Category: Adult Leagues

by AspiDimitrov

FALCONS BATS SCORCHING AS SEASON SOARS TO 14-2

Posted on behalf of Newswire Correspondent Andy Cornish.


Sunday’s hosts – the London Metros – have papered their dressing room/toilet with inspirational quotes from MLB ‘Hall of Famers’.  It was these winning words that greeted the Falcons as they arrived at Finsbury Park for a two-game set against their division rivals.  The Metros stood firmly in second place with a 5-3 record… trailing the Falcons by a margin in the AAA standings, but not by enough for the Herts first team to harbour premature fantasies of a postseason berth.

So, the Falcons walked humbly into Finsbury Park knowing that these games would prove contentious.  A split would have been enough. Metros Field was slightly sheltered from the elements, but powerful winds were still a factor and an early gust claimed a casualty before the game was even underway!  R.I.P. Gazebo, our dear travelling ‘dugout’.

The games started in good fashion as Herts gained an early 1-0 lead in the 1st inning – a Metros balk with a runner on third base.  That early mistake aside, the game quickly developed into a pitcher’s duel which persisted for the rest of the game. Due to Falcons errors in the field, London managed to battle back to a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the 2nd.

With a combination of hits and steals by the top of the order (Dan Kerry connecting for a monster double; 1 RBI) the Falcons managed to ground out a 4-2 advantage going into the bottom of the 5th.  In a bizarre twist of fate, the Metros scored 4 runs and hit their way into the lead with a brace of doubles, and a few singles and errors to boot.  By the end of the 6th inning the game was locked at four runs apiece, and this showdown seemed destined for extra innings as the teams brawled for the W.

The Metros brought in their closer as the Falcons sent newcomer Jim Hyde to the plate.  Recently promoted from within the organisation, Jim worked a base on balls, took advantage of a wild pitch to reach second base, stole third and scored the go-ahead run on an error.  This was only the start of a rally, however, with Nic Goetz and Greg ‘The Motion’ Bochan (1-1 with a 2B) both scoring.

Now Darrin Ward had to close out the game.  With the first two balls batted straight to Nic Goetz at shortstop for groundouts, the tension was building.  The Metros managed to get two more runs on two singles and two walks before the final out was made… but shaky-or-not the Falcons earned the win by a score of 9-8.  Ward chalked up his fifth win of the season.

Both the players and the growing Finsbury Park audience needed to draw a breathe, with the sun beating down and the wind continually swirling.  But after a short rest Game Two started as the Falcons wished, with a five run top of the 1st.  The score stayed at 5-0, starting pitcher Goetz allowing only one hit going into the bottom of the 3rd.  But in this half an inning, the Metros managed to gain the momentum scoring five runs on only two hits.

It was a new ballgame.  The Falcons managed a small advantage in the 5th when – with Marty Cullen on base – Darrin Ward hit a double, scoring the run before being tagged out trying to aggressively turn his hit into a triple.  The Falcons summarily surrendered their lead when the Metros scored two more runs on errors.

At the top of the 6th the game changed hands once again. Bochan lead off the inning with a walk, reached second base on a wild pitch and was hit in on a double by Andy Cornish.  The Metros looked a completely different side as the Falcons beat out a 6-run inning.  Jason Greenberg and Andy Cornish successfully completed a double steal in this inning (two in the game).

In the bottom of the inning, London once again managed to score several runs on only one hit.  4 Metros crossed home plate in the 6th, pulling the game to within one run as the contest entered its final frame.  With the smell of victory floating in the humid air above the diamond – and aided by two London pitching changes during the inning – the Falcons went full-throttle scoring seven times and snagging an eight-run lead.

Despite faint whiffs of a comeback in the bottom of the 7th, the Falcons held on in this massive 19-14 slugfest and secured their 14th victory of the season.  Manager and catcher Greenberg said after the game that “these victories are important and critical, and the Falcons have earned some R&R – it’s time to rest our arms in preparation for the tough games coming up in a few weeks’ time.”  The team came together, did the customary cheer with extraordinary gusto, and left London with the belief and confidence that this winning streak would continue into July.

GAME ONE

Herts Falcons at London Metros
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 1 0 2 1 0 2 3 9 14 3
London Metros 0 2 0 0 4 0 2 8 10 3

Herts Falcons 9, London Metros 8
Herts Falcons London Metros
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Andy Cornish 3b 4 3 2 0 Player 1 p 4 1 1 2
Jason Greenberg c 5 2 3 2 Player 2 c 4 1 2 0
Dan Kerry cf 5 0 2 2 Player 3 1b 3 2 0 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 3 0 3 1 Player 4 2b 3 0 0 0
Marty Cullen 1b 4 0 0 0 Player 5 3b 4 1 1 2
Jim Hyde dh 3 1 0 0 Player 6 ss 4 1 1 0
Lee Manning rf 3 0 0 0 Player 7 lf 3 0 2 1
Nick Goetz ss 4 1 3 0 Player 8 cf 3 1 2 1
Aspi Dimitrov lf 3 1 0 0 Player 9 rf 3 1 1 0
(t7) Greg Bochan lf 1 1 1 0
Darrin Ward p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 35 9 14 5 TEAM TOTALS 31 8 10 6

E: Nick Goetz(2), Jason Greenberg, Player 2, Player 5, Player 6. DP: Herts Falcons 1.
LOB: London Metros 4, Herts Falcons 9. 2B: Nick Goetz, Dan Kerry, Greg Bochan, Player
7(2), Player 1. SB: Kimiyoshi Saionji(2), Andy Cornish(2), Jason Greenberg(2), Jim
Hyde, Dan Kerry, Greg Bochan, Player 3(2), Player 6. CS: Lee Manning.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Darrin Ward W 7.00 10 8 5 2 1
London Metros            
Player 1 L 7.00 14 9 6 5 6

WP: Darrin Ward, Player 1(2). PB: Player 2(2). Balk: Player 1. T: 2:30. A: 78.

GAME TWO

Herts Falcons at London Metros
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Herts Falcons 5 0 0 0 1 6 7 19 10 4
London Metros 0 0 5 0 2 4 3 14 9 10

Herts Falcons 19, London Metros 14
Herts Falcons London Metros
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Andy Cornish 3b-cf 5 2 2 1 Strezelski 3b 4 1 0 0
Jason Greenberg c 3 3 1 0 Dujardin lf 2 3 0 0
Dan Kerry cf-p 5 3 1 1 Byok cf 1 1 0 1
(b7) Aspi Dimitrov pr-p 0 0 0 0 (t5) Sub 1 cf 1 1 0 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 6 2 2 1 Rogalinski rf 4 3 2 3
Marty Cullen 1b 4 3 0 1 Stabe 1b 2 2 1 0
Jim Hyde lf 4 3 1 1 (t6) Alex Phipps 1b-rf 1 0 1 2
Lee Manning ss 4 1 2 2 Zeng c 5 1 2 3
Darrin Ward dh 2 0 1 1 Ferguson 2b 5 1 1 2
(t6) Nick Goetz p-3b 1 1 0 0 Sproule ss 3 0 1 2
Greg Bochan rf 3 1 0 1 Morris p 3 1 1 0
TEAM TOTALS 37 19 10 9 TEAM TOTALS 31 14 9 13

E: Andy Cornish(3), Nick Goetz, Morris(2), Sproule(2), Ferguson(2), Rogalinski,
Strezelski, Zeng, Alex Phipps. LOB: London Metros 8, Herts Falcons 9. 2B: Andy
Cornish, Lee Manning, Darrin Ward. SB: Andy Cornish(3), Jason Greenberg(3), Kimiyoshi
Saionji, Nick Goetz, Dan Kerry, Lee Manning, Morris, Sproule. CS: Lee Manning, Zeng.
S: Greg Bochan.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz 4.33 6 7 4 4 3
Dan Kerry W 1.67 1 5 5 6 2
Aspi Dimitrov 1.00 2 2 2 1 2
London Metros            
Morris L 7.00 10 19 7 11 3


HBP: by Dan Kerry (Rogalinski). . WP: Dan Kerry, Morris(6). PB: Zeng(4). T: 2:30. A: 78.

by AspiDimitrov

HAWKS TAKE ANOTHER WIN DESPITE CONTROVERSIALLY LOSING THEIR MANAGER

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, DAVE HAMILTON

 

A thrilling eighth inning rally led the Herts Hawks to a come-from-behind victory against the Northampton Bucks in a fiercely contested match in Milton Keynes on Sunday, lifting them back up to third place in the British AA league standings.

 

Forced to battle against the elements (most notably a gusting wind that made every fly-ball an adventure in the field) and some highly contentious umpiring decisions that resulted in a ninth-inning ejection, the Hawks pulled together producing a team effort full of controlled aggression that led them to victory.

 

The game started badly for the visitors as the Northampton Bucks took advantage of a couple of defensive lapses to jump out to an early four-run lead.  With the Hawks failing to mount any meaningful offense in the early innings it was 4-1 to the home side at the half way mark. 

 

The Herts bats sprung into life in the six inning though, with a run-scoring triple from Louis Hare being followed by a booming double over the centerfielder's head by catcher Dave Westfallen.  With the tying run now at second base, the momentum appeared to be shifting until Westfallen was called out on a pick-off move, despite having clearly slid back safely under the tag.  Understandably frustrated by the call, the Hawks rally died out and Northampton retained their slender one-run advantage.

 

Meanwhile in the field, the Hawks were producing some excellent defence.  Shortstop Luis Goncalves showed off a strong arm to fire out one runner, and also helped to complete two double plays as the visitors managed to cope better than expected with the windy conditions.  With relief pitcher Louis Hare looking strong on the mound, the Hawks were playing well but time was running out for them to overturn the deficit.

 

Finally, in the eighth inning, the Hawks broke through.  First the middle order took advantage of some weaknesses in the Bucks infield to string several hits together and tie the game.  Their aggressive baserunning disrupted the pitcher's concentration to such an extent he then walked in a run, before an rbi single by substitute Nick Russell completed the rally.  With two men being thrown out at the plate, the damage could have been even greater, but with six runs having scored Herts now led 9-4 and were six outs away from a thrilling victory.

 

Northampton chipped away slightly, with a run of their own in the bottom of the eighth inning, before controversy struck in the ninth inning.  With runners on second and third base, Dave Hamilton was called out on a check-swing to end the inning.  Whilst not contesting the call, the Hawks outfielder asked whether his strikeout was the result of a called strike or because he had failed to stop his swing in time, but was simply told again 'you're out'.  Manager Carlos Casal came over and (also very politely) tried to clarify the situation but was given the same answer before astonishingly being ejected from the game.

 

This bizarre twist led to a quick defensive re-shuffle as the Hawks completed the game under protest,  but pitcher Louis Hare made sure justice was done, striking out the last three hitters to clinch victory.

 

Whilst he has been known to have hot-tempered outbursts in the past, the Hawks' fiercely competitive manager was still stunned after the game at his first ever ejection from a baseball match, not least because it resulted from one of his calmest ever conversations with an umpire!  Nevertheless, he was thrilled with the team performance which returns the Herts second team to a .500 record for the season.  Further challenges lie in store for the Hawks though as they face the two teams above them in the table in their next two games, the Sidewinders visiting Grovehill next weekend.

 

 

Herts Hawks at Northampton
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Herts Hawks 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 9 11 3
Northampton 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 6 3

Herts Hawks 9, Northampton 5
Herts Hawks Northampton
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Ross Asquith lf 3 0 0 0 Player 1 p 3 0 0 0
Tim Elkins rf 3 0 0 0 Player 2 c 4 1 0 0
John Oliver 1b 3 1 0 0 Player 3 1b 3 2 1 0
Carlos Casal 3b 5 2 1 0 Player 4 2b 3 0 0 1
Louis Hare p 5 3 3 3 Player 5 3b 4 1 1 0
Dave Westfallen c 5 1 3 3 Player 6 ss 3 1 1 0
Humberto Goncalves 2b 4 0 3 0 Player 7 lf 4 0 1 1
Dave Hamilton cf 4 1 0 0 Player 8 cf 4 0 1 0
Luis Goncalves ss 3 0 1 1 Player 9 rf 4 0 1 0
Nick Russell b-rf 2 1 0 0
Paul Auchterlounie b-lf 2 0 0 1
Rodney Naghar b-pr-3b 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 39 9 11 8 TEAM TOTALS 32 5 6 2

E: Humberto Goncalves(2), Luis Goncalves, Player 4, Player 5, Player 6. LOB:
Northampton 7, Herts Hawks 8. 2B: Luis Goncalves, Dave Westfallen, Player 3. 3B:
Louis Hare. SB: Dave Westfallen, Humberto Goncalves, Rodney Naghar, Player 1(2),
Player 6, Player 4, Player 8. CS: Luis Goncalves, Player 1(2), Player 4.

Herts Hawks IP H R ER BB SO
Louis Hare W 8.67 6 5 1 5 11
Northampton            
Player 1 L 9.00 11 9 4 5 12

HBP: by Louis Hare (Player 1). . . PB: Dave Westfallen, Player 2(2). T: 3:00. A: 0.
by AspiDimitrov

RAPTORS DOWNED BY ARROWS

 

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, HUNTER DEVINE

 

The Raptors faced their rivals, the Arrows 2, for the fourth time this season, leading the season series two games to one. However, it was the Arrows who would walk away victors in this match up, powered by a homerun and many other timely hits.

Manager, Jake Kikel, started for the Raptors, however, struggled with control due to the harsh winds in the area. He was not added either by the defence in the early goings either, and eventually gave way to relief pitcher Mark Hoffman who pitched well, but could not hold the surging Arrows back. The game was relatively close until the Arrows pulled ahead by a wide margin, putting victory out of reach for the Raptors.

The Raptor hitting remains a positive point as they continue to score runs with relative ease. Defence will obviously be on the agenda in training for the next few weeks, the Raptors next match being a month away.

 

Essex Arrows 2 at Herts Raptors
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Essex Arrows 2 2 5 2 4 3 1 8 25 26 0
Herts Raptors 4 0 0 2 8 0 0 14 12 6

Essex Arrows 2 25, Herts Raptors 14
Essex Arrows 2 Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 7 6 6 4 Hunter Devine 2b 4 3 2 1
Player 2 c 5 1 2 2 Jake Kikel p-xf1 1 2 0 0
Player 3 1b 4 2 1 0 Paul Hawes rf-1b 2 2 1 1
Player 4 2b 5 1 2 2 Rod Ariss cf 4 2 2 1
Player 5 3b 4 2 4 3 Mark Hoffman 1b-p 5 1 2 2
Player 6 ss 3 2 0 0 Andy Ringrose c 1 1 1 2
Player 7 lf 5 3 4 2 Andrew Slater 3b 5 0 1 2
Player 8 cf 5 4 3 1 Ilya Dimitrov lf 4 1 2 1
Player 9 rf 5 4 4 5 Pete Cox ss-2b 5 1 1 1
Robert Crouch rf 0 1 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 43 25 26 19 TEAM TOTALS 31 14 12 11

E: Andrew Slater(3), Pete Cox(2), Andy Ringrose. LOB: Herts Raptors 11, Essex Arrows
2 13. 2B: Player 7(2), Player 1, Player 9, Hunter Devine. HR: Player 9. SB: Player
1(8), Player 2(5), Player 3(4), Player 4(2), Player 5(2), Player 9(2), Player 8(2),
Player 7, Hunter Devine(6), Jake Kikel(2), Andy Ringrose, Ilya Dimitrov, Pete Cox,
Robert Crouch.

Essex Arrows 2 IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 7.00 12 14 13 14 9
Herts Raptors            
Jake Kikel L 3.33 15 13 9 7 6
Mark Hoffman 3.00 11 12 7 5 5

HBP: by Jake Kikel (Player 3), by Player 1 (Hunter Devine). . . , by Jake Kikel
(Player 9). . . . PB: Player 2, Andy Ringrose(2). T: 4:00. A: 30.

by AspiDimitrov

A SETBACK FOR FALCONS IN RACE TO REACH FINAL4

Late last night medical reports confirmed that Falcons pitcher and infielder, Pete Kikel has fractured a bone on his ankle.

The incident occured during Sunday’s exhibition game against the Sidewinders.  Attempting to steal second base, Kikel jammed his foot on the base and rolled over it.  Although Pete Kikel did not want to reveal the extent of the injury and even wanted to try to continue playing the game, the diagnosis from the doctors confirmed that there has been a bone fracture.  Kikel is expected to be out of for the rest of the 2008 campaign.  This is  a major blow for the Falcons, especially as they were gearing up for the game of the season so far against their direct rivals for top spot, the London Metros.

The one positive news is that the medical procedure has proved to be very successful and the bone has been placed in its proper position which will allow for a natural knitting of the bone.  Pete Kikel will have to stay in a cast for the time being.

Get well soon Pete.

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS RAPTORS SUFFER A DAY FULL OF LOSSES.

Report by Herts Baseball Newswire reporter, HUNTER DEVINE

The Herts Raptors suffered their second walk off loss of the season on Sunday, falling 18-17 to the Braintree Rays. In both cases the Raptors had sizable leads only to watch them slip away through poor defence.

Leading 10-2 through the first half of the game, Jake Kikel had thrown a gem of a game and the Raptors bench were talking of slaughter rule victories a bit too soon as the Rays struck back reducing the once sizeable lead to a mere few tallies.

The Raptors refused to surrender however, never actually giving up their lead, and adding extra runs on heading into the bottom of the 9th with a three run lead and Mark Hoffman on the mound. With two outs, bases empty and the game tied, the Rays relief pitcher smacked a ball, splitting the outfielders whom could not retrieve it in time due to their lack of speed and the lack of a fence, allowing the runner to come home and win the game.

It should be noted that the Raptors played with exactly 9 players all day, where as the Rays had 15 and made numerous substitutes. However, that is still no consolation.

There were positive aspects in the game, though. Andrew Slater, in his first game back after a two week break, hit the ball exceedingly well getting a double, as well as being robbed of a second.

Not only was the game lost, but two of the team's favourite bats; the red 33″, much to Slater's despair, and the standard 32″ were too.

Herts Raptors at Braintree Rays
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 R H E
Herts Raptors 1 0 1 0 8 1 0 3 0 3 17 26 3
Braintree Rays 1 0 0 1 1 7 1 3 0 4 18 21 1

Braintree Rays 18, Herts Raptors 17
Braintree Rays Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 4 5 2 1 Hunter Devine 2b 5 3 3 1
Player 2 c 6 3 4 2 Jake Kikel p-1b 6 2 4 4
Player 3 1b 4 1 1 2 Mark Hoffman 1b-p 6 2 4 0
Player 4 2b 6 0 2 1 Jonathon Lewys c 6 3 4 2
Player 5 3b 6 2 3 0 Paul Hawes cf 5 2 3 3
Player 6 ss 3 2 1 1 Steve Nippress lf 5 1 2 1
Player 7 lf 6 2 5 2 Andrew Slater 3b 6 2 2 3
Player 8 cf 5 2 3 1 Ilya Dimitrov ss 6 1 3 1
Player 9 rf 5 1 0 1 Robert Crouch rf 5 1 1 1
TEAM TOTALS 45 18 21 11 TEAM TOTALS 50 17 26 16

E: Player 5, Andrew Slater(2), Ilya Dimitrov. LOB: Herts Raptors 9, Braintree Rays
12. 2B: Player 2, Andrew Slater(2), Mark Hoffman, Jake Kikel, Paul Hawes. HR: Player
2. SB: Player 1(8), Player 2(3), Player 7(3), Player 8(3), Player 9(3), Player 6(2),
Player 3, Jonathon Lewys(4), Mark Hoffman(3), Jake Kikel(2), Paul Hawes(2), Hunter
Devine(2), Ilya Dimitrov(2), Andrew Slater, Steve Nippress.

Braintree Rays IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 9.00 26 17 16 2 6
Herts Raptors            
Jake Kikel 6.00 13 10 8 6 10
Mark Hoffman L 3.00 8 8 7 3 2

HBP: by Player 1 (Steve Nippress). , by Jake Kikel (Player 1). . , by Mark Hoffman
(Player 1). . . WP: Mark Hoffman(3). T: 4:00. A: 30.

by AspiDimitrov

HAWKS END LOSING STREAK

Report from Herts Baseball Newswire Correspondent, DAVE HAMILTON

 

The Herts Hawks halted their four game losing streak last weekend with a solid 10-7 win over the Brentwood Stags in their AA league match-up in Hemel Hempstead. 

 

Showing no signs of the defensive frailties that had hampered their efforts in recent games, the Hawks built an early lead which they never lost, controlling the game throughout.

 

Pitcher John Oliver starred for the home side, conceding just three (unearned) runs in the six innings he pitched, and also reaching base four times in five attempts when batting, scoring two of the Herts runs.  With manager Carlos Casal scoring four runs and stand-in Pete Kikel contributing a run-scoring triple, the heart of the line-up contributed more than enough offense to guide the Hawks to victory.

 

Backed up by stellar defense in the infield, the Stags didn't mount a serious challenge until the late innings, coming back from a 5-0 deficit to make it 9-7 in the eighth inning.  An insurance run in the bottom half of the inning helped settle any jitters in the Hawks camp though and a full stretch running catch from their defensive replacement in the outfield sealed the victory.

 

Buoyed by their return to form, the next target for the Hawks will be a return to a .500 winning percentage as they visit Northampton for their next game.

Brentwood Stags at Herts Hawks
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Brentwood Stags 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 0 7 8 5
Herts Hawks 2 1 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 10 13 2

Herts Hawks 10, Brentwood Stags 7
Herts Hawks Brentwood Stags
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Ross Asquith lf 5 1 1 0 Sean B c 4 1 1 1
Tim Elkins rf 3 0 0 0 Ronnie S 2b 4 0 1 1
John Oliver p-1b 3 2 2 0 John R cf 2 1 1 1
Carlos Casal 3b 4 4 2 1 CJ Evans 1b 3 1 1 0
Peter Kikel 1b-3b 3 0 2 1 Sheldon S ss 4 2 1 2
Paul Auchterlounie cf-c 4 1 0 0 Andy S lf 4 1 1 0
Dave Westfallen c 3 0 0 0 Steve T rf 4 0 0 1
Nick Russell 2b-cf 5 1 1 0 Mike J 3b 5 1 0 0
Luis Goncalves ss 3 1 1 0 Jeff A p 3 0 2 0
Kal Dimitrov b 0 0 0 0
Stuart Boast b-p 2 0 2 2
(b6) Rob Jones b 0 0 0 0
Humberto Goncalves b-2b 2 0 2 1
(b6) Jonathon Lewys b 0 0 0 0
Dave Hamilton b-rf 2 0 0 1
(b6) Jake Kikel b 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 39 10 13 6 TEAM TOTALS 33 7 8 6

E: Carlos Casal, Peter Kikel, Sheldon S(3), CJ Evans, Sean B. LOB: Herts Hawks 10,
Brentwood Stags 10. 2B: Carlos Casal, Sheldon S, Ronnie S. 3B: Peter Kikel. SB:
Carlos Casal(2), Ross Asquith(2), Luis Goncalves(2), Nick Russell(2), Humberto
Goncalves(2), Paul Auchterlounie, Sheldon S(2), Ronnie S, Sean B, CJ Evans, John R,
Mike J, Jeff A.

Herts Hawks IP H R ER BB SO
John Oliver W 6.00 5 3 0 7 4
Stuart Boast 3.00 3 4 3 3 2
Brentwood Stags            
Jeff A L 8.00 13 10 6 5 8

HBP: by Stuart Boast (John R). . . PB: Paul Auchterlounie(3), Dave Westfallen. T:
3:00. A: 60.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 1st:
Sean B flied out.
Ronnie S lined out.
John R walked, stole 2nd.
CJ Evans walked.
Sheldon S grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 1st:
Ross Asquith grounded out.
Tim Elkins lined out.
John Oliver walked, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Carlos Casal walked, batted forward to 2nd, advanced to home on error.
Peter Kikel singled, advanced to 3rd on error.
Paul Auchterlounie reached on error.
Dave Westfallen lined out.
2 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 2nd:
Andy S reached on error, advanced to 2nd on passed ball.
Steve T popped out.
Mike J popped out.
Jeff A struck out looking.
0 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 2nd:
Nick Russell singled, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, stole home.
Luis Goncalves walked, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Ross Asquith reached on fielder's choice, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error.
Tim Elkins struck out swinging.
John Oliver flied out.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 3rd:
Sean B struck out looking.
Ronnie S walked, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
John R walked, batted forward to 2nd.
CJ Evans singled.
Sheldon S flied out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 3rd:
Carlos Casal grounded out.
Peter Kikel flied out.
Paul Auchterlounie reached on error, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to home on
wild pitch.
Dave Westfallen reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch.
Nick Russell struck out looking.
1 run, 0 hits, 2 errors, 1 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 4th:
Andy S walked, forced out at 2nd.
Steve T flied out.
Mike J flied out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 4th:
Luis Goncalves grounded out.
Ross Asquith grounded out.
Tim Elkins grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 5th:
Jeff A singled, batted forward to 2nd.
Sean B flied out.
Ronnie S flied out.
John R singled.
CJ Evans grounded out.
0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 5th:
John Oliver singled, forced out at 2nd.
Carlos Casal reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Peter Kikel tripled, 1 RBI.
Paul Auchterlounie walked, stole 2nd.
Dave Westfallen struck out looking.
Nick Russell struck out looking.
1 run, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 6th:
Sheldon S walked, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Andy S singled, advanced to 3rd on error, batted forward to home.
Steve T struck out looking.
Mike J reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Jeff A walked, batted forward to 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Sean B singled, 1 RBI.
Ronnie S flied out, 1 RBI.
3 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 6th:
Luis Goncalves singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Ross Asquith singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Dave Hamilton grounded out, 1 RBI.
John Oliver walked, batted forward to home.
Carlos Casal doubled, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Stuart Boast singled, batted forward to 3rd, 2 RBI.
Paul Auchterlounie grounded out.
Humberto Goncalves singled, stole 2nd.
Nick Russell grounded out.
4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 7th:
John R hit by pitch, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, advanced to 3rd on passed ball,
batted forward to home.
CJ Evans walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Sheldon S doubled, stole 3rd, batted forward to home, 2 RBI.
Andy S struck out swinging.
Steve T grounded out, 1 RBI.
Mike J bunted foul on 2nd strike.
3 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 7th:
Luis Goncalves flied out.
Ross Asquith struck out looking.
Dave Hamilton grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 8th:
Jeff A singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, tagged out going to home.
Sean B walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Ronnie S doubled, batted forward to 3rd.
John R grounded out, 1 RBI.
CJ Evans grounded out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 8th:
John Oliver singled, batted forward to 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Carlos Casal singled, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Stuart Boast singled, batted forward to 3rd.
Paul Auchterlounie struck out looking.
Humberto Goncalves singled, stole 2nd, 1 RBI.
Nick Russell flied out.
1 run, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Brentwood Stags – Top of the 9th:
Sheldon S popped out.
Andy S grounded out.
Steve T walked.
Mike J flied out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Hawks – Bottom of the 9th:
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

FALCONS MUZZLE BEARS, LEAD AAA WITH 10-2 RECORD

Center fielder Dan Kerry was overheard during Sunday's warmups questioning his choice of lumber.  “Maybe I should be using a 34-inch bat,” Kerry debated with a teammate, instead of his usual, lighter 33-inch model.  The long-time cricketer took his musings to the extreme, suggesting he would ask a builder friend for a quality chunk of willow from which to fashion a home-made stick on the lathe.  Nevermind that baseball bats are traditionally carved from ash or maple.  Nevermind that Kerry has never made a bat before.  Nevermind anything.  The Falcons coaching staff has a strict policy when it comes to Kerry at the plate: don't get in his way and good things will happen.  Kerry is a true athlete and baseball star – a Natural – akin to the indomitable Roy Hobbs in the classic film.  If he wants to whittle his own piece of lumber and swing it wrong-way-round while hopping on one foot and spitting sunflower seeds at the umpire, more power to him.  Chances are he'll still put one out of the park.

So it was on Sunday, when the league-leading Herts Falcons travelled to Maidenhead for a two-game set with the Windsor Bears.  The Falcons were coming off their most lukewarm stretch of the season, enduring a three-week hiatus bookended by split-series with the London Metros and Essex Arrows.  While comfortably atop the AAA since Opening Day, the Falcons were hoping to return to their early form and take both of Sunday's games.

A sweep seemed inevitable from the get-go, as the Bears surrendered eight runs in the top of the 1st on five hits, four walks and three errors.  A series of wild pitches and passed balls plagued American-import and Windsor starter Tom Minkkinen, who never regained his composure on the mound.  Bears pitching combined for seven walks and nine earned runs over the short 5-inning game, which was ended early by the slaughter rule.  Nic Goetz picked up his fifth win of the season, pitching a solid start allowing only one earned run on three hits, and striking out three.  Lee Manning, Kimiyoshi Saionji and Jason Greenberg had two hits apiece in the victory.

After a short break in the broiling afternoon sun, the teams trotted back out to the field for game two.  Taking the mound for the Falcons was sixteen year-old Pete Kikel in his second appearance and first start of the season.  After a 1-2-3 first inning, Kikel seemed to have hit his stride, but some sloppy Falcons defense in the 2nd combined with four walks and three wild pitches led to a daunting 4-0 lead for the Bears.  Windsor added another three runs in the next two innings and it seemed like the game was spiralling out of control for the Herts first team – where was their trademark errorless defense…?

With two-on and nobody out in the 4th inning, Manager Greenberg headed to the mound for his second visit with Kikel, where he was joined by Bench Coach and 1st baseman Marty Cullen.  While the young flame-thrower's control had improved, the momentum was slipping away from the Falcons and it was time to make some changes.  The infield was reshuffled and veteran reliever Aspi Dimitrov came off the bench and quickly worked out of the jam.

Dimitrov pitched three innings of long-relief, allowing three hits but surrendering no earned runs.  It was just the opportunity the Falcons needed to get back in the game. Inning after inning they chipped away at the Bears' lead, including a solo home run from slugger Dan Kerry in the top of the 5th.  In the next inning, Goetz (now at short stop) reached on a walk, stole second base, advanced to third on an error, and came home on a wild pitch.  That tied the score at 7-5 heading into the top of the 7th.  It was now score-or-go-home for the Falcons.

To lead off the inning Greenberg stroked a hard line drive into centerfield that proved too much for the fielder and glanced off his glove.  Greenberg coasted into second base, representing the go-ahead run.  Up stepped Kerry, trusty old 33-inch bat in hand.  He took the first pitch high for a ball… and then connected with a high fastball for a monster home run to straightaway centerfield.  There was no doubt about the 'dinger' – it could very well be the longest ever hit by a Falcon – and as the Herts bench roared with excitement the Bears hung their heads in horror as their early-innings lead was wiped away.  It was a new ballgame.

Darrin Ward – recovering from a strained chest muscle – brushed off his injury and took the mound.  He quickly retired the bottom of the Bears' line-up to force the game into extra innings.  That 1-2-3 inning featured two defensive gems from first baseman Marty Cullen – a diving stop deep behind the bag with a quick flip to Ward for out-number-one, and a speared line drive for the inning's final put out.

Cullen brought his enthusiasm to the plate to lead off the top of the 8th, singling through the hole on the left side.  He promptly took second base on a wild pitch and then, in the game's most gutsy move, tested the arm of the left-handed catcher by attempting to steal third base.  While the throw beat Cullen to the bag, his hard slide knocked the ball lose and the umpire quickly reversed his decision and spread his arms wide to show the runner was safe.  One more wild pitch was all it took as Cullen sprinted home and the Falcons had earned an 8-7 lead.

Despite earning a walk and stolen base in the bottom of the 8th, the Bears were overpowered by Ward's crafty pitching and stranded the tying run on second.  It was truly a team victory.  The Falcons used their entire bench, fielding thirteen players, two pinch hitters and three pitchers.  The sweep brings the AAA leaders to a 10-2 record and pushes them to three games ahead of the 2nd place London Metros (who were swept on Sunday by the Essex Arrows' resurgent pitching staff).

GAME NOTES:  Herts committed 9 errors on the day, the most in any 2008 series… Back in 2007 Kerry hit a home run in his first career at bat, but the two home runs on Sunday were his first of the 2008 season…  Andy Cornish made his first appearance behind the dish when the sun got to catcher Greenberg in game two…  Greenberg moved to left field, his first appearance in any position but catcher since he joined the Falcons in 2006.

PLAYER OF THE GAME:  Dan Kerry  (4-6,  4 R,  4 SB,  2 HR,  4 RBI)


HERALD EXPRESS ARTICLE
Thursday 12 June 2008
(click to view the full-size version)




GAME 1 BOX SCORE

Herts Falcons at Windsor Bears
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Herts Falcons 8 2 0 5 0 15 11 3
Windsor Bears 0 4 0 0 0 4 3 4

Herts Falcons 15, Windsor Bears 4
Herts Falcons Windsor Bears
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jason Greenberg c 4 2 2 2 Maroudas M. 2b 2 1 0 0
Dan Kerry cf 1 2 1 1 Sherwin 3b 3 0 0 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 4 1 2 1 Milner ss 2 0 1 0
Andy Cornish ss 2 2 1 0 Douglas G. c 3 0 0 0
Marty Cullen 1b 3 2 1 0 Minkkinen T. p 1 1 0 0
Peter Kikel 3b 3 2 1 1 Selleck lf 2 0 0 0
Lee Manning dh 3 2 2 1 Clift 1b 2 0 1 1
Greg Bochan rf 1 1 0 1 Dalusong rf 1 1 0 0
Aspi Dimitrov lf 2 1 1 0 Kujiria cf 2 1 1 0
Nick Goetz p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 23 15 11 7 TEAM TOTALS 18 4 3 1

E: Kimiyoshi Saionji, Marty Cullen, Peter Kikel, Douglas G.(2), Minkkinen T.,
Selleck. DP: Herts Falcons 1. LOB: Windsor Bears 2, Herts Falcons 3. 2B: Kimiyoshi
Saionji, Marty Cullen. SB: Dan Kerry(4), Marty Cullen(3), Andy Cornish(2), Peter
Kikel, Lee Manning, Greg Bochan, Minkkinen T., Maroudas M..

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Nick Goetz W 5.00 3 4 1 2 3
Windsor Bears            
Minkkinen T. L 4.67 11 15 9 7 4



GAME 2 BOX SCORE

Herts Falcons at Windsor Bears
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R H E
Herts Falcons 0 0 1 2 1 1 2 1 8 8 6
Windsor Bears 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 7 7 3

Herts Falcons 8, Windsor Bears 7
Herts Falcons Windsor Bears
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Jason Greenberg c-lf 5 1 1 1 Kujiria cf 4 0 1 1
Dan Kerry cf 5 2 3 3 Maroudas M. p 4 1 1 0
Kimiyoshi Saionji 2b 4 0 0 0 Clift 1b 4 0 0 0
Andy Cornish ss-c 4 1 1 0 Sherwin 3b 4 1 3 1
Lee Manning dh 1 0 0 0 Milner C. ss 3 2 0 0
(b2) Tim Elkins dh 2 0 0 0 Douglas G. c 3 1 0 0
(t7) Darrin Ward dh-p 1 0 1 0 Minkkinen 2b 2 2 1 2
Nick Goetz 3b-ss 2 2 0 0 Selleck lf 3 0 1 0
Marty Cullen 1b 3 1 1 0 Dalusong rf 4 0 0 0
Greg Bochan lf-3b 4 1 1 1
Rodney Naghar rf 3 0 0 0
Peter Kikel p 0 0 0 0
Aspi Dimitrov p 0 0 0 0
TEAM TOTALS 34 8 8 5 TEAM TOTALS 31 7 7 4

E: Andy Cornish(4), Dan Kerry, Jason Greenberg, Kujiria, Clift, Douglas G.. DP: Herts
Falcons 1. LOB: Herts Falcons 6, Windsor Bears 8. 2B: Andy Cornish. HR: Dan Kerry(2),
Minkkinen. SB: Nick Goetz(2), Marty Cullen(2), Andy Cornish, Greg Bochan,
Minkkinen(2), Maroudas M., Sherwin, Milner C., Selleck.

Herts Falcons IP H R ER BB SO
Peter Kikel 3.00 4 7 3 5 2
Aspi Dimitrov 3.00 3 0 0 2 2
Darrin Ward W 2.00 0 0 0 1 2
Windsor Bears            
Maroudas M. L 8.00 8 8 5 4 4

by AspiDimitrov

RAPTORS POST ANOTHER WIN AGAINST ARROWS

Report by Herts Baseball Newswire correspondent, ROB JONES

 

It was an epic duel between two teams who have rapidly built a fierce rivalry. The first time Herts Raptors and Essex Arrows 2 faced off this year, Arrows mounted a dramatic ninth inning comeback to steal the win; the next time it was Herts who piled on the runs in the final stages. This time around the two sides traded blows all the way to the ninth inning before the Hertfordshire club emerged 19-16 winners.

Herts had a shaky start, walking batters and giving up a run, but they escaped from a bases loaded jam and put up five runs of their own with a steady stream of singles. Slowly, the men in black ate into that lead and — with the help of a couple of fielding errors — they led 7-5 by the middle of the fourth.

Then the Raptors sparkplug Hunter Devine reached into his bag of tricks to help get the home side rolling again. He hit a double down the third base line and as the outfield throw flew past him at second he raced on for what we will call — in sprit — an inside the park home run. Jim Hyde then did his usual trick of making great contact and his ground-rule double tied the scores.

But this was to be a game of ebb and flow, full of momentum shifts. Arrows promptly grabbed back the lead by batting around in the top of the fifth and scoring six runs; then Raptors pulled back four. Jake Kikel threw up his first zero of the day at a crucial time, and then helped his own cause with a hit and a run as Raptors again tied the game. Jake gave way to ace reliever Mark Hoffman, who was able to slow down the Arrows offense, and give his team a chance to win.

Going into the bottom of the eighth, Essex led 16-14 and we were getting into the final act of the drama — could Raptors pull it off? A crowd was gathering on the sidelines now, other Herts players had brought their families and their voices to urge on the club's rookie team. Hunter Devine got things started again before Andy Ringrose and Jon Lewys chipped in, and Rob Jones hit his most bizarre RBI of the year, with a half-volley to third base to bring in the Raptors final insurance run.

Mark Hoffman and the Raptors defence then closed out the game in emphatic style. No Arrows batters reached base, and the victory was secure. It was a second win for the team, their second win over Essex Arrows, and a sweet win that showed a growing maturity.

 

Essex Arrows 2 at Herts Raptors
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Essex Arrows 2 1 2 1 3 6 0 1 2 0 16 13 8
Herts Raptors 5 0 0 2 4 2 1 5 0 19 16 4

Herts Raptors 19, Essex Arrows 2 16
Herts Raptors Essex Arrows 2
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Hunter Devine 2b 5 4 2 1 Luke c 5 3 2 0
Andy Ringrose 3b 6 4 3 1 Jo cf 5 2 1 0
Mark Hoffman 1b-p 5 2 1 0 Paul Richardson 1b 4 2 1 1
Jim Hyde cf-1b 5 2 3 1 Aaron ss 3 3 3 3
Dave Westfallen c 1 0 1 1 Kevin p 4 2 2 2
(b1) Jonathon Lewys pr-c 3 2 1 0 Jed 3b 5 2 1 0
Rob Jones ss-lf 4 3 2 3 Kyp lf 4 1 0 0
(t9) Robert Crouch rf 0 0 0 0 Paul T. rf 5 1 2 2
Steve Nippress rf 2 0 0 0 Leslie 2b 4 0 1 1
(t5) Luis Goncalves ss 2 0 0 0
(t8) Carlos Casal ss 1 0 0 0
Ilya Dimitrov lf-rf 4 0 0 0
Jake Kikel p-cf 6 2 3 1
TEAM TOTALS 44 19 16 8 TEAM TOTALS 39 16 13 9

E: Hunter Devine, Andy Ringrose, Jim Hyde, Ilya Dimitrov, Leslie(3), Aaron(2), Jo,
Jed, Kyp. LOB: Essex Arrows 2 9, Herts Raptors 11. 2B: Jim Hyde(2), Hunter Devine,
Kevin. SB: Rob Jones(4), Jake Kikel(4), Hunter Devine(3), Ilya Dimitrov(2), Jonathon
Lewys(2), Jim Hyde(2), Andy Ringrose(2), Aaron(5), Jo(3), Paul Richardson(3), Jed(2),
Luke(2), Kevin, Kyp, Paul T..

Herts Raptors IP H R ER BB SO
Jake Kikel 6.33 12 15 11 11 9
Mark Hoffman W 2.67 1 1 1 0 4
Essex Arrows 2            
Kevin L 8.00 16 19 8 9 9

HBP: by Jake Kikel (Aaron), by Kevin (Mark Hoffman). , by Jake Kikel (Kyp). . . . .
WP: Mark Hoffman(3), Jake Kikel(2), Kevin(2). PB: Luke(3). T: 4:00. A: 36.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 1st:
Luke singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error, batted forward to home.
Jo walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, forced out at home.
Paul Richardson struck out looking.
Aaron walked, batted forward to 3rd.
Kevin walked, forced out at 2nd, 1 RBI.
Jed reached on fielder's choice.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 1st:
Hunter Devine walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Andy Ringrose singled, advanced to 2nd on error, batted forward to home.
Mark Hoffman struck out looking.
Jim Hyde singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, stole home.
Dave Westfallen singled, Jonathon Lewys ran for batter, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Rob Jones walked, batted forward to home.
Steve Nippress walked, batted forward to 3rd.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, batted forward to 2nd.
Jake Kikel singled, 1 RBI.
Hunter Devine struck out looking.
Andy Ringrose struck out looking.
5 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 2nd:
Kyp reached on dropped 3rd strike WP, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Paul T. walked, batted forward to home.
Leslie struck out looking.
Luke walked, batted forward to 3rd.
Jo popped out.
Paul Richardson walked, batted forward to 2nd, 1 RBI.
Aaron walked, 1 RBI.
Kevin struck out swinging.
2 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 2nd:
Mark Hoffman grounded out.
Jim Hyde flied out.
Jonathon Lewys grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 3rd:
Jed walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Kyp walked, forced out at 2nd.
Paul T. singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, 1 RBI.
Leslie grounded out.
Luke struck out looking.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 3rd:
Rob Jones walked, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd.
Steve Nippress grounded out.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out looking.
Jake Kikel popped out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 4th:
Jo grounded out.
Paul Richardson singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Aaron hit by pitch, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Kevin singled, advanced to 2nd on error, stole 3rd, advanced to home on error, 1 RBI.
Jed popped out.
Kyp struck out looking.
3 runs, 2 hits, 2 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 4th:
Hunter Devine doubled, advanced to 3rd on error, advanced to home on error.
Andy Ringrose singled, batted forward to home.
Mark Hoffman hit by pitch, batted forward to 3rd.
Jim Hyde ground rule doubled, 1 RBI.
Jonathon Lewys walked.
Rob Jones struck out looking.
Steve Nippress flied out.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out looking.
2 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors, 3 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 5th:
Paul T. struck out looking.
Leslie struck out looking.
Luke singled, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Jo singled, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Paul Richardson walked, batted forward to 3rd, stole home.
Aaron singled, batted forward to 3rd, stole home, 1 RBI.
Kevin doubled, batted forward to home.
Jed singled, batted forward to home.
Kyp hit by pitch, tagged out going to 2nd.
Paul T. singled, 1 RBI.
Leslie singled, 1 RBI.
6 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 5th:
Jake Kikel singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Hunter Devine singled, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, batted forward to 3rd, advanced
to home on error, 1 RBI.
Andy Ringrose grounded out.
Mark Hoffman singled, batted forward to home.
Jim Hyde walked, batted forward to home.
Jonathon Lewys walked, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd.
Rob Jones singled, stole 2nd, 2 RBI.
Luis Goncalves struck out looking.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out looking.
4 runs, 4 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 6th:
Luke called out.
Jo struck out swinging.
Paul Richardson popped out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 6th:
Jake Kikel singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Hunter Devine struck out looking.
Andy Ringrose singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on passed
ball, 1 RBI.
Mark Hoffman grounded out.
Jim Hyde grounded out.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 7th:
Aaron singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Kevin walked, forced out at 2nd.
Jed reached on fielder's choice, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, advanced to 3rd on
wild pitch.
Kyp struck out swinging.
Paul T. popped out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 7th:
Jonathon Lewys popped out.
Rob Jones singled, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, stole 3rd, advanced to home on
wild pitch.
Luis Goncalves popped out.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, stole 3rd.
Jake Kikel popped out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 8th:
Luke reached on fielder's choice, advanced to home on wild pitch.
Jo reached on dropped 3rd strike WP, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Paul Richardson struck out looking.
Aaron singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, tagged out going to home, 1 RBI.
Kevin grounded out.
2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 8th:
Hunter Devine reached on error, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Andy Ringrose reached on error, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, advanced
to home on error.
Mark Hoffman reached on error, batted forward to home.
Jim Hyde ground rule doubled, tagged out going to 3rd.
Jonathon Lewys singled, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Rob Jones reached on fielder's choice, stole 2nd, advanced to home on error, 1 RBI.
Carlos Casal popped out.
Ilya Dimitrov reached on error, advanced to 2nd on wild pitch, stole 3rd.
Jake Kikel popped out.
5 runs, 2 hits, 5 errors, 1 LOB.
Essex Arrows 2 – Top of the 9th:
Jed grounded out.
Kyp struck out swinging.
Paul T. grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
by AspiDimitrov

OLD TIMERS DOMINANT AGAINST RAPTORS

Old Timers at Herts Raptors
Score By Innings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Old Timers 4 0 1 0 3 2 0 2 6 18 14 5
Herts Raptors 1 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 2 9 18 4

Old Timers 18, Herts Raptors 9
Old Timers Herts Raptors
  ab r h bi   ab r h bi
Player 1 p 5 2 2 0 Hunter Devine 2b 6 2 3 1
Player 2 c 2 3 0 0 Andy Ringrose 3b 6 0 2 0
Player 3 1b 3 5 1 1 Jonathon Lewys c 1 0 0 0
Player 4 2b 5 3 3 4 (t2) Dave Westfallen c 4 1 2 0
Player 5 3b 5 1 3 2 Rod Ariss cf 4 2 3 3
Player 6 ss 5 2 0 0 Mark Hoffman p 5 0 1 0
Player 7 lf 4 1 1 0 Kal Dimitrov 1b 2 0 2 1
Player 8 cf 6 1 3 3 (t5) John Oliver 1b 2 0 0 1
Player 9 rf 6 0 1 0 Ilya Dimitrov rf-lf 4 1 2 0
Luis Goncalves ss 3 1 1 0
(t7) Carlos Casal ss 2 1 0 0
Dave Hamilton lf 2 0 0 0
(b5) Steve Nippress lf 3 1 2 2
TEAM TOTALS 41 18 14 10 TEAM TOTALS 44 9 18 8

E: Player 1(2), Player 3, Player 5, Player 6, Hunter Devine(3), Mark Hoffman. LOB:
Herts Raptors 10, Old Timers 10. 2B: Hunter Devine, Rod Ariss, Dave Westfallen. 3B:
Player 3. SB: Player 3(4), Player 5(4), Player 1(2), Player 2(2), Player 4(2), Player
7(2), Player 8(2), Player 6, Player 9, Rod Ariss(2), Hunter Devine, Ilya Dimitrov,
Dave Hamilton, Carlos Casal. CS: Player 5, Rod Ariss, Ilya Dimitrov, Dave Hamilton.
SF: Player 4, John Oliver.

Old Timers IP H R ER BB SO
Player 1 W 9.33 18 9 8 2 9
Herts Raptors            
Mark Hoffman L 9.00 14 18 10 12 12

HBP: by Mark Hoffman (Player 3). . . . . . . WP: Mark Hoffman(3). PB: Dave
Westfallen(2). T: 3:00. A: 0.
Old Timers – Top of the 1st:
Player 1 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 2 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 3 tripled, advanced to home on wild pitch, 1 RBI.
Player 4 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to 3rd, advanced on FC to home.
Player 5 grounded out.
Player 6 struck out swinging.
Player 7 grounded out.
4 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 1st:
Hunter Devine singled, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on error.
Andy Ringrose singled, forced out at 2nd.
Jonathon Lewys reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, batted forward to 2nd, tagged
out going to 3rd.
Rod Ariss singled, tagged out going to 2nd.
Mark Hoffman popped out.
Kal Dimitrov singled.
1 run, 4 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 2nd:
Player 8 struck out looking.
Player 9 struck out looking.
Player 1 singled.
Player 2 grounded out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 2nd:
Ilya Dimitrov struck out swinging.
Luis Goncalves flied out.
Dave Hamilton reached on error, stole 2nd.
Hunter Devine grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 3rd:
Player 3 hit by pitch, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Player 4 flied out.
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, 1 RBI.
Player 6 struck out swinging.
Player 7 struck out looking.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 3rd:
Andy Ringrose flied out.
Dave Westfallen doubled, batted forward to home.
Rod Ariss doubled, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Mark Hoffman singled, batted forward to 2nd.
Kal Dimitrov singled, 1 RBI.
Ilya Dimitrov struck out swinging.
Luis Goncalves grounded out.
2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 4th:
Player 8 struck out swinging.
Player 9 struck out looking.
Player 1 walked, stole 2nd.
Player 2 popped out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 4th:
Dave Hamilton reached on error, caught trying to steal 2nd.
Hunter Devine flied out.
Andy Ringrose singled.
Dave Westfallen flied out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 5th:
Player 3 reached on error, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 4 singled, advanced to 2nd on throw, advanced to home on error, 1 RBI.
Player 5 grounded out.
Player 6 reached on error, advanced to 2nd on throw, advanced to 3rd on passed ball,
batted forward to home.
Player 7 reached first base, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, batted forward to 3rd.
Player 8 singled, stole 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 9 struck out looking.
Player 1 flied out.
3 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 5th:
Rod Ariss walked, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Mark Hoffman flied out.
John Oliver sacrifice flied, 1 RBI.
Ilya Dimitrov singled, caught trying to steal 2nd.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 6th:
Player 2 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on wild pitch, batted forward to home.
Player 3 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, advanced to home on wild
pitch.
Player 4 sacrifice flied, 1 RBI.
Player 5 walked, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on error.
Player 6 lined out.
Player 7 walked.
Player 8 grounded out.
2 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 6th:
Luis Goncalves singled, batted forward to home.
Steve Nippress singled, batted forward to home.
Hunter Devine singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home, 1 RBI.
Andy Ringrose flied out foul.
Dave Westfallen struck out swinging.
Rod Ariss singled, caught trying to steal 2nd, 2 RBI.
3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 7th:
Player 9 struck out swinging.
Player 1 struck out looking.
Player 2 walked, stole 2nd.
Player 3 grounded out.
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 7th:
Mark Hoffman flied out.
John Oliver popped out.
Ilya Dimitrov singled.
Carlos Casal struck out swinging.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 8th:
Player 4 grounded out.
Player 5 singled, stole 2nd, stole 3rd, advanced to home on throw.
Player 6 walked, advanced to 2nd on throw, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Player 7 walked, stole 2nd, tagged out going to 3rd.
Player 8 singled, advanced to 2nd on throw, 1 RBI.
Player 9 grounded out.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 8th:
Steve Nippress struck out swinging.
Hunter Devine struck out swinging.
Andy Ringrose reached on error, batted forward to 2nd.
Dave Westfallen singled.
Rod Ariss flied out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 LOB.
Old Timers – Top of the 9th:
Player 1 singled, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Player 2 walked, batted forward to home.
Player 3 walked, batted forward to 3rd, advanced to home on passed ball.
Player 4 singled, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, batted forward to home,
2 RBI.
Player 5 singled, caught trying to steal 2nd, 1 RBI.
Player 6 struck out looking.
Player 7 reached on error, stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on passed ball, batted forward
to home.
Player 8 singled, advanced to 2nd on passed ball, batted forward to 3rd, stole home,
1 RBI.
Player 9 singled, stole 2nd.
Player 1 struck out looking.
6 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB.
Herts Raptors – Bottom of the 9th:
Mark Hoffman flied out.
John Oliver reached on dropped 3rd strike w/error, batted forward to 2nd, forced out
at 3rd.
Ilya Dimitrov walked, batted forward to 2nd, stole 3rd, batted forward to home.
Carlos Casal reached on fielder's choice, stole 2nd, batted forward to home.
Steve Nippress singled, batted forward to 3rd, 2 RBI.
Hunter Devine doubled.
Andy Ringrose struck out swinging.
2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB.