Category: Adult Leagues

by AspiDimitrov

(VIDEO) BASEBALL IS TALK OF THE TOWN

 

 

This Saturday the town centre in Hemel Hempstead had an added baseball flavour.  Members of the adult and Little League teams of Herts Baseball Club alongside Little League parents invaded the Riverside Shopping Centre.  This was billed as a fundraising event for the club’s Grovehill Ballpark Project, but it was about a lot more than just raising funds.  This was an opportunity for the club to spread news of the great work it does for the local community and the fantastic opportunities it offers for youngsters and adults to play baseball by joining one of the best and coolest sports clubs in the UK.

 

 

It was impressive to see so many members of the public who were already aware of Herts Baseball Club and the game of baseball.  Those who did not know that baseball is being played right on their doorstep, took the club’s recruitment flyer and the club is very happy to report that within hours of the event, the club’s website started to receive enquiries about joining the Herts Baseball Little League and the Herts adult teams.  Herts Little League Vice President, Marty Cullen, said: “This was a very successful event and we intend to do more promotional events in the future.  We certainly hope that we will have the opportunity to say hello again to the many people who we met today, but this time in our home at Grovehill Ballpark.”

 

Many shoppers had the opportunity to take part in the Baseball Quiz to test their baseball knowledge and they certainly did well despite some hesitation earlier in the day. 

 

Amazingly, one of the Quiz contestants turned out to be a relative of New York Mets third baseman, David Wright.  It is beyond belief that one of the superstars of baseball who can be regularly seen on the front covers of the world’s major sports magazines, has a relative right here in Hemel Hempstead.  But then again, Hemel Hempstead is becoming something of a central point for baseball in the UK, so it makes sense that UK-based relatives of baseball stars would be living in Hemel Hempstead.

 

The undoubted stars of the day were the Little League boys and girls who were buzzing around from start to finish with their collection buckets.  In total they single-handedly raised £177.96 from the very generous residents of Hemel and other parts of Hertfordshire – an amazing achievement by the Little Leaguers.

 

Many members of the public also left their good luck video messages to the Herts Falcons ahead of their games in the AAA British National Championships Final 4 on 6-7 September. 

 

Herts Baseball Club wants to thank the Riverside Shopping Centre in Hemel for allowing this fundraising event to take place on their premises.

 

 

Can you believe it?  New York Mets third baseman, David Wright,

has relatives right here in Hemel Hempstead.

by AspiDimitrov

I DON’T BELIEVE IT

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire correspondent, DAVE HAMILTON

 

To quote Yankee legend Yogi Berra it was “deja vu, all over again” for the Hawks on Sunday as for the second consecutive week they watched their opponents secure victory with the last swing of the bat.  This time it was the Brentwood Stags who came out on top, winning 9-8 in the bottom of the ninth inning.

 

A much more good natured affair than their contest in Bournemouth, the games were otherwise almost identical as the Hawks nine battled their way into a hard fought lead only to let it slip in the late innings.  Yet again, Louie Hare was the hard-luck losing pitcher after once more pitching the complete game, another ninth inning squeeze play was unsuccessful, and again it was Hawks outfielder Nick Russell who was left to retrieve the ball from the fence after the opponents' game winning hit.

 

Herts started the day confident of beating Brentwood after previous victories against the same team, and were fielding eight of the nine who had fought so hard against Bournemouth, Kal Dimitrov acting as an (almost as speedy!!) replacement for Ross Asquith in the outfield. However, yet again the Hawks failed to put a first inning run on the board, despite John Oliver reaching with two outs. 

 

The scoring started in the second inning though, with Carlos Casal contributing a two-out RBI single, although outfielder Dave Hamilton was furious at being called out at home, having clearly slid across the plate before he could reach the tag of the Stags catcher.  At the time, the Hawks players shrugged off the call, but later in the day it emerged this run could have proved crucial.

 

A huge home run from the Stags star player quickly levelled the scores before the Hawks knocked the home team's starting pitcher out of the game in the third inning with a string of hits.

 

The Hawks defense was once again proving strong with Luis Concalves pivotal in two double plays, while catcher Dave Westfallen also managed to gun down two runners in a single inning.

 

The Hawks extended their lead with some patient hitting and aggressive baserunning, their biggest hit of the day being John Oliver's huge two run double to the deepest part of the ballpark in centre field.  The Stags were battling hard too though and fought their way back to tie the scores. 

 

So we got to the eighth inning tied 8-8 and, after a scoreless inning we were once again in a 'sudden death' scenario.  Kal Dimitrov led off the Hawks inning with a single, advancing to second on a wild throw.  He was then successfully bunted across to third base and the go-ahead run was just 90 feet away.

 

Determined to bring the run home, Carlos Casal attempted a squeeze play only to see it go horribly wrong as indecision on the basepaths saw the batter thrown out at first and Dimitrov then thrown out at the plate.  Inning over.  Still 8-8.

 

Louie Hare did well to restrict the Stag's power hitter to a single to lead off the bottom of the ninth but their catcher cracked an RBI double to right field, just out of the reach of the despairing Russell to see Brentwood home with a 9-8 victory. 

 

Even the generous donation of post-match beer from their opponents was not enough to cheer up the shell-shocked Hawks who had seen victory once again slip through their fingers.  Manager Carlos Casal was on this occasion much calmer in defeat though, refusing to be drawn into any arguments about umpiring decisions, commenting “it was a good hard-fought game and we had our chances – we just didn't take them”.   

 

The Hawks will seek to end their season on a more positive note with a victory over regular rivals the Richmond Dragons in what looks set to be a fourth place playoff in the AA league.

 

 

by AspiDimitrov

FALCONS CLINCH, CONQUER AAA FIRST YEAR BACK

LINK: Photos of the Day

Stay tuned for a video report from the game right here on the Herts Baseball Newswire.


GAME REPORT:

The Herts Falcons celebrated at the mound twice on Sunday.

In the first instance, they would be headed to the Final 4.  That news followed an 11-4 thrashing of the Southampton Mustangs in which the Falcons muscled out  three doubles, fifteen hits and eight stolen bases.  Nic Goetz picked up his eighth win of the season with six strikeouts and no earned runs.  While the Herts defense was not as picture-perfect as in the early days of the summer, the players were buoyed by their determination to finish what they began: a near-perfect run in which only one team – the Oxford Kings – managed to split their season series.  Kings aside, Herts has won every other head-to-head matchup in the 2008 AAA.  (They will likely face Oxford again at the Final 4, where they can settle their 1-1 season tie.)

The second celebration came with the final out of the day.  By sweeping Southampton, the Falcons secured the overall best win/loss record in the League.  They can finish no worse than 23-5, at least a game up of their direct rivals, the London Metros.  This was the sweeter mound-meeting, for just two years ago the Herts first-team was relegated to a lower division when they finished at the bottom of the standings and lost a do-or-die playoff game to the Burgess Hill Colts.  After sailing through the AA last season, the Falcons' 2008 season goal was simply to secure a winning record in the Premier League.  Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine they would annihilate the competition and elbow their way to the Final 4!

When asked about the keys to their success, Manager Jason Greenberg responded: “We got a great jump on the season out of spring training.  We're no squad of spring chickens… that's for sure.  But way back in January we were conditioning, getting to know and trust one another, and preparing our strategy for the months to come.  All that preparation has paid off.  By the time the other teams in our division had dusted off the cobwebs we were 6-0 and at the top of the charts.  We never looked back.  Never had to.”

Comparing the Falcons to the other teams in the AAA, Greenberg continued: “We've got the most heart.  Don't get me wrong… we've got a lot of other things too.  Some excellent starting and relief pitching.  A solid infield, a speedy outfield.  Some liners, some sluggers, and a real aggressiveness on the base paths.  But… most of all it's about this team's heart.  You never see our guys argue with one another.  Sportsmanship is big for us – you rarely see a Falcon act anything less than professional.  And it's been the same 13 players all season long!  That's dedicaiton.  We've committed ourselves to winning.  We expect to win.  And that means, as a manager, I don't have to do a thing except show up and manage the unexpected.”

Herts has only a double-header remaining in their regular season, played in Brighton on July 31 against their old rivals… the Burgess Hill Colts.  These games are only for show, however.  Burgess Hill was eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, losing a pair to the (also eliminated) Essex Arrows.  Nevertheless, the Falcons must be eager to get back on the diamond with the Colts and show them what a different kind of team they've become in just two short years.

Then it's on to September 6-7 and the Final 4 in Croydon.  In the first round of the tournament Herts will face the AAA Northern Champions – possibly the Humber Pilots who bested the Falcons 8-5 in the AA playoffs a year ago.  In round two the Falcons should see the Oxford Kings or London Metros.  Both teams managed one win off the Falcons in the regular season… so Herts is expecting a fierce showdown.

But they're also expecting to win.

GAME NOTES…  Falcons slugger Andy Cornish was a torrid 6-10 on the day, with 4 stolen bases, 4 runs and 3 RBI…  in Game Two, pitcher Darrin Ward had his first start in a month striking out 6 and allowing only 1 earned run for his seventh win of the season…  Ward also batted 4-7 with 5 RBI…  Aspi Dimitrov continued his blistering August going 5-8 with 2 RBI and pulling his average up to 0.325, fifth best on the team…  Herts Hawk Tim Elkins got the call-up and played solid outfield defense for the Falcons…  and the games were officiated by generous (and unwaveringly fair) Herts players Jonathan Lewys and Rodney Naghar.

 

 

GROVEHILL BALLPARK, 12:00

GAME 1

 

 

Southampton Mustangs at Herts Falcons
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Southampton Mustangs 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 4 4 3
Herts Falcons 0 1 3 0 6 1 0 11 15 8

Herts Falcons 11, Southampton Mustangs 4
Herts Falcons Southampton Mustangs
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Andy Cornish ss 5 2 3 2 Player 1 p 4 0 2 2
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 4 0 1 1 Player 2 c 4 0 0 0
Jason Greenberg c 4 2 2 1 Player 3 1b 3 0 0 0
Darrin Ward 3b 4 2 2 2 Player 4 2b 4 0 0 0
Aspi Dimitrov cf-lf 4 2 2 1 Player 5 3b 4 0 0 0
Marty Cullen 1b 4 1 2 2 Player 6 ss 3 1 1 0
Nick Goetz p 3 0 1 1 Player 7 lf 2 0 0 0
Rodney Naghar lf-rf 3 1 2 0 Player 8 cf 3 2 1 0
Tim Elkins rf 2 0 0 0 Player 9 rf 2 1 0 0
(b5) Jim Hyde rf-cf 0 1 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 33 11 15 10 TEAM TOTALS 29 4 4 2

E: Andy Cornish(2), Jason Greenberg(2), Darrin Ward(2), Marty Cullen(2), Player 2,
Player 5, Player 9. LOB: Southampton Mustangs 7, Herts Falcons 8. 2B: Jason
Greenberg, Marty Cullen, Rodney Naghar, Player 6. SB: Rodney Naghar(2), Andy
Cornish(2), Aspi Dimitrov(2), Marty Cullen, Jim Hyde, Player 1. CS: Player 3. SF:
Nick Goetz.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz W 7.00 4 4 0 2 6
Southampton Mustangs            
Player 1 L 6.00 15 11 9 3 3

HBP: by Nick Goetz (Player 3). . . . . . . T: 3:00. A: 0.

 

GROVEHILL BALLPARK, 2:30pm

GAME 2

 

Southampton Mustangs at Herts Falcons
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Southampton Mustangs 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 11 3
Herts Falcons 1 4 8 0 0 0 0 13 15 4

Herts Falcons 13, Southampton Mustangs 4
Herts Falcons Southampton Mustangs
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jim Hyde cf 5 1 1 3 Player 1 p 3 1 1 0
Andy Cornish 3b-c 5 2 3 1 Player 2 c 4 0 1 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji rf 2 0 0 0 Player 3 1b 4 1 2 2
(b4) Tim Elkins rf 2 0 0 0 Player 4 2b 4 0 2 0
Jason Greenberg c-3b 4 2 2 1 Player 5 3b 4 0 1 1
Darrin Ward p 3 1 2 3 Player 6 ss 4 0 1 0
Marty Cullen 1b 2 1 0 0 Player 7 lf 4 0 1 0
Nick Goetz ss 4 2 1 1 Player 8 cf 2 1 0 0
Aspi Dimitrov lf 4 2 3 1 Player 9 rf 3 1 2 0
Lee Manning 2b 4 2 3 2
TEAM TOTALS 35 13 15 12 TEAM TOTALS 32 4 11 3

E: Jim Hyde, Andy Cornish, Marty Cullen, Lee Manning, Player 6(2), Player 2. LOB:
Herts Falcons 8, Southampton Mustangs 9. 2B: Andy Cornish(2), Jason Greenberg(2), Lee
Manning, Darrin Ward, Jim Hyde. 3B: Player 7. SB: Andy Cornish(2), Jason Greenberg,
Lee Manning, Aspi Dimitrov, Player 4, Player 1, Player 9.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 7.00 11 4 1 3 6
Southampton Mustangs            
Player 1 L 6.00 15 13 9 4 4

PB: Andy Cornish. T: 3:00. A: 0.

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS BASEBALL CLUB ANNOUNCES POSTSEASON/FUNDRAISING SCHEDULE

With just a few weeks remaining of the regular season, Herts Baseball Club has announced the 2008 postseason schedule.  It will be packed with events for all branches of the Herts Baseball organisation, from the Little League to the club’s adult teams.  The postseason is also the time to get volunteers, friends and family members involved and playing the game.  Who knows?  The club may discover a new superstar among friends and family members.

 

In September the Herts Little League will be hosting its first tournament inviting all the top British League teams in the Bronco age group (10-13 year olds).  Most of these teams will include players who are members of the GB Juveniles Team so the Herts Little League will be able to check on its progress against top opposition.

 

The postseason period coincides with a critical period for the club’s project to develop Grovehill Ballpark.  The club requires one final fundraising push before commencing the construction work.  If the club reaches its fundraising target, members of the club as well as everyone else in the British baseball community can look forward to 2009 when the revamped Grovehill Ballpark and its second baseball diamond will be unveiled.  Members of the adult and Little League teams will be asked to play a key role in the upcoming fundraising events and absolutely everyone must do their best to take part in these events.

 

This September and October the club remembers fallen Falcon number 36 in the 2008 Kyle Hunlock Series.  Full details of an exciting new format for this event will be released in the next few days.  As part of the event, Herts Baseball Club will be making history with the first ever live radio broadcast online on the Herts Baseball Channel. 

 

Even after the last pitch of the season is thrown, club events keep coming thick and fast as we build up to 2009, so make a note of these dates.

 

 

2008 POSTSEASON AND FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

SCHEDULE

 

Key:

Little League

Adults

Fundraising

 

Thursday, 21 August 2008

3:30pm-5:30pm

Fundraising Visit to Hemel Industrial Zone

 

Saturday, 23 August 2008

11am-2:30pm

Little League Final Day

 

3pm-5pm

Fundraising at local shopping centres

 

Saturday-Sunday, 6-7 September 2008

Morning-night

AAA Final 4 at Croydon

 

Thursday, 18 September 2008

8pm

LIVE – Kyle Hunlock Series Draft

(making history with first ever LIVE broadcast on the Herts Baseball Channel)

 

Sunday, 21 September 2008

11pm-7pm

Kyle Hunlock Series (DAY1)

 

Saturday, 27 September 2008

TBC

Herts Little League Tournament

 

Sunday, 28 September 2008

11pm-7pm

Kyle Hunlock Series (DAY2)

 

Thursday, 2 October 2008

8pm

LIVE – Kyle Hunlock Series re-Draft

 

Sunday, 5 October 2008

11pm-2pm

Kyle Hunlock Series (FINAL DAY)

 

2pm-3pm

Little League Home Run Derby

 

3pm-4pm

Little League 2008 Awards Ceremony

 

4pm-7pm

Family Softball Game (s)

·         Little League Parents and Adult members family/friends

 

Sunday, 12 October 2008

TBC

2009 Annual General Meeting

 

October-November 2008

TBC

The HBC Tennis League

(unlike baseball, you gotta keep the ball IN the park)

 

Adult Herts Baseball Players (and family members) will be competing head-to-head over several weeks in a league format.

 

Friday, 12 December 2008

TBC

2008 Awards Night (Adult Teams)

 

 

by AspiDimitrov

SHARKS GET MORE THAN THEY BARGAINED FOR IN EPIC BATTLE WITH HAWKS

 

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire correspondent, DAVE HAMILTON

 

A fearless team – 9 of the Hawks' finest – made the trek down to Bournemouth on Sunday, keen to prove once again that they could compete with the best in their division as they took on the league leading Sharks in a AA league match-up.

 

Their fierce determination was in contrast to the cockiness of the home side who believed their playoff spot was already assured (mistakenly as the Hawks manager pointed out) and felt they would coast to another comfortable victory over mid-table opposition.  Conditions ruled out a slug-fest though, with a strong gusting wind blowing in from the outfield meaning the fence would barely be threatened all day, even in batting practice.

 

In the first inning, there is a single by John Oliver for the Hawks but no other baserunners.  Bournemouth meanwhile are quick to emphasise why they are top of the league, jumping out to an early lead with four quick runs. 

 

The Hawks stem the tide though with solid defense, preventing the Sharks from extending their lead.  Meanwhile, the bats are starting to come alive and Bournemouth aren't looking so secure.  Back to back doubles from Dave Westfallen and Humberto Concalves make it 4-1.

 

Fourth inning – Hawks rally.  Consecutive hits from Dave Hamilton, Luis Concalves and Ross Asquith to lead off the inning get Herts going as they send 10 men to the plate.  Four score.  The visitors lead 5-4 and the Sharks are stunned.

 

An immediate response from the home team though…half way through, we're all tied. 

 

Luis Concalves hits a booming ground rule double for the Hawks – the biggest hit of the game.  In defense, the Hawks are proving strong – with all three outfielders (Nick Russell, Asquith and Hamilton) making impressive defensive grabs to deny the Sharks baserunners.

 

The Hawks grab a run, and the lead. 6-5.  It's the seventh inning stretch and the Sharks are rattled – time is running out and inconceivably (to them) they are trailing.  Bournemouth continue to rotate their squad pulling fresh legs from the bench in a search for inspiration, while the Hawks team battle on knowing their fate lies in the nine men on the pitch – their bench is empty.  Their seemingly untiring pitcher Louie Hare leads the way but there are contributions up and down the order with no weak links for the Sharks to prey on.

 

The top of the eighth, and the Hawks add an insurance run with a two-out bases loaded RBI single from their ninth placed hitter.  Unfortunately manager Carlos Casal is thrown out at home trying to score on the same play, ending the Herts threat.  Even so, it's 7-5 and the visitors are six outs away from a phenomenal victory.

 

The Sharks are getting desperate, but they manage to mount a challenge with a little help from the umpire whose previously consistent strike zone suddenly shrinks to a fraction of its previous size [conspiracy theorists note the fact that the umpire is a Sharks player and question a possible link but our journalist is unable to substantiate any claims of deliberate foul play].  Pitcher Hare is left with an unenviable choice – walk batters or throw pitches down the middle to the highest scoring team in the league.

 

Despite this handicap, the Hawks almost escape the inning unscathed, but a wild throw on what could have been an inning ending ground ball allows two runs to score.  A few 'walks' (seemingly inevitable under this new strike zone), including one with the bases loaded, appear to give Bournemouth a crucial 8-7 lead.

 

The game is increasingly bad tempered, as the Hawks are frustrated by the umpire's new approach.  Valid complaints about the Sharks' young pitcher licking his fingers on the mound are derided by the home fans who seem personally insulted that the Hawks are seeking a fair finish to this titanic battle. 

 

Hawks first baseman John Oliver uses the revised strike zone to his advantage in the ninth inning, working a walk for the visitors but a deep drive by Louie Hare falls victim to that wind blowing in from the fence – it is hauled in by the grateful left fielder to end the inning.  Devastated, and frustrated at being robbed of victory, the Hawks think it is all over, and form a huddle only to see the umpire and Sharks players waiting for them to take field again…

 

…WAIT A MINUTE!…

 

…it is NOT all over…

 

In the excitement (and without the Dimitrov brothers to keep track of such details) the Hawks had lost track of the score.  Apparently it was still 7-7 and the Hawks had a life-line.

 

Battling the strike-zone, the Hawks got an out, before a Shark runner made his way to third base.  Bournemouth attempt to bunt him home with a squeeze play – but it's not hit hard enough.  The infield pounce, and the lead runner is cut down.  The batter reaches second…and next pitch breaks for third…where he is gunned down by catcher Dave Westfallen.  Finally the Hawks have a close call go their way and we are going to extra innings…

 

Top of the tenth…the Hawks threaten again.  A single, and a two out walk puts two runners on…but a ground out ends the inning and the runners are stranded.

 

Bottom of the tenth…the Hawks are hanging on.  Astonishingly Louie Hare continues to pitch well despite being into his tenth inning of work.  But the new reduced strike zone makes it almost impossible for him and this time the walk proves decisive.  A stolen base.  A good pickoff attempt at second is ruled unsuccessful.  Another steal…and then a game winning single to left field clinches it for the Sharks.

 

The exhausted Herts players file off…defeated but unbowed, knowing they put in a very strong performance that deserved a win.  This fine performance was arguably their best of the season, and having also threatened victory against the Sidewinders at Grovehill, they have proven conclusively that they can compete with the best in their league. 

 

Carlos Casal is proud of his team and furious they've been robbed of victory – sadly I cannot quote him in a 'family-friendly' website.  All the players know they've been in a hard-fought battle, full of drama with many twists and turns, and all nine have performed admirably in contributing to the contest.  Sadly, the result hasn't gone their way this time, but they are confident of ending their season with a flourish.

 

What a game!  GO HAWKS!!

 

 

Herts Hawks at Bournemouth Sharks
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
Herts Hawks 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 0 7 18 2
Bournemouth Sharks 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 8 12 1

Bournemouth Sharks 8, Herts Hawks 7
Bournemouth Sharks Herts Hawks
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Rob Cochran 2b 4 1 2 0 Luis Goncalves ss 6 2 3 0
Johnny Pew c 3 2 0 0 Ross Asquith rf 5 0 0 0
Harmon Killabeer 1b 5 1 1 0 John Oliver 1b 4 0 2 0
Greg Hoe p 6 2 3 2 Louis Hare p 5 1 2 0
Willie Might ss 5 1 2 1 Carlos Casal 3b 4 1 1 2
Hank Errand lf 4 0 0 0 Dave Westfallen c 6 2 4 0
Crooks Robins 3b 4 0 2 1 Humberto Goncalves 2b 4 0 2 2
Jose Canhito cf 5 0 1 1 Nick Russell lf 5 0 2 0
Ron Gnat rf 4 1 1 0 Dave Hamilton cf 5 1 2 0
TEAM TOTALS 40 8 12 5 TEAM TOTALS 44 7 18 4

E: Willie Might, Luis Goncalves(2). LOB: Bournemouth Sharks 13, Herts Hawks 18. 2B:
Willie Might, Ron Gnat, Dave Westfallen(2), Luis Goncalves, Humberto Goncalves. SB:
Rob Cochran(6), Ron Gnat(4), Johnny Pew(4), Greg Hoe(3), Jose Canhito(2), Harmon
Killabeer(2), Willie Might. S: Ross Asquith.

Bournemouth Sharks IP H R ER BB SO
Greg Hoe W 9.33 18 7 4 8 9
Herts Hawks            
Louis Hare L 9.33 12 8 6 9 5

T: 4:00. A: 0.

by AspiDimitrov

RAPTORS STUNG BY RAYS

Braintree Rays at Herts Raptors
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Braintree Rays 6 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 3 16 9 4
Herts Raptors 1 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 4 12 10 11

Braintree Rays 16, Herts Raptors 12
Braintree Rays Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 6 3 1 1 Hunter Devine 2b 6 4 3 3
Player 2 c 6 2 2 2 Jake Kikel p-1b 6 0 2 3
Player 3 1b 6 0 1 0 Rob Jones cf-ss 4 0 2 1
Player 4 2b 6 1 0 2 Peter Kikel ss-p 4 1 1 0
Player 5 3b 3 3 1 0 Jonathon Lewys c 3 2 1 0
Player 6 ss 6 1 1 0 Andy Ringrose 3b-cf 5 2 0 1
Player 7 lf 4 2 1 1 Andrew Slater 1b-3b 4 1 0 0
Player 8 cf 3 3 1 1 Robert Crouch rf 4 1 0 0
Player 9 rf 4 1 1 0 Pete Cox lf 4 1 1 2
TEAM TOTALS 44 16 9 7 TEAM TOTALS 40 12 10 10

E: Player 5(3), Player 2, Peter Kikel(5), Jake Kikel(2), Rob Jones(2), Jonathon
Lewys, Pete Cox. LOB: Herts Raptors 8, Braintree Rays 8. 2B: Player 2, Player 7,
Hunter Devine(3), Rob Jones, Pete Cox, Peter Kikel. 3B: Jonathon Lewys. SB: Player
5(4), Player 2(3), Player 8(3), Player 4(2), Player 9(2), Player 6, Andy Ringrose(2),
Hunter Devine(2), Andrew Slater.

Braintree Rays IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 9.00 10 12 5 6 10
Herts Raptors            
Jake Kikel 7.00 9 7 2 7 18
Peter Kikel L 2.00 0 9 3 0 0

HBP: by Player 1 (Robert Crouch). . . . . , by Jake Kikel (Player 8). . . WP: Jake
Kikel(4). PB: Player 2(4), Jonathon Lewys. T: 0:00. A: 0.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 1st:
Player 1 reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, advanced to 3rd on error, batted
forward to home.
Player 2 ground rule doubled, stole 3rd, stole home, 1 RBI.
Player 3 struck out looking.
Player 4 flied out.
Player 5 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to home on error.
Player 6 reached on error, batted forward to home.
Player 7 doubled, advanced to 3rd on throw, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Player 8 singled, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Player 9 singled, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Player 1 reached on fielder's choice, 1 RBI.
Player 2 grounded out.
Player 3 struck out looking.
Player 4 struck out looking.
6 runs, 4 hits, 3 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 1st:
Hunter Devine doubled, stole 3rd, advanced to home on passed ball.
Jake Kikel popped out.
Rob Jones struck out looking.
Peter Kikel walked.
Jonathon Lewys struck out looking.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 2nd:
Player 5 walked, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Player 6 singled, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 2nd:
Andy Ringrose reached on error, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, batted
forward to home.
Andrew Slater walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Robert Crouch hit by pitch, batted forward to home.
Pete Cox walked, batted forward to 3rd, tagged out going to home, 1 RBI.
Hunter Devine doubled, batted forward to home, 2 RBI.
Jake Kikel grounded out, 1 RBI.
Rob Jones doubled, 1 RBI.
Peter Kikel flied out.
4 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 3rd:
Player 7 reached on error.
Player 8 struck out looking.
Player 9 struck out looking.
0 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 3rd:
Jonathon Lewys tripled, batted forward to home.
Andy Ringrose grounded out, 1 RBI.
Andrew Slater grounded out.
Robert Crouch struck out looking.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 4th:
Player 1 singled, advanced to home on error.
Player 2 reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, stole 3rd, advanced to home on
wild pitch.
Player 3 struck out looking.
Player 4 grounded out.
Player 5 popped out.
2 runs, 1 hit, 2 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 4th:
Pete Cox struck out looking.
Hunter Devine reached on error, batted forward to home.
Jake Kikel singled, batted forward to 3rd, 1 RBI.
Rob Jones singled, forced out at 2nd.
Peter Kikel flied out.
Jonathon Lewys reached on fielder's choice.
1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 5th:
Player 6 struck out looking.
Player 7 walked, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, advanced to home on error.
Player 8 walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Player 9 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error.
Player 1 struck out looking.
Player 2 reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, advanced to 2nd on error.
Player 3 struck out looking.
2 runs, 0 hits, 2 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 5th:
Andy Ringrose struck out looking.
Andrew Slater struck out swinging.
Robert Crouch struck out swinging.
Pete Cox grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 6th:
Player 4 popped out.
Player 5 walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch.
Player 6 grounded out.
Player 7 struck out swinging.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 6th:
Hunter Devine grounded out.
Jake Kikel popped out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 7th:
Player 8 hit by pitch, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 9 struck out swinging.
Player 1 grounded out.
Player 2 singled, batted forward to 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 3 singled.
Player 4 grounded out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 7th:
Rob Jones walked, batted forward to 3rd.
Peter Kikel grounded out.
Jonathon Lewys walked, forced out at 2nd.
Andy Ringrose reached on fielder's choice.
Andrew Slater flied out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 8th:
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Player 6 struck out swinging.
Player 7 struck out swinging.
Player 8 grounded out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 8th:
Robert Crouch popped out.
Pete Cox struck out looking.
Hunter Devine reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, stole 3rd, batted forward
to home.
Jake Kikel singled, forced out at 2nd, 1 RBI.
Rob Jones reached on fielder's choice.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Braintree Rays – Top of the 9th:
Player 9 reached on dropped 3rd strike WP, advanced to 3rd on error, batted forward
to home.
Player 1 reached on error, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Player 2 struck out looking.
Player 3 reached on error, tagged out going to 2nd.
Player 4 reached on fielder's choice, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on
error, 2 RBI.
Player 5 reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, stole 2nd.
Player 6 struck out swinging.
3 runs, 0 hits, 3 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 9th:
Peter Kikel ground rule doubled, advanced to home on error.
Jonathon Lewys walked, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to home on passed ball.
Andy Ringrose reached on error, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, batted
forward to home.
Andrew Slater struck out looking.
Robert Crouch struck out looking.
Pete Cox doubled, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Hunter Devine ground rule doubled, 1 RBI.
Jake Kikel popped out.
4 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

SINGLE-A LEAGUE LEADERS TOO STRONG FOR RAPTORS

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, ROB JONES

Grovehill Ballpark, Hemel Hempstead

 

The new boys of Herts baseball always knew they were going to face a tough task against the surging Croydon Pirates, and so it turned out. The visitors set out their stall straight away. They hit a string of singles in the top of the first inning, then stole second base, then stole third base. Three runs crossed the plate, and it was a lead they would stretch steadily throughout the game.

 

Raptors couldn’t get their bats going against the consistent Croydon pitching, and when they were able to manufacture runs through walks, steals and errors, it was only one run at a time. When the most feared Herts hitters did make contact, the ball somehow found a fielder. In the end, Croydon took the game 17-3 in 7 innings, and moved to the top of their division.

 

The weather over Grovehill was mainly cloudy, with some heavy showers and just the odd burst of sunshine. That was reflected in the game for the Herts Raptors. They now hope that their hard work and improving defense gets better reward in the last few games of the season.

 

Croydon Pirates III at Herts Raptors
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R H E
Croydon Pirates III 3 1 2 2 4 3 2 0 17 15 1
Herts Raptors 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 3 3

Croydon Pirates III 17, Herts Raptors 3
Croydon Pirates III Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 2 5 2 1 Hunter Devine cf-2b 2 0 1 2
Player 2 c 4 2 2 2 Andrew Slater 3b 3 0 0 0
Player 3 1b 3 2 2 2 (t7) Carlos Casal 3b 0 0 0 0
Player 4 2b 4 1 1 1 Andy Ringrose c 3 0 0 0
Player 5 3b 5 1 3 2 Rod Ariss ss-p 3 0 0 0
Player 6 ss 4 1 0 0 Pete Cox rf 1 0 0 0
Player 7 lf 4 1 1 2 (t6) Robert Crouch rf 1 0 0 0
Player 8 cf 5 2 3 1 Jonathon Lewys 1b-cf 3 0 0 0
Player 9 rf 3 2 1 1 Dave Hamilton lf 2 0 0 0
(b5) Tim Elkins lf 1 0 0 0
Rob Jones 2b-ss 2 2 1 0
Mark Hoffman p-1b 2 1 1 0
TEAM TOTALS 34 17 15 12 TEAM TOTALS 23 3 3 2

E: Player 3, Andrew Slater(3). LOB: Herts Raptors 6, Croydon Pirates III 8. 2B:
Player 1, Player 5, Player 7. SB: Player 1(4), Player 5(4), Player 2(4), Player 3(4),
Player 6, Player 4, Player 8, Hunter Devine(3), Rob Jones(3), Mark Hoffman(2), Andy
Ringrose, Carlos Casal.

Croydon Pirates III IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 7.00 3 3 3 6 9
Herts Raptors            
Mark Hoffman L 6.00 12 15 10 10 7
Rod Ariss 1.00 3 2 2 1 1

HBP: by Player 1 (Andy Ringrose). . . . . . , by Rod Ariss (Player 7). . WP: Mark
Hoffman(2). PB: Player 2. T: 0:00. A: 0.
by AspiDimitrov

WIN, T.K.O. FOR FALCONS AS KNIGHTS WAVE WHITE FLAG

Herts arrived early to the field in Richmond-upon-Thames for an extended warm-up and batting practice.  It was just before game time that the Knights announced they had nine players and no one to umpire the game.  Fortunately, the Falcons are stocked with sluggers willing to step up in whichever capacity… and Greg “The Motion” Bochan performed a yeoman’s service calling balls and strikes from behind the dish.

Nic Goetz – pitching on three weeks rest – earned his seventh win of the season with a confident return to the mound.  He pounded the zone with five different pitches, all of which he threw consistently for strikes, and the only Richmond run to score came in the first inning on a sacrifice fly.

Two notable defense plays kept the Knights off the bases.  Aspi Dimitrov made his Falcons debut at third base and lunged far out to reel in a screaming line-drive.  Then, with a runner at third base, shortstop Andy Cornish made an incredible diving catch for the final out of the inning.  The Richmond batter – standing wide mouthed at home plate – was overheard to mumble, “Wow.  That’s a damn fine play.”

It was with disappointment in their eyes that Richmond forfeited Sunday’s second game.  Unable to keep all nine players at the field – and still without an available umpire – there were simply not enough Knights to carry on.  The Falcons glumly packed up their belongings and headed to the pub, content to celebrate their uncannily successful tour of the AAA… and to strategize for their presumptive post-season appearance.

Sunday was the Falcons’ quickest outing of the year.  They tightened their grip on the league pennant and bumped their win-loss column to 19-3.  Now, with only four games to play, the Falcons are one win away from the best AAA record of 2008 and a guaranteed spot in the Final 4.

Herts Falcons at Richmond Knights
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 6 5 1
Richmond Knights 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 4

Herts Falcons 6, Richmond Knights 1
Herts Falcons Richmond Knights
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jim Hyde lf 3 1 0 0 Player 1 p 3 0 0 0
Andy Cornish ss 4 1 0 0 Player 2 c 3 1 1 0
Jason Greenberg c 3 2 2 1 Player 3 1b 3 0 0 1
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 2 1 1 1 Player 4 2b 3 0 1 0
Dan Kerry cf 1 1 0 0 Player 5 3b 3 0 0 0
Darrin Ward dh 2 0 0 0 Player 6 ss 3 0 1 0
Marty Cullen 1b 3 0 0 0 Player 7 lf 3 0 0 0
Aspi Dimitrov 3b 2 0 1 1 Player 8 cf 2 0 0 0
Rodney Naghar rf 3 0 1 0 Player 9 rf 1 0 0 0
Nick Goetz p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 23 6 5 3 TEAM TOTALS 24 1 3 1

E: Aspi Dimitrov, Player 1(2), Player 6(2). DP: Herts Falcons 1. LOB: Herts Falcons
2, Richmond Knights 3. 2B: Jason Greenberg. SB: Jason Greenberg(2), Jim Hyde, Player
4, Player 2, Player 9. CS: Jim Hyde, Kimiyoshi Saionji, Marty Cullen, Player 4,
Player 9.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz W 7.00 3 1 1 0 2
Richmond Knights            
Player 1 L 7.33 5 6 2 5 7

HBP: by Nick Goetz (Player 9). . , by Player 1 (Dan Kerry). . . WP: Nick Goetz,
Player 1(2). PB: Player 2(2). T: 2:05. A: 26.