by BSUK special correspondent Simon Fitzjohn, www.baseballsoftballuk.com
The Mildenhall Bulldogs claimed the prized final playoff spot in 2010, and the Richmond Flames laid down an impressive marker as the National Baseball League regular season drew to a close on Sunday 22 August.
The Bulldogs swept the Herts Falcons in a winner-takes-all showdown, while the Flames eased past heavyweights Bracknell Blazers.
Herts Falcons @ Mildenhall Bulldogs
Anyone expecting a tension-filled, tight brace of encounters was to be disappointed as the Bulldogs rolled to impressive 11-4 and 18-1 victories.
Barry Wiles and Ken Reber picked up the wins on the mound, sentencing Pete Kikel and Nic Goetz to defeat and erasing the Falcons from the play-off picture in the process.
Herts’ Aspi Dimitrov said, “My immediate reaction is obviously one of disappointment. We were so close to making it, but all of the credit must go to Mildenhall. They fully deserved their wins.”
“I am going to predict that if they get all of their players back for the playoffs they are going to surprise a few people and could even go all the way.”
Bracknell Blazers @ Richmond Flames
Richmond swept the Blazers in impressive fashion to wrap-up their third-place finish in style. The Flames were 13-0 and 6-5 winners, with Ryan Bird and Rob Unsell taking the pitching honors.
Coach Grant Delzoppo also clubbed a two-run home run in Game One as part of an impressive all-round display.
Delzoppo said: “We are really pleased. To get two wins and finish the season on a high is a real plus for us. We beat their best pitchers. It is always good to beat a side like Bracknell and this will give us a real boost heading into the play-offs.”
{mrb-result:2010-08-21|2010-08-22|GB}
{mrb-standing:great-britain-2010}
2010 NBL Play-offs: Saturday 28 August
- Croydon Pirates @ Richmond Flames
- Mildenhall Bulldogs @ Southampton Mustangs