On Sunday, Herts Ravens fans were anxiously following the game updates from around the Single-A League divisions. When the final out of the 2023 regular season was recorded and after some off-field BBF deliberations, the Ravens were confirmed as the fourth seed team for the Postseason.
Wins for the Cardiff Merlins, Tonbridge Bobcats and London Mustangs on the final day combined with a decision by the league to roll back the score of the earlier Ravens versus MK Bucks game which was suspended tied 5-5 in extra innings and has now been declared as a 4-3 Bucks win, meant that the Ravens dropped from second to fourth seed.
Single-A Postseason Seedings (Win-Loss %)
- 1st Seed – Cardiff Merlins (.917) – Severn Pool Winner
- 2nd Seed – Tonbridge Bobcats (.913) – South East Pool Winner
- 3rd Seed – London Mustangs (.893) – South Central A Pool Winner
- 4th Seed – Herts Ravens (.875) – South Central B Pool Winner
- 5th Seed – Cambridge Royals (.625) – East of England Pool Winner
This implies that the Herts Ravens will have to go through a Wild Card game to earn the right to play in the Semi-Final. Their opponents will be the Cambridge Royals who are the fifth seed but the win-loss average in the different pools may not be the best indicator of the strength of these teams as there are no interleague games between the five pools and there may be a disparity in the strength of opponents in each pool.
As the higher seed, the Ravens will have home field advantage in this Wild Card Game so it will be played at their home field – Basing Hill Ballpark in north west London. First pitch is at 12pm. Admission is free and fans are advised to bring their own seating as the ballpark may not have enough seating capacity for everyone.
If the Ravens overcome the Royals, they will need to swiftly get on the M4 motorway to meet the Cardiff Merlins in the Semi-Final which will be played in Cardiff 24 hours later – a 300-mile round trip.
Fans who cannot see the game in person can follow update on the BBF website.