Category: Headlines

by AspiDimitrov

HAWKS STRUGGLES CONTINUE AGAINST NEAR-PERFECT POOLE

On Sunday the 27th June the Herts Hawks travelled to top-of-the-table Poole in search of their first win in three. Instead, the Hawks would suffer a similar fate to that of England’s footballers later on the same day.

Game One had few high points for the Hawks in offense, as they did not register a single hit or walk. Had it not been for a dropped third strike, Poole would have recorded a perfect game against them. The defensive effort was slightly more encouraging. Simon Langton took the mound and in the first inning was able to keep the home team scoreless. The second and third inning, however, proved to be very different, with a grand slam setting Poole’s bats on fire and starting a two inning rally during which Poole would score twelve runs. Young Jesse Reinebold took over pitching duties in the fourth. Having already made some great catches in left field, he pitched well enough to keep Poole to just two more runs. However, it would still be too many, and the game was called on the slaughter rule at 14-0 after just 5 innings.

Game two saw a much better offensive effort from the Hawks. Ilya Dimitrov led off the order with three hits, while the manager Greg Bochan also contributed significantly with two hits and three RBIs. These efforts — added to RBIs from Hunter Devine, Simon Langton, Perrie Sherman and Phil Crooks — helped the Hawks total ten runs, which was a great response to the shutout which had occurred just hours earlier. Unfortunately Poole’s offense was even stronger than it had been in game one. Bochan started the game on the mound, but a tough twelve-run first inning meant that he had to come off half way through the second and Jonathon Reinebold finished off the inning. Jesse Reinebold — who had continued to make great catches in left field — then had to retake the mound for the third, and suffered a tougher time than he had in game one. To finish the game, Perrie Sherman came on to pitch for the fourth and was able to hold a great offense to just three more runs. By the fifth inning Poole had totalled 25 runs and the game was again called after five on the slaughter rule 25-10. This, added to the news of England’s similarly lop-sided score, made for a long journey back to Hemel for the Hawks.

by AspiDimitrov

PRINCE HARRY THROWS OUT FIRST PITCH AT NEW YORK METS GAME

This article first appeared on www.telegraph.co.uk

 

The prince was given the honour usually reserved for presidents, politician and pop stars but did not disgrace himself despite his initial fears.

When asked how he felt before making his way to the pitcher’s mound the 25-year-old royal replied “don’t ask”, then joked “can I have a practice first?”.

 

Pointing towards his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton he said: “He wants to bat against me.”

The prince appeared a little apprehensive when he finally walked out in front of the crowds and prepared to throw the ball to the catcher at the New York Mets’ Citi Field stadium in the suburb of Queens.

But he received a rapturous welcome from the near capacity audience of around 40,000 people who applauded and cheered as the prince was introduced.

He pointed at the Mets catcher Rod Barajas as if to warn him about the thunderbolt about to come his way.

Harry was wearing the local team’s blue baseball cap and a T-shirt supporting the Walking with the Wounded expedition.

The fundraising trek, which has Harry as its patron, will take a group of injured British servicemen on a gruelling trek to the North Pole next year.

The 25-year-old royal wound up his right hand to deliver the ball to Barajas, who was standing just behind home plate, and as he let go the pitch slammed into the sportsman’s glove and the crowd cheered wildly.

The prince took his cap off and wiped his brow in relief before running down the mound to shake hands with the catcher.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the Prince in action…Nice pitch! Atta boy Harry!

 

by AspiDimitrov

CARDINALS GAIN GROUND ON RED SOX. CUBS END 5-GAME LOSING STREAK

Report from Herts Baseball Little League Correpondent, Tracey Manning

As the sun beats down on the 4th week the Herts Little League gets going to a keen start after a week off. On Field One Cubs versus Cardinals the game started fast. Big hits of the day came from Nick Martinez and Brodie Caress to give the Herts Cubs the lead. Cardinals starting pitcher, Kyle Lloyd-Jones, helped himself out catching a fly ball and was always close to the action. Cubs third baseman, Oliver Durer, made a nice catch and throw to 2nd base, but at the end it wasn’t enough for theCubs, as they continued their losing streak with a final score of 8-3 to the Herts Cardinals.

Over on Field Two the Yankees and Redsox got down to business with the usual zest to take a win from their rivals. It proved to be a pitching duel.  The Yankees took a one-run lead into the bottom of the last inning but the Red Sox had plans of their own and delivered with clutch hits when it really mattered to earn a walk-off win 2-1.

 

In the second games of the day the Herts Cubs faced the Yankees. The struggling Cubs went into the game trying to end a 5-game losing streak.  With new found energy after lunch, they showed a lot of determination and desire to give the Yankees a tough time. Nick Martinez provided the much needed starting pitching for them to shut down the Yankees offence.  Ben Jones came in to close the game in the final inning.  Despite mounting a come back in the final inning to load the bases, the Yankees ended without a run after some amazing fielding by Nick Martinez first throwing out the batter at first base all the way from centerfield and then reaching over the outfield fence for the final out after a big hit from Marty Cullen Jr..  Final score 9-0 to the Cubs.


The finala gam,e of the day was a top of the table clash between the Cardinals and the league leading Redsox. Ozan Martin of the Cardinals hit a couple of big hits whichhe followed with some aggressive base-running. Despite great defensive work by the Red Sox, which included a double-play, the Cardinals came out on top winning 5-0.

After 8 games the Red Sox lead the way, but the chasing pack has closed the gap and the race for the title is hotting up.

Majors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Red Sox 5.5 2.5 0.688 39 29 10               – L1
Herts Cardinals 5 3 0.625 39 25 14            0.5 W2
Herts Yankees 3.5 4.5 0.438 38 42 -4               2 L1
Herts Cubs 2 6 0.250 25 45 -20            3.5 W1
Minors
Team W L % F A Run +/- GB Streak
Herts Tornados 1 1 0.500 18 19 -1              –  L1
Herts Crocs 1 1 0.500 19 18 1              –  W1

by AspiDimitrov

SLOW START COSTS HAWKS

Herts Hawks v. Essex Archers, Sunday June 20th

By Beat Reporter, Simon Langton

 

The Hawks suffered another heavy defeat last Sunday with Essex claiming their second victory over them this year. With a 25-9 finish, it is also the second time this season that Essex have beaten the Hawks via the 10 run slaughter rule.

Defensively the Hawks once again started badly, conceding 13 runs in three innings. With things clearly not going their way, manager Greg Bochan was forced to take out the starting pitcher, Mark Hoffman, and take to the hill himself despite suffering with a broken finger. Bochan was able to give the Hawks a chance, giving up just 4 runs in the middle innings. But Essex’s seventh inning 8-run rally — firstly off Bochan and then his replacement on the mound Simon Langton — pretty much ended the Hawks hopes of a comeback as the total reached 25.

At the plate, the Hawks were solid, picking up a few runs here and there to reach a respectable total of 9. Hunter Devine led the offense with 4 hits, 3 runs and an RBI. This was aided by Perrie Sherman’s 3 RBI game and the manager Greg Bochan, who put his broken finger to the back of his mind to drive in and score couple of runs. The offensive effort, however, was not enough to make up for the slow start offensively, and the 10 run slaughter rule came into effect at the end of the seventh with the final score at Essex 25-9 Herts Hawks.

by AspiDimitrov

BLAZERS, METS AND MUSTANGS SWEEP AWAY OPPOSITION IN NBL WEEK 10

From BSUK NBL Correspondent Simon Fitzjohn.  This article was first published on www.britishbaseball.org

It was a field day for the road teams on June 20, with all six National Baseball League games going the way of the away side. League leaders Bracknell Blazers and London Mets continued to flex their muscles atop the standings, while the Southampton Mustangs continued to show signs of improvement.

BRACKNELL @ ESSEX

The Blazers eased to a sweep by virtue of 15-2 and 10-2 victories against the Essex Arrows. Mike Trask pitched a complete game to claim the win in Game One, with Matt Maitland taking the mound honours in Game Two. Matt Gilbert and Richard Chesterton were the losing pitchers.

Bracknell coach Rob Rance said: “It was a case of getting the job done. We had a couple of our guys back from university and we brought some guys up from AAA and it was great to see we are becoming such a solid unit. The platform is there for us to take things on and have a great season.”

Essex coach Phil Chesterton was far from downbeat despite the losses. He said: “I certainly don’t think we disgraced ourselves. I’m not going to be too down about it. We are continuing to play much, much better. Bracknell are easily the best hitting team we have faced and in the main we lived with them.

LONDON @ HERTS

The Mets moved into top gear at Herts, cruising to impressive 11-0 and 30-5 wins. Jason Roberts and Rob Anthony claimed the pitching wins, but it was on offense that London really hit form. Dan Williams led the way, going 8 for 8 with two home runs, including a grand slam. Kyle Hickson also homored to leave Mets coach Alex Pike purring. “There were shades of our 2008 team out there on Sunday,” he said. “I am very happy with how the guys played and everyone in our line-up hit. Strangely enough, I do not think Herts played that badly – we were just that good.”

Herts’ manager Jason Greenberg was less enthusiastic about how his team performed. “We failed to execute in every sense,” said Greenberg. “Pitching, hitting, fielding… everything was a bust this week. There’s not much more to say. We know we’re a quality team, and it’s time to start playing like it.”

SOUTHAMPTON @ CROYDON

Southampton won the battle of the sides with top-four aspirations, rolling to 9-7 and 18-7 wins in Croydon. Gary Davison and Dave Wrigley took the wins, with Tim Ssali and Jose Sosa saddled with the losses.

Game One was the real thriller, with the Pirates coming close to clinching victory in the seventh inning, only to succumb in the eighth and the Mustangs took that momentum into a more routine Game Two win.

Pirates coach Dave Ward said: “We were really hoping to split the two games but it was not to be. Our problem at the moment seems to be conceding runs early on in games. We are always on the back foot and having to chase games and it is a case of trying to keep our spirits up.”

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS OFF TO A GOOD START IN THE YOUTH NATIONALS

Herts All-Stars after sweeping the Bracknell Blazers (photo by Ward Davis)

Herts Little League Reporter, Tracey Manning, looks back at Saturday's Under-13 clash between the Herts All-Stars and the Bracknell Blazers.

Herts Little League had a day off but our Herts All-star team played down in Bracknell against their team Branknell Brazers.The first game got of to a fantastic start,big hitters in the first innings Nick Martinez and Kieran Manning,a great catch from Michael Davis who was playing right field had the supporters out of their chairs and holding breaths. Jonny Compton-Weight had a ground rule double as the game progressed we saw some big hits from Marty Cullen jr. Nick Martinez on the mound no-one from the Brazers got to first base in the second innings.
Jose Morillo who was never far from the action made some big hits by his game play got home his team members, pitcher Jesse Reinbold made three strike outs in succession in the 4th innings Carlos Casel jr made a nice catch ,Nick Martinez scored a home run and Jesse Reinbold yet again with some excellent pitching stopped the Blazers in their tracks final score 23-0

 

Nick Martinez produced an outstanding performance both with the bat and on the mound.(photo by Ward Davis)

2nd game Bracknell Brazers batting first saw Zack Longboy on the mound three out with a brilliant catch by Zack, Jose Morillo had a huge hit and played a superb game other big hitters in this game were Jake Caress, Michael Davis and Marty Cullen jr. In the last innings of the day Lewis Green who came on at the end to close the game didn't disappoint and got three strikeouts.

The All-stars played well as a team but then I have to say in my eyes Jose Morillo was man of the day with a ray of triples and some aggressive base running on both games helped his team win 15-4

Jose Morillo was the Player of the Day in the eyes of many of the travelling Herts fans (photo by Ward Davis)

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS YOUNGSTERS SWEEP BRACKNELL

The Herts All-Stars were in devastating form sweeping the Bracknell Blazers 23-0 and 15-4. The team was the runner-up in last year’s National Youth Championships and today’s results are a sign that the team from Hertfordshire is eager to do even better this season.

While the Herts Little League rests this week, the Herts All-Stars travelled south to Bracknell to play two of their six games which count towards the seeding in the National Youth Baseball Championships this season. The Herts All-Stars are a selection of the best players under the age of 13 from the six Herts Little League teams competing this year.

In the first game Herts took the lead early and never looked back. Nickolas Martinez, Marty Cullen Jr and Jesse Reinebold combined for a shutout win. Offensively Herts scored 23 runs with some very productive hitting from the first to the ninth batter in the lineup. Jose Morillo with 2 triples and Marty Cullen Jr with 3 doubles stood out in the box scores, but the highlight of the game was a grand slam by Nickolas Martinez which went deep over the outfield fence.

Despite trailing early in the game Herts recorded a convincing 15-4 win in the second game of the day. Jose Morillo once again shone with the bat coming very close to hitting for the cycle (i.e. hitting a single, double, triple and a home run). He only needed a home run to complete it. Zack Longboy, Carlos Casal Jr and Marty Cullen Jr were the pitchers in the game with Lewis Green coming in at the end to close the game and complete a very successful day for the youngsters from Hertfordshire.

Herts Little League Commissioner Marty Cullen was pleased with the performance. He said: “The hard work which our players have put in is paying off and we hope to continue the good progress.”

by AspiDimitrov

MORE HEARTBREAK FOR HERTS

The Raptors' quest for a first victory took them to Chelmsford, to face the Clippers who thumped them 37-6 early in the season. The Herts rookies were determined this time it would be a different story — and it was. On a changeable summer Sunday, they took the division-leading Clippers all the way to the 9th inning, coming up an agonising three runs short and losing 24-21.

It all began well. Rob Jones led off with a single, before stealing second and being driven home by Bryan Drummond. More aggressive running — including from manager Ken Pike — helped the visitors score four in the first frame, with all nine players coming to the plate. Even more importantly, the Raptors then shut down a Clippers offense which had trampled on them when the clubs first met. One walk was the only blemish on “Cowboy” Jim Arnott's first inning on the mound.

The game was tight over the next few innings, and by the middle of the fifth Chelmsford narrowly led 9-8. That's when they suddenly broke out. Six runs came in, with the biggest hit of the day so far arcing just inches over the glove of Tom Green in right field.

But — crucially — the Raptors did not allow their heads to drop, even after being shut out in the top of the sixth. Pitching in relief, Bryan Drummond held the Clippers to just one run in the bottom of the inning and then the Herts bats came alive for five runs. There were hits for Tom Green, and for Ken Pike. With two out, veteran first baseman Jeff Witter showed the vital role which hustle plays in baseball. He'd moaned about his hitting all day, but this time after a dropped third strike he sharply avoided the catcher's tag and ran to first, seeing the fielder's throw bounce in the dirt and away up the line. The inning stayed alive, and a run scored. The gap closed to 18-20.

In these closing stages the Raptors' clutch of new players also proved their worth. Young debutant Senna Ashida got two strong hits to get on base; his father Tak was less lucky in where the ball fell, but still made good contact. The Reinebold family double act was perhaps even more impressive — father Jon stroked hits all over the park, fielded three positions, and made the catch of the day diving to his right at shortstop. Reinebold Jnr — Jesse — dazzled as he pitched two innings like a pro. He's the latest in an impressive line of young talent for the Herts club.

Back to the game, then …. and it was turning into a slugfest. That was mostly down to aggressive hitting, as errors had largely faded out of the game. Chelmsford responded to the Herts surge, plating four runs before the visitors racked up another five. Jim Arnott can claim an “unofficial” inside-the-park home run after scoring on overthrows, having hit a bases-clearing triple into the outfield gap.

The stage was set — again. Raptors needed six runs in the top of the ninth to keep the game alive, seven to take the lead. Although Chelmsford had a fresh arm on the mound, the Herts rookies would not surrender. One run scored, then another. Then a third. But the Raptors were running out of at-bats. A force-out had claimed the lead runner, some brilliant fielding had stolen away surefire hits. So the final confrontation was Saint on the mound against Green at the plate. It was a tough battle, but a low strike sealed the Clippers' win.

The game had been another rollercoaster. Maybe it wasn't for the purist, but it was a good test of heart for both teams. There were a sprinkling of errors which revealed it as an A-class game — but there were flashes of excellence too on both sides. The Raptors' manager Ken Pike said his team's massive improvement since their first clash with the Clippers was “something special” and was a deserved reward for the team's work. The  growing expectations of a win are looking increasingly justified.  

4 0 3 0 1 0 5 5 3 – 21

0 4 4 1 6 1 4 4 x – 24

by AspiDimitrov

FALCONS LOSE 2, METS AND BRACKNELL SPLIT, ESSEX RECORDS FIRST WINS IN NBL

This article first appeared on www.britishbaseball.org

There was plenty to savour in Week 9 of the BBF’s National Baseball League, with heavyweights London Mets and Bracknell Blazers splitting their doubleheader in the weekend’s big showdown, Essex Arrows recording their first wins of the season, a comfortable sweep for the Richmond Flames and an impressive brace of triumphs for the Southampton Mustangs.


NBL Special Reporter Simon Fitzjohn provides the details.

London Mets @ Bracknell Blazers


There is only one place to start this week’s round-up: the NBL’s top two teams going head-to-head. Fittingly, London Mets and Bracknell Blazers were to share their doubleheader. The Blazers eased to a 10-3 win in Game One, with Henry Collins taking the win, but the Mets struck back with a 7-1 win in Game Two thanks to strong pitching from Jason Roberts and home runs from Jonathan Cramman and Reid Wilson. Bracknell‘s Rob Rance said, “I am very satisfied with splitting the doubleheader. We showed some real guts in both games and I am pretty happy. “I think a split against a team like London is huge in terms of confidence. To prove yourself against the bigger sides is really important and it helps you build a bit of momentum.”


Herts Falcons @ Southampton Mustangs

Dan Kerry returned after several weeks on the DL but even his come back wasn’t enough for the Falcons to overcome the Mustangs (photo by www.hp2photographic.com)

The Southampton Mustangs closed in on a .500 record for the season by seeing off the stuttering Herts Falconsto the tune of 8-2 and 7-6. Chuck Truelson pitched the win in Game One. Lee Ralph earned the verdict in Game Two, thanks in part to Oscar Sierra’s home run. Southampton‘s Ben Davis said, “They were both tough games and we really had to be at our best. We made very few mistakes and that makes a very big difference. We got ourselves out of a couple of jams and deserved the wins. “We are finally hitting our stride as a group of players,” Davis added, “and hopefully we can carry that on.”

Essex Arrows @ Mildenhall Bulldogs

Essex won their first games of the season against the Mildenhall Bulldogs. They are still i with a chance of reaching the playoffs.

The Essex Arrows finally eased into the win column after eight weeks of frustration, sweeping the struggling Mildenhall Bulldogs on their own turf. Essex claimed 1-0 and 8-4 wins as they ended a streak of 11 losing games. Game One was a real pitching duel, with Matt Gilbert squeezing past Nick Chenausky thanks to Luke Foley’s RBI single. In Game Two, Richard Chesterton outpitched Mike McClure as the Arrows completed the sweep. Arrows coach Phil Chesterton said: “I am really delighted. All of our hard work is coming to fruition. Our defence was magnificent and in the first game it was a remarkable performance from Matt. I know Mildenhall had some players missing but this is great for us. “I always thought we would start clicking around the half-way point,” Chesterton added, and that is proving the case.” A dejected Gabriel Macias said: “It is very frustrating at the moment and we have certainly had better days. I have a core of six guys but apart from that it really is a case of who turns up. “Essex played really well today, though, and I take nothing away from them.”


Croydon Pirates @ Richmond Flames


The Richmond Flames subdued the improving Croydon Pirates by 8-0 and 15-1 scorelines, taking control of third place in the process. Ryan Bird outpitched Jose Sosa in Game One, with Carlos Mancheno claiming the win in a more one-sided Game Two. Richmond‘s Grant Delzoppo said, “I think Croydon have definitely improved but it was a good two wins for us. We had some good pitching and some very good defence. We got leads in both games and never really looked back. We were pretty much in control and I am happy with the two wins.”