Mixed fortunes on the road for both Taunton Baseball Club teams

Both teams at Taunton Baseball Club were on the road this weekend - but enjoyed very different results.

On Sunday, The Muskets travelled to the Bournemouth Bears, while the Pistols returned Cornwall for the second week running.

The Muskets maintained their grip on second place in the Wessex division as they defeated the Bears 16-2 and 21-10.

In stark contrast, the Pistols fell against the Claycutters, who now remain at the top of the division, losing 16-2 and 15-1.

The Muskets returned to Bournemouth for the first time since their defeat to the Cardiff Merlins in last year's playoffs.

This time, they managed to secure a sweeping victory over the Bears, landing 20 hits, four home runs, and four doubles.

Outfielder Scott Morse bagged two home runs and a double, assisting 11 runs.

Veteran pitcher Jake Palmer defended the Muskets, limiting the Bears to only two hits in the first game and aiding in a 16-2 victory.

Game two saw Chris Cranmer and Al Troake seal a 21-10 victory.

These wins bring the Musket's record to 14-4, safely holding their second place spot.

Meanwhile, the weather in Cornwall mirrored the Pistols' luck.

The team started strong against the undefeated Claycutters with a great hit from Dan Kirby-James, ending the first inning 1-1.

The following innings highlighted the Claycutters' strength, leaving the Pistols at a disadvantage.

Game one concluded 16-2, with the Claycutters triumphant.

(Image: Taunton Baseball Club)

The second game saw the Pistols struggle yet again, ending with a 15-1 loss.

Jake Palmer, the Muskets manager, celebrated their back-to-back wins: "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."

Despite the loss, the Pistols' rookie pitcher, João Serrano, stood out, earning the Tricky Cider MVP award for scoring two runs, showing control at the plate and performing well in the field.

On the Muskets' side, Scott Morse was the chosen MVP, contributing six hits, two home runs, and 11 runs, while remaining without fault in the field.

After a week's break due to tournament baseball, the teams will return to play on July 7.

The Muskets will host the Claycutters at Taunton Green and the Pistols will journey to Bristol to play the Brunels.