Category: Hawks

by AspiDimitrov

HALLELUJAH. HAWKS END LOSING STREAK

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, PAUL AUCHTERLOUNIE

 

It had to happen eventually. Surely not even the Hawks could continue to lose. The 6 game losing streak suffered by the Herts Hawks was well and truly stopped last Sunday, 21st June with a 24 – 4 win at home against the Kent Mariners, who had taken the previous 3 meetings and were looking for the season sweep.

 

It was somewhat of a mystery to Hawks manager Marty Cullen and some of the veteran players as to why the Hawks had continued to lose. Given the hitting talent of the lineup from 1 through 9 some team was going to suffer when it all came together, and the Mariners were that team.

 

Top 1st and Mark “H-train” Hoffman starts with a K; it seems as though it might just be the Hawks day, but then they’ve started well before and lost. After the 2nd Kent hitter reached with a single and stole second on a very close play at the bag, perhaps it would follow previous encounters. However, the next 2 batters were retired and the Hawks took up the bats.

 

Paul Auchterlounie, promoted to leadoff for only the 2nd time in his 10-yr Herts career reached on error and reached home on an RBI single by Carlos Casal. Game on! The next 3 batters reached before the first out of the inning. The bottom 3rd of the order all reached, including Little Leaguer Liam Green getting his first senior RBI. Paul A batted for the 2nd time in the inning, promptly hitting a triple bringing in 2 runs, and was then batted in by Humberto Goncalves. 8 runs in, great start.

 

A scoreless 2nd on both sides, with another 2 Ks by Hoffman, and a single run in the 3rd from Kent perhaps reminded Herts that the game was by no means over, and they plated another 3 in the bottom of the 3rd. Somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd inning should have been a caught stealing but Casal dropped the throw from Paul A with the runner a good foot away from 2nd base. Still, that’s baseball!

 

Herts blew the game open in the bottom of the 4th sending 13 batters to the plate, and all 9 runs came with 2 outs in the inning. Bochan replaced Goncalves on the base paths, and there were 2 RBIs each for Casal, Pete Kikel and Hunter Devine with Devine’s coming on a monster triple that went over the glove of LF into the corner.

 

Bottom of the 5th saw another change to the Hawks lineup as manager Cullen replaced Auchterlounie and Kal Dimitrov moved to behind the plate from CF. Bochan hit yet another triple and came home on an error. 3 runs from each team in the 6th inning left Kent needing a huge 11 runs just to avoid the 10-run slaughter rule. 2 K’s from Kikel – who replaced Hoffman on the mound – a walk and a popup ended the game.

 

Hawks players really showed what they’re about in this game, perhaps inspired watching the NBL Falcons come from behind to win their game 2 earlier in the day. Whatever it was, let’s hope it carries forward into Sunday’s DH at Thames Valley.

 

Can the 6 game losing streak be followed by an 11 game winning streak?

This is baseball. Anything can happen.

 

 

Kent Mariners at Herts Hawks
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Kent Mariners 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 4 3 9
Herts Hawks 8 0 3 9 1 3 0 24 20 3

Herts Hawks 24, Kent Mariners 4
Herts Hawks Kent Mariners
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Paul Auchterlounie c 3 4 2 3 Gary Ward p-ss 4 0 0 0
(b5) Marty Cullen c-cf 2 0 1 1 Gary O'Mare c 3 1 2 0
Humberto Goncalves 1b 4 1 2 1 Kalid Basyuni cf 3 1 0 0
(b4) Greg Bochan pr-1b-2b 2 2 1 1 Dicky Gofton ss-p 3 0 0 0
Carlos Casal 2b-3b 6 3 3 4 Dean Ward 1b 3 0 1 0
Peter Kikel 3b-p 6 3 3 4 Adam Brown 2b-lf-3b 3 1 0 0
Mark Hoffman p-1b 4 2 1 0 Adrian Plug lf 2 0 0 0
Kal Dimitrov cf-c 5 1 3 1 Nigel Ward rf 3 0 0 0
Hunter Devine ss 5 2 2 3 Matt Ward 2b-3b 2 1 0 0
Chris Barnes lf 4 2 1 1
Liam Green rf 3 4 1 1
TEAM TOTALS 44 24 20 20 TEAM TOTALS 26 4 3 0

E: Hunter Devine(2), Mark Hoffman, Matt Ward(3), Adam Brown(3), Dicky Gofton(2),
Kalid Basyuni. LOB: Kent Mariners 5, Herts Hawks 8. 2B: Humberto Goncalves(2), Peter
Kikel, Liam Green. 3B: Hunter Devine, Paul Auchterlounie, Greg Bochan, Gary O'Mare.
SB: Peter Kikel(2), Gary O'Mare(2), Kalid Basyuni, Dean Ward, Adrian Plug.

Herts Hawks IP H R ER BB SO
Mark Hoffman W 6.00 3 4 0 3 9
Peter Kikel 1.00 0 0 0 1 2
Kent Mariners            
Gary Ward L 3.00 12 12 5 1 2
Dicky Gofton 3.00 8 12 5 3 2

HBP: by Dicky Gofton (Paul Auchterlounie). . . , by Gary Ward (Chris Barnes). . PB:
Paul Auchterlounie, Marty Cullen, Gary O'Mare(2). T: 2:43. A: 46.
by AspiDimitrov

PASSION SPILLING OVER IN HAWKS’ CLASH WITH STAGS

Brentwood Stags at Herts Hawks
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Brentwood Stags 0 1 2 1 7 2 3 0 1 17 17 3
Herts Hawks 1 4 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 12 16 12

Brentwood Stags 17, Herts Hawks 12
Brentwood Stags Herts Hawks
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p-c 6 3 4 0 Greg Bochan 2b-3b-ss 5 2 3 2
Player 2 c 2 1 1 0 Paul Auchterlounie cf 2 1 1 1
(b3) Sub 1 3b 4 2 2 0 (b3) Chris Wylie lf-3b 4 0 0 0
Player 3 1b 5 2 2 0 Marty Cullen p 5 1 3 2
Player 4 2b 4 3 2 1 David Baird ss-2b 5 1 0 0
Player 5 3b-p 6 2 2 2 Stuart Boast 1b 5 3 2 0
Player 6 ss 5 1 2 0 Peter Kikel 3b-c 6 1 2 1
Player 7 lf 6 1 1 1 Humberto Goncalves c-2b 4 2 4 3
Player 8 cf 5 1 0 0 (t7) Matt Johnston lf 2 0 0 0
Player 9 rf 5 1 1 1 Kal Dimitrov lf-cf 2 0 0 0
(b5) Josh Smith cf 1 1 0 0
Tim Grant rf 3 0 1 2
(t7) Liam Green rf 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 48 17 17 5 TEAM TOTALS 44 12 16 11

E: Player 5, Player 6, Player 7, David Baird(5), Peter Kikel(3), Marty Cullen, Greg
Bochan, Humberto Goncalves, Josh Smith. DP: Herts Hawks 1. LOB: Brentwood Stags 8,
Herts Hawks 13. 2B: Player 1, Peter Kikel, Marty Cullen, Greg Bochan, Humberto
Goncalves, Stuart Boast. SB: Player 4(3), Player 5(3), Player 1(2), Player 6(2),
Player 2(2), Player 8, Greg Bochan(3), David Baird(2), Peter Kikel, Stuart Boast,
Paul Auchterlounie, Marty Cullen, Liam Green.

Brentwood Stags IP H R ER BB SO
Player 5 W 7.00 10 7 4 3 8
Player 1 2.33 6 5 3 0 3
Herts Hawks            
Marty Cullen L 9.00 17 17 4 3 14

HBP: by Player 5 (Kal Dimitrov), by Player 5 (Tim Grant). , by Player 5 (David
Baird). , by Marty Cullen (Player 3). , by Player 5 (Stuart Boast), by Player 5 (Josh
Smith). . . . WP: Player 5, Marty Cullen(2). T: 3:00. A: 67.
by AspiDimitrov

HAWKS SWOOP ON PREY

After mounting monumental comebacks, only to come up short in the first two games of 2009, the Herts Hawks finally broke into the win column with a gritty performance reminiscent of the young Tampa Bay Rays.

 

The Hawks Manager, Marty Cullen, still missing some notable veteran talent, made some strategic call ups from the single A Herts Raptors. Rookies Nick Read and Matt Johnston did not disappoint. “They played out of their socks!” said Cullen after the game. “It won’t be long before these guys are playing at the highest level in our club”.  They weren’t the only rookies that helped the Hawks break out in Windsor. Ex Cricket stars Amit Odedra and Chris Wylie combined for 2 RBI, 2 runs and 4 stolen bases. Wylie also provided the play of the game with a diving stab to save a run and end an inning. The veterans provided the pop at the plate. Old timers Dave Baird, Marty Cullen and Paul Auchterlounie combined for more than half of the Hawks 11 hits and 5 of 8 runs scored.

 

As pleased as he was with the overall performance, Skipper Marty Cullen was quick to remind us of an old standard. “Pitching wins games, period. You can score 20 runs, but if you can’t hold them, you can’t win” That pitching came from an unlikely yet ever reliable source.  Anita Hoffman gave birth to their first child in the early hours of Saturday. Some 30 hours later, with what can only be described as a ‘newfound swagger’, Mark ‘the Daddy’ Hoffman strode to the mound and delivered the most inspired performance of his career.  Hurling a complete game, the Hoff surrendered only 3 earned runs on a measly 5 hits over 9 innings. He struck out a career high 12 batters. Most of whom were on last year’s AAA Windsor squad. When asked about the ‘H Train’s’ performance, Catcher Paul Auchterlounie said “I’ve never seen Mark better. This father stuff really agrees with him.”

 

The Hawks now look to take this momentum into a 3 game series with undefeated division rival Kent Mariners. Could this prove to be the turning point for the 1-2 Hawks?  They’ve tasted Bear blood. It’s time to head out to sea.

 

Herts Hawks at Windsor Bears
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Herts Hawks 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 8 11 1
Windsor Bears 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 7 5 1

Herts Hawks 8, Windsor Bears 7
Herts Hawks Windsor Bears
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Amit Odedra cf 5 0 1 1 Player 1 p-cf 1 3 0 0
Hunter Devine 2b 3 1 0 0 Player 2 c 4 0 0 1
Marty Cullen ss 4 3 2 0 Player 3 1b-3b 5 1 1 1
David Baird 1b 4 0 3 2 Player 4 2b 3 0 1 0
Mark Hoffman p 5 1 1 0 Player 5 3b-p 5 1 3 0
Paul Auchterlounie c 5 2 2 1 Player 6 ss 2 1 0 0
Nick Read lf 4 0 2 3 Player 7 lf 4 1 0 0
Chris Wylie 3b 3 1 0 1 Player 8 cf-1b 4 0 0 0
Matt Johnston rf 2 0 0 0 Player 9 rf 3 0 0 1
TEAM TOTALS 35 8 11 8 TEAM TOTALS 31 7 5 3

E: Marty Cullen, Player 5. LOB: Windsor Bears 9, Herts Hawks 9. 2B: Marty Cullen. SB:
Paul Auchterlounie(4), Chris Wylie(3), Nick Read(2), Marty Cullen, Hunter Devine,
Matt Johnston, Amit Odedra, Player 5(6), Player 6(4), Player 4(3), Player 1(3),
Player 3(2), Player 7.

Herts Hawks IP H R ER BB SO
Mark Hoffman W 9.00 5 7 3 11 12
Windsor Bears            
Player 5 6.00 7 5 4 5 6
Player 1 L 3.00 4 3 3 3 4

HBP: by Player 1 (Matt Johnston), by Mark Hoffman (Player 6). . . . . . . . PB: Paul
Auchterlounie(2), Player 2. T: 3:00. A: 38.
by AspiDimitrov

HAWKS GO DOWN DESPITE A RESILIENT FIGHT-BACK

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, KAL DIMITROV

 

The Herts Hawks’ second game of the season was away at the Croydon Pirates III.  Irrespective of the not very encouraging weather forecast, it was a beautiful day for baseball. Unfortunately, the sun did not shine on the Hawks defence, neither were their bats very “warm” in the first half of the game.  Despite some crafty pitching by veteran Marty “I pitched in the Polo Grounds” Cullen, the Pirates’ big bats Woods and Ssali did some big damage, exacerbated by some defensive hiccups. 

In the top of the seventh inning, the Hawks were facing a 12-4 deficit. However, from the 6th inning onward, the Herts bats had started coming to life with some timely hitting, in particular a couple of big rips by Cullen and Boast and a massive double the other way by Paul Auchterlounie to bring in the runner from first.  Base-running was also adventurous, spurred on by the urgings of canny third-base coach and infielder-pitcher-outfielder extraordinaire the Motion Bochan – sometimes a tad too adventurous.

The closer the game became, the more the Hawks’ spirits were lifting, and Cullen made a shrewd move by picking Nick Russell from all other options that he had available in the bullpen.  Russell was outstanding, throwing strikes and getting out of jams, and would have been out of his two innings scot-free but for an outfield error. 

Despite the loss, the Hawks showed guts, and the all too-important quality of not giving up.  There are just a few things to rectify before we see the final product in action – defence, batting and base-running – but otherwise the Hawks are already showing the promise that they hinted at in spring training.

 

More images from the Hawks' game at Croydon

Herts Hawks at Croydon Pirates III
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Herts Hawks 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 4 2 12 11 7
Croydon Pirates III 3 0 2 2 0 5 0 2 0 14 16 7

Croydon Pirates III 14, Herts Hawks 12
Croydon Pirates III Herts Hawks
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
S Limn ss-c 6 2 4 0 Tim Grant ss 5 2 1 0
A Okada 2b 3 3 0 0 Nick Russell 3b-p 6 1 0 0
B Woods 3b 5 3 4 4 Marty Cullen p-3b 6 2 3 1
M Ford c-ss 4 1 3 3 Stuart Boast 1b 6 1 2 1
T Ssali p 5 3 2 2 Tim Elkins 2b 4 1 0 0
L Leboffe 1b 3 1 0 0 Kal Dimitrov rf-c 4 2 2 2
F Kucharski rf 5 0 0 1 Paul Auchterlounie c-cf 4 1 2 3
M George lf 4 0 1 0 (t8) Ilya Dimitrov cf 1 0 1 0
(t8) B Vickers lf 1 0 0 0 Chris Wylie lf 5 0 0 1
C Routledge cf 5 1 2 0 Ade Orioye cf-rf 2 2 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 41 14 16 10 TEAM TOTALS 43 12 11 8

E: S Limn(2), A Okada, B Woods, M Ford, T Ssali, L Leboffe, Tim Grant(2), Nick
Russell, Stuart Boast, Paul Auchterlounie, Chris Wylie, Ilya Dimitrov. LOB: Croydon
Pirates III 8, Herts Hawks 10. 2B: M Ford, Tim Grant, Paul Auchterlounie. 3B: B
Woods. HR: T Ssali. SB: A Okada(2), S Limn(2), C Routledge(2), L Leboffe, Tim
Grant(2), Kal Dimitrov(2), Stuart Boast, Chris Wylie, Ilya Dimitrov, Ade Orioye,
Marty Cullen, Paul Auchterlounie, Tim Elkins. CS: F Kucharski, Paul Auchterlounie.
SB: L Leboffe. SF: M Ford.

Croydon Pirates III IP H R ER BB SO
T Ssali W 9.00 11 12 6 3 11
Herts Hawks            
Marty Cullen L 6.00 12 12 6 2 4
Nick Russell 2.00 4 2 0 1 1

HBP: by T Ssali (Tim Grant). . . . . . , by T Ssali (Kal Dimitrov). , by T Ssali (Ade
Orioye). . WP: T Ssali(5), Marty Cullen. PB: M Ford, Paul Auchterlounie(2). Balk: T
Ssali. T: 3:28. A: 35.

by AspiDimitrov

LATE RALLY NOT ENOUGH FOR HAWKS

Strong early innings from the Bisons left the Hawks trailing and their late rally was not quite enough.

Thames Valley Bisons at Herts Hawks
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Thames Valley Bisons 3 2 1 3 0 0 0 2 1 12 12 3
Herts Hawks 2 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 2 10 17 3

Thames Valley Bisons 12, Herts Hawks 10
Thames Valley Bisons Herts Hawks
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 3 4 2 2 Hunter Devine cf-2b 4 1 2 1
Player 2 c 4 2 2 1 Matt Johnston lf 5 0 0 0
Player 3 1b 5 1 1 0 Mark Hoffman p 4 2 3 0
Player 4 2b 4 3 3 0 David Baird 2b-c 3 4 2 0
Player 5 3b 3 0 1 3 Marty Cullen 1b 5 2 4 0
Player 6 ss 5 0 2 0 Stuart Boast 3b 5 0 3 5
Player 7 lf 4 0 0 0 Tim Grant ss 5 1 2 2
Player 8 cf 3 2 1 0 Chris Wylie rf 5 0 1 0
Player 9 rf 4 0 0 0 Ilya Dimitrov c-cf 4 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 35 12 12 6 TEAM TOTALS 40 10 17 8

E: Player 1, Player 3, Player 5, Marty Cullen(2), David Baird. LOB: Thames Valley
Bisons 5, Herts Hawks 7. 2B: Player 4, Hunter Devine. SB: Player 1(6), Player 3(2),
Player 4(2), Player 8(2), Player 2, Player 6, Player 5, Hunter Devine, David Baird,
Mark Hoffman, Marty Cullen, Tim Grant.

Thames Valley Bisons IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 9.00 17 10 7 4 9
Herts Hawks            
Mark Hoffman L 9.00 12 12 9 9 14

WP: Mark Hoffman(4). T: 4:18. A: 43.
by AspiDimitrov

DRAMATIC END TO 2009 HERTS SPRING LEAGUE

 

The 2009 Herts Spring League ended on Sunday with the races for the Pool 1 and Poll 2 titles coming alive.

 

At the start of the final round of matches in Pool 1 three teams were in with a chance to win it.  The Alconbury Braves knew that in order to jump above the leading Bracknell Blazers, they needed to win their final game by 3 runs.  But in that final game they faced the Southampton Mustangs who were also in with a chance to win the title if they could overcome the Braves. 

 

We were set for a clash between two title contenders and this certainly was no Spring Training game.  Both Southampton and Alconbury went out on the field visibly motivated to win.  There were even some heated clashes between individual players of the two teams when Mustangs pitcher, Ralph, was determined to get to second base and collided into the Braves’ second baseman who simply wanted to apply a routine tag on him for the third out of the inning.  The Braves showed a lot of class by not getting physically involved after what was a slightly overaggressive play by Southampton. 

 

Both teams will probably have their own different views on the incident but it was proof of the desire which both teams had to win the HSL title and that’s the way every baseball game should be played.

 

The Mustangs were holding on to the lead until Braves first baseman, Matt Walker, launched a home run over the right field wall to tie the game at 7-7.  This was also the first home run at the new-look Grovehill Ballpark in Hertfordshire and its new permanent outfield fence.

 

With HSL games being timed, the clock was ticking for both teams as a tie was no good to either of them.  In the top of 9th inning Southampton retired the Braves batters and they had just a few minutes left in the bottom of the inning to win the game.  Alconbury held on and so the game was declared a tie.  This meant that both teams had knocked each other out of the title race and the Bracknell Blazers were declared the 2009 Herts Spring League Pool 1 winners.

 

In Pool 2 the battle was just as exciting.  Braintree Rays, Richmond Dragons and the Herts 3 were all in the running.  Herts 3 were in pole position with a 100% record so far, but they stumbled against a tough MK Bucks team who won 13-5.  This meant that Herts 3 had to rely results of the games played at Connare Field in Richmond.  The Braintree Rays lost to the Kent Mariners and were no longer a threat to Herts 3.  The only remaining contender were the Richmond Dragons.  They were up against Herts 2 who were determined to help their club mates, Herts 3.  After going neck-and-neck for a few innings, Herts 2 opened up a big lead with a devastating 9 runs in the fourth inning.  Richmond were not able to catch up and so Herts 3 were declared the HSL Pool 2 Champions.

 

The second year of the Herts Spring League has proven to be better than the first year with more teams and fans taking part.  Teams are already submitting their applications to enter the 2010 HSL, which is great to see.

 

But right now it is time for all the teams to get set for the real thing as the 2009 British Baseball season is about to get under way this coming Sunday, 19 April 2009, with games taking place across the whole country.

 

Images courtesy of HP2Photographic.com

 

For full list of results, standings and more about this year's Herts Spring League visit the official HSL website.

by AspiDimitrov

HSL WEEK 3: (POOL 2) MK BUCKS @ HERTS III

Herts' loss to MK Bucks did not stop them winning Pool 2 of the Herts Spring League

MK Bucks at Herts Hawks
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
MK Bucks 1 2 3 1 3 0 3 13 10 3
Herts Hawks 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 5 6 5

MK Bucks 13, Herts Hawks 5
MK Bucks Herts Hawks
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 2 0 0 1 Rob Jones ss 2 2 1 0
Player 2 c 3 2 0 0 Hunter Devine 2b 4 0 0 0
Player 3 1b 5 1 1 0 Marty Cullen p 2 1 1 1
Player 4 2b 5 3 4 2 (t5) Ade Orioye 3b-p 4 0 1 0
Player 5 3b 2 3 1 1 David Baird 1b 4 0 2 1
Player 6 ss 3 3 3 1 Jonathon Lewys rf-lf 0 0 0 0
Player 7 lf 3 1 1 0 Chris Wylie rf-3b 4 0 1 0
Player 8 cf 3 0 0 1 (b4) Tariq Gangari cf 0 0 0 0
Player 9 rf 4 0 0 0 Ken Pike cf 1 0 0 0
(b5) Steve Nippress cf 1 1 0 0
Andrew Slater lf 1 0 0 0
(b5) Jon Gamble rf 1 0 0 0
Ilya Dimitrov c 3 1 0 0
(b6) Kal Dimitrov c 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 30 13 10 6 TEAM TOTALS 27 5 6 2

E: Player 1, Player 4, Player 8, Hunter Devine(2), Rob Jones, Ilya Dimitrov, Tariq
Gangari. LOB: Herts Hawks 5, MK Bucks 10. 2B: Player 4(2), David Baird. SB: Player
4(3), Player 7(3), Player 2(2), Player 5(2), Player 6(2), Player 1(2), Player 3, Rob
Jones, Hunter Devine. SF: Player 1.

MK Bucks IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 7.00 6 5 1 4 10
Herts Hawks            
Marty Cullen L 4.00 6 7 3 6 4
Ade Orioye 3.00 4 6 4 4 2

HBP: by Marty Cullen (Player 1). , by Marty Cullen (Player 7). . , by Ade Orioye
(Player 5). . . WP: Player 1(3), Marty Cullen(2), Ade Orioye(2). PB: Player 2, Ilya
Dimitrov. T: 2:55. A: 59.
MK Bucks – Top of the 1st:
Player 1 grounded out.
Player 2 walked, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Player 3 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 4 grounded out.
Player 5 grounded out.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 1st:
Rob Jones walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, batted forward to home.
Hunter Devine struck out swinging.
Marty Cullen singled, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, advanced
to home on wild pitch, 1 RBI.
David Baird singled, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch.
Chris Wylie struck out swinging.
Ade Orioye struck out swinging.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
MK Bucks – Top of the 2nd:
Player 6 singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error, stole home.
Player 7 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to home on error.
Player 8 reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 9 struck out.
Player 1 hit by pitch, stole 2nd.
Player 2 struck out swinging.
Player 3 grounded out.
2 runs, 1 hit, 2 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 2nd:
Tariq Gangari walked, batted forward to 3rd.
Andrew Slater walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out swinging.
Rob Jones walked.
Hunter Devine flied out.
Marty Cullen grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
MK Bucks – Top of the 3rd:
Player 4 doubled, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, advanced to home on passed ball.
Player 5 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 6 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 7 hit by pitch, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 8 walked, batted forward to 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 9 out by infield fly rule.
Player 1 sacrifice flied, 1 RBI.
Player 2 lined out.
3 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 3rd:
David Baird struck out swinging.
Chris Wylie singled, tagged out going to 2nd.
Ade Orioye struck out looking.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
MK Bucks – Top of the 4th:
Player 3 bunted foul on 2nd strike.
Player 4 singled, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, 1 RBI.
Player 6 singled, batted forward to 2nd.
Player 7 grounded out.
Player 8 walked.
Player 9 struck out swinging.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 4th:
Ken Pike grounded out.
Andrew Slater popped out.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out swinging.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
MK Bucks – Top of the 5th:
Player 1 walked, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Player 2 walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Player 3 popped out.
Player 4 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, stole home, 1 RBI.
Player 5 hit by pitch, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error, awarded home.
Player 6 walked, advanced to 2nd on error.
Player 7 reached on error, forced out at 2nd.
3 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 5th:
Rob Jones singled, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Hunter Devine reached on error, forced out at 2nd.
Ade Orioye singled, tagged out going to 2nd.
David Baird doubled, advanced to 3rd on throw, 1 RBI.
Chris Wylie popped out.
1 run, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
MK Bucks – Top of the 6th:
Player 8 grounded out.
Player 9 grounded out.
Player 1 struck out looking.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 6th:
Steve Nippress reached on error, advanced to 3rd on error, batted forward to home.
Jon Gamble struck out swinging.
Ilya Dimitrov reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Rob Jones grounded out.
Hunter Devine reached on dropped 3rd strike WP, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
2 runs, 0 hits, 2 errors, 0 LOB.
MK Bucks – Top of the 7th:
Player 2 grounded out.
Player 3 reached on error, batted forward to home.
Player 4 doubled, tagged out going to 3rd, 1 RBI.
Player 5 walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Player 6 singled, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on wild pitch, 1 RBI.
Player 7 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd.
Player 8 struck out swinging.
3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 7th:
Ade Orioye struck out swinging.
David Baird flied out.
Chris Wylie grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

HSL WEEK 3: (POOL 1) HERTS I @ SIDEWINDERS

Spring Training is done and now it's time for the Herts Falcons to make their National Baseball League Debut

Herts Falcons at Sidewinders
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 0 4 4 1 3 0 1 13 11 4
Sidewinders 0 0 2 2 2 0 2 8 11 3

Herts Falcons 13, Sidewinders 8
Herts Falcons Sidewinders
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jamie Munn cf 4 1 1 1 Player 1 p 4 1 2 1
Jason Greenberg c 4 1 0 0 Player 2 c 3 1 0 1
Lin Yuchih ss-3b 5 2 1 0 Player 3 1b 5 0 2 1
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b-rf 4 1 1 1 Player 4 2b 5 0 0 0
Darrin Ward p 3 2 2 0 Player 5 3b 3 2 1 0
(t4) Lee Manning ss 0 0 0 1 Player 6 ss 2 1 0 0
Carlos Casal rf-2b 3 2 1 1 Player 7 lf 3 2 3 1
Aspi Dimitrov lf-p 3 1 1 3 Player 8 cf 4 1 2 0
(t5) Andy Cornish lf-ss 2 0 0 0 Player 9 rf 3 0 1 2
John Oliver 1b-lf 3 2 3 3
(t5) Marty Cullen 1b 1 0 1 0
Nick Goetz 3b-p 2 1 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 34 13 11 10 TEAM TOTALS 32 8 11 6

E: Jason Greenberg, Lin Yuchih, Nick Goetz, Kimiyoshi Saionji, Player 6(3). LOB:
Herts Falcons 9, Sidewinders 10. 2B: John Oliver(2), Kimiyoshi Saionji, Aspi
Dimitrov, Marty Cullen, Player 3. SB: Aspi Dimitrov, Jason Greenberg, Darrin Ward,
Player 2, Player 1. SF: Player 2.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 3.00 4 2 0 1 2
Nick Goetz 3.00 4 4 2 3 1
Aspi Dimitrov 1.00 3 2 2 2 2
Sidewinders            
Player 1 L 7.00 11 13 8 8 9

HBP: by Player 1 (Jason Greenberg). . . . WP: Nick Goetz, Aspi Dimitrov, Player 1(3).
PB: Player 2(4). T: 2:55. A: 78.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 1st:
Jamie Munn struck out looking.
Jason Greenberg grounded out.
Lin Yuchih grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 1st:
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 2 struck out swinging.
Player 3 grounded out.
Player 4 grounded out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 2nd:
Kimiyoshi Saionji reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Darrin Ward singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Carlos Casal walked, batted forward to home.
Aspi Dimitrov doubled, stole 3rd, batted forward to home, 3 RBI.
John Oliver doubled, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, 1 RBI.
Nick Goetz struck out looking.
Jamie Munn grounded out.
Jason Greenberg grounded out.
4 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 2nd:
Player 5 struck out looking.
Player 6 walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Player 7 singled.
Player 8 flied out.
Player 9 popped out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 3rd:
Lin Yuchih reached on error, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Kimiyoshi Saionji flied out foul.
Darrin Ward singled, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, batted
forward to home.
Carlos Casal walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Aspi Dimitrov struck out looking.
John Oliver doubled, batted forward to home, 2 RBI.
Nick Goetz walked, batted forward to 3rd.
Jamie Munn singled, tagged out going to 2nd, 1 RBI.
4 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 3rd:
Player 1 singled, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to home on error.
Player 2 reached on error, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 3 singled, forced out at 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 4 reached on fielder's choice, batted forward to 2nd.
Player 5 grounded out.
Player 6 grounded out.
2 runs, 2 hits, 2 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 4th:
Jason Greenberg hit by pitch, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Lin Yuchih flied out.
Kimiyoshi Saionji doubled, 1 RBI.
Darrin Ward struck out looking.
Carlos Casal struck out swinging.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 4th:
Player 7 walked, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Player 8 reached on error, batted forward to home.
Player 9 walked, forced out at 2nd.
Player 1 reached on fielder's choice, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, 1 RBI.
Player 2 sacrifice flied, 1 RBI.
Player 3 grounded out.
2 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 5th:
Aspi Dimitrov grounded out.
John Oliver walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, batted forward to 3rd, advanced
to home on passed ball.
Nick Goetz walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, advanced to
home on error.
Jamie Munn walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, advanced to 3rd on error, batted
forward to home.
Jason Greenberg reached on error, batted forward to 3rd.
Lin Yuchih grounded out.
Kimiyoshi Saionji walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Lee Manning walked, 1 RBI.
Carlos Casal struck out swinging.
3 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 3 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 5th:
Player 4 struck out swinging.
Player 5 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 6 flied out.
Player 7 singled, batted forward to home.
Player 8 singled, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error.
Player 9 singled, advanced to 2nd on error, 2 RBI.
Player 1 flied out.
2 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 6th:
Andy Cornish struck out looking.
Marty Cullen doubled.
Nick Goetz grounded out.
Jamie Munn struck out looking.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 6th:
Player 2 grounded out.
Player 3 doubled, forced out at 3rd.
Player 4 lined out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Falcons – Top of the 7th:
Jason Greenberg grounded out.
Lin Yuchih singled, batted forward to home.
Kimiyoshi Saionji struck out looking.
John Oliver singled, batted forward to 2nd.
Carlos Casal singled, 1 RBI.
Andy Cornish flied out.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Sidewinders – Bottom of the 7th:
Player 5 singled, batted forward to home.
Player 6 walked, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Player 7 singled, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, 1 RBI.
Player 8 singled, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch.
Player 9 struck out looking.
Player 1 intentionally walked.
Player 3 struck out looking.
Player 4 grounded out.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

HSL WEEK 3: (POOL 2) HERTS II @ RICHMOND DRAGONS

Herts Eagles' win against the Richmond Dragons secured the HSL Pool 2 title for the Herts Hawks

Herts Eagles at Richmond Dragons
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Eagles 0 3 2 9 1 1 1 17 11 2
Richmond Dragons 2 0 3 4 2 2 0 13 10 3

Herts Eagles 17, Richmond Dragons 13
Herts Eagles Richmond Dragons
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Rod Ariss ss-3b-p 4 1 1 1 Player 1 p 4 4 3 0
Ilya Dimitrov cf-ss 4 1 1 1 Player 2 c 2 3 1 1
Nick Russell 3b-ss 3 2 1 1 Player 3 1b 4 2 2 2
Dave Westfallen c 3 2 1 0 Player 4 2b 4 0 0 1
(t5) Kal Dimitrov c 0 1 0 0 Player 5 3b 3 2 1 2
Mark Hoffman p-1b 4 2 2 2 Player 6 ss 2 1 0 0
Tim Elkins 1b-cf 4 2 1 2 Player 7 lf 4 0 2 3
Rodney Naghar lf-2b 3 4 3 1 Player 8 cf 2 0 0 0
Paul Curtis 2b-lf 2 0 0 1 Player 9 rf 4 1 1 0
Nick Read rf 2 2 1 3
TEAM TOTALS 29 17 11 12 TEAM TOTALS 29 13 10 9

E: Rod Ariss, Tim Elkins, Player 1, Player 2, Player 6. LOB: Richmond Dragons 8,
Herts Eagles 10. 2B: Dave Westfallen, Nick Read, Player 2. SB: Rodney Naghar(4), Ilya
Dimitrov(3), Mark Hoffman(2), Kal Dimitrov(2), Nick Russell, Nick Read, Tim Elkins,
Dave Westfallen, Rod Ariss, Player 3(4), Player 1(3), Player 9(2), Player 5, Player
2.

Herts Eagles IP H R ER BB SO
Mark Hoffman W 5.00 7 11 6 9 6
Rod Ariss 1.00 3 2 2 0 0
Richmond Dragons            
Player 1 L 6.33 11 17 11 16 5

HBP: by Player 1 (Tim Elkins), by Mark Hoffman (Player 6). . . . WP: Mark Hoffman(3).
PB: Dave Westfallen, Player 2(7). T: 2:55. A: 35.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 1st:
Rod Ariss grounded out.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out looking.
Nick Russell walked.
Dave Westfallen grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Richmond Dragons – Bottom of the 1st:
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, advanced to home on wild
pitch.
Player 2 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Player 3 walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 4 grounded out.
Player 5 grounded out, 1 RBI.
Player 6 walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch.
Player 7 grounded out.
2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 2nd:
Mark Hoffman singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Tim Elkins popped out.
Rodney Naghar singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Paul Curtis struck out looking.
Nick Read doubled, stole 3rd, batted forward to home, 2 RBI.
Rod Ariss walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Ilya Dimitrov reached first base, stole 2nd, 1 RBI.
Nick Russell grounded out.
3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Richmond Dragons – Bottom of the 2nd:
Player 8 struck out swinging.
Player 9 grounded out.
Player 1 grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 3rd:
Dave Westfallen doubled, batted forward to home.
Mark Hoffman popped out.
Tim Elkins singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on passed
ball, 1 RBI.
Rodney Naghar singled, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, batted forward to 3rd.
Paul Curtis walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Nick Read out by infield fly rule.
Rod Ariss popped out.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Richmond Dragons – Bottom of the 3rd:
Player 2 walked, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Player 3 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Player 4 grounded out.
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Player 6 struck out looking.
Player 7 singled, batted forward to 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 8 walked.
Player 9 struck out swinging.
3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 4th:
Ilya Dimitrov walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Nick Russell walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Dave Westfallen walked, batted forward to home.
Mark Hoffman walked, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Tim Elkins hit by pitch, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Rodney Naghar walked, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Paul Curtis walked, batted forward to 3rd, tagged out going to home, 1 RBI.
Nick Read walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, advanced to
home on error, 1 RBI.
Rod Ariss singled, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, advanced to 3rd on error, batted
forward to home, 1 RBI.
Ilya Dimitrov out by infield fly rule.
Nick Russell singled, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, advanced to home on error, 1
RBI.
Dave Westfallen reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, advanced to 2nd on passed
ball, stole 3rd.
Mark Hoffman grounded out.
9 runs, 2 hits, 2 errors, 1 LOB.
Richmond Dragons – Bottom of the 4th:
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Player 2 struck out.
Player 3 reached on error, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Player 4 struck out looking.
Player 5 walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, batted forward
to home.
Player 6 hit by pitch, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Player 7 singled, batted forward to 3rd, 2 RBI.
Player 8 walked, tagged out going to 2nd.
Player 9 reached on fielder's choice.
4 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 5th:
Tim Elkins popped out.
Rodney Naghar singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Paul Curtis grounded out.
Nick Read walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball.
Rod Ariss flied out.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Richmond Dragons – Bottom of the 5th:
Player 1 walked, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Player 2 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 3 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, 1 RBI.
Player 4 grounded out, 1 RBI.
Player 5 struck out looking.
Player 6 flied out.
2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 6th:
Ilya Dimitrov struck out.
Nick Russell struck out looking.
Kal Dimitrov walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Mark Hoffman singled, stole 2nd, 1 RBI.
Tim Elkins grounded out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Richmond Dragons – Bottom of the 6th:
Player 7 grounded out.
Player 8 grounded out.
Player 9 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, stole home.
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 2 doubled, 1 RBI.
Player 3 grounded out.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Eagles – Top of the 7th:
Rodney Naghar walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, advanced to home on
passed ball.
Paul Curtis walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, tagged out
going to home.
Nick Read walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball.
Rod Ariss walked.
1 run, 0 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

FINAL WEEK OF HSL GAMES, 6 TEAMS STILL IN THE POOL 1 AND POOL 2 WINNERS’ RACE

 

The 2009 edition of the Herts Spring League is into its final week and there is a lot to be decided in the final matchups.

 

In Pool 1 only the Bracknell Blazers and the Alconbury Braves remain unbeaten with a 2-0 and 3-0 record.  The HSL regulations state that the standings will be decided on the basis of the win-loss percentage.  If both of them win their games this Sunday they will both be tied with a win-loss percentage of 1.000.  The tie-break rules that will be applied are the head-to-head record between the two teams, but since these two teams have not met, it will come down to who has the better run differential. 

 

Before that, the Braves and the Blazers will have to win their games.  The Southampton Mustangs have a 2-1 record and they are still very much involved in the race.  They will face the Alconbury Braves in the 1pm game at Grovehill Ballpark, Hertfordshire.   If the Mustangs win, they will jump above the Braves and will be hoping that the Essex Arrows will them a favour and defeat the Bracknell Blazers in the 4pm game in Richmond.

 

The remaining two teams in Pool 1, the Sidewinders and Herts Falcons, meet at 10am.  Both teams are yet to pick up a win so they will be looking to win in order to avoid finishing dead-last.

 

In Pool 2, three teams still have a chance to finish first.  They are the Braintree Rays, the Richmond Dragons and the Herts Hawks.  The Hawks top Pool 2 with a 100% record and have the advantage of a +15 run differential which may come into play if there is a tie.  They will meet the MK Buck at their home ballpark in front of their own supporters at 4pm.  Another Herts team, the Eagles can really help them out by winning against their closest rivals, the Richmond Dragons, at Richmond’s Ham Ground at 10am.  The mobile phone of the Hawks Manager will be on waiting for news from Richmond and they will know exactly what they need to do against the MK Bucks.

 

Braintree are the dark horse in Pool 2 and if both Richmond and the Hawks failt to win their games, Braintree can take first place with a win against the Kent Mariners.

 

For full schedule of the final week of HSL action click here.

 

To see the current standings click here.