Yeovil Whirlwinds @ Cardiff Merlins

It was the turn of the Yeovil Whirlwinds to make the trip across the Severn Estuary for the return leg against the Cardiff Merlins in the 2025 South West and Wales Baseball League. Under darkened skies and breezy conditions, the Whirlwinds were looking to get their own back after the losses the previous weekend.

In the first game, Yeovil got off to a blistering start, with strong batting in the opening two innings complemented by stellar fielding. Aidan Johnson's exceptional play at third base, including a heads-up play that resulted in a tag out at home plate and a lightning-quick reaction to glove a line drive, helped Yeovil build an 8-1 lead. However, the Cardiff Merlins staged a dramatic comeback, scoring five runs in each of the next two innings to take an 11-9 lead heading into the fifth inning. Yeovil refused to back down, tying the game with two runs in the fifth. But Cardiff's Merlins capitalized on timely hitting and base running, securing the winning run and a 12-11 victory.

The second game saw Cardiff assert their dominance early, building a 10-run lead through two innings. Yeovil struggled to find their footing at the plate, but they regrouped in the third inning, scoring five runs without recording an out. Captain Simon Causer led the charge, getting on base and setting the tone for his teammates.

Equal blows were traded in inning four with three runs each scored with the fifth inning being called as the final one. Yeovil knew they were up against it needing to score 10 runs to draw level. It wasn't to be for the Whirlwinds today with a ground out followed by two strikeouts putting an end to the game. The final score in game 2 was 18-8 to Cardiff.

The doubleheader loss puts the Yeovil Whirlwinds' record at 8-6, meaning fourth position in the Severn Division. With a brief break in matches ahead, the Whirlwinds will look to regroup and recharge for a busy July schedule, where they'll aim to make a strong push to the end of the season.

By Robert Martin