. 

The Muskets will travel to Bristol to face the Bats on Sunday May 4th, while the Pistols will host the Cornish Pioneers at Taunton Green.

The May Day Bank Holiday weekend saw both Taunton Baseball Club sides take to the diamond in the South West and Wales Baseball League, as well as an international sojourn for a couple of their players. The Muskets made the trip to Somerdale Pavilion to face the Bristol Bats, while the Pistols hosted the Cornish Pioneers at Taunton Green and the Serpents, the leagues women's team, headed to Dunkirk for a tournament hosted by Hauts-de-France.

The Pistols enjoyed the best of the weekend's league results, splitting the double header with the Pioneers 20-7 & 11-12. Meanwhile the Muskets succumbed to a sweep in Bristol, losing 14-1 & 14-8 to the Bats. In Dunkirk the Serpents, with Gemma O’Toole and Sarah Marsh as their Taunton contingent, won two of their three games. They defeated the hosts 10-9, before beating a combined Strasbourg & Normandy side 12-4. This set up a final against the combined side on Sunday, unfortunately the Serpents fell to a 7-4 defeat to finish runners up. They didn't leave the continent empty handed, with Kat Golick (Bristol Baseball) picking up the award for Best Hitter of the Tournament, with a perfect 1.000% average over the weekend. 

Back in the South West the Pistols looked to bounce back after their previous sweep by the Exeter Spitfires. The Pioneers arrived with only one win so far in six games, but they proved a tricky opponent for the hosts. The two sides were free swinging, combining for fifty six hits across the two games. The home side were undone in the first game by some solid pitching from Pioneer Dan Kitts, who limited the damage around the hits the Pistols did get. Game two was a tighter contest, with the hosts making the most of their opportunities and capitalising off the hitting of Jake Meads, Stuart Cook and Steve Coles. The final scores were 20-7 to the Pioneers and 12-11 to the Pistols.

In Bristol the Muskets faced off against the Bristol Bats, a well drilled side at the Double A level. The visitors struggled to get to grips with the first game. A big first innings from the Bats gave them a comfortable lead, with the Muskets only able to get five hits across the game, it would prove enough.  However a second big inning killed the contest completely, with the Bats winning 14-1. The Muskets bounced back for game two, taking the lead and continuing to add runs on the scoreboard. However two big innings from the home side again proved decisive, with the Bats taking a 7-6 lead, before a big seven run inning effectively put the tie out of reach. The Muskets tried to rally, but fell short, losing 14-8. 

“The first game was tough, but we kept our heads and played brilliantly in game two to win with an innings to spare,” Sam White, Pistols manager, speaking after the split with the Pioneers. 

The two winners of the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP awards for the Pistols were Jake Meads and Stuart Cooke. Jake started his first game as a pitcher in game one, which he put in admirable display against a tough opponent, before a fine display with the bat in game two, picking up three hits and three Runs Batted In (RBI). Stuart also contributed with the bat in game two, getting two hits, two RBI and scoring two runs. The winners for the Muskets were José Bobadilla-Garcia and Chris Chantrey. José flashed the leather on defence, making a few remarkable plays at Shortstop, while on offence, his base running was unmatched. Chris helped propel the Muskets offence in game two, notching four hits and four RBI. 

The weekend's results leave the Pistols third in the Wessex Division, with a 5-3 win loss record, while the Muskets 3-5 record sees them fifth in the Double A division. 

Next Sunday, May 11th, will see the Pistols head to Exeter to face the Spitfires, while the Muskets have a weekend off. 

Following last weekend's bumper baseball schedule, this Sunday (May 11th) saw only the Taunton Pistols in South West and Wales Baseball League action, travelling down the M5 to face the Exeter Spitfires. Unfortunately for the Taunton side the results were similar to the reverse fixture at the end of April, with the Spitfires taking the sweep 18-10 & 11-10. 

Heading into the weekend then Exeter Spitfires were the only undefeated side in the Wessex Division of the South West and Wales Baseball League, with an 8-0 record, meanwhile the Pistols were looking to continue their solid start to the season, holding a 5-3 record before first pitch.

The first game had veteran Exeter pitcher Tony Watson taking on rookie Archie Ginbey, making his debut on the mound, for the Pistols. The Pistols jumped to an early lead, scoring five runs in the first and limiting the Spitfires to three in return. However the experience of the home side began to tell, with the Pistols struggling to convert hits into runs, while the Spitfires took the lead. The visitors offence was mainly focused around teenager Jake Meads, as he notched three hits, including a triple, and batted in four runs. With the Pistols continuing to chip away at the Exeter lead, the home side made a pitching change to shut the game down. It would prove a decisive move, with the Spitfires holding on to take the game 18-10. 

The second game of the double header started the opposite of the first. It was the home side that took the lead after the first inning, before two big innings from the Pistols gave them a 10-7 lead after three innings. The home side sensed an upset, so brought in their former Triple A pitcher Mike Osborn, a move that stifled the Pistols offence. Coupled with the defensive change came a late Exeter rally, scoring four across the last two innings to secure an 11-10 walk off. 

“We made some great plays in the field and had some solid contact with the bat.” Connor Colman, Pistols Assistant Manager, said after the game, “we're really proud of how we played today, two close games that required them to bring in their best players to beat us.”

There were plenty of solid performances from the visitors that made a case for the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP winners. However the honours went to Archie Ginbey for his pitching debut, including two strikeouts in the first innings and Harry Cave, his three hits, including a double to left center field, and four RBI (Runs Batted In) kept the second game close throughout. 

The results leave the Pistols with a 5-5 record, sitting third in the Wessex Division standings, just above their next opponents the Newton Abbot Brewers. They will have to wait a couple of weeks to face them, as they don't play again until June 1st. Meanwhile the Muskets with host their first home game of the season on May 18th when they welcome the Bristol Bats to Taunton Green. 

Sunday May 18th saw the Taunton Muskets host the Bristol Bats in their first home game of the 2025 South West and Wales Baseball League season. The Muskets got their first sweep of the season, seeing off the Bats 8-7 & 16-6. 

The Taunton Pistols had a bye week in the Wessex Division, so all focus was on the Muskets at Taunton Green as they hosted the Bristol Bats in the reverse of their last fixture a couple of weeks ago. The early innings followed a similar theme to the games in Bristol, the Muskets struggling offensively and leaking runs, with the Bats jumping out to a 6-0 lead. However, in the bottom of the fourth inning, a triple from Fumihito Yasuhara scored two, before Russ Chorley got him home in the next at bat to halve the deficit. Two strong defensive innings gave the Muskets a chance to win it in the sixth inning. Russ and Dan Kirby-James were the catalysts this time, tiring the game at 6-6. The Muskets managed to load the bases with two outs and a full count on Junior Hayward, the next pitch would either walk it off or send the game to extra innings. A ground ball to third base sent the game to extras. With two runners starting on base in extra innings the Bats scored one to take a 7-6 lead; up stepped Jose Bobadilla-Garcia for the hosts, hitting a double to left field to cash in both runners and walk off the game 8-7.

Game two was not quite the nail biting affair as game one. The Muskets handed a first start on the mound to Fumihito Yasuhara, going three innings and only allowing two hits. He was supported by a strong offensive showing, with Gabriel Carrillo-Ureta being the most notable, with 4 hits, including a double. The Muskets dominated throughout the five innings, racking up 14 hits to the Bats 4, before ending the game on a ten run mercy ruling, 16-6. 

There were lots of strong candidates for the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP awards across the two games. However the cider, and apple juice, went to Dan Kirby-James and Fumihito Yasuhara. Dan made some tricky catches in left field during game one, something the Muskets have come to rely on this season. Meanwhile Fumi impressed in his first pitching start of the season and showed his offense too, with a triple, four runs and two RBI (Runs Batted In).

“Two great games today, especially pleasing when every player contributes something,” Jake Palmer, Muskets Manager explained. “Its a shame we have a couple of weeks off now, but this give us some momentum to push on for the rest of the season.”

The sweep leaves the Muskets tied with the Bats in the table, both with 5-5 records, sitting fourth in the Double A division. There is no games for either Taunton side over the bank holiday weekend, with some players travelling to Kent for the Battle of Britain tournament. Locally the SWWBL Serpents start their league campaign in Bristol on Saturday the 24th, with a girls in baseball youth festival at Somerdale Pavilion running alongside it, while on Saturday the 25th Taunton Green will host a rookie day for the league's newer players to gain experience. 

The bank holiday weekend brought a break from South West and Wales Baseball League action, however there was still plenty of baseball to catch up on. Saturday (May 24th) was the start of the Women's Baseball League season, with the Serpents winning both their games in Bristol, alongside a Girls in Baseball youth event. In Taunton on Sunday rookies from across the South West converged at Taunton Green for a Rookie Tournament. Meanwhile in Kent, a South West and Wales Baseball League All Star team (SWWBL) competed in the Battle of Britain tournament across the weekend. 

The South West Serpents were hosting the first Women's at Somerdale Pavilion, with Manchester Jets and Belles Baseball making the trip to Bristol. The Serpents started off the day with an impressive 13-2 win over the Belles, with strong performances across the team. The Manchester Jets then beat the Belles 10-7, before the SW Serpents completed the sweep beating the Jets by the same scoreline. While the women were playing the league hosted a Girls in Baseball festival, funded by the British Baseball Federation and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, to encourage young girls to take part in baseball, developing their skills and being able to see the women in action first hand too. 

The Rookie Tournament on Sunday at Taunton Green provided an opportunity for new players to the league to test themselves in a less pressured environment, as well as try out new positions. Over thirty players made the trip to Taunton Green to play in mix and match sides for the day. The SW Scones came away victorious with two wins, defeating both the 99ers and the Urban Gulls. The event was one of many planned in Taunton in a push to develop the sport locally, as well as providing a central hub for baseball across the South West.

Kevin Snow, Taunton Baseball Club chair, was full of praise after the event, “It was a fantastic day which saw many players taking to the field for the first time in a competitive game as well as players trying out multiple field positions. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped organise and run the event.”

Whilst there was plenty of baseball in the South West over the weekend, a lot of South West and Wales Baseball League players made the trip to Kent to compete in the Battle of Britain tournament. The SWWBL side struggled on day one, losing to The Sandlot, also comprised of South West players, and the Great Britain Women's team. Their fortunes changed on Sunday, defeating both the Bootle Trojans from Liverpool and the hosts, Kent Baseball Club. Results across the weekend meant the SWWBL side faced off against GB Women, with added reinforcements from the teams in Bristol on Saturday, in the first semi final, while The Sandlot faced Kent Baseball Club in the other. A 5-3 for SWWBL and a 10-0 win for The Sandlot set up an all South West final. The SWWBL started well, with Chris Cranmer hitting a grand slam home run to put them 4-0 up, while pitcher Marshall Hanney limited The Sandlot attack. However The Sandlot fought back to walk off the win with a 6-5 victory, breaking SWWBL hearts, but at least brining the trophy back the South West.

Locally the Taunton Pistols will host the Newton Brewers at Taunton Green on Sunday June 1st. 

Game week nine of the South West and Wales Baseball League season took place on Sunday June 1st, with only the Taunton Pistols taking the diamond at Taunton Green. They hosted the Newton Abbot Brewers in a double header with the Pistols being swept 26-4 & 18-1. 

At the start of the weekend the Pistols sat just above the Brewers in the Wessex Division standings, holding a 5-5 win-loss record, while the Brewers were 4-6. The Brewers came prepared to swing the bat, pouncing early on young Taunton pitcher Harry Cave in game one, with his opposite number, Brewers pitcher Haydn Thomas, doing most of the damage, with four hits and eight Runs Batted In (RBI). The home side struggled to get to grips on the offensive side, only managing five hits to combine for four runs. With the game all but gone the Pistols brought in Steve Coles for his pitching debut, closing out the game with a strikeout. 

The second game of the double header followed a similar theme to the first, with the Brewers continuing to swing the bat well, while defensively stifling the Pistols. The home side continued to battle throughout the game, turning some nice plays to limit the damage inflicted by the Brewers, including a nice double play between Sarah March and Mark Cross. The 18-1 final score meant the two sides flip flopped their league position, with the Brewers moving up to third in the standings with a 6-6 record, while the Pistols dropped to 5-7 for the season, leaving them in fourth. 

“It was a tough day on the diamond, but we can learn from it,” Sam White, Pistols manager, explained. “They (Brewers) are a good side, but we get the chance again in the reverse fixture next Sunday (June 8th), so we'll focus on that.”

The Tricky Cider Ltd MVP winners for the Pistols were Harry Cave and Sarah Marsh. Harry, 17, took home the apple juice, instead of cider, for his pitching performance in game one. It was another solid outing for the teenager in only his second season. Sarah continued her impressive start to the season in the infield with a couple of great defensive plays, including a double play in game two.

Sunday June 8th will see both Taunton Baseball Club sides in action, with the Pistols travelling to Newton Abbot to face the Brewers again, meanwhile the Muskets will host Cardiff Merlins AA at Taunton Green. 

A weather affected weekend meant only the Taunton Muskets fulfilled their South West and Wales Baseball League double A fixture against Cardiff Merlins on Sunday (June 8th), with the Pistols trip to Newton Abbot postponed. The Muskets succumbed to a sweep in Taunton Green, losing 16-9 & 14-2. 

The wet start to the weekend had already claimed the mix and match youth event planned at Taunton Green on Saturday and, by that evening, Newton Abbot confirmed their field had been waterlogged, meaning the Pistols had an unscheduled Sunday off. 

In Taunton the Muskets hosted the Cardiff Merlins AA at Taunton Green. Having split the reverse fixture in Cardiff and coming off the back of sweeping the Bristol Bats confidence was high amongst the home side. The early signs reflected the positive spirit, with the Muskets jumping to an early lead in the first game. The Welsh side struck back quickly and continued to turn over the scoreboard. Despite adding a couple more runs, the home side couldn't muster a rally in response, losing game one 16-9.

Game two presented a fresh slate for both sides and yet again it was the Muskets that got on the board first. However, much like game one, the Merlins struck back, having a big third inning to take a commanding lead. Two more big innings for the visitors left the game out of reach for the Muskets, especially as they failed to record a single hit. The 14-2 loss left the Muskets dropping back under .500 for the season, with a 5-7 win-loss record, meanwhile the Merlins jumped to the top of standings with the sweep. 

“It was a difficult day, we just couldn't get everyone firing at the same time,” explained Jake Palmer, Taunton Muskets manager. “There were a few good defensive plays and some solid hits, we have things to work on, but we go again in a couple of weeks time.”

Despite the sweep there were still two Tricky Cider Ltd MVP recipients. Making his debut for the Muskets in game two, Cosmin Bilciurescu drew a walk, stole three bases and scored a run, as well as umpiring game one. Chris Chantrey picked up the other award for his efforts in game one, making a few plays in the field and knocking in two runs with a double. 

Both Taunton sides have a weekend off before the Muskets host the Wellington Khaki Sox on June 22nd, while the Pistols will head to Wilson Field to take on the Plymouth Mariners on the same day. 

The South West and Wales Baseball League season continued for Taunton Baseball Club on Sunday (June 22nd), with the Muskets hosting the Wellington Khaki Sox at Taunton Green, while the Pistols clash with the Plymouth Mariners game was postponed. Two competitive games in Taunton saw a split decision, the Muskets winning game one 4-3 and the Khaki Sox taking game two 7-2. 

Even though Taunton and Wellington are only separated by one junction of the M5 it was the first competitive games between the sides since the Khaki Sox formed in 2021. Game one of the double header was certainly competitive, with neither side giving an inch. A dominant display from Andrés Bianco kept the Khaki Sox off the scoreboard until the seventh inning, as he struck out eight, only allowing six hits. Visiting pitcher Ramon Martinez had a similarly impressive game on the mound, also striking out eight. However a two RBI (Runs Batted In) single from Chris Chantrey in the fourth inning and an insurance run in the fifth off the bat of Jake Palmer was enough to secure the 4-3 victory for the home side, despite the late fight back from Wellington. 

The second game was not as close on the scoreboard as the first, but still highly charged on the diamond. The Khaki Sox jumped to an early lead scoring four across the first two innings, until the Muskets stemmed the flow. Unfortunately while the defence picked up for the Taunton side, the offence remained quiet, only recording their first of three hits in the fourth inning. The visitors tacked on a few more runs before the hosts broke the shutout in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two, leaving the Khaki Sox to take the win 7-2. 

“Arguably the best two games we've played this season in the field and pitching wise.” Jake Palmer, Muskets team manager, continued, “we battled until the end and were unlucky that a few hits didn't quite find the gap to get us over the line in the second game.”

There could only be one winner of the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP for game one for the Muskets, with Andrés Bianco keeping his cool under pressure to record his first win of the season. Game two's award went to Anna Smith, unfortunately sidelined this season through injury, after she stepped up and scored the game. 

Both Taunton Baseball Club sides will be in action again next Sunday, June 29th, with the Muskets hosting the New Forest Thunder and the Pistols travelling to Newton Abbot to face the Brewers. 

South West and Wales Baseball League action continued for Taunton Baseball Club on Sunday June 27th, with the Pistols travelling to Newton Abbot to take on the Brewers, while the Muskets were due to host the New Forest Thunder. The Muskets were given two wins as the New Forest Thunder forfeited the double header, meanwhile the Pistols were swept 14-13 & 19-4 in Newton Abbot. 

After almost a month since their last game, the Pistols hosted the Brewers on June 1st, the two sides faced off again in Newton Abbot on Sunday. The visitors got off to a flying start, scoring four runs in the first inning and limiting the Brewers to three. The Brewers immediately hit back, limiting the Pistols to three and taking the lead by putting up five runs in the next inning. A second big hit for Pistols third base man Steve Coles gave the Taunton side the lead again, before the hosts tied it up going into the final inning. The Pistols scored one to take the lead, however they couldn't stop the Brewers walking off the tie 14-13. 

After such a late blow in game one, the Pistols needed to rouse themselves for game two of the double header. Early signs were positive as they took the lead, however the Brewers fought back as they had all day, ending the first inning 5-1 up. Another big inning for the hosts extended their lead, before the Pistols rallied with a three run inning. Unfortunately it wasn't enough as the Brewers dominated with both bat and ball, running out 19-4 winners after four innings. 

“We were unlucky in game one,” Connor Colman, Pistols Assistant Manager, said after the game. “It was close, but we'll take the positives from the two games and move on to the next one.”

The two rookies took home the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP awards for the Pistols. Archie Ginbey and Ben Gardner both joined the Pistols in the off season and have been ever present this season. Archie pitched well in game one and led off for the Taunton side, getting himself three hits and two RBI. Ben was busy in left field, making five outs in game two to help limit the damage from the Brewers offense. 

Both Taunton sides will be back in action on July 6th, with the Muskets hosting the Bournemouth Bears at Taunton Green, while the Pistols travel to Cornwall to take on the Pioneers. 

The South West and Wales Baseball League season continued on Sunday (July 6th) as the Pistols travelled to Truro to face the Cornish Pioneers, while the Muskets had a weekend off as the Bournemouth Bears forfeited their Double A match up. In Cornwall the Pistols split the double header with the Pioneers, losing 8-12 and winning 22-13.

The Pistols have been a solid hitting team this season and game one was no exception. The visitors jumped to an early lead with a two out rally to score twice in the first inning, before limiting the Pioneers to just one run in the bottom half of the first. The Cornish side struck back immediately, shutting down the Pistols offence and adding five runs in the second to take a 6-2 lead. A big fourth inning from the Taunton side gave them the lead again, however it was short lived, with the hosts matching them for runs. The Pistols scored one in the bottom of the sixth inning, however it was not enough as they succumbed to a 12-8 defeat. 

Game two provided the Taunton Pistols another chance to immediately respond to the setback of losing game one and they did so emphatically, racking up seventeen hits over five innings. The Pistols started well, yet found themselves 5-3 down after the first inning, with the Pioneers capitalising on some wayward pitching to start the game. The two sides were inseparable going into the final inning, with the Pioneers holding a one run lead, 13-12. Then came the fifth inning. The Pistols racked up ten runs, with two big doubles from Archie Ginbey scored five runs and a two run single from Sam White epitomising the Pistols aggressive approach at the plate. Visiting pitcher João Serrano then shut out the Pioneers in the bottom half of the inning to secure the 22-13 victory for the Pistols. 

“We dug deep after a tough first game and everyone kept their heads up to secure that win in game two,” Sam White, Pistols Manager, said after the double header. 

The two Tricky Cider Ltd MVP winners for the Pistols were João Serrano and Connor Colman. João offensively scored five runs, notched three hits, two RBI and stole five bases across the two games, while his pitching in game two saw him record a season high six strikeouts and only giving up one hit. Connor made a highlight play in game one, faking a throw down from his catching position to induce the runner at 2nd base into a run down and securing the out. 

Both Taunton sides will be in action next Sunday, July 13th, with the Muskets making the trip to Cornwall to face the Claycutters, while the Pistols will head to Plymouth to take on the Mariners.

Both sides of Taunton Baseball Club were on the road on Sunday (July 13th), with the Muskets travelling to Truro to face the Cornish Claycutters and the Pistols visiting Plymouth Mariners at Wilson Field. It proved a positive day overall, as the Muskets swept their double-header 15-5 and 25-7, while the Pistols split theirs, losing game one 12-7 but bouncing back to win game two 15-13.

The Muskets met the Claycutters for the first time this season, with both teams vying for second place behind Cardiff Merlins. Trips to Truro are rarely easy, but the Muskets came out firing, taking an early lead and putting pressure on the home side’s defence. Solid fielding backed up a strong pitching performance from Andrés Bianco, who also launched a home run in a commanding 15-5 win. Every Muskets player reached base at least once in a true team effort.

Game two was even more emphatic. A nine-run first inning and eight-run fifth paved the way for a 25-7 victory. Lead-off man Kevin Snow and shortstop José Bobadilla-Garcia led the charge, each collecting three hits and driving in four runs.

Further along the coast, the Pistols faced the Mariners for their first competitive meeting in almost five years. With hot conditions and a limited squad, it was always going to be a challenge. Despite out-hitting the home side in game one, defensive errors proved costly as they fell 12-7. However, they rallied in game two. In a high-scoring contest, the Pistols led 15-12 going into the Mariners’ final at bat. Jake Meads then struck out three Plymouth hitters while conceding just one run to seal a hard-fought 15-13 win.

“I’m so pleased with how well we played today,” said Muskets manager Jake Palmer. “The pitching was great as ever, and we put them under pressure which paid off.”

Pistols manager Sam White was equally proud. “Two hard-fought games, and considering the heat, we did so well to secure that win in game two.”

This week’s Tricky Cider Ltd MVP awards went to Andrés Bianco and Kevin Snow for the Muskets, and Ben Gardner and Jake Meads for the Pistols. Bianco dominated on the mound, striking out eleven and hitting a home run, while Snow knocked in six runs off four hits, including two doubles. Gardner impressed with two vital catches in left field, and Meads secured the Pistols’ game two win with three strikeouts.

Next up, the Muskets host the Claycutters at Taunton Green on July 20th, while the Pistols have a weekend away from league action, with a potential friendly against Torrington Riptides on the horizon.

The penultimate weekend of the South West and Wales Baseball League regular season wrapped up on Sunday, July 20th, with the Taunton Muskets hosting the Cornish Claycutters. The Muskets secured an emphatic sweep, winning both games by mercy rule, 10-0 and 27-7.

While summer downpours disrupted fixtures across the region, the Muskets and Claycutters braved the forecast and were rewarded with a glorious day of baseball, despite a brief rain delay during game one. The opener was dominated by Muskets pitcher Andrés Bianco, who threw a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits while striking out seven. Bianco also impressed at the plate, recording four hits, including a solo home run, and driving in four runs. The Claycutters had chances to score but left ten runners stranded across six innings, unable to capitalise. The Muskets sealed a comfortable 10-0 victory, giving Bianco his third win of the season.

Game two saw the Claycutters come out aggressively, racing to a 6-0 lead after early pressure on the home defence. However, the Muskets regrouped quickly, overturning the deficit in the bottom of the second inning to lead 8-6. From there, Taunton tightened up defensively, conceding just one run across the next two innings, while exploding for a sixteen-run fourth inning to secure a 27-7 mercy rule win. Multiple players contributed offensively, with Junior Hayward, James Carter, and José Bobadilla-Garcia standing out, each hitting big doubles to break open the game.

“Today was a great display of teamwork; everyone contributed in some way and picked each other up when we were under pressure,” said Muskets manager Jake Palmer. “We've got one more doubleheader left before we see where we stand for the post-season, but our focus is firmly on next Sunday.”

With strong performances across the roster, selecting the Tricky Cider Ltd MVPs was no easy task. Ultimately, Andrés Bianco was awarded MVP for game one with his dominant pitching and powerful hitting display, while veteran Junior Hayward earned the honour for game two, rolling back the years with four hits, including a double, five RBI, and six runs scored.

The South West and Wales Baseball League regular season concludes on Sunday, July 27th, with the Pistols hosting the Plymouth Mariners at Taunton Green, while the Muskets travel to Wellington to face the Khaki Sox.

A washed-out Sunday afternoon on July 27th meant only one game of the Taunton Pistols’ doubleheader against the Plymouth Mariners was completed in South West and Wales Baseball League action. The Pistols fell 24–11 in the opener, while game two was suspended due to rain. Meanwhile, in the Double-A division, the Taunton Muskets advanced to the championship game after the Wellington Khaki Sox forfeited.

Despite an early downpour in Taunton, the Pistols and Mariners managed to get game one underway, with both teams swinging the bats aggressively in the opening innings. The contest remained close early on, but the Mariners gradually pulled away, carrying a 14–7 lead into the final frame. Plymouth then exploded for 10 more runs in the top of the inning. The Pistols answered with four, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

While the loss may mark the end of the Pistols’ season — pending the rescheduling of game two — there were standout performances from the home side. Mark Cross plated three runs on two hits, including a double; Melissa ‘Missy’ Morgan-Clarke drove in three runs on two hits of her own; and Steve Coles contributed three hits and scored three times.

Game two began but was halted with the Mariners leading 1–0 in the top of the first inning when the rain returned. The teams hope to resume the contest next Sunday.

“It was a tough result, but it’s been a good season overall,” said Pistols Assistant Manager Connor Colman. “Hopefully we can finish it off with a win when the second game is rearranged.”

James Wheatley earned the Tricky Cider Ltd. MVP honors for his relentless effort in the field and consistent plate appearances.

The Taunton Muskets didn’t need to take the field Sunday to book their place in the Double-A division championship game. Scheduled to travel to face the Wellington Khaki Sox, the Muskets instead were handed a win by forfeit when the home team failed to field a squad.

The result sent the Muskets into the championship game against the Cardiff Merlins on August 10th. Both teams will also be competing in the British Baseball Federation Double-A playoffs at the end of August, keeping a close eye on results from around the country.

The Taunton Pistols wrapped up their 2025 South West and Wales Baseball League campaign in dramatic fashion on Sunday, edging out the Plymouth Mariners 15–14 in a nail-biting contest at Taunton Green.

The game, which resumed after being rained out the previous weekend, marked the final fixture of the Single A Wessex Division season for the Pistols. The result split the double header between the two sides and saw Taunton finish the year with an 8–12 record.

With more wet weather forecast for the afternoon of August 3, both teams agreed to an early start — a move that paid off as five innings were completed before the showers returned.

The Pistols came out strong, with starting pitcher Mark Cross recording two strikeouts in the opening frame and limiting Plymouth to two early runs. Taunton responded immediately, leveling the score with help from a textbook RBI bunt by Steve Coles.

Backed by steady defence, the Pistols built a narrow lead while the Mariners kept the pressure on with some big innings of their own. Taunton’s offence was led by Dan Kirby-James — making a guest appearance from the Muskets — and regular contributor Sam White, who combined to drive in the bulk of the home side’s runs.

Despite a late rally by the Mariners in the fifth, Cross and the Pistols defence held firm to seal the one-run win.

“A good result against a very good side and a nice way to end the season,” said Pistols manager Sam White. “We've played well all year. The new teams brought a fresh challenge, but it’s been a fantastic season overall.”

Steve Coles was named the Tricky Cider Ltd MVP, contributing two hits, two RBIs, and an inch-perfect bunt that drew admiration from teammates and spectators alike.

While the Pistols now hang up their cleats for the off-season, the Mariners’ sister team — the Plymouth Muskets — will continue their campaign next Sunday, August 10, in the South West and Wales Baseball League Double A Division Championship Game.

Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham, home of the Bristol Baseball Club, played host to a landmark moment for the South West and Wales Baseball League on Sunday, August 10. The Taunton Muskets were crowned the inaugural Double A Division champions after edging past the Cardiff Merlins in a nail-biting 17–15 victory — their first championship in a decade.

Going into the game, the Muskets had only beaten the Merlins once during the regular season. But they came out swinging, posting six runs in the opening inning. Pitcher Andrés Bianco carried his late-season form into the final, keeping Cardiff in check over the early frames. The Muskets’ offence kept the scoreboard ticking, scoring in all but one of the seven innings, and adding four crucial runs in the top of the last inning.

Cardiff refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the seventh, they plated five runs and loaded the bases, bringing the winning run to first. But a grounder to second base sealed the win and sparked celebrations. Every Muskets player made an impact, either at the plate or in the field — the very definition of a team effort.

“I’m so proud to manage this group,” said jubilant Muskets manager Jake Palmer. “We’ve got stronger and stronger over the course of the season, and to finish it with such an incredible win against this Cardiff Merlins side is amazing.”

The championship capped an action-packed day of baseball. Proceedings began with the league’s All-Star Game, where the Severn Division edged the Wessex Division 9–8 with a walk-off rally in the final innings. Taunton Pistols’ João Serrano and Connor Colman featured for the Wessex side.

The day concluded with the Single A Championship game, where the Severn Division winners Bristol Buccaneers defeated the Wessex Division champions Exeter Spitfires 15–10. The Buccaneers led from the outset, withstanding a late Spitfires surge.

With the championship title secured, the Muskets now turn their attention to the British Baseball Federation playoffs. They are expected to travel to Guildford on Saturday, August 30, for the first round.

The Taunton Muskets saw their British Baseball Federation Double-A playoff run come to an early end on Saturday (August 30), falling 4-2 to the East London Latin Boys in a hard-fought contest at Guildford Baseball Club.

Entering the postseason as the lowest seed, the Muskets faced the ninth-seeded Latin Boys — runners-up in the Single-A division — in a single-elimination game. Both teams had similar regular-season records, and it showed in a tightly balanced matchup.

Taunton struck first. Leadoff hitter Kevin Snow singled, then showed sharp baserunning by stealing home on a wild pitch. Pitcher Andrés Bianco followed with a double to right, and Chris Chantrey drove him in with another two-bagger to give the Muskets a quick 2-0 lead. The Latin Boys’ defense, however, limited further damage with a sharp play at third base.

On the mound, Bianco picked up where he left off in league championship game, keeping East London off the board in the first inning. The Muskets threatened again in the second but couldn’t add to their lead. The Latin Boys responded with a run in the bottom half, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

From there, both pitchers settled in. Bianco continued to deal for Taunton, while his opposite number, Adonis Mateo Garcia, began to dominate, striking out five. The turning point came in the bottom of the third, when the Latin Boys capitalized on a defensive error to score three runs and seize a 4-2 advantage.

The game stayed tense through the final innings, with both defenses making standout plays, but the Muskets couldn’t push another runner across. After seven innings, their playoff hopes ended with a narrow 4-2 defeat.

“This is obviously not the result we wanted, but I can't fault the effort put in by everyone at the club this season,” said Muskets manager Jake Palmer. “We have come so far after our start to the season and can be proud of what we've achieved and how close we ran a very good East London Latin Boys side.”

The Latin Boys went on to defeat the Manchester Bees 16-6 later that afternoon to book a quarterfinal spot in Croydon on Sunday (August 31). Elsewhere, South West and Wales Baseball League representatives Cardiff Merlins produced a dramatic comeback, erasing a 10-run deficit to beat Richmond Dragons 14-13 with a walk-off in the semifinals. They advance alongside the Guildford Mavericks, Milton Keynes Bucks, and Latin Boys to the final four on September 7.

For Taunton, the loss closes the curtain on a season that saw both senior sides compete strongly. The club will continue training and host events through September before breaking for the winter.