Category: Adult Leagues

by AspiDimitrov

AAA CLASH ON SOUTH COAST BOILS OVER

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, DAVE HAMILTON

 

Controversy ruled in Southampton on Sunday as, after hours of uncompromising baseball in blazing sunshine, manager Dave Westfallen led his Eagles team from the field in protest with the score still tied 8-8 in extra innings.  It was a sad end to a game where Herts had fought off everything the Mustangs could throw at them but a very competitive match-up was ruined by a string of umpiring decisions which seemed to consistently favour the home side.

 

It was probably appropriate that the hottest day of the season would produce the most heated confrontation to date although no one could have anticipated the sudden and acrimonious end, which occurred when the umpire (who was one of the Southampton players) tried to eject the Eagles' manager from the game.  This was the final straw for the visitors who had been frustrated throughout at the umpire's lack of neutrality and after several unproductive conversations between the two managers and the umpire to try and resolve the problem, the Eagles agreed they could not overcome this obstacle any longer and followed their catcher off the diamond.  The game, which despite (or perhaps because of) the umpiring problems was still on a knife-edge, was therefore abandoned.

 

After a lacklustre display in game 1, the Herts Eagles had come out much more fired-up in game 2, scoring three first innings runs to take an early advantage.  Trouble arose as early as the second inning of the contest though when the stand-in umpire's strike zone seemed to narrow, with a number of borderline pitches not being given as strikes.  Two of the home side drew walks as a result and both came round to score, giving the Southampton Mustangs a 4-3 advantage. 

 

Louis Hare scored on a single by shortstop Pete Kikel to tie the score in the third inning before the Mustangs edged ahead once more and then extended their lead to 7-4 after four innings. With the umpire viewing many of pitcher Hare's curveballs as being outside the strike zone, the 21 year old right hander was being forced to throw a lot of extra pitches in the scorching heat, as well as being unable to use his full variations that had proved so successful in recent weeks at keeping hitters off balance.  However, when a belt high fastball over the middle of the plate was called a 'ball' the Eagles knew they were in for a long afternoon.

 

After a scoreless fifth inning the Eagles fought back in the sixth inning and some aggressive baserunning forced two throwing errors from the home side's otherwise solid defence.  This allowed three runs to score on a single by first baseman John Oliver, who then scored on Hare's third hit of the game to give Herts an 8-7 lead. 

 

Unfortunately the Eagles couldn't keep the lead for long, but a tag at home plate meant they held the score to 8-8 entering the final inning.  With the tension mounting, both teams managed to get a runner to third base but were unable to come up with the crucial hit to score the run, and the game was forced into extra innings.

 

It seemed likely that the Eagles would draw first blood in extra innings as they managed to get runners onto second and third base with only one out.  However, Kal Dimitrov was then caught in a run-down between third and home on a failed squeeze play.  The Eagles claimed interference as, with a number of Mustangs players involved in the attempt to tag the runner, Dimitrov had dodge at least one player on the baseline who didn't have the ball.  Such an unusual call would be difficult for any umpire, not least at such a crucial point in the game, but given the troubles of earlier innings it was no surprise that the home team were given the benefit of the doubt and the 8-8 scoreline was retained.

 

Despite their growing frustration, and with the game becoming increasingly bad tempered, Herts once again held firm in defence to force a second extra inning, but were unable to break the deadlock in their half of the inning.  The sense of injustice increased when catcher Dave Westfallen was called out on strikes on a pitch high in the strike zone and when with one out in the bottom half of the inning the same pitch was then called a ball for the Mustangs batter, the irate Eagles manager couldn't help but comment, leading to his ejection from the game and the unsavoury halt to proceedings.

 

Earlier in the day, the Mustangs had run out comfortable 11-1 winners in game 1.  Unfortunately the Eagles' bats were unable to generate any offence for pitcher Mike Wakelam on his return from injury.  It should be noted that this game was very well, and fairly, umpired by a different Mustangs player. 

 

I should also add that in a league which often depends on regular players to stand in as umpires, we support and value the efforts of these individuals who often sacrifice their own playing time to help ensure the games can proceed.  We all understand that as stand in officials, mistakes will be made, particularly on some of the finer elements of the rule book.  However, it's important for everyone that the umpire is consistent for both teams in his treatment of the strike zone and the calls he makes.  Without this the enjoyment, which is crucial to a Sunday afternoon league, is rapidly lost and frustrations inevitably boil over.

 

GAME 1

Herts Eagles at Sothampton Mustangs
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Herts Eagles 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 5
Sothampton Mustangs 4 0 2 3 2 11 4 1

Sothampton Mustangs 11, Herts Eagles 1
Sothampton Mustangs Herts Eagles
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Lean 3b 2 2 0 0 Nick Russell rf 3 0 0 0
Ralph p 1 2 0 0 John Oliver 1b 3 0 0 0
Urbanscons cf 3 1 1 2 Ade Orioye lf 2 0 0 0
Johnson 2b-lf-ss 7 5 2 3 Louis Hare 2b 2 0 0 0
Wrighty c 3 0 0 1 Dave Westfallen c-ss 2 1 1 0
Barnes 1b 2 1 1 0 Peter Kikel 3b 1 0 0 0
Taylor rf 1 0 0 0 Mike Wakelam p 2 0 2 1
Dave Hamilton cf 2 0 0 0
Jake Kikel c 2 0 1 0
(b5) Kal Dimitrov c 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 19 11 4 6 TEAM TOTALS 19 1 4 1

E: Barnes, Dave Hamilton, Dave Westfallen, Peter Kikel, Mike Wakelam, Kal Dimitrov.
LOB: Sothampton Mustangs 1, Herts Eagles 4. 3B: Johnson. SB: Johnson(6), Lean(3),
Ralph(2), Urbanscons, Dave Westfallen.

Sothampton Mustangs IP H R ER BB SO
Ralph W 5.00 4 1 1 1 4
Herts Eagles            
Mike Wakelam L 4.33 4 11 5 4 4

HBP: by Mike Wakelam (Johnson). . . , by Mike Wakelam (Taylor). . WP: Ralph, Mike
Wakelam(2). T: 2:02. A: 30.

GAME 2

Herts Eagles at Southampton Mustangs
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Herts Eagles 3 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 9 2
Southampton Mustangs 1 3 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 8 14 2

Herts Eagles 8, Southampton Mustangs 8
Herts Eagles Southampton Mustangs
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
John Oliver 1b 4 2 3 3 Lean ss 5 3 3 1
Nick Russell lf-ss 4 0 0 0 Ralph 3b 4 0 2 3
Rodney Naghar 2b 4 1 0 0 Urbanschlier p 5 1 3 0
Louis Hare p 5 2 3 2 Johnson 2b 5 0 2 1
Dave Westfallen c 3 0 0 0 Cooper lf 5 1 1 0
Peter Kikel ss-3b 5 0 2 3 Baines 1b 4 1 0 0
Mike Wakelam 3b 3 1 0 0 Taylor cf 3 1 1 0
(b6) Ade Orioye lf 1 0 0 0 Arieta rf 4 0 2 1
Dave Hamilton cf 3 1 1 0 Davis c 4 1 0 1
Kal Dimitrov rf 1 1 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 33 8 9 8 TEAM TOTALS 39 8 14 7

E: John Oliver, Rodney Naghar, Ralph, Urbanschlier. DP: Southampton Mustangs 1. LOB:
Herts Eagles 7, Southampton Mustangs 8. 2B: Urbanschlier, Arieta. SB: Louis Hare(3),
John Oliver(2), Kal Dimitrov(2), Ade Orioye(2), Dave Westfallen, Peter Kikel, Rodney
Naghar, Urbanschlier(3), Lean(2), Cooper(2), Johnson, Baines, Ralph. CS: Kal
Dimitrov. SB: Nick Russell.

Herts Eagles IP H R ER BB SO
Louis Hare 8.33 14 8 7 2 0
Southampton Mustangs            
Urbanschlier 9.00 9 8 4 7 8

HBP: by Urbanschlier (Kal Dimitrov). . . . PB: Dave Westfallen, Davis. T: 2:51. A: 30

by AspiDimitrov

RAYS EXTEND RAPTORS’ LOSING STREAK

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, ROB JONES

This was another tale of bold battling from the Herts rookies, but two bad innings consigned them to a tough but honourable defeat.

The Raptors started well in the Essex sunshine. Four of the first five hitters reached base, and the visitors plated three runs. But the Rays pounced when Herts' starting pitcher, Hunter Devine, struggled with his control as he nursed a tight shoulder. With the help of merciless base-stealing, Braintree took a 9-3 lead in the first inning, and that helped them keep their noses in front. 

The next few innings saw the initiative ebb and flow. Having left the mound, Hunter Devine was a menace at the plate and on the bases. He stole 7 bags in all, and Jon Lewys — the Raptors' player of the year so far — came up big again with hits and with strikeouts. By the middle of the fifth it was 16-8 to Braintree, and the match was finely balanced.

Then the Rays bats suddenly got to work. Their hits managed to find gaps in both the infield and outfield and it was death by a thousand cuts for the Raptors as seven runs scored. Throughout the game there had been notably few big hits from the Rays — the outfield had a mostly quiet day, save for one booming hit which turned into a 3-run homer because of the lack of any outfield fence. But, however they are scored, the runs all count.

Raptors tried to strike back in the top of the sixth but a little bit of bad luck sealed their fate. After Ilya Dimitrov earned the latest in his series of walks, he stole his way to third. Rob Jones worked the count and fouled off pitches before finally connecting with a sharp line drive. But rather than finding a gap for an RBI it whizzed straight into the shortstop's waiting glove, and he sharply doubled off Dimitrov at third base. A potential rally was decisively stifled.

Raptors did manage one last hurrah, in the top of the seventh, as they tried to avoid the slaughter rule. A single and a walk got runners on base, and as Chris Brown beat the throw to first on a dropped third strike, Jeff Witter ran in to score from third. He slipped, but was able to literally crawl across home plate and keep the game alive. The Raptors managed to score four runs, but finally the Rays were too strong.

More images of the Raptors' trip to Braintree provided by Rob Jones

Herts Raptors at Braintree Rays
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Raptors 3 1 0 4 0 0 4 12 10 1
Braintree Rays 9 1 5 1 7 1 0 24 14 3

Braintree Rays 24, Herts Raptors 12
Braintree Rays Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 2 4 2 2 Hunter Devine p-1b 4 2 3 0
Player 2 c 4 4 3 3 Ilya Dimitrov cf 2 2 1 1
Player 3 1b 4 3 3 2 Rob Jones ss 4 2 0 0
Player 4 2b 3 0 1 1 Andrew Slater 3b 3 2 1 1
Player 5 3b 3 4 2 1 Jonathon Lewys 1b-p 4 1 4 3
Player 6 ss 2 3 0 0 Jeff Witter 2b 3 1 0 0
Player 7 lf 3 1 1 5 Nick Read c-3b 2 0 0 0
Player 8 cf 4 2 1 1 (t4) Perrie Sherman cf-c 2 0 0 0
Player 9 rf 3 3 1 0 Phil Crooks lf 3 0 0 0
Chris Brown rf 3 1 0 0
(b4) Paul Curtis rf-lf 2 1 1 0
TEAM TOTALS 28 24 14 15 TEAM TOTALS 32 12 10 5

E: Player 2(2), Player 3, Hunter Devine. LOB: Braintree Rays 5, Herts Raptors 7. 2B:
Player 2, Player 3, Player 1, Jonathon Lewys(2), Paul Curtis. HR: Player 7. SB:
Player 2(10), Player 3(7), Player 1(6), Player 5(5), Player 8(4), Player 9(4), Player
7(3), Player 4(2), Player 6(2), Hunter Devine(7), Ilya Dimitrov(7), Jonathon
Lewys(5), Andrew Slater(2), Rob Jones(2), Jeff Witter, Paul Curtis. CS: Hunter
Devine. SB: Player 1.

Braintree Rays IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 7.00 10 12 6 8 11
Herts Raptors            
Jonathon Lewys 5.00 11 14 13 8 5
Hunter Devine L 1.00 3 10 10 10 1

HBP: by Player 1 (Nick Read). WP: Player 1(2), Jonathon Lewys. PB: Player 2(2). T:
3:20. A: 60.

by AspiDimitrov

ARROWS COME OUT ON TOP IN HERTS-ESSEX DERBY

Eagles and Arrows starters, Louis Hare (left) and Carlos Mancheno (right), respectively, produced a classic pitchers’ duel

Essex Arrows extended their winning streak to 12 games with two victories over the Herts Eagles at Grovehill to consolidate their position on top of the AAA league.  It was a far from one-sided contest though as the Eagles battled hard throughout game 1 and came close to an unlikely upset.

 

The first game was a classic pitching duel between two very different hurlers.  The visitors’ ace Carlos Mancheno was a fireballer, throwing much quicker than any other pitcher the Eagles had encountered all season and leaving a number of Herts hitters swinging at thin air.  For the home team, stand-in manager Louis Hare was on the mound and doing an excellent job of keeping the powerful Essex hitters off balance with his subtle variations of location and movement.

 

The Eagles held the Arrows to just two runs over six innings and snatched a run of their own thanks to some alert baserunning from Luis Concalves who came round to score from second base as catcher Jason Greenberg managed to beat out what looked to be an inning ending ground ball.  So with just one inning to go, the score was only 2-1 and there was everything to play for.  Unfortunately for the growing number of Eagles fans though, the Arrows launched some power-hitting, including a solo home run by Mancheno, to add three insurance runs which proved more than enough to secure victory. 

 

Game two was less competitive, with the Arrows opening out an early 6-1 lead and eventually running out 16-5 winners.

 

More images from the Essex Arrows vs Herts Eagles battle

GAME 1

Essex Arrows at Herts Eagles
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Essex Arrows 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 5 11 2
Herts Eagles 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 1
Essex Arrows 5, Herts Eagles 1
Essex Arrows Herts Eagles
ab r h bi ab r h bi
John Blose ss 4 0 0 0 Rod Ariss ss 2 0 0 0
William Johnson 3b 4 1 0 0 Luis Goncalves 3b 2 1 0 0
Carlos Mancheno p 4 2 3 2 Jason Greenberg c 3 0 2 0
Edwin Alcantara cf 4 0 1 0 Louis Hare p 3 0 0 0
Richard Chesterton rf 4 0 2 1 Jamie Munn 2b 3 0 0 0
(b7) Sub 2 rf 0 0 0 0 Mark Hoffman 1b 3 0 0 0
Adrian Bonsor 1b 2 1 1 0 Bart Schouwenaars rf 3 0 1 0
Franklin Sequera 2b 3 0 1 1 Dave Hamilton cf 3 0 0 0
(t7) Sub 1 pr-2b 0 1 0 0 Ade Orioye lf 2 0 0 0
Rudis Fonseca c 4 0 1 1
Luke Foley lf 3 0 2 0
TEAM TOTALS 32 5 11 5 TEAM TOTALS 24 1 3 0
E: John Blose(2), Luis Goncalves. LOB: Herts Eagles 4, Essex Arrows 10. 2B: Carlos
Mancheno. 3B: Franklin Sequera. HR: Carlos Mancheno. SB: Richard Chesterton, Rod
Ariss, Jason Greenberg. CS: Luke Foley, Jason Greenberg, Jamie Munn.
Essex Arrows IP H R ER BB SO
Carlos Mancheno W 7.00 3 1 0 2 15
Herts Eagles            
Louis Hare L 7.00 11 5 4 3 6
HBP: by Louis Hare (Franklin Sequera). . . . . . WP: Carlos Mancheno, Louis Hare. PB:
Rudis Fonseca. T: 3:00. A: 67.

GAME 2

 

Essex Arrows at Herts Eagles
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
Essex Arrows 4 2 0 1 6 3 16 16 2
Herts Eagles 1 0 1 1 2 0 5 6 0
Essex Arrows 16, Herts Eagles 5
Essex Arrows Herts Eagles
ab r h bi ab r h bi
Player 1 p 3 3 2 0 Rod Ariss ss 2 2 0 0
Player 2 c 5 1 1 0 Aspi Dimitrov p-lf 3 1 1 1
Player 3 1b 3 4 2 2 Carlos Casal 3b 2 1 1 0
Player 4 2b 4 4 4 3 Luis Goncalves 2b 2 0 0 0
Player 5 3b 4 2 3 4 (b4) Lin Yuchih 2b 1 0 1 2
Player 6 ss 4 1 1 1 Louis Hare lf-1b 3 1 1 0
Player 7 lf 5 0 2 1 Bart Schouwenaars 1b-p 2 0 0 0
Player 8 cf 3 0 0 0 (b5) Mark Hoffman p 0 0 0 0
Player 9 rf 2 1 1 0 Dave Hamilton cf 3 0 0 0
Kal Dimitrov c 3 0 2 0
Ade Orioye rf 3 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 33 16 16 11 TEAM TOTALS 24 5 6 3
E: Player 2, Player 6. LOB: Herts Eagles 5, Essex Arrows 10. 2B: Player 4, Player 5,
Aspi Dimitrov, Lin Yuchih. HR: Player 4. SB: Player 1(5), Player 9(4), Player 3(3),
Player 4(3), Player 5(3), Player 2, Player 7, Player 6, Rod Ariss(3), Carlos Casal,
Louis Hare. CS: Player 8, Carlos Casal.
Essex Arrows IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 6.00 6 5 3 4 9
Herts Eagles            
Aspi Dimitrov L 4.00 11 7 4 4 4
Bart Schouwenaars 1.00 1 6 4 6 0
Mark Hoffman 1.00 4 3 1 0 1
HBP: by Bart Schouwenaars (Player 4). . WP: Bart Schouwenaars(6), Aspi Dimitrov(2).
PB: Kal Dimitrov(4). T: 3:00. A: 67.
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

FALCONS KEEP UP WITH THE PACK IN NBL TITLE CHASE

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, ANDY CORNISH

 

With a runner on third and second, two down and a one run lead to protect, there was a visit to the mound with Catcher Lee Manning, pitcher Darrin Ward and stand in manager Andy Cornish.  Lee started off ‘should we walk this guy, he swings big?’  It was decided to pitch to the current batter.  A ground ball back to Darrin, and easy play at first base, which was followed a state of euphoria.  HERTS WIN, HERTS WIN!

 

With Manager Jason ‘Skip’ Greenberg, Dan ‘Hollywood’ Kerry and Riley ‘the Fish’ Fisher all missing and Eagles game cancelled due to the forecasted weather, additions of Louis Hare and Dave Westfallen were made to the roster.  Herts travelled through a variable weather fronts that has been common with the last few summers in the UK, arriving at top of the National League’s, Bracknell, field in the pouring rain.  It soon cleared up, and the game began on time, and a brilliant game of baseball occurred.  Blows were traded in each inning with no-one certain of the outcome.  In the fourth inning, Bracknell runners on second and third, a ground ball came out to third baseman, Nic Goetz, who threw home, a run down occurred, ending with a tag out, the batter decided to head to second base, unaware there was still a runner there.  Heading back to first base, the runner incurred the second run down of the inning, once again ending in a tag out.  Two run downs, one inning.  Herts were 2 runs up after the 4th and holding strong, but coming out of the 5th inning it was 6-6.  Leading off the top of the 6th, leadoff batter Aspi Dimitrov walked, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, and trotted home on a sac fly by Yuchih Lin, 7-6.  Darrin Ward then closed the book on this game only allowing 3 hits over the next 2 innings and shutting down the Bracknell’s offence. 

 

Bracknell looked visibly shaken by this loss.  Nic Goetz took the mound for Herts and a pitching duel commenced in some heavy rain.  Nic was excellent, only allowing 3 hits over the full 7 innings.  This was not enough to wake up the sleeping bats of Herts, and Goetz ended up on the wrong side of a 4-1 game.  During the game, Herts did not get a hit, however, a rare highlight in the sixth as Darrin Ward managed to hit in the only run on an error by the outfield.  Lin (who had also reached on an error) ran around from first base to score as Darrin stood up at second base.  Both Dave Westfallen and Louis Hare provided solid defence, throwing out multiple runners and being a rock at first base respectively.  The second game did not tell the full story as the usually reliable defence had to battle with the heavy showers, allowing 5 errors.

 

Lee Manning made a triumphant return behind the dish, batting 2-4 in the first game, scoring a run, with reliable Kimi Saionji also going 2-4. Stand in manager Andy Cornish commented ‘We came out the blocks straight away against top of the division, and a positive mood in the camp came through.  Bracknell thought that we would just roll over and we were not here to do that, fortune seems to favour the bold.  We need to build on the positives, and next time we see them I am expecting an improvement.  I am very proud of a few players in particular.  The supporters were excellent as always, even in the weather and don’t always seem to get some of the notice that they deserve.’

 

GAME 1


Herts Falcons at Bracknell Blazers
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 7 9 2
Bracknell Blazers 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 6 11 1

Herts Falcons 7, Bracknell Blazers 6
Herts Falcons Bracknell Blazers
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Aspi Dimitrov lf 3 1 1 1 Leo Morgan lf 4 0 0 0
Luis Goncalves ss 2 0 1 1 Damian Van Nickerl 3b 2 1 0 0
Lin Yuchih 2b 3 1 1 1 Ryan Trask ss 4 2 3 2
Darrin Ward p 4 1 1 1 Matt Matland dh-p 4 0 0 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji rf 4 1 2 1 Henry Collins cf 4 1 2 0
John Oliver 1b 3 1 0 0 Marcus Simpson rf 3 1 1 1
Lee Manning c 4 1 2 0 Connor Vernon 2b 4 0 1 0
Nick Goetz 3b 2 1 0 0 Matt Bray c 4 1 3 1
Jamie Munn cf 2 0 1 2 Phil Matthews 1b 3 0 1 0
Brendon Cunliffe p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 27 7 9 7 TEAM TOTALS 32 6 11 4
E: Lin Yuchih, Kimiyoshi Saionji, Damian Van Nickerl. LOB: Herts Falcons 6, Bracknell
Blazers 9. 2B: Kimiyoshi Saionji, Darrin Ward, Luis Goncalves, Jamie Munn. HR: Ryan
Trask. SB: Aspi Dimitrov(2), Ryan Trask(2), Henry Collins(2), Connor Vernon. CS:
Jamie Munn. SB: Damian Van Nickerl. SF: Luis Goncalves, Lin Yuchih.
Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 7.00 11 6 2 2 6
Bracknell Blazers            
Brendon Cunliffe 4.00 7 6 5 3 6
Matt Matland L 3.00 2 1 0 2 1
HBP: by Darrin Ward (Phil Matthews). . . . . . WP: Brendon Cunliffe(2). PB: Lee
Manning, Matt Bray. T: 2:05. A: 48.

GAME 2

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

Bracknell Blazers 4, Herts Falcons 1
Bracknell Blazers Herts Falcons
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Leo Morgan cf 2 0 0 0 Luis Goncalves ss 4 0 0 0
Damian Van Nickerk 3b 3 0 0 0 Jamie Munn lf 3 0 0 0
Ryan Trask ss 2 0 1 2 Lin Yuchih 3b 1 1 0 0
Matt Matland p 1 0 0 0 Darrin Ward dh 2 0 0 0
(t4) Henry Collins p 2 0 1 0 Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 3 0 0 0
Tom Bray c 1 2 0 0 Dave Westfallen c 3 0 0 0
Max Flasher 2b 3 0 0 0 Louis Hare 1b 2 0 0 0
Phil Matthews 1b 3 0 0 0 (t6) John Oliver 1b 1 0 0 0
Yaso Minousa lf 3 1 1 1 Aspi Dimitrov cf 1 0 0 0
Mike Cattermole rf 3 1 0 0 Andy Cornish rf 3 0 0 0
Nick Goetz p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 23 4 3 3 TEAM TOTALS 23 1 0 0
E: Damian Van Nickerk, Ryan Trask, Max Flasher, Lin Yuchih(2), Luis Goncalves, Nick
Goetz, Aspi Dimitrov. LOB: Bracknell Blazers 5, Herts Falcons 6. 2B: Yaso Minousa.
SB: Ryan Trask, Tom Bray. CS: Henry Collins. SB: Leo Morgan.
Bracknell Blazers IP H R ER BB SO
Henry Collins 4.00 0 1 0 1 2
Matt Matland W 3.00 0 0 0 3 4
Herts Falcons            
Nick Goetz L 6.00 3 4 1 2 4
HBP: by Henry Collins (Aspi Dimitrov). , by Nick Goetz (Tom Bray). . T: 1:38. A: 48.

 

 

With a runner on third and second, two down and a one run lead to protect, there was a visit to the mound with Catcher Lee Manning, pitcher Darrin Ward and stand in manager Andy Cornish.  Lee started off ‘should we walk this guy, he swings big?’  It was decided to pitch to the current batter.  A ground ball back to Darrin, and easy play at first base, which was followed a state of euphoria.  HERTS WIN, HERTS WIN!

 

With Manager Jason ‘Skip’ Greenberg, Dan ‘Hollywood’ Kerry and Riley ‘the Fish’ Fisher all missing and Eagles game cancelled due to the forecasted weather, additions of Louis Hare and Dave Westfallen were made to the roster.  Herts travelled through a variable weather fronts that has been common with the last few summers in the UK, arriving at top of the National League’s, Bracknell, field in the pouring rain.  It soon cleared up, and the game began on time, and a brilliant game of baseball occurred.  Blows were traded in each inning with no-one certain of the outcome.  In the fourth inning, Bracknell runners on second and third, a ground ball came out to third baseman, Nic Goetz, who threw home, a run down occurred, ending with a tag out, the batter decided to head to second base, unaware there was still a runner there.  Heading back to first base, the runner incurred the second run down of the inning, once again ending in a tag out.  Two run downs, one inning.  Herts were 2 runs up after the 4th and holding strong, but coming out of the 5th inning it was 6-6.  Leading off the top of the 6th, leadoff batter Aspi Dimitrov walked, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, and trotted home on a sac fly by Yuchih Lin, 7-6.  Darrin Ward then closed the book on this game only allowing 3 hits over the next 2 innings and shutting down the Bracknell’s offence. 

 

Bracknell looked visibly shaken by this loss.  Nic Goetz took the mound for Herts and a pitching duel commenced in some heavy rain.  Nic was excellent, only allowing 3 hits over the full 7 innings.  This was not enough to wake up the sleeping bats of Herts, and Goetz ended up on the wrong side of a 4-1 game.  During the game, Herts did not get a hit, however, a rare highlight in the sixth as Darrin Ward managed to hit in the only run on an error by the outfield.  Lin (who had also reached on an error) ran around from first base to score as Darrin stood up at second base.  Both Dave Westfallen and Louis Hare provided solid defence, throwing out multiple runners and being a rock at first base respectively.  The second game did not tell the full story as the usually reliable defence had to battle with the heavy showers, allowing 5 errors.

 

Lee Manning made a triumphant return behind the dish, batting 2-4 in the first game, scoring a run, with reliable Kimi Saionji also going 2-4. Stand in manager Andy Cornish commented ‘We came out the blocks straight away against top of the division, and a positive mood in the camp came through.  Bracknell thought that we would just roll over and we were not here to do that, fortune seems to favour the bold.  We need to build on the positives, and next time we see them I am expecting an improvement.  I am very proud of a few players in particular.  The supporters were excellent as always, even in the weather and don’t always seem to get some of the notice that they deserve.’

 

GAME 1


Herts Falcons at Bracknell Blazers
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 7 9 2
Bracknell Blazers 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 6 11 1

Herts Falcons 7, Bracknell Blazers 6
Herts Falcons Bracknell Blazers
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Aspi Dimitrov lf 3 1 1 1 Leo Morgan lf 4 0 0 0
Luis Goncalves ss 2 0 1 1 Damian Van Nickerl 3b 2 1 0 0
Lin Yuchih 2b 3 1 1 1 Ryan Trask ss 4 2 3 2
Darrin Ward p 4 1 1 1 Matt Matland dh-p 4 0 0 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji rf 4 1 2 1 Henry Collins cf 4 1 2 0
John Oliver 1b 3 1 0 0 Marcus Simpson rf 3 1 1 1
Lee Manning c 4 1 2 0 Connor Vernon 2b 4 0 1 0
Nick Goetz 3b 2 1 0 0 Matt Bray c 4 1 3 1
Jamie Munn cf 2 0 1 2 Phil Matthews 1b 3 0 1 0
Brendon Cunliffe p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 27 7 9 7 TEAM TOTALS 32 6 11 4
E: Lin Yuchih, Kimiyoshi Saionji, Damian Van Nickerl. LOB: Herts Falcons 6, Bracknell
Blazers 9. 2B: Kimiyoshi Saionji, Darrin Ward, Luis Goncalves, Jamie Munn. HR: Ryan
Trask. SB: Aspi Dimitrov(2), Ryan Trask(2), Henry Collins(2), Connor Vernon. CS:
Jamie Munn. SB: Damian Van Nickerl. SF: Luis Goncalves, Lin Yuchih.
Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 7.00 11 6 2 2 6
Bracknell Blazers            
Brendon Cunliffe 4.00 7 6 5 3 6
Matt Matland L 3.00 2 1 0 2 1
HBP: by Darrin Ward (Phil Matthews). . . . . . WP: Brendon Cunliffe(2). PB: Lee
Manning, Matt Bray. T: 2:05. A: 48.

GAME 2

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

Bracknell Blazers 4, Herts Falcons 1
Bracknell Blazers Herts Falcons
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Leo Morgan cf 2 0 0 0 Luis Goncalves ss 4 0 0 0
Damian Van Nickerk 3b 3 0 0 0 Jamie Munn lf 3 0 0 0
Ryan Trask ss 2 0 1 2 Lin Yuchih 3b 1 1 0 0
Matt Matland p 1 0 0 0 Darrin Ward dh 2 0 0 0
(t4) Henry Collins p 2 0 1 0 Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 3 0 0 0
Tom Bray c 1 2 0 0 Dave Westfallen c 3 0 0 0
Max Flasher 2b 3 0 0 0 Louis Hare 1b 2 0 0 0
Phil Matthews 1b 3 0 0 0 (t6) John Oliver 1b 1 0 0 0
Yaso Minousa lf 3 1 1 1 Aspi Dimitrov cf 1 0 0 0
Mike Cattermole rf 3 1 0 0 Andy Cornish rf 3 0 0 0
Nick Goetz p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 23 4 3 3 TEAM TOTALS 23 1 0 0
E: Damian Van Nickerk, Ryan Trask, Max Flasher, Lin Yuchih(2), Luis Goncalves, Nick
Goetz, Aspi Dimitrov. LOB: Bracknell Blazers 5, Herts Falcons 6. 2B: Yaso Minousa.
SB: Ryan Trask, Tom Bray. CS: Henry Collins. SB: Leo Morgan.
Bracknell Blazers IP H R ER BB SO
Henry Collins 4.00 0 1 0 1 2
Matt Matland W 3.00 0 0 0 3 4
Herts Falcons            
Nick Goetz L 6.00 3 4 1 2 4
HBP: by Henry Collins (Aspi Dimitrov). , by Nick Goetz (Tom Bray). . T: 1:38. A: 48.

by AspiDimitrov

EXTRA INNINGS DRAMA IN NORTH LONDON

Having already seen the Falcons and Raptors chalk up amazing victories with last-inning heroics this season, it was the turn of the Eagles to add their own chapter on Sunday with an unbelievable 25-17 extra innings victory over the Sidewinders in Enfield.

 

While the home team cycled through a number of players in the marathon encounter, Herts stuck with the same nine men throughout – displaying the determination and team spirit that are symptomatic of all levels of Herts baseball.  … (full report and box scores to follow shortly)

by AspiDimitrov

RAPTORS 12 BRACKNELL BLAZERS II 23

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, KEN PIKE

 

The Raptors travelled to Bracknell to face the Blazers II knowing it would be a tough showdown with the opposition fielding three team GB cadets in their line up. With this in mind the brave young Raptors squad put fear aside and produced their best performance of the year.

 

Some commanding pitching from Jon Lewys was the trademark of the game as he went the full nine innings showing an ever increasing confidence on the mound. His command of the strike zone was a further step in his development and improvement. Jon is looking to be a star of the team by the end of the season both as a glove, a bat and an arm.

 

Backing Jon up in the field was no easy task though with Bracknell hitting some powerful shots around the park, including one home run to left field. Never the less, some amazing plays kept the scores within reach including a spectacular sliding catch from Rob Jones to close out an inning.

 

The batting performances of the day came from player-manager Andrew Slater with two double RBIs, and Steve Nippress who nearly cleared the boundary himself for the Raptors but fell only a couple of yards short of the first HR of his career. The team did well over all racking up 12 runs against two powerful pitchers.

 

Comedy moment as well as dedication and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds awards go to Iwan Evans who decided to steal home on a passed ball at third. Beaten to the bag by a mile Iwan went for an acrobatic avoidance of the tag resulting in his legs being higher than his head. Result: one out, an injured hip (to add to his arm) and a mouthful of dirt. Luckily our Jackie Chan wannabe was walking again after a brief respite and is sure to be playing next week, even if he is sporting a bruised ego and gluteous maximus.

 

Returning from an injured right shoulder Ken Pike was forced to take the field earlier than the coach wanted due to the third inning injury of new starter Jeff Witter. As is always the way in such matters the very first hit of the inning went straight to Ken. As was, it ended up in his glove and produced an out at first. Sadly, half an inning later and he was on the ground again having attempted a throw to home plate. After moving to first base he managed to finish the game, and he assures us his arm will be ready next week.

 

Sadly, despite the team’s bravery and effort, the damage had been done early on and the Raptors were fighting to come back from a 10 run deficit after two innings. The end result of a 12 -23 loss does them credit having kept the gap to 11 by the end of the game. They can still hold their heads high knowing they avoided the mercy rule against a team likely to be a league higher next year.

Herts Raptors at Bracknell Blazers II
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Raptors 0 0 2 2 0 4 4 12 6 1
Bracknell Blazers II 5 5 0 2 6 5 0 23 22 2

Bracknell Blazers II 23, Herts Raptors 12
Bracknell Blazers II Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p-rf 4 2 3 2 Rob Jones cf 1 3 1 0
Player 2 c 6 2 3 0 Ilya Dimitrov ss 0 3 0 0
Player 3 1b 4 2 1 0 Jonathon Lewys p 1 2 1 1
Player 4 2b 3 1 1 2 Andrew Slater c 4 1 2 2
(t5) Sub 1 2b 1 2 1 0 Steve Nippress 2b 4 0 1 2
Player 5 3b 4 4 3 2 Ken Pike 1b-2b 4 0 1 1
Player 6 ss 2 3 2 2 Phil Crooks lf 3 1 0 0
(b5) Sub 3 ss 1 2 1 0 Iwan Evans 3b 2 1 0 0
Player 7 lf 4 1 1 0 Neil Brackley rf 3 1 0 0
(t5) Sub 2 cf 1 2 1 0
Player 8 cf-lf 6 1 4 2
Player 9 rf-p 4 1 1 1
TEAM TOTALS 40 23 22 11 TEAM TOTALS 22 12 6 6

E: Player 2, Player 3, Steve Nippress. LOB: Herts Raptors 7, Bracknell Blazers II 11.
2B: Player 5, Player 6, Player 9, Steve Nippress, Ken Pike. 3B: Player 6. SB: Player
1(5), Player 3(4), Player 5(3), Sub 1(3), Player 9(2), Player 8(2), Sub 3(2), Player
2, Player 6, Player 4, Player 7, Sub 2, Rob Jones(3), Ilya Dimitrov(3), Andrew
Slater(2), Jonathon Lewys, Iwan Evans, Ken Pike, Neil Brackley, Phil Crooks. CS: Iwan
Evans.

Bracknell Blazers II IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 6.00 4 8 7 12 9
Player 9 1.00 2 4 4 3 2
Herts Raptors            
Jonathon Lewys L 6.00 22 23 23 10 2

HBP: by Jonathon Lewys (Player 9). . . . , by Jonathon Lewys (Player 3). , by Player
1 (Ken Pike). , by Player 9 (Rob Jones). WP: Player 1. T: 4:00. A: 34.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 1st:
Rob Jones walked, batted forward to 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, stole 2nd.
Andrew Slater struck out swinging.
Steve Nippress struck out looking.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 1st:
Player 1 singled, batted forward to home.
Player 2 singled, batted forward to home.
Player 3 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Player 4 flied out, 1 RBI.
Player 5 walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 6 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 7 flied out.
Player 8 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, 1 RBI.
Player 9 hit by pitch, batted forward to 2nd.
Player 1 walked, 1 RBI.
Player 2 popped out.
5 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 2nd:
Ken Pike grounded out.
Phil Crooks grounded out.
Iwan Evans grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 2nd:
Player 3 popped out.
Player 4 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Player 5 struck out looking.
Player 6 doubled, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Player 7 singled, batted forward to home.
Player 8 singled, batted forward to 3rd, stole home.
Player 9 walked, batted forward to 3rd, stole home, 1 RBI.
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 2 singled.
Player 7 popped out.
5 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 3rd:
Neil Brackley popped out.
Rob Jones singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Jonathon Lewys walked, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd.
Andrew Slater singled, stole 2nd.
Steve Nippress struck out looking.
Ken Pike struck out looking.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 3rd:
Player 8 popped out.
Player 9 doubled, stole 3rd.
Player 1 walked, stole 2nd.
Player 2 struck out looking.
Player 3 popped out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 4th:
Phil Crooks walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to 3rd, stole home.
Iwan Evans walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error, batted forward to
home.
Neil Brackley struck out swinging.
Rob Jones walked, advanced to 2nd on error, tagged out going to 3rd.
Ilya Dimitrov reached on interference, batted forward to 2nd, forced out at 3rd.
Jonathon Lewys singled, advanced to 2nd on error.
2 runs, 1 hit, 2 errors, 1 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 4th:
Player 4 popped out.
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 6 tripled, stole home, 1 RBI.
Player 7 reached on error, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 8 popped out.
Player 9 popped out.
2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 5th:
Steve Nippress walked, picked off.
Ken Pike doubled, stole 3rd.
Phil Crooks struck out looking.
Iwan Evans popped out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 5th:
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, stole home.
Player 2 walked, advanced to 2nd on error, tagged out going to 3rd.
Player 3 hit by pitch, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Sub 1 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, stole home.
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Sub 3 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Sub 2 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 8 singled.
Player 9 popped out.
Player 1 popped out.
6 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 6th:
Neil Brackley walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Rob Jones walked, batted forward to home.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, batted forward to home.
Jonathon Lewys walked, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Andrew Slater struck out swinging.
Steve Nippress struck out swinging.
Ken Pike hit by pitch, 1 RBI.
Phil Crooks struck out swinging.
4 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 6th:
Player 2 singled, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Player 3 popped out.
Sub 1 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 5 doubled, batted forward to home, 2 RBI.
Sub 3 walked, batted forward to home.
Sub 2 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 8 singled, batted forward to 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 9 popped out.
Player 1 walked.
Player 2 popped out.
5 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Top of the 7th:
Iwan Evans walked, stole 2nd, caught trying to steal 3rd.
Neil Brackley struck out swinging.
Rob Jones hit by pitch, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Jonathon Lewys walked, batted forward to home.
Andrew Slater singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home, 2 RBI.
Steve Nippress doubled, 2 RBI.
Ken Pike struck out swinging.
4 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Bracknell Blazers II – Bottom of the 7th:
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

11th-HOUR FALCONS RALLY TRIPS UP NATIONAL CHAMPS

No one knew what to expect in Sunday's showdown between the Herts Falcons – newcomers to the National Baseball League – and the reigning champion London Mets.

On Opening Day the Falcons swept the Croydon Pirates and, in doing so, made an assertive debut onto the national stage.  The Mets, on the other hand, suffered a surprise clubbing by the Richmond Flames in their first match-up.  So, who could predict the state of play in the UK's top-tier of baseball…?

From the first at-bat of Game One it looked like an uphill battle for Herts.  Mets leadoff man Callum Woods rocketed a fastball from Nic Goetz deep into the outfield for a triple and immediately scored on a sacrifice fly.  Goetz recovered and threw two fly outs to retire the side.  The Falcons answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the 1st, as Jason Greenberg and Kimiyoshi Saionji each worked a walk and crossed the plate on a pair of singles from Darrin Ward and Lin Yuchih.

The Mets kept pecking away at Goetz through the morning, scoring seven more runs by the sixth inning and leading the Falcons by a score of 8-4.  Herts sent the hard-throwing Dan Kerry to the mound in the top of the 7th for his Falcons pitching debut.  Kerry was unflappable.  Although he surrendered two walks, he also worked a fielder's choice and two swinging strikeouts, buckling the Mets batters with his late-breaking curve.

Kerry's work from the mound proved critical as the Falcons went to their last at-bat needing four runs to tie.  Kimiyoshi Saionji – hitless for the day as the clean-up designated hitter – led things off with another walk.  Kerry and Yuchih followed with walks of their own.  London relief pitcher Rob Anthony was struggling with his control, and the Falcons exhibited incredible patience at the plate.  But after a mound visit from the Mets manager, Anthony found some command and quickly earned a fly out and a strikeout to bring London within one out of a win.

But the Falcons weren't finished yet.  Short stop phenom Luis Goncalves came to the plate and smacked a two-out single, driving home two runs and brining the score to 8-6.  Kerry – the man of the hour – then drove his own single up the middle.  Yuchih scored easily from third base, and Goncalves was waved around third and slid hard across home plate just before the throw from centerfielder Ran Zeng.  Two runs were in and the game was tied.

A wild pitch moved Kerry to third, and then back-to-back walks from Greenberg and Andy Cornish loaded the bases as Sainoji returned to the plate for his second appearance of the inning.  The Falcons fans had been screaming with exuberance to this point, but fell silent as Saionji concentrated on the task at hand.  He quickly saw two strikes, but remained calm in the batters box, fouled off several pitches, took a few balls and watched the count go full.  A smooth, level swing from Saionji squeezed through the gap at second base and the winning run scored easily as the Falcons achieved an incredible 9-8 come-from-behind victory against all odds.

Kerry claimed the win in his first NBL appearance, and went 3-for-5 at the plate with two stolen bases.  Yuchih also had three hits, and Goncalves was 1-2 with two runs and 2 RBI.

The Mets, no doubt stung by that loss, came out firing in Game Two and Kyle Hickson smashed a two-run homer as the London side routed Herts 12-2, backed by a dominating pitching performance by Ernesto Bollufer, who gave up only three hits.

Despite the Game Two setback, the Falcons' Aspi Dimitrov reckons his side, with a record of 3-1 out of the gate, are raising a few eyebrows among the baseball fraternity.  “It was a big day for the club today with it being our home opener, and to beat such a strong team as the Mets is a fantastic achievement,” Dimitrov said.  Falcons Manager Greenberg was less surprised by (but just as proud of)his team's determination.  “It takes a lot of mettle to hit in those situations – with two outs and the tying or winning run on base.  Kimi and Dan were magnificent today, and it's because of fearless players like them that we'll continue to win games at this level.  Make no mistake about it: the Falcons don't plan to lay down for anyone.  We'll just get better and better.”

The other action scheduled for Sunday would have seen the Croydon Pirates (0-4) travel to the Bracknell Blazers (2-0), but the BBF gave dispensation for the game to be rescheduled for August to allow Croydon to rebuild their roster.

The Pirates have a bye week coming up, and will be using that time to hold trials as they aim to put together a squad that can challenge in the NBL.

Week 4 action on May 10 will see the Falcons (3-1) host the Richmond Flames (2-2), while the Blazers travel to the Mets (1-3).

Click for more photos from the Falcons vs. Mets series…

GAME ONE

London Mets at Herts Falcons
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
London Mets 1 0 2 1 3 1 0 8 9 0
Herts Falcons 2 0 0 0 0 2 5 9 11 3

Herts Falcons 9, London Mets 8
Herts Falcons London Mets
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Dan Kerry cf-p 5 2 3 2 Callum Woods ss-c 4 2 3 1
Jason Greenberg c 2 1 0 0 Ran Zeng cf 3 0 0 2
Andy Cornish lf 4 0 1 2 Rob Anthony 2b-p-ss 1 2 0 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji dh-rf 3 2 1 1 Kyle Hickson rf 4 1 2 1
Darrin Ward 1b 3 1 2 1 Jason Roberts p-lf 4 1 1 1
Lin Yuchih 2b 4 1 3 1 Carlos Diaz 1b-3b 4 0 1 0
Riley Fisher 3b 3 0 0 0 Jonathon Crammon lf 2 0 0 0
Aspi Dimitrov rf-cf 3 0 0 0 (b6) Reid Wilson 2b 1 0 0 0
Luis Goncalves ss 2 2 1 2 Martin Stabe 3b 2 0 0 0
Nick Goetz p 0 0 0 0 (b5) Josh Chetwynd 1b 0 0 0 0
          Tomas Bird 2b-c 1 1 1 0
          (b3) Carl Randall 2b-ss 3 1 1 1
TEAM TOTALS 29 9 11 9 TEAM TOTALS 29 8 9 6

E: Dan Kerry, Jason Greenberg, Darrin Ward. DP: London Mets 1, Herts Falcons 1. LOB:
London Mets 9, Herts Falcons 11. 2B: Callum Woods, Kyle Hickson. 3B: Callum Woods,
Carl Randall. SB: Dan Kerry(2), Luis Goncalves(2), Callum Woods, Carl Randall, Rob
Anthony. CS: Andy Cornish. SF: Ran Zeng(2).

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz 6.00 9 8 5 6 1
Dan Kerry W 1.00 0 0 0 2 2
London Mets            
Jason Roberts 5.67 7 4 4 7 9
Rob Anthony L 1.00 4 5 5 4 1

WP: Nick Goetz(2), Rob Anthony. T: 2:45. A: 89.
GAME TWO

London Mets at Herts Falcons
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 R H E
London Mets 4 1 0 3 2 2 12 13 0
Herts Falcons 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 0

London Mets 12, Herts Falcons 2
London Mets Herts Falcons
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Callum Woods 3b-p 4 1 2 3 Dan Kerry cf-p 3 0 0 1
Carl Randall 2b 3 1 2 1 Andy Cornish lf 2 0 0 0
(b4) Martin Stabe 2b-3b 1 0 0 0 Lin Yuchih 1b-rf 3 0 0 0
Rob Anthony ss 3 2 2 2 Darrin Ward p-1b 3 0 0 0
Jason Roberts lf 3 0 0 0 Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 3 0 1 0
(b5) Jonathon Crammon lf 1 0 0 0 Riley Fisher c 1 1 1 0
Kyle Hickson cf 4 3 3 3 Aspi Dimitrov rf-cf 1 0 0 0
Josh Chetwynd 1b 3 1 1 1 (b6) Jason Greenberg cf 1 0 1 0
Carlos Diaz dh 3 1 1 0 Nick Goetz 3b 1 1 0 0
(t6) Ran Zeng dh 1 0 0 0 Luis Goncalves ss 1 0 0 0
Reid Wilson rf 4 1 1 0
Rodolfo Matos c 1 2 1 0
Ernesto Balufer p-2b 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 31 12 13 10 TEAM TOTALS 19 2 3 1

DP: London Mets 1. LOB: London Mets 5, Herts Falcons 6. 2B: Josh Chetwynd. HR: Kyle
Hickson. SB: Kyle Hickson, Rob Anthony, Josh Chetwynd, Nick Goetz. SB: Aspi Dimitrov.

London Mets IP H R ER BB SO
Ernesto Balufer W 5.33 3 2 2 6 6
Callum Woods 0.67 0 0 0 0 1
Herts Falcons            
Darrin Ward L 4.00 10 9 7 1 1
Dan Kerry 2.00 3 3 3 2 3

HBP: by Dan Kerry (Rob Anthony). WP: Ernesto Balufer(2), Darrin Ward. Balk: Darrin
Ward. T: 2:40. A: 89.

by AspiDimitrov

KNIGHTS MASSACRE EAGLES

The Herts Eagles had a day to forget at Richmond, their record dropping to three wins and three losses after suffering a pair of defeats to the Richmond Knights.  The misery was compounded by three injuries on the day, with Mike Wakelam (hamstring) and Tim Elkins (dislocated fingers) both now likely to miss several games as they recover.

 

Game 1 was a blowout, with the Eagles caught half asleep for the second week in a row as Richmond chalked up 16 runs in the first two innings.  The only highlight of this game for Herts fans was the booming home run from Louis Hare hit to the deepest part of centerfield.

 

Game 2 was much tighter with the teams tied at 2-2 after 5 innings.  Unfortunately though several errors in the bottom of the sixth allowed Richmond to score three runs, which proved to be decisive in the 7 inning matchup.  Louis Hare was (again) the unfortunate pitcher taking the loss for the Eagles, despite conceding just 5 hits in the whole game, and contributing the team's only hit.

GAME 1

Herts Eagles at Richmond Knights
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Herts Eagles 0 2 0 3 0 5 4 4
Richmond Knights 4 12 0 1 0 17 14 1

Richmond Knights 17, Herts Eagles 5
Richmond Knights Herts Eagles
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
M. Mann pr-3b-rf 2 4 2 2 John Oliver 1b 3 0 1 2
Ryan Bird ss-1b 8 5 5 4 Tim Elkins lf 3 0 0 0
Rodney Rens rf 0 2 0 2 Lee Manning 3b 3 0 0 0
Jesus Gandara 2b 4 1 2 3 Louis Hare ss 2 2 1 1
Charles Pratt 3b-c 3 1 2 0 Dave Westfallen c 3 1 1 0
Dan Lally cf-p 6 2 1 2 Bart Schouwenaars rf 2 1 0 0
Nick Rolfe lf 3 2 2 0 Mike Wakelam p 1 0 0 0
(t4) Ade Orioye p 1 1 1 0
Dave Hamilton cf 0 0 0 0
Rodney Naghar 2b 2 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 26 17 14 13 TEAM TOTALS 20 5 4 3

E: Charles Pratt, Tim Elkins(2), Lee Manning(2). LOB: Herts Eagles 3, Richmond
Knights 4. 2B: Charles Pratt, Ryan Bird. HR: Louis Hare. SB: Ryan Bird(3), Rodney
Rens(3), Charles Pratt(2), Nick Rolfe(2), M. Mann, Dan Lally, Louis Hare(2), Dave
Westfallen(2). SF: Rodney Rens(2).

Richmond Knights IP H R ER BB SO
Dan Lally W 5.00 3 4 3 3 3
Marcos Osuna 0.00 1 1 1 0 0
Herts Eagles            
Mike Wakelam L 4.00 14 17 12 5 2

WP: Dan Lally, Mike Wakelam(4). T: 2:06. A: 34.

GAME 2

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

Richmond Knights 5, Herts Eagles 2
Richmond Knights Herts Eagles
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 3 0 0 0 John Oliver 1b 1 0 0 0
Player 2 c 3 0 0 0 Lee Manning 3b 3 0 0 0
Player 3 1b 2 0 0 0 Rodney Naghar 2b 4 1 0 0
Player 4 2b 3 1 1 0 Louis Hare p 3 0 1 0
Player 5 3b 2 1 0 0 Dave Westfallen ss 3 0 0 0
Player 6 ss 3 1 1 0 Bart Schouwenaars rf 3 0 0 0
Player 7 lf 3 1 1 0 Dave Hamilton cf 1 0 0 0
Player 8 cf 3 0 1 1 (t6) Tim Elkins cf 1 0 0 0
Player 9 rf 3 1 1 0 Kal Dimitrov c 3 0 0 0
Ade Orioye lf 2 1 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 25 5 5 1 TEAM TOTALS 24 2 1 0

E: Player 3, John Oliver, Lee Manning, Ade Orioye. LOB: Richmond Knights 5, Herts
Eagles 7. 2B: Player 8, Louis Hare. SB: Player 4(2), Player 1, Player 6, Player 7,
Player 9, Louis Hare, Lee Manning, Ade Orioye, Rodney Naghar, Dave Hamilton, Tim
Elkins.

Richmond Knights IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 7.00 1 2 0 5 9
Herts Eagles            
Louis Hare L 6.00 5 5 0 3 4

HBP: by Player 1 (Dave Hamilton). . . . WP: Player 1, Louis Hare. PB: Player 2, Kal
Dimitrov(2). T: 2:06. A: 34.
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.