The Tonbridge Wildcats started their 2026 season on May 10th with two games against the Croydon Raiders. The double-header was played at Borley Field with Croydon as the designated home team. The two teams are part of the British Baseball Federation and compete in Division 4 South.
Game 1
In the first game, Rob Best pitched the full game for the Wildcats and allowed only 3 runs from 5 hits. The Wildcats raced to an early lead and didn’t look back. The offense scored the maximum number of runs in each of the first three innings and four in the final inning, from a combination of 9 hits, 17 walks, and many stolen bases. The Wildcats defense never let the Raiders score more than one run in any inning. The final score was 19-3 in favor of the Tonbridge Wildcats.
Game 2
The Wildcats relied on a trio of pitchers in the second game of the day against the Raiders. Mitch Borrego-O-Callaghan pitched a solid start, Noah Bradley did well in relief, and Shota Hamano threw in a strong closer. Shaun Drury and Hamano each got two hits whilst Max Boyden earned three RBIs. The Wildcats offense performed well, evenly matched by the Raiders in the first two innings, and they held a three run advantage after their final at bat. The Wildcats also did well on defense—committing zero errors in the game whilst Croydon chalked up four—and prevented the Raiders from tying the game in the bottom of the 4th inning to win 12-11.
