Mix up between Lee Manning and Jose Morillo (right) as Oxford’s pitcher Masa is safe at first base (photo by Richard Lee richardleephotography.org)
Triple-A League
Game 1: Oxford Kings 17 Herts Eagles 3
Game 2: Oxford Kings 11 Herts Eagles 16
With the Herts Falcons not involved in NBL action at the weekend the focus was on two other Herts teams who opened their seasons in the second and third tier of the British Baseball League.
In the Triple-A League the Herts Eagles had a difficult start losing the first game against the Oxford Kings 17-3. However, they came back strong in the second game of the doubleheader to pick up a 16-10 win. Lee Manning was the winning pitcher in that game. Similar to last year the Herts Eagles squad is made up predominantly of players from the club’s Under-19 and Under-17 teams but they are a year older and expectations are higher this season.
The win will give the team belief that they are capable of reaching the playoffs and Eagles Manager was optimistic after the games. “The second game was completely different. Lee managed to pitch a good game but the difference was the boys’ energetic, alert and aggressive attitude at bat and on the bases. Defensively, they only allowed 2 errors and completed 2 double plays. I am very proud of these group of youngsters” said Casal.
The British adult and youth leagues take a break for the Easter holidays. The action resumes on the following weekend, 26 and 27 April.