by BaseballSoftballUK, www.baseballsoftballuk.com
Richmond Flames sprang a surprise on the final day of the National Baseball League regular season when they leapfrogged previous leaders London Mets by virtue of a Sunday sweep.
The Flames earned comfortable 12-3 and 12-0 victories over the Mets and both teams ended the season with 17-7 records.
But thanks to a better head-to-head record, it is Richmond who finish top of the pile and earn their first NBL pennant since joining the top tier in 2004.
Michael Osborn and Cody Cain pitched the wins, with Marty Visser belting a home run in Game One.
Anticipating the Playoffs
Richmond coach Grant Delzoppo said: “It’s great to finish first in the standings and this will make the playoffs very interesting. Everyone seems to be getting stronger as the Mets are getting weaker.
“We got really good pitching in both games today – we hit well, we ran hard and we deserved the wins. This will give everyone a boost and we can look forward to the playoffs with real confidence.”
The Mets were missing numerous players due to holiday and absence, and will hope their season has not peaked too early.
Fitting End for Croydon
The other action scheduled for Sunday saw a fitting end to the season for the Croydon Pirates, as they were unable to field a side and were forced to forfeit their doubleheader with Bracknell Blazers.
Unfortunately, the Pirates’ 0-24 season set a new NBL standard for worst season record, surpassing Manchester Eagles’ 0-20 in 2004 (excluding teams which folded mid-season and so forfeited the rest of their games). Only two years ago, Croydon were unbeaten through the regular season.
Croydon coach Dave Ward said: “It is very frustrating that we did not get the chance to earn our first win. But the players that did turn up had a good chat and everyone is really positive about giving it a good go next year, so there is reason for optimism.”
For Bracknell coach Rob Rance, the practice games that were played were still useful exercises.
“We were still able to get out there and keep loose,” Rob said. “It is important for the players to stay active before the playoffs, and we will go into them in a positive mood.”
There is now a week off before Richmond Flames, London Mets, Bracknell Blazers and Herts Falcons lock horns at Roundshaw Playing Fields in Croydon with the National Championship title on the line.
{mrb-result:2009-08-15|2009-08-16|GB}
{mrb-standing:great-britain-2009}