Newton Abbot Brewers were the visitors for the first home game of the season for the Yeovil Whirlwinds baseball club in the Westcountry Baseball League. A change in the recent pattern of weather was forecast to potentially bring thunderstorms however what resulted was a beautiful blue sky and bright, hot sunshine.
Yeovil snuck into an early lead scoring two runs in the first inning having restricted the Brewers to one run in their at bat. However, in what would prove to be a frustrating day offensively for the Somerset side, Newton Abbot’s superior batting strength started to show with them building an 11 runs to 4 lead by the end of the third inning, including a HR in inning 2 from the Brewers’ catcher. Things were not helped by Yeovil’s starting pitcher having to be withdrawn due to the heat after just two innings meaning their relief pitcher, Chris Spurway, was forced into a longer than expected 6 inning shift.
The Whirlwinds clamped down defensively over the next two innings ensuring their opponents failed to score in either. However, the home team’s batting struggles continued with them only scoring a single run in inning 4 and also blanking inning 5 to leave the score at 11-5 in the visitors’ favour going into inning 6.
Newton then put their foot down, scoring 9 runs in their final three innings, including their second home run of the day. The Whirlwinds only managed two more runs in those same innings and, as the trailing side going into the ninth inning, were forced to bat again but without troubling the scorers any further. The game ended with Newton taking the spoils 20 runs to 7.
Whilst, as a team, Yeovil will feel they fell short of their previous game’s performance, there were notable individual performances. On the batting front, some consistent good hitting from Dave Martin, Scott McDaniel and Jess Cooper and a first RBI for new recruit Jordan Rodger. Defensive highlights included a solo double play from Simon Causer, a four pitch inning from Spurway and three throw-outs from third base from McDaniel in the same inning but the Play of the Day was Cooper’s heroism at catcher getting an out at home whilst being bulldozed by the runner trying to score.
Finally a quick shout out to the extra supporters we had turn up on the day, it was lovely to meet you and hopefully see you again soon!
Next up for the Whirlwinds is the short trip to play Wellington Khaki Sox on 19th May.
If you’re interested in baseball and want to give it a go or are just looking for a new and different hobby then reach out to Yeovil Whirlwinds via Facebook or Instagram!
By Chris Spurway
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