Herts Eagles faced a daunting task with a road trip to the runaway division leaders Guildford on yet another baking hot day, but they put up an impressive fight and have plenty to take from a spirited day of baseball. The Millers took both contests, 15–13 and 12–9, but Herts repeatedly showed the ability to answer back at the plate and keep the pressure on.
The opening game was a real back-and-forth affair. Jack Relton led it off for Herts with a double, and Larry Mohan drove in two runs with the bases loaded, as the visitors struck early.
But Guildford hit back hard, putting up five runs in each of the opening two innings. The top of the order delivered consistently with Jake Haggarty and Max Dubov getting multi-hit games. But Herts refused to let the game get away from them.
The Eagles had to recruit some guests to cover for summer absences and both Anna Drizen and Stu Francis chipped in with hits to keep Herts in it. Danny Chan pitched well and in the fourth the Eagles were in position to make a serious run at the win.
George Thomas got it started and came around to score, and Chan helped his own cause with a single and a run. But on the mound for Guildford, Aaron Beecher was able to work the full four innings and escape with the 15-13 win.
Herts again found themselves chasing early in Game 2, with Guildford taking a 5–4 lead after the opening inning. It was a long, slow inning on a day which was starting to take a toll on both sides because of the heat.
The Eagles settled themselves in the second, matching Guildford with two runs apiece, and the game was still very much there for the taking at 7–6. They went 9-7 up with Emily Dallas and Rebecca Williams both manufacturing runs from walks and steals.
But the decisive moment came in the third, when Guildford pushed five runs across to create the separation that ultimately proved enough for a 12-9 win. Stu Francis again stood out in the heart of the Eagles order, driving in three more runs, while George Thomas contributed a hit and an RBI.
There was no shortage of fight from Herts across the double-header. Twice they faced significant early deficits, and twice they continued to attack. The Eagles stayed in the playoff hunt until deep into this season and will look to end on a high when they face Bracknell in their final games.