TAUNTON Muskets Baseball Club began their tenure at their new home ground at Taunton Green by splitting victories with M5 rivals Weston Jets.

The Muskets looked to challenge Weston’s spot at the top of the division table, while the Jets were trying to maintain their unbeaten status and extend their lead. 

The two sides were evenly matched, with the Muskets winning game one 15-8, before the Jet's responded with a 17-3 win of their own.

The Muskets began the first game of the double-header with expert hitting by Paul Wilson and Wes Whitaker, each batting two Muskets across home plate.

Rivas Bianco shut down comeback hopes by recording his sixth and seventh strikeouts of the game to confirm a 15-8 victory and put a decisive end to Weston’s unbeaten record.

Heading into the second game, a hand injury to the Muskets’ starting pitcher forced a late change to the lineup, with backup Jake Palmer brushing off his own injury concerns and taking the mound for the first time this season.

Muskets defence in the field helped keep the team in the game. Especially from Fumi Yasuhara, who tactically let a batted ball hit the ground in order to retire the lead runner at second base.

Unfortunately the home side couldn't muster a comeback and the Jets took the win, 17-3.

Wesley Whittaker and Paul Wilson that took home player of the match awards.

The split double header leaves the Muskets narrowly ahead of the Jets at the top of the Wessex division.

Results in the Severn division kept the race for the playoffs interesting, with the New Forest Thunder Knights and the Bournemouth Bears sitting on six wins each behind unbeaten division leaders Cardiff Merlins I.

The Muskets will play their part in that battle when they host the Bears at Taunton Green on June 11th.