The Richmond Flames faced a tough opponent in Bracknell Blazers in their first NBC game at Herts BC this morning.
Led by a 10 strikeout pitching performance from Ryan Bird and a great batting performance from Cody Cain they took their third straight win over their local rivals.
The Flames jumped on the Bracknell Blazers early on their way to a 6-3 win on Saturday at Diamond one, scoring three runs in the first inning.
In the inning, Reiniel Martinez gave up one run on a reached on an error by Ryan Bird. Later, a run came in when Michael Osborn singled.
Cody Cain was strong at the plate for the Richmond Flames. He went 3-for-4, scored two runs and drove in one run. Cain singled in the first and fifth innings and homered in the third inning.
Bracknell Blazers showed signs of life in the second and sixth innings. After Marcus Simpson walked, Ed Jeffrey doubled and Brendan Cunliffe was hit by a pitch in the second, the Bracknell Blazers were trailing by two when Henry Collins came to the plate against Bird with one out and the bases loaded. Collins singled, scoring Simpson from third.
After Jeffrey doubled in the sixth, the Bracknell Blazers were trailing by two when Cunliffe came to the plate against Robbie Unsell with one out and a runner on third. Cunliffe reached on an error, scoring Simpson from third and Jeffrey from third.
With their lead cut to 1 run going into the final inning, the Flames put the game away with two runs scored before relief pitcher Robbie Unsell closed out the game for the save.
Richmond will now go on to play the winner of Southampton and Mets at 14.30.
