Yeovil Whirlwinds @ Bristol Brunels

It was time for the Whirlwinds’ first road trip of the year. Fortunately, the good weather continued and conditions were perfect at the Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham for the return fixture with the Bristol Brunels in the 2026 South West and Wales Baseball League Division 5 – Severn.

Game 1 opened with some strong defence from both sides. The first inning was low scoring with the Whirlwinds taking an early 2-1 lead. There were great plays and strong baserunning mixed with some fielding errors as both teams accustomed to the increasing temperatures of the day.

At the top of the second inning, the Brunels were able to get their three outs from four at-bats to prevent Yeovil adding any runs. Meanwhile at the bottom of the second, the Brunels kick-started their offence and were able to score the maximum allowed five runs to swing the tie in their favour with a 6-2 lead.

Inning three was similar to the first with strong base running and stealing allowing the Brunels to take advantage of some Whirlwind errors and bag another couple of runs versus Yeovil’s single.

With the score now 8-3 Yeovil were keen to start making some offensive in-roads in the fourth. Despite making some hits and getting on base, some strong Brunel pitching made things difficult and by the time the three outs were recorded, the Whirlwinds had only gotten two back across home plate. The Brunels meanwhile re-found their batting form from the second inning and were able to record five runs.

With a 13-5 lead, the Brunels only needed three more outs to end the ball game. Some strong batting from rookie Ross Grant with a superb double wasn’t enough to rally his team and the Brunels were able to close out game 1 with a score of 13-6.

Game 2 from the outset had the makings of a high scoring and closely fought game. The opening inning was quickly tied with both sides earning the maximum five runs. In the second, Yeovil maintained some of their momentum bagging three runs and limiting their opponents to just one run giving the Whirlwinds a 8-6 lead.

The Brunels pitcher then quicky dispatched the Yeovil offence in the top of the third, making easy work of the Yeovil batting order. In the bottom of the third the Brunels then started finding the gaps with some strong batting, leaving Yeovil struggling to earn the outs. Bristol maxed out again to turn the score back in their favour with a 11-8 lead.

Yeovil were not done yet and put together a string of strong at-bats to start advancing runners and get them home. Some unusual baserunning from the Whirlwinds caused defensive confusion for the home team and enabled Yeovil to add four runs, with the tying run and go-ahead run left on base.

Bristol rallied and played smart in their half of the inning. More aggressive base-running and stealing paid dividends and for the third time in the game, they got five runners back home.

Yeovil needed to get four runs in inning five. This coupled with a strong defensive display would give them a chance at extra innings. Bristol made a pitching change and some fielding changes. This tightened up their defence and two strikeouts and a fly out from their closing pitcher snuffed out any hope the Whirlwinds had. The game finished 16-13 to the Brunels.

The Whirlwinds have a few weeks off before they return to the diamond on the 17^th May.

By Robert Martin