Category: Adult Leagues

20 April 202620 April 2026 by Rob Jones

Raptors open the year with statement sweep

On a beautiful Spring day at Grovehill ballpark, the Herts Raptors opened up their 2026 season against an opponent they have never faced before — Northants Centurions 2.

Herts came away from this Division 5 double-header with two wins, taking the opener 10–0 behind a pitching masterclass from Abdul El Hamri — before following up with a 15–6 result in the second game. Across both contests, patient and aggressive at-bats backed up strong pitching and the home side were able to maintain constant control.

In the first game, the tone was set immediately. A three-run first inning put Northants on the back foot, and Herts continued to add on with single runs and short bursts through the middle innings. By the fourth, a four-run inning effectively settled the contest, stretching the lead into double digits.

Several Raptors hitters contributed to the steady buildup. Greg Bochan produced a multi-hit game and scored three times, while Craig Elliott-Davey added two hits and an RBI. Catcher Nic Hine also recorded two hits, and Abdul El Hamri contributed offensively with three runs scored and a run driven in.

But the most decisive performance came on the mound. El Hamri put an impressive no-hitter in the books, going five innings for the complete game with eleven strikeouts. The Herts fielders took it pretty easy in the early stage, as the first eight outs were all K’s. The pitching performance removed any opportunity for Northants to respond and ensured the early lead held throughout.

The second game began in a more open fashion, with both sides scoring five runs in the first inning. However, another five runs for the Raptors in the second and five more in the third created separation in a hurry, turning a potentially tight contest into another commanding performance.

Rufus Lloyd started the second game on the mound and conceded early runs as he struggled with control. However, he was increasingly sharp as the game went on. He racked up six strikeouts, and remained in position to claim the win as the bats built a substantial lead behind him.

Offensively, Joe Spiers recorded two hits for Herts and scored twice. Emily Dallas crossed the plate three times, and Andrew Slater added an RBI as part of the middle-order production. Rob Jones recorded two hits and two RBIs.

Across the double-header, Herts capitalised on early scoring opportunities and maintained pressure through consecutive innings, while Northants were limited in their ability to respond in key moments. It was a great way to start the year for the Raptors, and they aim to keep the momentum going into a trip to Cambridge next weekend.

16 April 202617 April 2026 by Matt Bell

Toucans Battle Back to Earn Split in London Showdown

The Herts Toucans served up a thrilling split on the road against the London Mets on April 12th, showing both grit and firepower across a hard-fought double header – bouncing back from a narrow opening loss to finish the day on a high with an emphatic Game Two victory.

Game one had all the feel of a tight NBL battle from the first pitch, with the Toucans striking early and keeping the pressure on throughout. Herts put up runs in four of the first five innings, with key contributions from Sato Fukuda (3 RBI), Josh Marriott (3 hits, 2 RBI), and Will Zucker, who set the tone at the top of the order. The offence kept the line moving, racking up 10 hits and consistently forcing the Mets onto the back foot.

On the mound, Ryan Smith got the start and worked hard through a competitive Mets lineup, but London found their response late in the game. Despite Herts holding the lead deep into the contest, a late surge from the Mets saw the momentum swing, with London edging ahead to take it 8–7. It was a tough one to lose given the Toucans’ control for large stretches, but plenty of positives in the offensive output and early-game execution.

If Game One slipped away, Game Two was all about the response—and the Toucans delivered it in style.

Herts came out sharp and composed, building pressure early before breaking the game open with a decisive four-run inning that put clear daylight between the sides. Once again, the bats were productive up and down the lineup, with Zucker crossing the plate three times, Fukuda and Furuya driving in runs, and strong contributions from Barrett and Lee keeping the scoreboard ticking. In total, the Toucans posted 8 runs from 7 hits, backed by disciplined at-bats and timely hitting.

On the pitching side, Masa Hashiguchi led the way superbly, picking up the win with a solid outing, supported by Eric Hedlund in a composed relief appearance. Together they limited the Mets to just 4 runs, shutting down any chance of a late comeback and keeping control of the game from the middle innings onwards.

Defensively, Herts tightened things up in the second game, cutting out the mistakes and backing their pitchers effectively—an important adjustment that underpinned the turnaround result.

A split on the day, but one that will feel like momentum for the Toucans. After the frustration of letting Game One slip, the response in Game Two showed the character, depth, and quality within this squad—plenty to build on as the season continues.

Final Scores:
Game 1: London Mets 8 – 7 Herts Toucans
Game 2: Herts Toucans 8 – 4 London Mets

BBF Team page

26 September 202526 September 2025 by Rob Jones

Toucans take Herts back into Europe

Every season starts with a blank canvas. For the Herts Toucans, that was especially true in 2025.

The team were newly created for this year, returning Herts to the top level of British baseball, the National Baseball League (NBL). They had no history, but they had goals.

Of course, for every team in every league the ultimate goal is to win it all! And the Toucans pushed their challenge all the way, turning a solid season into an impressive playoff run and a place in European competition in 2026.

They finished third in the NBL, recording wins against every other team – including the defending champions, the London Mets.

Pitching ace Masa Hashiguchi led the entire league with an incredible 82 strikeouts in 67 innings – far ahead of the next pitcher on 54.

Toucans hitters also appeared on the leaderboards. Kazuki Tezuka impressed with a .373 batting average, while Josh Marriott and Shoya Tsutsui each collected 23 hits to power the offense.

Herts took on Sheffield in the first round of the playoffs at Townmead in Waltham Abbey. A big third inning helped the Bruins take what appeared a commanding 9-3 lead after five innings.

But a sudden string of hits from the Toucans turned the tables in the seventh, with 2-RBI knocks by Conner Brown and Pete Wiedmann helping them surge into the lead. Brian Dearing locked it down on the mound, and Herts took an 11-9 victory.

The next game against Essex was interrupted by a very nasty injury to an Arrows player, and had to be postponed. We wish him a full recovery.

The game had to be played on finals weekend instead, and it followed a very different pattern. After early exchanges were tight, this time it was Herts who built a big lead. They were up 9-0 in the middle of the fifth.

Then Essex chipped away, and with the help of some fielding mis-steps, they scored 3 then 4 runs. But Herts tacked on, and fought off the rally. Hashiguchi took the W in an 11-7 victory.

It was straight into Game 1 of the finals series against the Mets, a game which was shortened to fit the schedule. London chased Dearing in the third and took a 4-0 lead. But Herts hit right back through Leo Cedeno and Kazuki Tezuka to tie it up.

Reliever Carlos Torres struck out the first two Mets he saw in the fourth, but the defending champions edged back ahead 5-4. Herts got the tying run to third base in the fifth and final inning but couldn’t quite push it across, and they narrowly lost Game 1.

Mets dominated Game 2 on the Sunday and took advantage of every chance. Their 14-2 win secured the title, but could not take away from the great run the Toucans had.

The team’s progress to the final means they qualify for Europe in 2026, and they will be playing in the CEB Federation Cup. This is the first time since 2019 that Herts has been in Europe, and is the highest level the club has ever played, as the 2019 Falcons were in the CEB Federation Cup Qualifier.

The Toucans’ manager Cole Ryan paid tribute to the way his side had made history: “Every player stepped up to make it a memorable campaign, with standout performances across the roster.”

He went on: “The Club is proud of the Toucans’ achievements and how they have embraced the Herts spirit from winter training through to the national finals. Their debut season has set the stage for an exciting future.”

Our thanks to Davies-Rocker Photography for the pictures from the NBL finals

16 August 202523 August 2025 by Rob Jones

Raptors wrap their season

One final hot Sunday took the Herts Raptors to the Croydon Raiders to end their regular season last weekend (August 10th). They had served a long sentence – waiting seven weeks since their last game to finally write the full stop on 2025.

The Single-A schedule had packed the Raptors games into one long stretch, then a summer break – slightly unconventional for baseball! Would that mean everyone would be well-rested, or rusty, for the finale…..

The visitors loaded the bases with one out in the top of the first inning as they tried to make a statement start, but a strikeout and groundout ended the threat. And the home side immediately jumped ahead to a 5-0 lead with a scattering of hits and some aggressive base-running.

Herts were held scoreless again in the second frame, but this time they also limited Croydon to just one run. Starting pitcher Abdul El Hamri’s first strikeout and good defense by Chaks Baiya helped do the job, and in the top of the third Craig Elliot-Davey drove in the first Raptors run.

Herts then held the Raiders off the board for two innings – with the help of a double-play between catcher Rob Jones and first baseman Elliot-Davey, and then El Hamri doing it all himself in the fourth, fielding two grounders and producing another strikeout.

The Raptors were climbing the mountain they had made for themselves.

They were able to take a 7-6 lead in the final inning with runs from Billy Perry and Baiya. And it looked as if they might cling on to it. But with two out, Croydon pinch-hitter Sam Chen agonisingly managed to bring home the winning run on a dribbling infield hit. It ended 8-7.

Herts had travelled to south London with the expectation that they would need to pitch a bullpen game in the second half of the double-header just to make the contest happen. And, like most Single-A teams, they don’t really have a bullpen. Their roster of starters was depleted by injury, surgery and unavailability. But the team’s enthusiasm was exemplified by the decision of several players to put their pride and their arms on the line and to volunteer to pitch an inning each.

Croydon were also stretching their pitching depth for this mid-August match-up and there were plenty of walks in the early exchanges of Game 2. But when Herts’ Lewis Auchterlounie made his first ever start on the mound, he’d been given a 4-run lead by his offense. He picked up his first career strikeout, and performed solidly for his team.

Raptors scored 3 runs in the second to take the lead, 7-5. In the end, it had turned out one established arm was able to make the trip and so Paul Auchterlounie (yes, a father and son double act) took over with Herts still ahead in the second. Croydon tied it up – but that’s all. The stage was set.

So going into the final open inning, Raptors needed to rack up some runs to give themselves a shot at a win. And they delivered. Elliot-Davey and Paul Owen were among those scoring to create a 4-run cushion. And Croydon could only manage to get one run across before a decisive strikeout sealed a Herts victory, 11-8.

The Raptors ended the season on a high note, though they will be disappointed with their overall record of 4-18. It doesn’t really reflect the effort they made or their competitive performances — for example, they lost five one-run games!

Rookie players came on in leaps and bounds, with Paul Owen leading the team in walks (and narrowly missing out on the HBP title!) Rufus Lloyd slugged his first home run, and got a pitching win – while Abdul El Hamri got his first win on the mound, as did Lewis Auchterlounie.

The end of season spoils were shared around. Michael Foyo led the batting average with an impressive figure of .706 – while co-manager Paul Auchterlounie edged out Dave Roberts for the most RBIs, with 14. Abdul El Hamri was the stolen base king, with 37, and the strikeout leader with 34.

It all offers hope ahead of 2026, as players have another year of development under their belts – and we have fingers crossed for fewer injuries next time around. Looking forward to it already!

12 May 20253 September 2025 by Rob Jones

Weekend roundup: Sharing a split

We are all playing to win, right? But if that can’t be guaranteed, surely the next thing we all want is a close game, a competitive game.

The Herts Raptors’ last four games have been decided by a total of 5 runs. My maths tells me that’s an average margin of 1.25 runs per game. That’s close. That’s competitive.

They managed to have one of the nail-biters end in their favour yesterday, as they took an 8-6 victory over the Richmond Dukes at Grovehill.

The main factor in that was a tremendous performance on the pitching mound by Abdul El-Hamri, who scattered 7 hits over 5 innings, and struck out 8. He kept the ball down in the zone more consistently than on previous showings, and with devastating effect.

The Raptors only took the lead for the first time in the bottom of the fourth, showing spirit to rally after falling behind 5-1 early on. Michael Foyo drove in 2, and Dave Roberts picked up 2 hits. El-Hamri closed it out with a scoreless final inning – a groundout, a strikeout, and a flyout.

Game 2 of the double-header saw another cagey start, before Richmond capitalised on some walks to take a 5-1 lead again. But the Raptors rallied again to take the lead, with a 5-run inning keyed by a triple from catcher Nic Hine.

The Dukes retook the lead and as a very hot day in Hemel Hempstead drew to a close, Herts needed 2 to tie and 3 to win. They managed to push across Joe Spiers but couldn’t get the one more, and Richmond took the 8-7 win.

There was similar last gasp drama over at Basing Hill, where the Herts Eagles in Single-A were facing the Finchley Capybaras (who had got the better of the Raptors in those two tight games last week).

The Eagles were out of the gate quickly in the first, keeping the top half scoreless with a double play by Bex Williams, then racking up 5 runs with hits from Jacob Coyne and Chakradari Baiya. Frequent base-stealing, and good outfield work by Andres Hoyos, all added up to a quality team performance.

Finchley fought back, briefly taking the lead and tying it in the final inning. But Herts were able to secure the victory, with Danny Chan taking the pitching win.

Game 2 was a tougher experience, as some new pitchers experimented. But the Eagles had taken a split, and won their second game of the year.

In Double-A, the Herts Hawks fought off a rally by the Essex Archers to win Game 2 by a score of 15-14 and secure a share of their double-header. Ben Peters got the pitching win, striking out 7 across 3 1/3 innings – and backed himself up with 4 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Giuseppe Basilea also went 2-3 and scored 2.

Game 1 was also a squeaker, with Herts leading until the middle of the fourth – with Riley Manning and Sebastian Greenberg among those chipping in – and Essex then rallying ahead. With 2 out in the bottom of the sixth, Ben Peters drove in 2. But the Archers managed to close the door to hang on for victory.

On a weekend of splits, the Herts Ravens notched up another win against Formosa Islanders. Darrin Ward pitched a complete game in the 12-8 win, with Sony Lama driving in 4 runs. They are now 2-6 on the season. The Herts Harriers had a tough trip to the league-leading Cambridge Lancers, where they were swept.

Herts Ravens take their first win of the year

28 April 20253 September 2025 by Rob Jones

Up and running

“Opening Day” in the BBF leagues in 2025 has been more of a marathon than a sprint. But all 7 of the Herts adult teams are now on the track, and are up and running.

The last of them to taste action were the Herts Hawks in Double-A, this past weekend. They were quick out of the blocks with a sweep of their double-header against the Oxford Kings. Lee Manning got the 5-4 win in extras in Game 1, after Ken Pike scattered 5 hits and struck out 4 in his 6+ innings.

Young GB star Ben Peters got the W in a more comfortable 11-5 win in Game 2. He was backed up by 3 RBIs from another bright talent, Seb Greenberg – who had scored the winning run in the first game. The Hawks have a blend of youth and experience which could deliver big things.

Perhaps the biggest drama of the weekend was the Herts Harriers, also in Double-A, getting their second win of the year with an astonishing comeback against Latin Boys. Going into the final half inning of Game 2 they were down 16-6. After getting roughed up in Game 1, you might expect heads to drop. But a string of walks, and hits from Mike Cresswell and Natasha Romoff, set the stage for Lee Dunn to drive a walk-off single and set off cheers and even screaming among the fans.

*Lee Dunn is all smiles after his walkoff*

The Herts Ravens got their first win of the season, taking Game 2 of their double-header at home to the Formosa Islanders. The Ravens had endured a baptism of fire in Double-A after moving up, taking on last year’s defeated finalists Richmond Dragons on back to back weekends. Now on a more level playing field, the Ravens battled in 2 games against the Formosa Islanders. Veteran Darrin Ward got the pitching W, while Sonam Lama keyed the offense, with 3 RBIs.

Herts Toucans, who have marked Herts’ return to the NBL after a year away, continued their solid season with a sweep away at the Croydon Pirates. Josh Marriott hit a home run in Game 2, to follow his triple in Game 1. The Toucans had kicked off their season – on actual Opening Day, three weeks ago – with a win over the Sheffield Bruins and currently stand 3-3. Masa Hasiguchi has 31 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched, and leads the league in both categories.

The last of our teams in action this past weekend were the Herts Raptors in Single-A. They travelled to Milton Keynes to face the Bucks, last year’s defeated finalists. The Raptors made a great showing against such a tough opponent, with 12-7 and 9-6 defeats. Abdul El Hamri gave a gutsy performance on the mound in the second game as he learns his pitching craft, striking out four — and he also got on base 4 times to help his own cause, and drove in 2 runs.

The Raptors had got their win in the bag a couple of weeks ago, taking their first game against the Herts Eagles. But in a happy bit of symmetry for the club, the Eagles then got their first win in the second half of the Herts derby double-header, 18-13. Boran Sahin was their star on that day, and the Eagles get to taste action again next week as they go to Milton Keynes.

Like the Eagles, the Herts Cardinals in Triple-A have also had a slow start to their 2025 schedule. They’ve had just the one fixture, a double-header against last year’s semi-finalists the London Metros. They suffered narrow defeats – including a 14-13 walkoff in Game 2. The Cardinals’ season doesn’t crank into real action until mid-May.

Herts returns to top tier with Capital investment

13 February 20253 September 2025 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Toucans land Herts back in the top tier

Herts is delighted to announce that the club will be returning to the top level of British baseball, the National Baseball League (NBL), in 2025.

The Capitals, who have been mainstays of the NBL for many years now, are moving over to the Herts organisation. They will now become the Herts Toucans, and will play most of their home games at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead.

The team brings a wealth of experience to the club, and a record of success. They made five consecutive appearances in the national championship series from 2019 to 2023, and that has seen them qualify for European competitions too.

Herts club President, Mike Cresswell, welcomed the Capitals aboard: “We are delighted to have an amazing group of people who will contribute to Herts as a whole. The club is pleased to make a return to the NBL.”

*Former opponents on the diamond, the Caps are joining Herts*

The Herts Falcons were a regular fixture in the NBL after their promotion in 2008. They won the NBL regular season pennant in 2013, and their numerous playoff appearances reached a peak in 2018 when they made it to the final and qualified for Europe. Herts last had an NBL team in 2023, when the Falcons were part of an experiment at Grovehill featuring ticketing and promotions.

The club is keen to see the Toucans help build on a successful 2024, in which the Herts Cardinals in Triple-A and the Herts Ravens in Single-A both reached the post-season.

The Capitals had a 13-10 record last year, before being knocked out of the playoffs by the London Mets. They were formerly part of the London club, and will hope that this move is accompanied by another step up in their fortunes.

25 September 20243 September 2025 by Rob Jones

Old rivals see off Ravens in nailbiter

Somehow it always felt as if this match-up was inevitable. For two seasons, the Herts Ravens and the Milton Keynes Bucks have traded blows in Single-A, battling for supremacy in their division. They have broadly split their regular season series.

This year, the Ravens locked up the division in a way which meant they skipped all the postseason play-ins and qualifiers, and sat back to wait. Meanwhile, MK went through round after round with their mix of big hitting, solid fielding, and wily strategy – and it just felt as if the face-off against Herts was meant to be.

The Ravens’ ace Nic Goetz got the start in this semi-final at Farnham Park and was, predictably, dealing. The first five batters all sat down, through a mix of strikeouts, groundouts and flyouts. A single did put a runner on in the second, but another strikeout fixed that pretty quickly.

But it was the Bucks who got on the scoreboard first, with a two-out rally in the third inning. A couple of singles and a throwing error and they had scored two, with the Ravens getting one back in reply in their half.

It was in the bottom of the fourth when the Herts bats really sprang to life to seize the lead. Right fielder Dan Taylor got aboard to get it started, and Henry Bell got his second hit of the day. Third base stalwart Greg Bochan drove in two with a triple to centre field. Then lefty slugger Zak Beller promptly managed to one-up him with an inside the park home run.

It was a maximum 5-run inning and a real statement from the Ravens. But these two teams are evenly matched and it was never going to be the last word.

The one moment of controversy and confusion arose in the top of the fifth, and it was a clear setback for Herts. With an MK runner on base, who had reached through an error, a ball was hit down the third base line. The feeling of everyone was that it had gone foul, but it was ruled fair. Once the ball was recovered, the batter was safe and the runner had scored. The Bucks capitalised on the moment, and soon they’d tied the game.

More hits for Gilberto Medina, Taylor, Bell, and a run from Andrew Slater created from a walk and steals, helped Herts get their nose back in front. Goetz had struck out 5 and walked none in another epic performance.

But somehow momentum seemed to be swinging against them. MK took a 9-8 lead and the Ravens were held scoreless for the first time since the second inning.

They would get one more chance in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, and came supremely close.

Dan Taylor got on base again. With two outs, Nic Goetz — who by now had thrown 149 pitches, 100 of them for strikes — helped keep the game alive with a single to bring Taylor home. Matt Lewis pinch-ran and stole a base, and the man who had been the Ravens’ leadoff sparkplug all year, Hunter Devine, singled.

So with the tying runs on base, Greg Bochan drove one high out to right field. A running, shoe-string catch from the Milton Keynes outfielder was all that kept Herts from levelling the score. Maybe those fates who brought these two teams together had decided it was MK who should progress, by a score of 11-9.

*The two teams relaxing together after the game*

All the heroes for the Ravens in 2024 remained heroes – including the co-manager and chief scorer Matt Bell; fan extraordinaire Debra who provided cookies and vocal support; and team mascot Tess.

Everyone was gutted by the result, but delighted by the 15-3 season. Several Ravens were on the BBF leaderboards – Zak Beller for home runs, Hunter Devine for stolen bases, and Nic Goetz for ERA.

The team can be proud of its achievements again, and looks forward to more adventures in 2025.

Players have started registering for the 2024 Hunlock Series

14 September 20248 September 2025 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Players have started registering for the 2025 Hunlock Series

The 2025 BBF playoffs still await their climax but, whether your team made it to the post-season or not, arguably the best part of the year is still to come.

Every year, after the end of the BBF season and just when the MLB postseason is about to start, players from Herts and other British baseball clubs – as well as overseas players – compete over several weeks in a tournament in memory of Herts Baseball Club’s number 36, the late Kyle Hunlock.

SERIES FORMAT

This is the 19th year of the Hunlock Series. In its inaugural year in 2006 two teams were involved, the Falcons and the Hawks. The format of the competition has evolved since then. The club has over 170 registered adult players this year and a considerable number of new players are expected to register to play in the Series. As players sign up we will know how many teams will enter the Series this year.

SCHEDULE

A number of one-inning games will be played over three Sundays on 28 September, 5 and 12 October.

VENUES

Games will be played at two ballparks – the plan is for weeks 2 and 3 at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead, and the opening week at Basing Hill Ballpark in London (both pictured above).

WHO CAN PLAY?

Any players aged 14 and over on 31 December 2025 are eligible to play in the Hunlock Series.

THE DRAFT

As in previous years, the teams will be selected by the team managers during the Hunlock Series Draft. Who will be the first round picks? How will Single-A league players and newcomers perform alongside NBL and Triple-A players?

Over the years we have seen how decisions made during the Draft can shape the outcome of the Series before a pitch has been thrown. The managers will have to make carefully calculated decisions if they are to put together a team which can compete for the Hunlock Series title, otherwise they could face a tough few weeks.

With all of the club’s managers and coaching staff observing these games, players who have been pushing for promotion to a higher league team will have the perfect opportunity during the Hunlock Series to make a claim to play on the bigger stage in 2026.

NEW PLAYERS

The club has also received enquiries from many potential new members over the last few weeks and this event is the ideal opportunity for them to come and play and help them decide whether to join the club for the 2026 season.

HOW TO REGISTER

All Hunlock Series players will be drafted into teams. To be eligible for the Draft we ask you to update your availability for the Hunlock Series dates in Spond by Sunday 14th September. If you miss the deadline or the first one or two weeks of games, don’t worry. You will still be eligible to play but will have to be assigned as a free agent after the Draft.

Click here to go to the registration form

ENTRY FEE

2025 Herts club members do not have to pay an entry fee as the Hunlock Series is part of their membership package. If you don’t have a Hunlock Series team shirt, you can buy one before your first game. The team shirt is expected to be priced at £10.

New players or players from other clubs can play by paying an entry fee of £25 which includes a free Hunlock Series shirt of the team which has drafted them.

11 September 202411 September 2024 by Rob Jones

Cardinals go down swinging

“One swing of the bat” has always seemed like a misleading phrase, as nothing in baseball is ever that simple. It’s a bit like saying only the last metre of an Olympic sprint final matters. But that one home run swing felt really crucial in the Herts Cardinals’ first playoff game on Saturday (September 8th).

After a 15-9 season, the Cardinals had reached the postseason. They walked over the Long Eaton Storm to secure a qualifier at Finsbury Park against the Essex Saxons.

By the bottom of the third, Herts were down 1-0. A strikeout and flyout meant they had two out. But there were two men on base. And when catcher Conner Brown connected on a pitch, it was a booming no-doubter towards centre field.

Brown’s home run put the Cards 3-1 up and they didn’t look back. He racked up a fourth RBI in the bottom of the fifth when his groundout brought in Tyler Cote who had reached with one of his two hits. Mike Cresswell drove in the fifth run in the next inning.

And that was enough to back up Cote’s impressive outing on the pitching mound. He yielded only one hit, walked four and struck out nine for the complete game victory.

*The Cardinals in action at Finsbury Park (pic. Mike Cresswell)*

A tidy morning of work for the Cardinals. But in the playoff schedule, that put them straight back into action in the afternoon in a quarter final facing the London Metros.

The first inning was pretty clean for both teams, then Herts threatened in the top of the second. Conner Brown scored the first run, driven in by Bob Laflamme. But the Metros were able to limit the damage to just that singleton, and they scored a pair of two-out runs in reply in their half to take the lead.

Tyler Dale was pitching a gem for the Cardinals, and scattered six hits while striking out three. But London were able to stretch their lead in the third inning to 5-1 and were staying strong. Cardinals bats made good contact but line drives and fly balls always found a fielder.

Going into the seventh and final inning, Herts needed a rally and Vytas Macenas started it off with a single. A hit by pitch got a second man on. But by the time Macenas came round to score there were two out, and a final flyout sealed the Metros’ win.

This has been another another tremendous season for the Cardinals, and a playoff win is a further step forwards. They will return reinvigorated in 2025.

*MK facing London at Grovehill (pic: Rob Jones)*

Over at Grovehill on Saturday, Herts were hosting a round of Single-A playoff games for the British Baseball Federation (BBF). The games were all close, with Milton Keynes Bucks 2, Bracknell Phoenix, and Guildford Millers running out as winners.

The Sunday was due to see Double-A playoffs at the field, but overnight rain and a fresh downpour in the morning threatened to derail things badly. Teams were coming from all over the country, with Bootle Trojans the first to arrive before 8:30.

Rather than see the visitors waste their long trips, the Herts ground crew performed miracles to mop, rake, dry and mark the diamonds ready for baseball. Some sponges and kitty litter also played a part, as did visiting players. The club is immensely grateful to all of them!

Wragby, Richmond, Leeds and London were the winners. The playoffs continue this weekend and beyond.