Category: Headlines

by AspiDimitrov

AHOY! FALCONS SWEEP PIRATES IN NATIONAL LEAGUE DEBUT

Opening Day in British Baseball is never a sure-fire omen of what’s to come.  It’s early.  Teams are just regrouping after the long winter or rainy spring.  And, unlike the world of professional baseball, teams play just a handful of games each month – not exactly a sizeable sample set on which to base scientific speculation.

 

Nevertheless, the Falcons’ National League debut has given the Herts Baseball Club a surge of pride and optimism for the season to come.  By sweeping the Croydon Pirates and jumping out to a 2-0 start, the Falcons have quickly justified their off-season promotion to Britain’s top league of play and silenced any naysayers.

 

Manager Jason Greenberg reportedly came to Croydon bearing the Herts championship game ball from the 2008 Final 4, in which the Falcons bested Oxford 6-3 to take home the trophy.  It was that game – capping a magical 21-3 stroll through the AAA – that earned the Falcons advancement to the NBL.  Despite admonitions from select baseball insiders that Herts was “flying too high on waxen wings,” the Club’s Executive Committee voted unanimously to accept the BBF invitation.  Now entrenched at the game’s top level, the Falcons cannot be relegated to a lower league and will work over the months and years toward their first National Title.  It was this message that Greenberg carried with the championship game ball: the Falcons have earned their promotion and are here to stay.

 

 

Game One – 12:00
FALCONS 11, PIRATES 5

 

Herts sent crafty veteran Darrin Ward to the mound in game one.  Ward was magnificent, working out of several runners-on jams, and holding the Pirates scoreless with seven hits over six innings.

 

With an 11-0 lead in the bottom of the 7th, things seemed to slip away for Herts.  After striking out the leadoff batter, a quick series of three hits, a fielder’s choice and a walk (only Ward’s second of the day) allowed 5 Pirates to cross the plate.  All the runs scored with two outs, and that final out of the game was proving elusive.  Nevertheless, catcher Greenberg made a sharp throw down to second to catch a would-be base-stealer for the final out of the game.

 

Ward was easily the player of the game, with nine strikeouts in his first complete game of ’09.  At the plate, he smacked two doubles and had three hits overall with two runs batted in.  Rookies  Jamie Munn and Lin Yuchih had clutch hits in their Falcons debuts; Munn drove in two RBI with a hard single up the middle, while Lin was 2-4 with a double and an RBI.  2008 Falcons batting champion Kimiyoshi Saionji was 3-4 with a double, three runs scored and an RBI.

 

Game Two – 14:30
FALCONS 10, PIRATES 3

 

Hard-throwing Nic Goetz started Game Two for the Falcons.  The good dynamic between Goetz and catcher Andy Cornish was quickly apparent, as the two worked seamlessly to retire nine of the first ten Pirates to come to the plate.  Goetz worked both sides of the dish and changed speeds effectively to hold Croydon to one earned run on eight hits in the game.

 

Again, the Falcons defense shined.  Two spectacular double plays were turned in by rookie phenom Yuchih Lin – the first on a gutsy 5-4-3 move from the versatile Ward at third base, and the second on a hard-hit liner taken by Lin at the second base bag, doubling up a Pirate trying to dive back to safety.  Centerfielder Dan “Hollywood” Kerry made a signature all-out diving catch in centerfield, and right fielder Aspi Dimitrov made a spectacular run to cut down a deep down-the-line fly in the bottom of the 6th.  The Falcons outfield should prove one of the fastest and gutsiest in the National League.

 

Dimitrov was also sharp at the plate going 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI, and Cornish had a pair of doubles batting 3-for-5 with 4 RBI.

 

On Deck – National Champion London Mets
GROVEHILL, SUNDAY 3 MAY 12:00

 

Herts batted .352 on the day with eight doubles and thirteen stolen bases.  It was a complete reversal from the Herts Spring League, in which their bats were mostly silent and, for the most part, they failed to get runners into scoring position.  While the Falcons defense has always been strong, it was their offense that truly came alive on Sunday and just in time for their entrance onto the National stage.

The Herts organisation made a splash on opening day, winning 5 of its 6 games, with victories for the A Raptors, AAA Eagles and NBL Falcons.  Only a nail-biter 14-12 loss by the AA Hawks prevented a clean sweep.

 

The Falcons can enjoy their undefeated status for an extra week with an off-day this Sunday.  On May 3rd they face the reigning National League champion London Mets for the home opener in Grovehill.  No doubt, as the season plays out we’ll quickly have a better sense of how Herts will contend against the country’s top pitching… how their pitching will cope with Britain’s top batters.  But, for now, the Falcons are content to have proved that their promotion was no mistake.

 

 

GAME ONE BOX SCORE

Herts Falcons at Croydon Pirates
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 3 0 0 0 0 4 4 11 12 2
Croydon Pirates 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 13 8

Herts Falcons 11, Croydon Pirates 5
Herts Falcons Croydon Pirates
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jamie Munn cf 4 1 1 2 Tim Ssali 2b 4 0 1 0
Lin Yuchih ss 4 1 2 1 Aki Okada lf 4 1 3 0
Andy Cornish rf 4 1 0 0 Jose Sosa ss 4 1 2 1
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 4 3 3 1 Maikel Azcuy 3b 4 1 1 1
Darrin Ward p 4 1 3 2 Brett Woods 1b 3 1 2 0
Dan Kerry lf 4 2 1 1 Mike Ford c 3 1 1 0
Jason Greenberg c 4 2 1 1 C. Richie Limm cf 1 0 0 0
John Oliver 1b 4 0 0 1 (b4) Brandon Florence cf 3 0 2 2
Nick Goetz 3b 4 0 1 0 Jared Uys p 3 0 0 0
Frank Kucharski rf 2 0 1 0
(t6) Player name TBC rf 1 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 36 11 12 9 TEAM TOTALS 32 5 13 4

E: Lin Yuchih, John Oliver, Jose Sosa(4), Maikel Azcuy(3), Tim Ssali. DP: Croydon
Pirates 2. LOB: Herts Falcons 5, Croydon Pirates 8. 2B: Darrin Ward(2), Kimiyoshi
Saionji, Lin Yuchih, Jose Sosa. SB: Dan Kerry(2), Jason Greenberg(2), Lin Yuchih,
Andy Cornish, Darrin Ward, Kimiyoshi Saionji, Jamie Munn, Brett Woods(2), Maikel
Azcuy, Aki Okada. CS: Lin Yuchih, Brandon Florence.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 7.00 13 5 4 2 9
Croydon Pirates            
Jared Uys L 7.00 12 11 5 1 9

WP: Jared Uys(3). T: 2:24. A: 55.

 

 

 

GAME TWO BOX SCORE

 

Herts Falcons at Croydon Pirates
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 0 4 0 2 2 1 1 10 13 2
Croydon Pirates 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 8 3

Herts Falcons 10, Croydon Pirates 3
Herts Falcons Croydon Pirates
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jamie Munn lf 5 1 1 0 Tim c 4 0 2 0
Lin Yuchih 2b 5 1 2 1 Paul Stevens 1b-p 4 1 1 0
Andy Cornish c 5 0 3 4 Jose Sosa p-1b 3 0 1 1
Kimiyoshi Saionji dh 2 1 0 0 M. Asuya ss 3 0 0 0
Darrin Ward 3b 4 0 2 0 Brett Woods 3b 3 0 0 0
Dan Kerry cf 4 1 1 1 Brandon Florence cf 2 2 1 0
John Oliver 1b 3 2 1 1 F. Kucharski 2b 2 0 0 0
Lee Manning ss 4 2 1 0 (b7) Oscar Silva 2b 1 0 1 1
Aspi Dimitrov rf 3 1 2 2 G. Shepherd rf 2 0 1 0
(t7) Jason Greenberg pr-rf 0 1 0 0 (t6) Aki Okada rf 1 0 0 0
Nick Goetz p 0 0 0 0 Rod Stevenson lf 3 0 1 1
TEAM TOTALS 35 10 13 9 TEAM TOTALS 28 3 8 3

E: Lee Manning, Nick Goetz, Brett Woods, Brandon Florence, F. Kucharski. LOB: Croydon
Pirates 5, Herts Falcons 9. 2B: Andy Cornish(2), Darrin Ward, Lin Yuchih. 3B: Paul
Stevens. SB: Kimiyoshi Saionji, Dan Kerry, John Oliver, Jamie Munn. CS: Andy Cornish.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz W 7.00 8 3 1 1 4
Croydon Pirates            
Jose Sosa L 5.00 9 8 5 3 5
Paul Stevens 2.00 4 2 2 0 2

HBP: by Jose Sosa (Kimiyoshi Saionji). . , by Paul Stevens (Kimiyoshi Saionji). . WP:
Nick Goetz. PB: Tim. T: 2:00. A: 55.

by AspiDimitrov

LATE RALLY NOT ENOUGH FOR HAWKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPENING DAY THRILLER AT GROVEHILL

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, NEIL BRACKLEY

 

The London Marauders travelled to Grovehill to face the Herts Raptors on opening day but neither team would have anticipated the momentous 69 run game that was to follow. With both teams dominated by people new to Baseball, this was the first competitive league game for the majority of players who took to the field and a game that most are unlikely to forget. 

 

The Raptors came firing out of the starting blocks and quickly established a lead in the early innings. The game was on the verge of being called in the 7th with the Raptors 7-19 up, but the Marauders put on a remarkable stand in the top of the 7th with 2 outs, sending 18 batters to the plate. The Raptors were just unable to get that 3rd out and the Marauders piled on the runs and took the lead 24-19. The Raptors suddenly found themselves behind in a game they thought was already in the bag.

 

Both teams found themselves pulling together, supporting each other and digging deep as the game see-sawed. Runs came freely as the benches stood to cheer on their teammates on every play. Finally, after 5 hours of play and with the sun already dipping below the horizon, the Raptors found themselves 7 runs adrift at the bottom of the 9th.

 

The inning didn’t start well for the Raptors, with a line drive straight into a glove. However, as the inning progressed, a mixture of hits, walks, stolen bases, and errors allowed the Raptors to slowly pull back the deficit. As the evening gloom descended they finally managed to punch in the winning run, causing an amazing celebration on the Raptors Bench with bear hugs and high fives all round. Little leaguer Marty Jnr found himself the new mascot of the Herts Raptors and was held aloft.

 

The game had been played in a fantastic spirit with good play recognized by both sides. The London Marauders, Herts Raptors and the spectators still remaining all knew they’d taken part in and witnessed great game. Both squads left the field exhausted but stronger and more united because of it.

 

NEXT GAME: Herts Raptors vs Richmond Dragons, (16:00, Sunday, 3 May 2009, Grovehill Ballpark),

London Marauders at Herts Raptors
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
London Marauders 0 0 1 2 4 0 16 1 10 34 20 7
Herts Raptors 4 4 5 1 2 3 0 8 8 35 22 6

Herts Raptors 36, London Marauders 35
Herts Raptors London Marauders
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Ade Orioye 3b-p-pr-rf 6 6 3 0 Player 1 p 4 5 2 1
(t4) Neil Brackley lf 2 0 1 0 Player 2 c 6 4 2 1
Ken Pike ss 6 4 3 2 Player 3 1b 7 4 4 2
Marty Cullen p 3 1 1 1 Player 4 2b 6 4 2 2
(b8) Greg Bochan p 0 1 0 0 Player 5 3b 6 5 4 3
Iwan Evans cf-3b 2 5 1 1 Player 6 ss 4 6 2 3
Andrew Slater 1b 6 7 4 4 Player 7 lf 5 2 1 0
Paul Curtis 2b-lf 6 2 3 6 Player 8 cf 4 4 2 1
(b4) Hunter Devine 2b 4 4 3 2 Player 9 rf 5 1 1 1
Elissa Baird cf 0 0 0 0
(b4) Jon Gamble rf 2 1 1 1
Ilya Dimitrov c 5 2 1 1
Robert Crouch rf 3 1 1 0
(b4) Liam Green cf-rf 2 0 0 0
(b8) Matt Johnston cf 2 2 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 49 36 22 18 TEAM TOTALS 47 35 20 14

E: Matt Johnston(3), Iwan Evans(2), Ade Orioye, Player 5(3), Player 2(2), Player 1,
Player 6. LOB: Herts Raptors 9, London Marauders 10. 2B: Paul Curtis(2), Hunter
Devine, Player 5, Player 2, Player 6, Player 3. 3B: Player 8. SB: Ade Orioye(8), Iwan
Evans(6), Hunter Devine(4), Ken Pike(3), Andrew Slater(3), Ilya Dimitrov(2), Paul
Curtis(2), Matt Johnston, Greg Bochan, Player 3(5), Player 1(5), Player 9(4), Player
2(3), Player 6(3), Player 4, Player 5, Player 8. CS: Elissa Baird, Player 9.

Herts Raptors IP H R ER BB SO
Ade Orioye 4.33 12 22 17 17 5
Marty Cullen 4.00 2 3 2 3 5
Greg Bochan W 1.00 6 10 6 4 2
London Marauders            
Player 1 L 8.67 22 36 20 16 7

HBP: by Marty Cullen (Player 7). . , by Ade Orioye (Player 1). . , by Player 1
(Andrew Slater), by Player 1 (Hunter Devine), by Player 1 (Ilya Dimitrov), by Player
1 (Ade Orioye). , by Player 1 (Greg Bochan). WP: Greg Bochan(2), Player 1(6). PB:
Ilya Dimitrov(4), Player 2(13). Balk: Player 1(2). T: 4:47. A: 78.

by AspiDimitrov

EAGLES GET OFF TO A FLYING START

 

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, DAVE HAMILTON

 

A dominant pitching performance from Louis Hare and dream Herts debut for Mike Wakelam led the Herts Eagles to a pair of victories in their AAA league debut against the London Metros.  Despite a tough opening-day fixture, away to more seasoned AAA opposition, the Eagles focus, determination and aggression over 14 innings saw them run out worthy winners.

 

Playing in glorious April sunshine in Finsbury Park, Herts baseball's newest team got off to the perfect start, leading from start to finish in their league debut before battling back to clinch victory with a last-inning rally in game two of the double-header. 

 

In the season's opener, leadoff man Rod Ariss didn't waste his opportunity to make history by scoring the first Eagles run in the top of the first inning, and the honour of the Eagles' first league hit went to Bart Schouwenaars in the second inning.  However, these stats were soon overshadowed by the pitching of Louis Hare who retired the first six Metros hitters and went on to strike out 12 batters (including an astonishing five in a row) with his combination of fastballs and knee-buckling curves.  The home team were off balance throughout and managed just four hits off the Herts right hander in his complete game effort.

 

Meanwhile powerful hitting from player-manager Dave Westfallen helped the Eagles build a 5-0 lead after five innings which, given Hare's mastery on the mound, looked like being more than enough for victory.  Nevertheless, the visitors took advantage of some erratic relief pitching to add some insurance runs and make the final score an emphatic 15-1, Mike Wakelam's 3-run double the highlight in the 10-run last inning rally.

 

Game two was always likely to be a closer affair although Carlos Casal launched his Eagles career in style with a hit, coming round to score and again give Herts an early lead.  This time though the Metros responded with two first inning runs of their own to take the lead.  Casal put the Eagles back ahead 3-2 in the third, with the second of his four runs in the game, before the home team got some luck in the fourth inning – managing to scrabble two infield singles with the bases loaded to take a 5-3 lead.

 

Trailing late in the game, the Eagles' determination was undeniable, with shortstop Nick Russell sliding hard into team-mate Rod Ariss as they raced to field a ball that bounced up off the mound, and relief pitcher Mike Wakelam diving full stretch to snare a pop up.  This aggression proved invaluable in kick starting the offense however, with some excellent base running forcing mistakes from the Metros and enabling the Eagles to tie the score at 5-5 in the fifth inning before the bottom of the order sparked a four run seventh inning rally to give them a 9-5 lead.  This was more than enough for Wakelam who, with a little help from his infield, claimed the final three outs for a 9-6 victory.

 

After describing the first victory as 'not bad', new manager Dave Westfallen was more enthusiastic about the Eagles come-from-behind victory in game two, commenting “this was a fantastic team effort and a great start to the season”.  Having also spilt blood for the cause after a foul tip caught him in the ear in game 1, Westie was keen to quash rumours that he had requested an injury time-out by saying “please ump my ear really hurts”, insisting that he wanted to keep playing! 

 

While the exact truth behind that story may never be known, one thing is certain – if the Eagles can repeat this form over the next few months, the rest of the league better watch out! Hertfordshire's newest team are not just here to make up the numbers – they're here to WIN.

 

GAME 1 BOX SCORES

Herts Eagles at London Metros
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R H E
Herts Eagles 1 0 2 0 2 0 10 0 15 13 2
London Metros 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 1

Herts Eagles 15, London Metros 1
Herts Eagles London Metros
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Rod Ariss 2b 3 2 2 0 Player 1 p 3 1 1 0
Nick Russell ss 3 1 1 1 Player 2 c 3 0 1 0
Mike Wakelam 3b 4 2 1 4 Player 3 1b 3 0 0 0
Louis Hare p 4 1 0 0 Player 4 2b 3 0 1 0
Dave Westfallen c 3 2 2 1 Player 5 3b 3 0 0 0
Bart Schouwenaars 1b 4 2 3 2 Player 6 ss 3 0 0 0
Rodney Naghar rf 2 2 1 0 Player 7 lf 3 0 1 0
Dave Hamilton cf 1 2 0 0 Player 8 cf 2 0 0 0
Tim Elkins lf 3 1 1 1 Player 9 rf 2 0 0 0
Jonathon Lewys xf1 1 0 1 0
Carlos Casal xf1 1 0 1 0
TEAM TOTALS 29 15 13 9 TEAM TOTALS 25 1 4 0

E: Mike Wakelam(2), Player 8. LOB: London Metros 3, Herts Eagles 12. 2B: Mike
Wakelam, Bart Schouwenaars. SB: Bart Schouwenaars(2), Rod Ariss(2), Dave
Westfallen(2), Rodney Naghar(2), Nick Russell, Louis Hare, Player 4, Player 1. CS:
Nick Russell, Player 2. SF: Dave Westfallen.

Herts Eagles IP H R ER BB SO
Louis Hare W 7.00 4 1 0 0 12
London Metros            
Player 1 L 7.00 13 15 11 16 3

HBP: by Player 1 (Tim Elkins), by Player 1 (Nick Russell). . T: 2:17. A: 39

 

GAME 2 BOX SCORES

Herts Eagles at London Metros
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Eagles 1 0 2 0 2 0 4 9 5 6
London Metros 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 6 7 4

Herts Eagles 9, London Metros 6
Herts Eagles London Metros
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Rod Ariss 2b 3 2 1 1 Player 1 p 2 2 0 0
Carlos Casal 3b 3 4 3 1 Player 2 c 4 0 1 1
Nick Russell ss 3 0 0 1 Player 3 1b 2 0 0 1
Louis Hare 1b 2 1 0 0 Player 4 2b 4 2 1 0
Dave Westfallen c 4 0 0 0 Player 5 3b 4 0 2 0
Bart Schouwenaars p 1 0 0 0 Player 6 ss 4 0 1 1
(b4) Mike Wakelam p 2 0 1 1 Player 7 lf 3 1 1 0
Rodney Naghar lf 4 0 0 0 Player 8 cf 3 1 0 0
Dave Hamilton cf 2 1 0 0 Player 9 rf 3 0 1 0
Jonathon Lewys rf 2 1 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 26 9 5 4 TEAM TOTALS 29 6 7 3

E: Carlos Casal(3), Nick Russell, Dave Westfallen, Bart Schouwenaars, Player 2(2),
Player 1, Player 3. LOB: Herts Eagles 4, London Metros 8. 2B: Carlos Casal, Player 4.
SB: Carlos Casal(5), Rod Ariss(3), Dave Westfallen, Louis Hare, Dave Hamilton, Player
1(2), Player 6. S: Nick Russell.

Herts Eagles IP H R ER BB SO
Mike Wakelam W 3.67 2 1 0 1 6
Bart Schouwenaars 3.33 5 5 2 5 3
London Metros            
Player 1 L 7.00 5 9 5 5 5

HBP: by Player 1 (Bart Schouwenaars). . . . . , by Player 1 (Louis Hare). WP: Bart
Schouwenaars(2), Player 1. PB: Player 2(2). T: 2:23. A: 39.

by AspiDimitrov

HOPE SPRINGS, HERTFORDSHIRE

from Newswire special correspondent, Rob Jones

“Spring Training”. It always has to go in those inverted commas — “Spring Training” — because the disparity between the sun-kissed Major League experience and the often rain-soaked British version is stark. An American friend of mine always goes to watch pre-season games in Florida and often sends me smug, if well-meaning, text messages from the stands. I send him back little black clouds of jealousy. But in many ways spring training is the same on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ball-players emerge from months of hibernation to revive aching limbs and slowing reflexes, ready for another summer on the diamond. It's exciting, but also frustrating as you try to pick up where you left off. Baseball is a game which really repays your time – the more you play, the better you get and, to be honest, you can only ever be so good when you’re a casual like me. Last season, I was lucky enough to win the Raptors batting title – and so far this year my hitting has been going pretty well. Chalk one up in the “plus” column.

But in the field, I am trying to convert from an outfielder to a shortstop, and realising that things happen much quicker on the infield dirt! I always try to have realistic expectations, and so I am content with steady and unspectacular progress. But you still want the spectacular! It is so galling when a player is safe at first by just a step, or when you make a good stop then get the ball trapped somewhere in your glove. And in the “minus” column I’ve already had one bungled rundown, and one truly absurd fumble of a simple pop-up. But maybe that’s what “Spring Training” (remember those commas) is for.

For a second year, we have been taking part in a spring league, the HSL, and clubs from all over the region have taken part. The games have a spirit all of their own. There is banter between the two teams, and a tolerance of unusual behaviour – on Sunday, an opposing player shouted out “’Have it!” as he connected with a line drive to centre field, and nobody did anything but laugh. But in the same game a player who had just been called out on the base paths exclaimed “Bo****ks!” and nearly squared up to the umpire. Yes, it’s an exhibition game, but why play if you don’t want to win?

The spring league actually saw some sunshine this year, and some good baseball. The team known as Herts 3 for this tournament even won its division. I think the club is very optimistic entering another big year for us. The Raptors have a big intake of rookies, but they have showed great promise in the HSL games and if they show the same mix of fun and determination as they did during “Spring Training”, there will be no problem. Here’s hoping that the “summer” weather doesn’t need those inverted commas!

by AspiDimitrov

DRAMATIC END TO 2009 HERTS SPRING LEAGUE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Images courtesy of HP2Photographic.com

 

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

by AspiDimitrov

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

To see the current standings click here.