In a thrilling finale, the Bristol Wicketmen outlasted the North Bay Trappers in a hard-fought seven-game showdown to claim the Belted Deep Baseball (BDB) Championship. The Wicketmen sealed the title with a clutch victory at Oriole Park, clinching the series 4-3 and wrapping up a memorable season in grand fashion.
This BDB Championship series was everything a fan could hope for: drama, tension, and unforgettable performances from both dugouts. It was a nail-biter to the end, with each game seemingly building on the intensity of the last. The Wicketmen, managed with shrewd strategy and rock-solid pitching, showcased their depth and resilience, edging out the Trappers, who played with a spirited grit that earned them respect across the league.
A Tale of Two Teams
For the North Bay Trappers, it was a season that shone with promise. A lineup featuring talents like Corbin Carroll, who boasted a .345 average, and Matt Olson, whose bat produced three homers in the series, led them to an impressive season. Carroll’s consistent play, paired with Rafael Devers and Bo Bichette’s clutch contributions, kept the Trappers in the running, bringing a balanced attack with power and speed. They combined for a series batting average of .225, delivering timely hits that made the Wicketmen’s pitchers work for every out.
The Wicketmen, however, were a study in gritty perseverance. Despite their lower overall batting average (.209 in the series), they capitalized on their chances with a fierce will. They showcased a mix of power and patience at the plate, with Fernando Tatis Jr. (.296 average, 1 homer), Shohei Ohtani (3 homers), and Triston Casas leading the charge. Jose Ramirez and Gleyber Torres added crucial RBIs that often swung the momentum back in Bristol’s favor, even when the Trappers seemed ready to take control.
Pitching: The Backbone of Both Squads
The true stars of the series, however, may have been the pitchers. Both teams relied heavily on their rotations and bullpens, with several games turning into low-scoring duels that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
For the Wicketmen, Brandon Woodruff (1-0) was a dominant force, throwing 4.1 shutout innings in key moments and recording an impressive 0.00 ERA across his appearances. Ohtani also contributed on the mound with a 1.35 ERA over 6.2 innings, proving once again why he’s one of the most versatile players in the game. David Bednar and Emmanuel Clase held down the fort with a combined five scoreless innings, showcasing the kind of late-game stability that championship teams are built on.
The Trappers countered with their own arsenal, including Logan Webb and Clayton Kershaw, who each gave North Bay a fighting chance. Webb managed a 3.38 ERA, while Kershaw struck out 13 in 10 innings of work, his 3.60 ERA keeping the Trappers within reach in every outing. Their bullpen, featuring Tanner Scott and Camilo Doval, showed flashes of brilliance, but a few late innings slips proved costly as the Wicketmen capitalized.
Key Moments in the Series
The series was full of memorable moments, but Game 7 stood out as a masterpiece of baseball tension. With the series tied 3-3, it all came down to the final innings. Xander Bogearts struck the winning blow for Bristol, sending a screaming line drive up the middle to bring home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, with Clase shutting down the Trappers’ hopes in the bottom half.
Another unforgettable moment came in Game 3, where the Wicketmen managed a close 2-1 victory, as Jose Ramirez broke a late tie with an RBI single. It was moments like these – tight, clutch plays – that gave the Wicketmen the edge, showing their ability to seize the moment.
A Historic Season
For both teams, this series was the culmination of a grueling season in the Belted Deep Baseball League. The Trappers’ blend of youth and experience, led by Manager BK Smith, promised a thrilling future, while the Wicketmen, under Manager Geoff Haddock, demonstrated a level of resilience and adaptability that served them well through the 162-game grind and into the playoffs.
As the dust settled at Oriole Park, the Wicketmen celebrated a season’s worth of hard work, commitment, and no shortage of high-stakes drama. The final handshake line told the story: mutual respect between two squads who had given everything. It was a season of dreams fulfilled for the Wicketmen, and a promise of future glories for the Trappers.
Here’s to another year of Belted Deep Baseball, where the players may be simulated, but the drama and joy are as real as it gets. Congratulations to the Bristol Wicketmen – 2024 BDB Champions!