CARTMEL Valley Lions completed a double-header victory over Harrogate Tigers in the British Baseball Federation Northern Conference.

The South Lakes side backed up a 16-3 victory with a 13-1 triumph to sweep their opponents and continue their run of good form.

Cartmel quickly displayed their offensive power in the opener as Ryan Patterson reached base after being hit by pitch and Luke Armstrong hit his first men's league home run.

Great Britain pitcher Ben Pearson started on the mound for Cartmel and quickly set the tone, striking out three of the first four Tigers batters in the first inning.

The Tigers struggled to put solid bat on ball against Pearson's pitching, only reaching base on a couple of Cartmel fielding errors and on balls over the next two innings.

Cartmel's batters produced numerous hits and took advantage of several Tigers' errors to pile on four runs in the second, five in the third, two in the forth and a final four runs in the fifth.

Harrogate were able to score a couple of condolence runs in the third inning, after Cartmel third baseman Tom Woodburn threw his glove to prevent an errant throw. This bizarre act was ruled intentional interference, with the umpires allowing two runners to score.

The game was already won and Cartmel gained victory on a mercy rule shortened game.

The second encounter saw former Great Britain Under-18s pitcher and GB senior prospect Armstrong given the ball.

He took control of the Harrogate batters from the first inning, recording three outs in order.

Despite a stronger start from the Tigers, allowing just one run in the first inning, it was short-lived as the Lions gained momentum and plated eight runs in the second, three in the third and one in the fifth to cement another comfortable win. The mercy rule was again enforced after five innings.

Both Pearson and Armstrong recorded 10 strike outs, an average of two per inning.

Murray Adams recorded four RBIs (runs batted in) in his men's league debut in an excellent team effort.

Cartmel's side had an average age of just under 19, with all 10 players taken to Harrogate progressing through their successful youth set-up.

Six have represented Great Britain at youth level, but with no youth baseball league in the north of England this year due to dwindling team numbers, the success may not be the case in future.

Cartmel Valley hold training sessions on the sports field behind Cartmel Priory School on Thursdays from 6.30pm.

All are welcome, equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. For more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cartmelvalleybaseballclub