Author: Matt Bell

by Matt Bell

Showdown in Richmond sees Eagles’ first win!

Another Sunday, another double-header for Herts Baseball’s newest single-A team. This weekend saw the Eagles travel to Connare Field to take on the 4-4 Richmond Dukes in search of their first win.

Rob Jones opened the game at the plate for the Eagles, drawing a walk and making it to third on aggressive base running. With a runner in scoring position Arnie Longboy got the ball in play to bring home Jones for an early Eagles lead, unfortunately being thrown out at first in the process. Two more quick outs ended the inning with a narrow lead for Eagles.

Herts then took to the field with regular starter, Alex Trautman, on the mound. The Dukes got off to a quick start bringing home 4 runs. The Richmond line-up were making consistent contact. However, Rob Gibson had control at the Hot Corner making a clean throw to Max Trautman at first and taking a fly ball for outs two and three. Eagles down by three at the end of the first.

At the top of 2, the Eagles were ready to rally with the first three batters getting on to load the bases. Out number 1 was taken on a five pitch strike out with Mo Abdule working the pitcher hard. The next three would take walks to load the bases.

Yasu Ichige steps up in the three hole with the bases loaded, tied ball game. Lewis Harrison (DH) is at third, Jones at second, Longboy on first. The next out is forced at home on a ground ball.

Next up to the plate Rob Gibson, not satisfied with his fielding credentials unleashes a shot into the gap in left field, a ground rule double bringing in a pair of RBI’s bringing up the 5 run limit – Eagles lead 6-4. Richmond would come back in the bottom of the second with aggressive base running on 3 hits and 3 walks to bring in their 5 runs for the inning making it a tight 6-9 game going into the third.

With a close game on their hands Eagles came into the third looking for a big inning, some solid at bats drawing walks got runners on bases with RBI’s from Lewis Harrison and Rob Jones. These would be the only runs for the Eagles, reducing the deficit to one.

As the Eagles took to the field the next inning kept the game tight with a shut-out inning on three hits for Trautman giving the team a chance into the fourth, and final, inning as time-limit was called.

To start the fourth Gibson remained consistent, going 2 for 3 with a single. Aggressive base running sees him progress to third with Max Trautman at the plate, who draws a walk. Simon Langton achieves the same and the bases are loaded again giving the Eagles the opportunity to take the lead.

Adam Collins next in swings at the second pitch, its a ground ball to short who makes the throw to second forcing out Langton, meanwhile the game is tied by Gibson running in to home. With the score even, Mo Abdule steps up to the plate driving a solid RBI single to bring Max Trautman home, Eagles lead!

Eagles would score one more with Collins running in on a wild pitch before the next two outs. A narrow two-run lead into the final half. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be; the top of the Richmond order came out strong scoring three runs to end the game 11-12 and another narrow loss for Herts Eagles.

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Game two saw Yasu Ichige take to the mound in an impressive outing, which saw defensive prowess and aggressive base running from the Eagles. The top of the first saw Jones and Longboy reach base on balls and stealing to get into scoring position, with Ichige batting in the runners from second and third.

Yet more stealing and three more walks allowed the Eagles to reach 5 on no outs in a strong first inning. Ichige came out in the bottom of the first with aggressive pitching recording one groundout and two strikeouts. Unfortunately, one hit mixed with stealing and a wild pitch allowed one to come home for the Dukes.

The second inning showed patience in the batting order with walks being the order of the day, one base hit brought one home with the Eagles scoring 4 in the second. The defence in the Eagles line-up continued to be problematic for Richmond with two quick outs.

With two down one man managed to get on base and progressed to third on steals. With a runner in scoring position the Dukes needed to get back into the game, the pitch from Ichige receives a big swing, the ball high in the air but lacking distance is easily fielded by Longboy at second base to retire the side resulting in one very pleased pitcher – a shutout inning and Eagles lead 9-1.

Into the third, and pitching frustrations continued for Richmond. Four walks and two outs later Gibson steps up to the plate, finding the gap in left field again for another ground-rule double and notching up two RBI’s in the process. Although no one mentioned the number of runs at the time it was 13-1 Eagles heading into the bottom of the third.

Ichige started strongly again, striking out the first man up but the top of the order brought the Richmond bats to life, five hits including a double allowed the home side to bring in 4. Though the Eagles kept their resolve retiring the side on a pop-up to first and a final K with a beautiful curveball for Ichige.

Time was called on the fourth inning. With no cap on runs now the Eagles couldn’t afford to lose their resolve, some showing their superstitious dispositions not wanting to discuss wins, numbers or score lines. After all, we all know anything can happen on the diamond.

However, here at Connare field the Eagles batting order were seeing the ball well and making contact. Max Trautman opened the inning with a beautifully hit double and a contender for the best sounding hit of the season, the next three would walk on to first base with an out in between with Trautman making it home on a passed ball.

Yet again aggressive on the base paths, Eagles would get runners in scoring position with Kumail Jaffer and Lewis Harrison showing off their wheels. Inspired by the events, Longboy smacks a long ball into centre scoring a ground rule double, followed by base-hits from Ichige and Gibson. Through the order we go and Trautman is back at the plate, another swing, the crack of the bat, another double and one for the highlight reel. The inning ends with 9 runs scored with a further RBI for Kumail Jaffer.

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At the bottom of 4 Eagles knew they had a commanding lead, all that needed to be done was to bring it home with a clean defensive effort. First pitch and the ball is hit hard on a line drive towards Aspi Dimitrov at short, a leap and his glove hand stretched high he makes the play for the first out.

Two walks saw the runners on the bases for the Dukes as we head through the top of the line-up and the three-hole hitter. A well hit ball on the first pitch flies into centre field, Kumail Jaffer is on the move and under it to make the play putting two away.

The Eagles bench is on their feet, Ichige needs to see one more out to get the W, the first batter is walked on a seven pitch duel and the bases are loaded. The next man up is patient, waiting for his pitch to come in, he swings and makes contact, the ball zipping towards Alex Trautman at second base, the ball is fielded off the ground and all that stands between the Eagles and their first win is a force at any base. But what would baseball be without a sense of family? Trautman throws to Trautman for a 4-3 play to end the game and secure Herts Eagles first win!

If nothing, this outing was a display of how much this Eagles team has grown since the start of the season. The progress individually and as a team has resulted in some close games in recent weeks and I’m sure that everyone on the roster feels that this one has been in the pipeline for some time. Now the Eagles can rest up before facing Essex Redbacks at Basing Hill on Sunday 16th June.

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by Matt Bell

Better know a Falcon: Dennis Grogan

Welcome to Better Know a Falcon, where we get to know a bit more about the team off the field. First up to bat, new signing #50, Dennis Grogan.

When did you start playing baseball? How did you end up here in the UK?

I started playing when I was a kid back in Toronto, Canada, and so I played a few years up in the Northern League. I took a bit of a break and about seven years ago I started again. I played for Birmingham, for Leicester, and this year [Herts] because this was the closest National League team. I’ve played against them in the past and there are some really good people. I thought, OK, I’ll give it a shot, and tried out for the Herts team.

Were you always a pitcher?

No! I only started pitching in the last few years. I just try to throw the ball in the right place, and when someone’s trying to give more complicated signs I’m just kind of standing there, but, no, it’s fun. It’s good to pitch, I do have fun pitching, and I think it’s a key role to help get the team running in the right way for the game.

What do you do when you’re not playing baseball?

I’ve got a wife and three kids. Our eldest lives in Liverpool so we were in Liverpool last weekend for the bank holiday. I [also] have a 20-year-old and a 13-year-old.

Do they play?

No, unfortunately my son played for a little bit, but as kids get older they get girlfriends and start jobs and lose a bit of interest. On the weekends, because he works during the week, he likes spending [time] with his girlfriend.

We’re both Canadian, so we’re both from a country where baseball isn’t the number one sport…

No! Hockey.

Why do you think more British people should pay attention to baseball?

It’s basically two different games, I think, because if you have really great pitching, it’s a pitchers’ duel. Now, some people may find that boring but for me it’s great because the pitchers are really on the game and striking guys out. On the other hand, when it’s a good hitting game and runs are scoring, I think that’s what the British people would like. They like seeing goals and runs and that’s when it’s exciting because there’s all different things to do. A lot of strategy happens within the game as well. So I think, yeah, if they spent some time and looked at the game and watched a few they would get right into it.

So you just joined a new team, and I was just thinking of Vladimir Guerrero Junior who just joined our favourite team [Toronto Blue Jays]. What do you do when you join a new team?

Yeah, joining a new team, most of the time [you] know the [other] players because you’ve played against them for years, but, again, some teams have brand new players as well, so it’s a good mix. You come in, you know a few people, so you kind of gel quite quickly. A lot of guys in the British leagues…everybody knows each other so we’re very welcoming. Even if a new person doesn’t know anybody, they’ll know someone’s life story after the first week.

Is there a Falcon you were especially excited to play with?

That’s a hard question! In particular, actually, one of the new Falcons, Gary [Davison]. I’ve always respected Gary when I’ve played against him. He was always a hard batter to throw to, but he was one of those… it was always a good challenge as well! I think he won most of those challenges. Yeah, it’s good that he’s on my team now, and even though I’m 47 I’m still learning, and he’s a really good player to take some pointers off of.

If you could have a dream coaching session with any professional player, who would it be?

Oh, [former Blue Jays manager] Cito Gaston! Cito Gaston definitely.

Is there a Falcon you want to learn more about? Feel free to tweet me @pygmyslowloris!

by Matt Bell

Eagles continue to grow despite tough day in Bracknell

(photos by Darren Priest)

Adam Collins reporting from Westmorland Park, Bracknell

The third weekend of Herts Eagles’ inaugural season saw them travel to Bracknell Inferno in search of their first league wins. The task ahead was clearly in the minds of the players and, despite late additions to the DL, the Eagles continued to show growth as a newly-formed team in the face of strong pitching and batting from Bracknell.

Game 1 saw a determined start to what would be a great day for Eagles lead off man Trevor Clissold, showing great patience against tough pitching to work a full count and draw a walk. Clissold, making the most of base-running opportunities; aiming to steal second during the second at bat; the gun down throw came and missed the target resulting in a fantastic run to home, bringing in an opening Eagles run. Unfortunately for the Eagles the pitching only improved, striking out the next two and forcing a 6-3 groundout to end the inning.

The Eagles defence came out into the bottom of the first with debut appearances from Francois Earp (CF) and young Alex Trautman pitching. Trautman, in his first senior appearance on the mound, displayed excellent control going toe-to-toe with a much older, and more experienced, batting line-up limiting Bracknell to two runs in the first.

Unfortunately, it was not to be the Eagles’ game. Consistently strong batting and pitching from Bracknell secured the Game 1 win despite strong defensive efforts and a base hit and stolen base from Clissold being driven home by Aspi Dimitrov in the top of the third . Bracknell Inferno 17- Herts Eagles 2 .

Game 2 saw Eagles come out with more of the same effort and a number of players take to the mound for the first time. Aspi Dimitrov led the way as the opener, followed by Andy Stratford, Max Trautman and Kumail Jaffer all stepping up to the mound.

The defensive effort was strong with excellent plays from new players throughout the game. Francois Earp (CF) displayed excellent range chasing down fly balls and Kumail Jaffer (3B) showing cat-like reflexes and a cannon arm picking off potential base hits. Excellent base running from Clissold and Earp allowed the Eagles to take advantage of Bracknell errors to bring home two runs.

Unfortunately, Bracknell brought more of their depth and experience with yet more strong pitching and a flow of at bats that couldn’t be stemmed by Eagles fielding efforts. Bracknell Inferno 12 – Herts Eagles 2.

Overall, it was a tough away day for Herts Eagles. However, there is a clear sense of development amongst the team. This is the first time playing baseball for many of the Eagles, and each week fielding plays are becoming more routine, more contact is being made at the plate, and the team is growing in confidence with each rep. An 0-6 start may be a tough pill to swallow, but the 2011 Tampa Bay Rays did the same before taking the Wild Card slot from the Red Sox – watch this space.

by Matt Bell

Team GB’s Gary Davison joins Falcons

Gary Davison, the pitcher responsible for the Herts Falcons’ greatest playoff upset defeat, is now a member of the team.

The right-hander, who also plays first base and third base, is a member of Team GB and was the 2016 NBL MVP.

Davison — seen above pitching for the Southampton Mustangs — cited the Falcons’ strong ethic as his reason for joining the squad. “[The Falcons] play with heart and never give up,” he said. “Hopefully I can make a positive contribution to win the trophy this year.”

“Gary is a great addition to the team” said manager Cris Hiche. “He has a proven record in the NBL…he’s also a great guy to have in the clubhouse.”

As a member of the Division 1 Burgess Hill Colts, Davison was the key factor in Herts’ dramatic extra-innings playoff loss in 2006.

After rallying back from a 10-6 deficit, the Colts took a 12-10 lead in the ninth against the Premier Division Falcons, who would force the game into extra innings. Down 13-12 in the tenth, with no outs and a runner on third, Herts looked poised to tie the game.

Davison single-handedly ended the inning—and the Falcons’ playoffs—striking out the next three batters. His complete-game victory propelled the Colts into the Premier Division, relegating the Falcons to Division 1.

A true two-way player, the 2016 NBL home run leader represented British baseball as one of ten participants in MLB Battlegrounds’ home run derby in July 2017. He competed alongside 14-year MLB vet Carlos Peña, World Series champion and All-Star Cliff Floyd, as well as England cricketers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales.

The event, which took place in Hyde Park, drew about 12,000 spectators. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, by far!” said Davison.

Davison (centre) with Peña (left) and Floyd (right). Photo credit Extra Innings UK.

With the Falcons set to make their continental club competition debut in 2019, Davison’s international playing experience, which includes two European Championships in Pool A, will no doubt be an asset.

“I believe [we] have a chance of winning [the Federations Cup qualifier],” he said, “especially if we just play British baseball as a team and a family.”

That new baseball family is eager to see what Davison can do in a Herts uniform.

He feels the same. “I’m looking forward to playing with you guys instead of against you all the time,” he told the Falcons. “I’ve chosen the right team to play for.”

by Matt Bell

Resilient Falcons Fall Just Short

Without two of their top starting pitchers and three middle of the order hitters, the Falcons knew it would be a battle – tooth and nail – in the two-game set against top-ranked Southampton. Sunday was a day of crafty pitching, solid defense, Griffey-like, back-to-back production from a father-son duo, and above all, resilience from a Falcons side who refused to quit.

Wade Lynch got the start for Herts in game 1, fresh off a busted nose in the Falcons’ winning effort against the Birmingham Bandits last week. The crafty veteran pitched well, allowing only 1 run over the first three frames, and showcasing a varied mix of off-speed pitches.

While Lynch continued to keep the Mustangs hitters off-balance, a series of weak contact hits put runners in scoring position, before the middle of the Southampton order drove them in. In all, the flurry of Mustang bats amounted to 5 runs in the bottom of the 4th (Despite being played at Grovehill, the game was technically a home for Southampton due to scheduling).

ABOVE: Veteran 2B Moises Vasquez watches the opposing pitcher intently. After a pinch-hit single in his only at-bat of Game 1, Vasquez was moved up to the four-hole for Game 2 where he tacked on a long double.  

On the other side of the rubber, Southampton’s Chris Gregory kept the Falcon’s hot bats in check, allowing only 3 runs over 6 innings and striking out 9. After another flurry of hits by the Mustangs in the 6th, led by Giovani Escalona and Ambiorix Hurtado, the score stood at 9-3 Mustangs with 3 innings to play.

The Falcons managed to add two runs in the 7th with back-to-back singles from John and Brian Morgan, a father-son duo making their Griffey-esque, Falcons debut. RF Adrian Achitei also added two hits in the effort. However, with reliever Walter Bates on in relief of Lynch, the Mustangs tacked on 3 more in the bottom of the frame, bringing the score to 12-5 Southampton.

The score would stay this way until the top of 9th, where the Falcons, with only three outs remaining, proved that they wouldn’t go down easy. With production up and down the order, the Falcons batted through the lineup against reliever Callum Vinall, dinging him for six runs. With the chance to tie, the bases were loaded with two outs and the Falcons’ best hitter of the day, Walter Bates (3-6, 2 RBIs) was at the plate. After working the count full, Vinall executed a perfect pitch down in the zone and retired Bates, stemming the bleeding and giving the Mustangs the 12-11 win.

It was a brilliant comeback effort from the resilient Falcons, although the final out was a microcosm of the team’s struggles in Game 1. Three times, the Herts side left the bases loaded with less than two outs, not capitalizing on run-scoring situations. Despite this fact, all 11 players who came to the plate for the Falcon’s in Game 1 had a least one hit. This was one of the many positives that Manager Cris Hiche took from the game. “Game 1 was a difficult game in which we were behind the entire time,”

Hiche said. “I’m gutted we fell short after a 6-run 9th-inning rally, however, I’m very happy how the team never gave up and fought till the very end.”

Game 2, slated as a 7-inning contest, hoped to be more promising for a Falcons side with all the momentum from the recent late-inning comeback.

The Falcons bats added one run in each of the first three innings, however, left men on base each time against the young, inexperienced Mustangs pitcher.

On the other side of the ball, Zack Longboy got the start for the Falcons, blanking Southampton side over the first three innings and striking out 6 over six frames. A hard double by Vinall and a two run-shot by big first-baseman Oswaldo Rodriguez drew the score even at 3-3 after 4 innings.

Despite adding another run in 6th, on C Andy Roberts’ first home-run in a Herts uniform, the Falcons couldn’t muster any more firepower. Gary Davison had come on in relief in the fourth inning, and his mix of breaking balls kept Herts hitters flummoxed over the second half of the contest. Davison ended with 7 K’s. Meanwhile, two misplayed balls, and doubles by Davison and Alberto Rodriguez, gave the Mustangs some insurance. Final score: Southampton 7, Herts 4.

“I’m disappointed we fell short on Game 2 as [Longboy] pitched another brilliant game and kept us always in the game [sic],” Manager Hiche said. “As a team, we are hitting over .300 but somehow we couldn’t score more than 3 runs against a weak pitcher” in the first three innings. We need to do better in those circumstances if we want to win more games.”

WHAT’S NEXT

The homestand continues for the Falcons, doubleheader versus the top tier London Mets up next on Sunday, 1 July.

Game 1: 11:30 a.m.

Game 2: 15:00 p.m.

Location:

Grovehill Ballpark,

Washington Avenue,

Hemel Hempstead,

Hertfordshire, HP2 6NH

by Matt Bell

Falcons’ hot bats, strong pitching spoiled by resilient Capitals

On a sunny day at Grovehill Ballpark, Game 1 of a double dip with the London Capitals was off to a good start for the Herts NBL side.

Despite taking place at Grovehill, the Falcons were the away team throughout the two-game set, as a result of scheduling difficulties with London’s home field. Led by CF Walter Bates, who went 6-7 on the day with 3 BB, the Falcons’ offense exploded for 17 hits. Adding to Bates’ dominance was  C Conner Brown, who followed up Bates’ no-doubter HR in top of the 4th with a solo shot of his own. 3B Phil Clark added a solo shot and 1B Cris Hiche an RBI double to chase Capitals starter, Timmy Ssali after only 4 innings.

CF Walter Bates and C Conner Brown Hit Back-to-Back HR in the 4th.

On the mound for Herts, Zack Longboy was dominant early in his return from university in the U.S. Buoyed by strong run support, Longboy held the hot-hitting Capitals to three runs over the first six frames.

In the 7th however, a walk, HBP and another walk caused manager Cris Hiche to turn to young reliever Aaron Witter. With the Falcons up 10-3, the Capitals’ DH, Adam Gelman(who had already hit a two-run bomb in the bottom of the 2nd) dug in to face the young righty. With the bases loaded, Gelman hit a grand slam home run over left field, narrowing the score to 10-7. It was a brand new ballgame.

Back in the game, Capital’s manager turned to David Bedard who held the Falcon’s lineup in check over the last three innings of the game. Hiche on the other hand, went with closer Conner Brown for the potential 9-out save.

Both teams traded zeros until the bottom of the 9th, when the Capitals began to mount a comeback. With runners on, a double by Bedard pulled the score tied and a walk and a passed ball put the wining run only 90 feet away.

In a move that caught everyone in the ballpark by surprise, heavy-hitting 1B Ben Marcal laid down a squeeze bunt, scoring the winning run from third, and giving the Capitals an 11-10 walk off win.

“We played a great game in all aspects and we deserved the win,” said Manager Cris Hiche.”I made some errors in my managerial decisions which proved costly… but credit to the Capitals who fought back, got some very timely hits, and executed the squeeze play to perfection.”

Despite the swing in momentum, Falcons’ bats started hot again in Game 2. With singles from Bates, RF Tom Carson, and a double by 2B Moises Vasquez plating 3 runs in the top of the first.

The bottom of the 1st however, proved eventful as the Capitals’ bats sprang to life. When all was said and done, the London side had plated 8 runs and Herts starting pitcher Wade Lynch had been ejected from the game. Hiche came on to relieve, after Lynch recorded only 1 out in the first.

After the flurry of early runs, both sides traded goose eggs in the middle innings. It was a particularly masterful performance by Hiche, who took the ball reluctantly but finished with a dominant line of 5.2 innings pitched, zero earned runs, and only 3 hits allowed.

A late rally with another Brown laser shot over left (his second home run of the day), and a single from Witter plated two runs, bringing the score to 8-5. However, the Falcons’ hitters couldn’t capitalise with runners in scoring position (most notably a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the top of the 6th, and the game would end 8-5 to the Capitals.

“The Capitals started full blast [in Game 2], said Manager Hiche. “I think we were a bit down from the result of Game 1.. the Capitals took full advantage of it in the first inning and that made all the difference.” Hiche added, “The positive I take out, which I’m extremely happy to see, is that we never gave up and fought back until the end. This hasn’t happened [over] the last few years!”

The two loses, 11-10 and 8-5, to the Capitals bring the Falcons record to 4-8, which despite having 1 more win than the fourth place Essex Arrows, places Herts fifth in the NBL standings. However, despite the two losses, the Herts side played well throughout the day. Two stellar performances by Longboy and Hiche, as well as the flurry of offense all the way through the lineup (with standout performances from Bates and Brown) are definite positives for a team looking to improve in the second half of the season.

WHAT’S NEXT

For the Falcons, a long road trip to Birmingham awaits, where the they will play a double-header versus the bottom-seeded Bandits on Sunday, 10 June.

Game 1: 11:30 a.m.

Game 2: 15:00 p.m.

Location: Birmingham Bandits Field, Marston Green CC, B37 7EL.

by Matt Bell

Falcons shock Southampton, Upset Defending Champs

Herts Falcons, 5 – Southampton Mustangs, 2 In a game with a tangible sense of added emotion, the Herts Falcons upset the Southampton Mustangs on the back of a Miguel Hector 3-run bomb, and a complete game, 4-hitter for starter Zack Longboy.

From the first pitch, Southampton looked ready to continue their streak of hot hitting as a bloop, a hard liner and a wild pitch pushed two runs across in the top of the first. On the mound for the Mustangs was Alejandro Morense, who also looked untouchable early with a sharp curveball.

After being blanked for the first two innings, the Herts offense came alive, led by Jarrod Pretorius, who collected two hits in his return to the Falcons, and Tyler Badenhorst who drove in a run to reduce the deficit to 2-1. It was the bottom of the 4

After being blanked for the first two innings, the Herts offense came alive, led by Jarrod Pretorius, who collected two hits in his return to the Falcons, and Tyler Badenhorst who drove in a run to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

It was the bottom of the 4th however, when the Herts bats really began to do their damage. Singles by Badenhorst and catcher Phil Clark put ducks on the pond for Miguel Hector, who smashed a no-doubter over the wall in left, to bring the score to 4-2, Herts. Hector’s production in the 8-hole, including what was, without question, one of the biggest plays of the game, is indicative of a Herts lineup that produced one-through-nine on Sunday.

On the other side of the ball, Herts got a dominant performance by starter Zack Longboy who allowed only 2 runs on four hits, in the complete game win. After the top of the first, Longboy blanked the hard-hitting Mustangs, who’s lineup includes several GB Senior Nationals, for the next 6 innings with a biting two-seamer that ran in on Southampton hitters all day.

In support of Longboy, the Herts defense which has often struggled with error-laced innings this season, also looked on point, buoyed by the play of third baseman Pretorius and centerfielder Darren Meintjes. Clark, who called an excellent game behind the plate, also showcased stellar defense, allowing no passed balls and keeping the Mustangs’ runners in check.

Padding the lead, hits by first-baseman Cris Hiche and a double roped off the wall in left for John Blose added another run in the bottom of the 5th, bringing the lead to 5-2, Herts. A late push in the top of the 7th by the Mustangs saw two men reach on a double and a walk, but a timely pick off at 2nd by Longboy and a ground ball to third ended the threat, and sealed the Falcons’ win.

All day, emotions seemed to be running high in the Herts dugout, the team fired up to play the defending-champ-Mustangs. “We’ve got a great team when we have our full roster out and [we] can compete with all the top teams” Manager Lee Manning said. “Longboy threw a masterclass and makes me proud of our youth system. He’s developed so much over the last two years, I expect to see him in the GB senior set up soon.”

WHAT’S NEXT? British baseball fans are encouraged to attend the British Summer Time/MLB UK event in Hyde Park this evening July, 4th. The event will pit two teams of former major leaguers, including Cliff Floyd, Carlos Pena and Shawn Greene, against one other in a home run derby competition. Stayed tuned for post-event coverage on the Herts Baseball website.

For the Falcons, the next matchup will be a doubleheader against a familiar foe: the Southampton Mustangs, who will no doubt be looking for revenge.

Doubleheader: Herts Falcons vs. Southampton Mustangs

Game 1: 12:00 p.m.

Game 2: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Grovehill Ballpark, HP2 6NH

by Matt Bell

Battling the ‘Enfield hop’

London Capitals, 11 – Herts Falcons, 9

In a game where forfeit (and consequently the dashing of any playoff berth hopes) looked likely, the Herts Falcons battled adversity all day long in the Father’s Day matchup with the London Capitals.

Continue reading “Battling the ‘Enfield hop’” →

by Matt Bell

Falcons pick up much needed win

Herts Falcons, 9 – Brighton Jets, 8

After a run of poor performances from the Herts NBL side, things finally came together on the one-game road trip to Brighton this past Sunday. Defensively, an area where the Falcons have struggled greatly in recent weeks, the team was near flawless, with particularly strong performances from Andrew Fulford behind the dish, Jamie Warren in centerfield, and Moises Vasquez at third. The pitching staff too, looked to be revitalized in the one-game, 9 inning format.

Continue reading “Falcons pick up much needed win” →

by Matt Bell

Herts Falcons sweep on Opening Day

Jarrod Pretorius marked his Herts Falcons debut with a home run (photo by Richard Lee richardleephotography.org)

by Cris Hiche, Grovehill Ballpark, Hemel Hempstead

As the saying in sports goes, a new season brings new hope! Herts Falcons were looking for this after a challenging 2016 season. Their addition of Jarrod Pretorius, Miguel Hector, and the return of Cris Hiche were a good improvement. Furthermore the youngsters were a year older, stronger, and with a year experience in the NBL under their belts. This had the fans bullish for this season. But all is fine on paper but this Sunday was the opportunity to test the team against a strong, young Brighton Jets team.

Harry O’Brien and Matt Gilbert were the starting pitchers for the Jets and Falcons respectively on a pleasant day conducive to a good game of baseball. Matt took the mound and looked poised for a great start by getting ahead 1-2 to leadoff Jacob Dean. However Jacob was able to square a pitch inside to send it over the fence and put their team quickly ahead. Oh no! Fans were already thinking this might be a very looooooong season ahead. However Matt Gilbert was able to finish the inning with only one run on the scoreboard. Now he was hoping his teammates would pick him up…and they did by scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st. With the score 2-1 for the Falcons, the 2nd and top of the 3rd inning went scoreless. In the bottom of the 3rd, Cris Hiche put the first big smiles for the fans by connecting a 2-run homer and putting the Falcons 4-1 ahead. Meanwhile, fans were starting to enjoy some fine pitching by Matt as he was controlling batters with wicked control, crucial K’s, and when needed some great plays like John Blose in left field with a diving catch near the left side fence risking his body to catch the ball. The offense was slowly increasing the gap, including a bomb by Jarrod Pretorius to leave the score 7-1 in the bottom of the 5th. By the end of the game, Falcons celebrated their 1st victory of the year with a final score of 8-1. Everybody played very well both defensively and offensively. Generally, the home runs take the spotlight but the player of the match needs to be Matt Gilbert who pitched a gem not seen in many years in British baseball. Complete game, 2 hits allowed, 7K, and using only 107 pitches to do the job!! That’s a challenge for any pitcher to beat this year!

The 2nd game was a different story. Young starting pitcher Will Zucker started for the Falcons and quickly allowing some walks and the Jets capitalising with some key hits. Will Zucker was struggling with his command and although post-match interviews has him quoted as “It just wasn’t my day…”, sources tell us he was suffering from a hand injury which would have certainly affected his performance. Regardless, the Jets took advantage and were 5 runs ahead by the middle of the 1st inning. Manager Lee Manning had to even bring Jarrod to finish the inning. It was now going to be a long day for the bullpen. On the other hand, Jacob Dean started the 2nd game for the Jets and after 3 innings he had allowed only 1 run. Brighton was playing a sound game and it was almost a flip from the 1st game. Both teams playing well but Brighton capitalising the little advantages given by Herts and in the 4th they scored another one to make it 6-1 in the middle of the 4th. But then Herts got a lucky break when Jacob Dean developed some sort of cramp which sidelined him from the game. The Jets had to use their bullpen with Dan Whitton taking the mound. He was also doing well but soon the Jets went to relief pitcher Connor O’Shaughnessy. With Connor’s fastball a few mph slower than Dan and Jacob, the Falcons hitters were able to make adjustments at the plate and start to put the ball in play. Timely hits, some lucky bounces, and a great “See-ya-later” by Darren Meintjes meant putting 2 runs in the bottom of the 4th and 6 in the bottom of the 5th. That offensive punch put the Falcons ahead 9-6 changed the whole momentum of the game. The Falcons added some insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th with the final score of 11-6 for the Falcons. Worthy mentions for Miguel Hector who went 2-2, 3R, and Moises Vasquez with some nice defensive gems and starting the 1st double play of the season. However the player of the match goes to Darren Meintjes who went 2-5,HR,3RBI at the plate and pitched 5IP, 1R, 6K. Outstanding performance!

The Falcons will be tested this upcoming weekend when travelling to Southampton to face the reigning champions Mustangs who split their first two games against the London Mets.

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