ONLY one of Taunton Baseball Club's teams were in South West and Wales Baseball League action last weekend, as the Muskets hosted Bournemouth Bears in a Division Three double-header at Taunton Green.

The two closely contested games ended with one win apiece. Bournemouth claimed the opening game 15-10 before the Muskets responded with a dramatic 7-6 victory in game two.

The first game was a high-scoring affair, with the two teams combining for 33 hits and 25 runs. The Bears established an early lead, and although the Muskets fought back to close the gap in the later innings, they were unable to complete the comeback. Dan Kirby-James and Andrés Bianco led the Taunton offence with multiple hits each, including four doubles between them, but a late rally from the hosts was halted as Bournemouth held on for a 15-10 win.

Game two saw both teams contend not only with each other but also the afternoon heat. This time, the Muskets made the brighter start, keeping the Bears scoreless in the opening inning before scoring three runs themselves. A further run extended Taunton's advantage before Bournemouth responded with a three-run inning to level the contest.

With the game finely balanced, pitcher James Carter proved the difference. He restored the Muskets' lead by hitting the first home run of his career before producing the decisive defensive play in the final inning. With the tying run on second base, Carter caught a sharply hit line drive and turned it into a game-ending double play to secure a thrilling 7-6 victory.

Taunton Baseball Club secretary Chris Chantrey said: "This division has its challenges, but when we enjoy our baseball we can compete with anyone, and game two showed that. We were a bit unlucky in game one, but we tightened up in game two and some superb performances got us over the line."

There were also several winners of the club's Tricky Cider MVP awards. Carter was recognised for both his first career home run and the game-winning defensive play, while Steve Coles, Stuart Cook and Dan Brown of the Pistols also shared an award. Coles and Cook were both called up to make their season debuts for the Muskets, while Brown scored both games.

Both Taunton teams return to action on Sunday, July 19. The Pistols host New Forest Knights at Taunton Green, while the Muskets travel to face Exeter Spitfires.