Falcons need to win to keep destiny in their own hands

For the Herts Falcons this has now become a direct battle with their old rivals the Harlow Nationals. The Nats currently occupy fourth place which seems to be the last ticket to the 2014 National Baseball League playoffs. Southampton Mustangs, Essex Arrows and London Mets appear to be out of the Falcons’ reach barring a total collapse between now and the end of the regular season with 10 games remaining.

Herts are currently sixth standing 3 games back on Harlow with 2 head-to-head games between the two teams remaining. Yet, they still have destiny in their own hands. This is due to the fact that they have games in hand. If the Falcons match the Nationals’ results between now and the end of the season and win the direct clash by an overall margin of 4 or more runs, they will overtake Harlow and take that last playoff place.

This makes Sunday’s home doubleheader against the Southampton Mustangs a massive encounter. A defeat does not necessarily mean that the team will be out of the playoff race but psychologically it is vital for them to keep destiny in their own hands.

The Falcons will go into the games without Cris Hiche due to his long-term injury. There is doubt about Mike Osborn after he aggravated the persistent foot injury which he suffered in the winter. Starting pitcher Abel Salas had to miss last Sunday’s games due to illness but the hope is that he will recover in time for this Sunday’s games against Southampton.

The doubleheader begins at 12pm, this Sunday, 20 July, at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead. Admission is free.