EXETERSPITFIRES
Sun 21st April @Plymouth
Spitfires 0-34 Plymouth
The Spitfires could not have asked for a tougher fixture in their first match, away to the defending champions the Plymouth Mariners. The Spitfires travelled with a novice squad, with over half the team playing their first ever game. With such inexperience it was not a surprise when the Mariners took a decisive lead early on, scoring 6 runs in the first inning and 10 in the second on the back of a few errors down to inexperience and nerves. Things were not going any better at the plate with Plymouth's ace pitcher Damien Goodall easily working his way through the Spitfire's line up, who proved to be a little over anxious at the plate.
Plymouth extended their lead again in the 3rd inning but despite the tough task ahead of them the novice Spitfire's squad showed stern resolve and in the fourth inning showed some promising signs for the season. In the top of the fourth the Spitfire's loaded the bases but unfortunately were unable to score anyone. In the bottom of the fourth Mark Williams replaced Tony Watson on the mound and the Spitfires were finally able to tame the Mariner's hot bats for a scorless inning.
The top of the fifth started brightly again with Najeeb Chouldery recording the Spitfire's first hit of the season. However, the top of the inning was to finish with another two runners left stranded on base and still no runs scored for the Spitfires. In the bottom of the 5th Mark Williams was unable to find the command he had in the fourth and the Mariners were able to score 13 runs before the Spitfire's could retire them.
With the result no longer in doubt the Mariners went for a pitching change to open the 6th inning but Spitfire's management saw no benefit in facing the new pitcher and the game was called and the Mariners awarded the 33-0 victory.
Despite a heavy loss there was plenty to be positive about for the novice Spitfires. All the players recieved valuable game time and showed glimpses of what they can achieve with everyone contributing some good outs. Spirits remain high as the Spitfires head into their second game, against the Torbay Barons at Clennon Valley next weekend.
The Spitfires went into their second game of the season looking for big improvements from their opening loss to the Plymouth Mariners. The Spitfires were dealt an early blow when Mark Myerson, down as starting pitcher and Owen Tomlinson had to withdraw due to injury. Ann Oldroyd and Dan McKimm made their full debuts for the Spitfires after each only received half an innings experience last week against Plymouth on account of the game getting called early
The Spitfires jumped to a great start with George Andrews hitting a lead off single against Barons pitcher Laurence Smith. With Louis Bojko batting George Andrews stole second base before Louis Bojko hit another single to bring in the Exeter Spitfire’s first ever run. That was to be the only run of the inning with Louis Bojko being the first of many base runners the Spitfires would leave stranded during the course of the nine innings.
With Mark Myerson forced to withdraw Tony Watson stepped up as starting pitcher. The Barons pulled back the run in the bottom of the first and the game entered the second inning with the scores all level at 1-1. The score stayed close for the next couple of innings, with the Spitfires managing to edge ahead again 3-2 going into the bottom of the fourth inning with Tony Watson pitching his first scoreless inning for the Spitfires in the 2nd. After three strong innings however, the effects of a long outing against Plymouth last week began to take it strain on Tony’s arm and in the bottom of the fourth the Barons jumped into life batting in 8 runs. Tony battled through the inning and would go on to pitch the first complete game of the season for the Spitfires.
The story of the day for the Spitfires was stranded base runners. As the game progressed the Spitfires continued to leave runners on, while the Barons proved clinical in brining their runners home with some smart base running and pounced on any mistakes made by the Spitfires. The Spitfires did manage to bring home another 2 runners but couldn’t catch up with the Barons with a final score of 23-5.
Despite a tough loss after a promising start to the game the Spitfires can be proud of an improved performance and the novice team continues to gain valuable experience. As the season progresses the Spitfires will no doubt hope to turn more of those stranded base runners into runs scored. Next up is a big game for the Spitfires as baseball returns to Exeter after a decade away when the Bristol Bat come to the city.
Sun 28th April @Torbay Barons
Spitfires 5-23 Barons
After a break of ten years baseball arrived back in the city of Exeter when the Exeter Spitfires played host to the Bristol Bats. After two defeats on the road to start the season the Exeter Spitfires were keen to make an impact on home turf. Mark Myerson had recovered from the injury that kept him out the last game and took to the mound to pitch his first game for the Spitfires.
The Bats wasted no time in bringing the game to life, knocking in 4 runs off the rookie pitcher before the side was retired and the Spitfires stepped up to the plate for the first time on their new field. Straight away the Spitfires showed they weren’t going to be pushovers, answering the Bat’s 4 runs with 2 of their own. The game continued in this manor with both teams trading blows, the Spitfire’s determined not to let the Bats run away with it. In the bottom of the 5th however, the Spitfires bust the game open.
In their last outing against Torbay the Spitfires showed their inexperience on the base paths, leaving several base runners stranded during the match. This week, more aggressive running and more awareness allowed the Spitfires to capitalise on any errors made by Bristol. This was most telling in the 5th inning when the side managed to bat around the order and bring in a club high 8 runs in one inning.
The Bats answered well with a few runs of their own in the 6th inning, prompting the Spitfires to turn to veteran pitcher Tony Watson in the 7th inning to close out the game. The Bats also turned to their own veteran Dan Looney, to stem the Spitfires wave of runs. With the two veteran pitchers the flow of runs was slowed creating an exhilarating finish to a great tie.
The Spitfires entered the 9th and final inning with a 19-16 lead and just three outs from recording their first win. The Bats lead off hitter made it on quickly stealing his way round to third before the next batter popped up to catch Owen Tomlinson for the first out. With one out recorded and one runner on the next batter hit the ball straight back to Tony Watson on the mound who took the safe out at first and allowing the runner to score. 2 outs with the bases empty. The Spitfires were made to sweat though, two hits and a walk later it was 19-18 with the tying run on third base. Showing no sign of nerves, Tony Watson struck out the next batter to end the game and seal a great come from behind victory for the Spitfires.
Mark Myerson was awarded the first win of the season with Tony Watson earning his first save of the season. Offensively Gary Courtney had his best game of the season going 4-4 at the plate with a walk, 4 runs scored and 5 stolen bases.
The Spitfires travel to Bristol next weekend for the return journey, looking to build on the first win. The Bats now know the task facing them, having not seen the Spitfires before and will be looking for revenge on home turf.
Sun 12th May vs Bristol Bats
Bristol Bats 18-19 Spitfires
After the previous weeks tight victory, the Spitfires had high hopes of another win, but the Bristol Bats came out of the gates stronger on their home soil, with the score 8-2 in their favour after two innings.
The third inning saw Exeter score one, but leave 2 on base, making the score 8-3, but in the bottom of the frame Bristol took a lead that was too much to overcome for the Spitfires. Starting pitcher Mark Myerson was left wanting as 4 fielding errors allowed 5 runs before an out was recorded, with the Bats plating a total of 9 runs in the innings to lead 17 -3.
The Spitfire's batting order came to life in the next 3 innings, outscoring Bristol 10-7, with Tony Watson pitching 2 scoreless innings, and the team showing much better work in the field, but after 7 innings the game was called with the Bats winning by 10 runs.
The Bats were excellent hosts throughout the day, with sunshine finally deciding to grace a game for the first time this season.
We look forwards to hosting the Bats at Chadwick Field in our next game, hoping for a win in the rubber match of these three games.
Sun 19h May @ Bristol Bats
Spitfires 13 - 24 Bristol Bats
After watching the Bristol Bats race to an early lead the Spitfires fought back valiantly but their rally fell short as the Bats managed to close out the game with 3 score less innings in a tight 18-15 win.
Spitfires veteran pitcher Tony Watson took to the mound for the Spitfire’s second home game and a couple of quick hits saw the Bats establish a 2-0 leading before the Spitfires settled down. The Spitfires were able to pull one of those back in the bottom of the first. Rookie third baseman Greg took to the plate in his first game, a single and two stolen bases later he found himself on third and scored on the single by Neale Raleigh.
Neale Raleigh bought himself out the game at this point and outfielder George Andrews replaced him behind the plate playing his first game for the Spitfires as catcher. Naj Chouldery took his place in centre field.
A few fielding errors over the next few innings saw the Bats pull away and going into the bottom of the fourth the Spitfires found themselves looking down the wrong side of an 11-1 score line. However some good plate discipline and timely hitting gave the Spitfires hope as they scored 14 runs of their own over the next three innings. The score was now 17-15 heading into the 7th.
Having let a lead slip away on the last visit the Bats were keen not to let this one slip though. Through the last 3 innings they capitalised as the Spitfires became a little over anxious at the plate and recorded three scoreless innings, while adding another run of their own. Making the final score 18-15.
Tony Watson posted his second complete game of the season on the mound while rookie outfielder Sam Smith, playing his second game for the Spitfires knocked in 3 and scored 3 of the Spitfire’s runs.
Sun 23d June Vs Bristol Bats
Bristol Bats 18-15 Exeter Spitfires
Exeter Spitfires travelled to Bristol with a make shift squad and no recognised starting pitchers to face the Bristol Bats for the last time this season. With both Mark Myerson and Tony Watson unavailable it was left to manager Neale Raleigh to take the game ball. This meant George Andrews coming in to catch once again with Naj Choudhary and Dave Saunders starting in the outfield alongside Sam Smith.
The game started promisingly for the Spitfires. Lead-off man George Andrews walked on 4 pitches, stole second and then scored on the over throw. 1-0 Spitfires before a bat had even been swung. That was to be it for the innings though and the Bats immediately seized a lead from which the Spitfires struggled to catch up, scoring 4 runs before Neale Raleigh was able to establish his control of the strike zone.
With Neale now settled in at the plate the two teams traded blows over the next few innings. Dave Saunders came close to the teams fist home run wth a deep ball to right field in the 3rd inning which fell just short and when Neale Raleigh, Gary Courtney, Naj Choudhary and Mark Williams all scored in the fourth inning the scores were leveled 7 a piece as the two teams headed into the bottom of the fourth.
With his arm starting to tire stand in starting pitcher Neale Raleigh struggled in the fifth. The Bats were able to capitalise on some wild pitching, scoring 4 runs with 2 outs recorded. Neale pulled himself from the game, Mark Williams replacing him on the mound. Mark recorded the last out and went on to pitch a scoreless 6th leaving the score at 14-9 heading into the 7th.
The Spitfires were unable to score in the seventh although George Andrews came close with a deep fly ball to left caught at the fence. Heading into the bottom of the 7th Mark Williams quickly recorded two outs with no runs scored. The 3rd out was to prove elusive and a few mistakes and costly hts later it was 19-9 to the Bats and the game was called due to the 10 run lead.
Final score 19-9 after 7 innings.
Up next, the Torbay Barons travel for their first match at Chadwick field.
Sun 14th July @ Bristol Bats
Exeter Spitfires 19-9 Bristol Bats
Having missed a few first team players in their last game against Bristol it was a role reversal for the Spitfires as they hosted the Torbay Barons in a double header, in which the Barons were missing several first team players. With a near full squad to pick from the Spitfires lent the Barons a couple of players so that the matches could go ahead.
In game 1 starting pitcher Tony Watson took to the mound again after missing the last game against Bristol with George Andrews catching behind the plate. Sam Tresidder made his debut for the Spitfires playing at third, veteran Mark Williams was rested with Louis Bojko starting at second base and Dan McKimm playing first. Ann Oldroyd came in to the outfield alongside Sam Smith and Naj Chouldery.
In the first inning the Barons scored twice but the Spitfires, typically slow starters, exploded into life, batting around and scoring 5 runs. In the second the Barons scored 3 to draw level but in the bottom the Spitfires once again batted around, plating 5. Including a three run home run by Sam Tresidder. The first home run for the Spitfires since they reformed this season.
The Barons had their best inning in the 4th, scoring 10 runs on the back of some fielding errors by the Spitfires who seemed to suffer a drop in concentration. The Spitfires were able to answer with 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the 4th, thanks to another three run home run, catcher George Andrews hitting his first career home run and the clubs second of the season. Leaving the score all tied as the teams headed to the 5th.
Having re-grouped after a some-what disastrous 4th, the Barons were only able to add 1 run to their tally in the 5th while the Spitfires once again managed to bat around and score 6 runs, giving pitcher Tony Watson a 23-18 run lead to work with in the final inning. With cool composure Tony Watson retired the Barons 1-2-3, finishing with a strike-out, to earn his first win of the season and the second win for the Spitfires.
After a short interval the teams lined up for round 2. Tony Watson once again took to the mound. Neale Raleigh was pencilled in to catch game 2 but opted to umpire game 2 so George Andrews started behind the plate again. Naj Choudrey moved from centre field to first with Mark Williams coming back in at second. Greg Williams replaced Gary Courtney at short stop and Rita Racz went into centre field.
At first it looked like the short break and tinkering may have slowed the Spitfires, as they went scoreless in the first inning. But it didn’t take them long to break open the scoring again, Mark Williams adding another home run, while a triple for George Andrews meant he combined to hit for the cycle in 9 innings over the two games before being replaced after the third inning by Gary Courtney.
The home runs didn’t end there though, Sam Smith and Gary Courtney both hitting blasts before Mark Williams became the first Spitfire’s player to have a multi home run game.
With the weather worsening and the score line beyond doubt, two very wet teams called it a day after 5 innnings, a 29-11 win for the Spitfires with Tony Watson picking up his second win of the season.
The two wins means the Spitfires are now 3-1 at home but up next is an all together tougher ask, when the Plymouth Mariners travel for their first game at Chadwick field, looking to maintain their perfect season.
Sun 2th July Vs Torbay Barons
Torbay Barons 18-23 Exeter Spitfires
Torbay Barons 11-29 Exeter Spitfires
It was suppose to be the Mariners first game at Chadwick field but like all things in life, nothing ever quite goes to plan. Having arrived at training on Thursday to find rugby posts in the centre field, hasty phone calls were made and staff arrived friday morning to take them down ready for Sundays game. Excellent, all that was needed now was a few Spitfires players to get to the school early on Sunday morning to set the field up. Only of course, the gates were locked and no one was there to open them. Phone calls were made back and forth as someone was sought to come and open the gates, mean while the Mariners arrive and join the Spitfires in the standing around game waiting to find out whats going on.
Eventually the Spitfires concede defeat, both teams jump in their cars and hit the Devon Expressway with the game now bing played in Plymouth instead. It wasn' the quickest journey ever with several thousand motorbikes hampering progress thanks to the Plymouth Mega ride. But eventually both teams re-assemble at Wilson Field,the diamond is hastily prepared and a little later, and some 45 miles away, the game eventully gets underway.
The Spitfires fielded a similar line up to last time out against the Barons, although Greg Horn and Dan McKimm were unavailable this week. Naj Choudhary replaced Dan at 1st movig in from the outfield and Louis Bojko dropped back from the infield to the OF alongside Zita Rasz and Ross, making his debut. Tony Watson once again took to the mound for the Spitfires.
The last time the two teams met was on opening day with the Spitfires calling it a day after 5 innings and 37 runs scored against them. It looked like things might go the same way in the first inning with the Mariners quickly batting around the line up racing to a 9-0 lead while the Spitfires went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the first.
However, things settled down with scoreless 2nd and 3rd innings following, with some good catches in the outfield from Zita and Louis. The Mariners would eventually score again in the 4th with 2 runners crossing the plate. But after threatening in the last inning, the Spitfires finally scored their first runs against Plymouth's ace pitcher, Damien Goodall. Naj Choudhary knocking in the first run before scoring himself on a hit by Zita Rasz.
Watson pitched his thirs scorless inning of the game in the 5th but unfortunately a few fielding errors saw another big inning for the Mariners in the 6th, with another 8 runs scoring. The Spitfires were unable to respond with any runs of their own and with the Mariners scoring another 6 in the 7th to make the scor 24-2 the game was ended after 7 innings.
Despite the loss the performance and scoreline show a vast improvement on where the Spitfires were on opening day and the team will hope to coninue that growth and improvement. Next up the Spitfires travel to Torbay for their last game against the Barons on Sept 1st.
Sun 11th Aug Vs Plymouth Mariners
Plymouth Marners 24-2 Exeter Spitfires
The Exeter Spitfires headed into their final away game of the season still without a win on the road. Their last trip to Clenon valley was the second game of the season and saw the Barons triumph over the Spitfires. However with a near full season of experience behind them and a strong squad to pick from the Spitfires knew they had a great chance as they travelled down to Torquay.
Tony Watson started again on the mound for the Spitfires while Neale Raleigh took a break from his recent umpiring to start behind the plate, a move which saw George Andrews move from behind the plate to centre field. Naj Choudhary moved from the outfield to first base with Mark Williams and Gary Courtney in their regular positions of second and short stop and Sam Tresidder completing the infield on the hot corner. Greg Horn started in left and Owen Tomlinson, back from a long trip working in the States started his first game since May, playing in right.
The Spitfies have roved to be slow starters this season and today was to be no different. Greg Horn secured a walk and advanced to third on a single by Neale Raleigh. Mark Williams earnt another walk to load the bases but Barons pitcher Laurece Smith battled his way out of jam getting a shallow fly to left feld and a ground out to leave all three runners stranded and no runs scored. It wouldn't be long before they were back to bat though, with Tony Watson needing just one pitch to get his first out and just 5 for the inning as the Barons went 1-2-3.
Things went better for the Spitfires in the second inning as they batted round and plated 7 runs in the process. Naj Choudhary started the inning with a walk, stole second and got to third on the single by Gary Courtney. Another single later by George Andrews saw Naj cross the plate for the first run of the day and Gary Courtney move to third. Greg Horn reached first on a dropped third strike thanks to an over throw which also saw Gary Courtney score and George Andrews move to third. Neale Raleigh plated both George and Greg with a well hit single. Sam Tresidder and Mark Williams both singled and with Sam on third the throw to second on a steal by Mark saw Sam score to make it 5 for the inning. Mark stole around to third before coming in on a ground out RBI by Tony Watson to complete the scoring. Naj Choudhay who started the inning also finished it, with a pop up back to pitcher Laurence Smith. It took pitcher Tony Watson a little longer to work through the bottom of the second than it did the first but the damage was limited to 1 run making the score 7-1 heading into the third inning.
In the third inning Laurence Smith managed to quick outs, striking out Gary Courtney and Owen Tomlinson. The Spitfires added to their tally with a single from George Andrews, who stole his way round the bases before Greg Horn knocked him in with another single. Neale Raleigh completed the inning popping up to the second baseman. In the bottom of the inning the Barons kept pace but couldn't gain ground, also scoring 1 of their own and making the score 8-2.
The Spitfires added another 2 in the fourth inning, Naj Choudhary singling in Sam Tresidder before scoring himself on a single by Owen Tomlinson. The bottom of the inning saw Greg Horn take the ball on the mound for the first time this season, with Tony Watson making a straight swap taking over in left field. Greg got of to a great start with a quick inning and no runs scored for the Barons. The Spitfires made a couple of changes heading into the 5th, Neale Raleigh coming out the game with George Andrews heading in to catch. Naj Choudhary moved out to centre field with Dan McKimm filling Neale's spot in the batting order and taking over at first base. Zita Rasz made a straight swap taking over from Owen Tomlinson in right field. The Spitfires further extended their lead in the 5th, Greg Horn leading off the inning with a walk with Mark Williams, Tony Watson, Naj Choudhary and Gary Courtney all hitting RBI singles to extend the Spitfires lead to 10. Greg Horn gave up his first runs in the bottom of the inning with the Barons answering with two runs.
The Spitfires had their first score less inning since the first in the top of the 6th, George Andrews flying out to left field before Greg Horn and Dan McKimm both grounded out, as the Spitfires were retired 1-2-3. In the bottom of the 6th Sam Tresidder came in to pitch with Greg Horn moving over to third. Sam had some good pace on his fast ball but struggle to find his control and the Barons were able to rally, scoring 6 runs before Tony Watson headed back to the mound to close out the inning, giving up another couple of runs in the process. Leaving the score 14-13 going into the 7th.
Keen to get their lead back the Spitfires once again batted around in the 7th, Sam Tresidder reached on an error to open the inning before scoring on a double by Mark Williams. Tony Watson, Naj Choudhary and Gary Courtney all had RBI hits to make it 4 for the inning so far. George Andrews then singled and a walk by Greg Horn loaded the bases before Gary Courtney scored on a passed ball. Dan McKimm singled in George and moved Greg to third who then scored on a sac fly by Sam Tresidder. Mark Watson completed the scoring with his second RBI hit of the inning, singling in Dan. The Barons were only able to respond with 4 runs giving a score of 22-17 going into the 8th. The Spitfires extended their lead by 1 in the 8th, George Andrews singling in Naj Choudhary to make it 23-17 but then found himself the subject of a rooke base running error after a fly ball to centre field by Greg Horn when he didn't make it back to tag up on second in time for an inning ending double play. Fortunately it didn't cost the Spitfires too much as Tony Watson was able to retire the Barons side with no runs scored leaving the score 23-17 going into the final inning.
The Spitfires were keen to tack on a few insurance runs to help Tony close out the game with Dan McKimm starting the inning with a single. Sam Tresidder, Mark Williams and Naj Choudhary all added RBI singles. Naj stole second and was then able to score on the over throw to second base leaving the bases empty before Gary Courtney and Zita Rasz put two runners on with a single each. George Andrews scored them both with a solidly hit single to left field making it to second on the throw home. George stole third, scoring on an RBI ground out by Greg Horn. Dan McKimm followed with another ground out to end the Spitfires day at the plate and give Tony Watson a 13 run lead to work with in the bottom of the 9th. He didn't need it though as he quickly sent them packing in order. Making the final score 30-17 to the Spitfires and giving them their first and only away win for the season.
Sun 11th Aug @ Torbay Barons
Exeter Spitfires 30-17 Torbay Barons