Category: Adult Leagues

by Cristobal Hiche

Bingo-Bango baseball takes Falcons top of the NBL

Jordan Farkas is putting up impressive pitching and batting numbers this season (photo by Will Baxter)

written by Cristobal Hiche

NBL (Game 1) Herts Falcons 9 Bracknell Blazers 1 (click to view box scores)

And they’re back! There are no words to describe the feeling of this weekend in which finally fans didn’t have to bite their fingernails. Herts Falcons finally looked like the hitting team of last year but even better, because the pitching was once again exceptional. It’s becoming a routine and this reporter might continue writing about other aspects of the game throughout the season, but the entire pitching staff has just been superb and carrying this team to the top position in the league. Game 1 was again dominated by Robbie Unsell who threw a complete 1-hitter game. The only run came by two errors in the bottom of the 2nd. After that, defence was perfect and Robbie was able to cruise to the end not allowing any walks throughout the game. Offence was back with two early runs in the top of the 1st and then slowly building the gap. Although Blazers were keeping it close not allowing runs in the 3rd and 4th inning (3-1), Falcons bats decided to wake up and score in the last 3 innings to win 9-1. It’s hard to say who had the best hitting performance of the game when everybody was hitting but Jordan Farkas continues to be ‘hot-like-a-jalapeno’ (going 3-5).

A grand slam home run for Cris Hiche put the game beyond Bracknell (photo by Will Baxter)

NBL (Game 2) Herts Falcons 13 Bracknell Blazers 1 (click to view box scores)

Another outstanding performance by Mike Osborn on the mound

The question before Game 2 among fans, and in the press box, was to know if Falcons would carry with the momentum from Game 1 or if the bats would go to a ‘siesta’ (nap) as it has been the norm this year. Fortunately it was a ‘fiesta’ (party) rather than a ‘siesta’. The bats were in full swing and by the top of the 3rd it was already 5-0. On my pre-game interview with starting pitcher, Michael Osborn, he told me his arm wasn’t feeling great and you could see from the press box, he was moving his arm with some sort of discomfort in the dugout after the 1st. Well, that shows how great he has been this year because even not feeling 100% he managed to allow only 1 run in 5 innings, striking out 5 and keeping Blazers on bay. Like Game 1, everybody was hitting well and in typical Herts fashion slowly building a gap. However, Cristobal Hiche KO’d Blazers with a grand slam in the top of the 5th to seal the game and leave the score 10-1. It was a bomb to right field on a knuckleball that just danced around the middle of the plate. But they weren’t done and in the top of the 7th they scored another 3 runs even though Blazers decided to focus on auditioning new relievers. They went through 3 different pitchers in the 7th.

The manager for the Blazers was not available for comments after the game but Lee Manning was very happy after the game. He summarised the day by saying: “Defence played great bingo and offence brought the bango. All four pitchers hit their spots and kept Blazers at bay. Very happy with the results and we are hoping to keep the momentum going until the end of the season”. He also finished with the remark that “…finally it’s the first week we haven’t had a player injured”.

So far this report has been full of praise for the Falcons (deserved), but let’s not forget that Bracknell played well and are a talented team. They made a few errors and it looks like inexperience was a key in these games. With many GB juniors in their squad, it’s a team to look out for in the future and even for the rest of the season. Unfortunately they just faced an inspired Falcons team who are determined to take the top spot in the table.

Number 64 Ryan Bird was back and that had a positive on the rest of the batting lineup (photo by Will Baxter)

It’s no coincidence that besides the absence of Dave Tretheway and Dave Westfallen (DL), Falcons finally had a full squad. Having Ryan Bird back in the middle of the lineup is a big boost because it brings the big bat that’s needed. It also offers more protection for Jordan and Darrin who should see more fastballs. Also, this means the rest of the lineup is hitting more relaxed which in turn makes everybody more dangerous at the plate. The relaxed attitude seen from the press box throughout the day was even more visible than in previous weeks even though some players argued laughter brings wrinkles. This team is a bit odd because the more relaxed this team looks (to the point it looks they don’t even care about the score and who wins), the better they perform. That’s what was seen in 2012 and this is what was seen this Sunday. It’s exciting time for every fan and they’re showing it. The fans are even turning to away games to support Falcons and the team is really welcoming it. Keep the support and those who haven’t been able to go often, please do because you’ll see some great Bingo Bango baseball!!!

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Ravens prevail in a fiery encounter

Liam Green had to perform under pressure in extra innings and he didn't disappoint (photo by Will Baxter)

The Herts Ravens have had a difficult time so far in their debut season in the AAA-League, but this weekend they secured two morale-boosting wins against the Leones de Feltham to put their season back on track. There was danger that the final innings of a thrilling second game in this doubleheader would be overshadowed by non-baseball events, but now that the dust has settled everyone who was at the game will begin to appreciate the exciting game which they witnessed.

AAA League (Game 1): Herts Ravens 16 Leones de Feltham 4 (click to view box scores)

The Ravens welcomed back starting pitcher, Petar Kikel, for his first league appearance of 2013. This was exactly the boost they needed. He gave the team 6 impressive innings allowing only 1 earned run on 4 hits and striking out 5. The team had put the nightmare 3-for-41 batting performance 7 days earlier at Finsbury Park behind them and produced 10 hits which included at least 1 hit from each of the batting spots from 1 to 9. Ben Marques also managed to steal home, although it wasn’t clear whether this play was put on by manager, Carlos Casal, and whether his team mate who was up at bat knew about it. The Leones didn’t help themselves walking 11 batters and this deadly combination of hits and walks produced 16 runs and a final score of 16-4 in 6 innings.

AAA League (Game 2): Herts Ravens 10 Leones de Feltham 9 (F/8) (click to view box scores)

The second game proved to be a much closer encounter. Tom Everex-Armstrong had an effective performance on the mound. He was relieved by Matt Spaulding who played his first game of the 2013 season did not allow any earned runs, striking out 5 over 3 2/3 innings.

The Ravens had a big third inning putting 5 runs on the scoreboard with a big hit from Gilberto Medina (2-2), and a 1-run double by Petar Kikel. Jon Lewys also had a good day batting 4-for-8 over the two games. Feltham responded with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning to tie the game and then scored 2 more in the fourth to take an 8-6 lead.

The Ravens found it much more difficult to connect solidly against Feltham’s pitcher, Jeffry, in this game. He was mixing his curveball well with a good fastball, but the biggest hurdle which batters from both teams had to battle with all day was the inconsistent strike zone. Pitches at eye level were called strikes and at times batters felt helpless. The frustration was growing on both sides. The umpire didn’t help himself by allowing players to question decision of strikes and balls, safe or out, foul or fair, balk or no balk. Sometimes these discussions between players, managers and umpire involved 10 or more people and resembled a session to approve a United Nations resolution. A doubleheader would usually end at around 5pm. On this occasion the time was 7pm and the game was reaching an exciting climax.

The Ravens pulled one run back in the sixth but were facing defeat trailing 8-7 in the final inning. A lead-off single by Mike Cattermole was exactly what they needed. He moved to second after the next batter was walked and managed to get to third on a wild pitch. Up stepped player-manager, Carlos Casal, to pinch-hit carrying a knee injury. He grounded into a fielder’s choice but crucially brought Cattermole home to tie the game. Despite his injury Casal’s enthusiasm on the base paths could not be contained. He stole second base and then limped another 90 feet to advance to third (with 1 out) on the overthrow, visibly in pain willing to wreck his knee ligaments for the cause. Ultimately he was stranded on third base as the next two batters struck out after some very controversial umpiring calls.

Herts brought Liam Green to pitch in the bottom of the inning with the game on the line and no room for error. The leadoff batter for Feltham, Miguel, appeared to lose his cool on a slightly wild pitch from Liam Green and he stepped towards the mound accusing the pitcher of throwing to hit the batter intentionally. During that exchange there was fear that the game will not be able to restart as the tension had risen considerably. It took several minutes for the situation to calm down. The game resumed and Green managed to strike out the batter and calmly went on to induce two more quick outs and take the game into extra innings.

In the top of the eighth inning the Ravens somehow managed to manufacture two runs on two walks and two errors, without a hit. Leones responded in the bottom of the inning scoring a run and putting the tying run on second base but Liam kept his composure to secure the game, helped along the way by Jake Caress who made a spectacular diving catch in centerfield with the game on the line.

Despite the unpleasant incident in the final inning, the two teams shook hands at the end of the game and showed a great deal of appreciation and respect towards each other wanting to put the confrontation behind after what was a very exciting game of baseball.

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Cornish dinger not enough as Hawks are brought down by Spitfires

Andy Cornish hit another of his home runs on Sunday

written by Andy Cornish

Herts Hawks ended up losing 3-15 to a better, and undefeated, Daws Hill Spitfires side this weekend, but there were many positives to take away from the game, with good defence and the Hawks first home run of the year.

The Hawks turned up to the game at Daws Hill with only 9 players, and the ever-present Debra Devine. The pitcher for the Spitfires was Nic Stolz, whose reputation is growing with every game. His fastball and dropping curveball kept Hawks off the board until the third, with Daws hill adding 5 runs over that span. In the third, Andy Cornish, leading off the inning sent a 0-1 pitch towering over the left field wall for the first Hawks homer of the year. In that inning, the Hawks used the momentum to score another 2 runs with John Kjorstad and Paul Auchterlounie crossing the plate.

Solid infield defence by the Hawks kept the score at 5-3 until the 5th. 7 Daws Hill runners crossed home plate in the inning, with only a few errors, finding the holes in the field and a 2-run home run down to right field by left-hander Luis Hernandez. Ilya Dimitrov and Bobby Gould were starting to feel the intensity of the game, both picking up leg injuries. Hawks were not able to come back, and often got fooled by the curveball of Stolz for the rest of the game.

Hawks manager, Andy Cornish, commented “I wanted to come into today and show desire and play hard. We were able to do that in the first 5 innings, but I think that the injuries got to us. I am happy with how the infield played in some very tricky bouncing conditions, but think that we have to work on our hitting. The pitcher was good, but we helped him with swinging at a lot of balls outside the zone. It was always going to be tricky, and to Daws Hill credit, they hit well. I want to focus on the next game, and come out and show how we can hit.”

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

8 Herts teams in action this weekend

SATURDAY

The baseball weekend begins with games from the BBF U17 League and the Herts U11 Series at Grovehill Ballpark. The U17 teams of Herts, Horsham and Leicester will clash in a repeat of their round-robin day played on 18 May.

U17 League: 10:30 Leicester Blue Sox vs Herts Harriers (6 innings)

U17 League: 13:00 Horsham Hornets vs Leicester Blue Sox (6 innings)

U17 League: 15:30 Herts Harriers vs Horsham Hornets (6 innings)

 

At the same time on the Old Diamond the U11 Series between the Herts Dodgers and the Herts Giants continues. After last week’s game, the Giants lead the series by 1 game. This Saturday the teams will play two games, a chance for the Dodgers not only to tie the series but maybe even jump ahead of the Giants.

U11 League: 10:00 Herts Dodgers vs Herts Giants (4 innings)

U11 League: 12:00 Herts Dodgers vs Herts Giants (4 innings)

 

SUNDAY

Rei Martinez (right) is expected to start one of the games against the Falcons this Sunday. He also leads the Blazers in home runs.

NBL

The Herts Falcons (10-4) travel to the impressive Bracknell Blazers (7-7) this Sunday looking to keep their momentum after 4 edge-of-the-seat wins against the Mustangs and the Mets who were ahead of the Falcons in the standings before these encounters. Herts are now tied in first place with London, however they will know that a slip-up could undo all the good work of the past few weeks and give London and Southampton the advantage again.

They are coming up against a Bracknell team which has rebuilt very well after a disappointing 2012 season which they finished with 6 wins and 16 losses (win-loss % .273). Their pitching staff is considered one of the best in the NBL and they have already proven that they are capable of beating anyone. Jordan Edmonds, Rei Martinez and Henry Collins are the likely starting pitchers.

The Falcons go into the game with injury worries once again. Catcher, Dave Westfallen, was added to the list of injured players after he aggravated an old knee injury against the Mets last Sunday.

AAA -EAGUE

There were some heated moments, last time the Leones were in town (photo by Will Baxter)

It has been confirmed that this Sunday’s AAA-League doubleheader between the Herts Ravens and the Leones de Feltham has been moved to Grovehill Balpark. The games was originally scheduled to be played at Glebelands Field near Heathrow (West London), but the Leones have had ongoing problems with their field this season with many of their home games played at the venue of their opponents. The Ravens will still be considered the visitors in this game (i.e. batting first). The first game starts at 12:00 at the Old Diamond.

AA-LEAGUE

The Hawks travel to RAF Daws Hill where they will meet the unbeaten Spitfires (6-0). The last encounter between the two teams in 2012 ended with two wins for the Hawks which secured a playoff spot for them. The tables have turned to a certain extent as Herts expanded into 5 teams with many of last year’s Hawks moving up into AAA, while the Spitfires have reinforced well and have notched up 6 convincing wins to make them the favourites for the AA-League title.

A-LEAGUE

The Herts Raptors come up against the Leicester 2Sox looking to stay top of the table. They won convincingly when the two teams met in Leicester on Opening Day. However, since then the Sox have been playing .500 baseball picking up 2 wins against the Old Timers and a heart-stopper 19-18 win against the Blackjacks. The game starts at 12:00pm at the New Diamond of Grovehill Ballpark, in Hemel Hempstead.

The Eagles travel to the Haverhill Blackjacks with a .500 win-loss record so far. They were outplayed by the Richmond Dukes last Sunday, so Manager Duncan Hoyle will need to pick up his players and get back to winning ways. A win on Sunday could see them go top of the standings depending on other results.

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

AUDIO: Herts is BBC 3 Counties Radio’s club of the week

Last week BBC 3 Counties Radio confirmed that Herts Baseball Club  has been selected as “Club of the Week”. Herts Board member, Joe Gray, was invited to appear on Mike Naylor’s Saturday Sports Show at the weekend and they had a chance to cover a wide range of baseball subjects including a preview of last Sunday’s NBL top-of-the-table encounter between the Herts Falcons and the London Mets, the growth of baseball in our region and in the UK, the potential return of baseball and softball to the Olympics in 2020, the upcoming Little League World Series and a chance for youngsters from Herts, North-West London and the surrounding regions to take part in this massive international competition, and more. To listen, play the video below.

 

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Raptors win but lose key player to injury

Raptors stayed at the top of their division with a 30 to 12 win over the Essex Redbacks this past Sunday. However the win was bittersweet as recently called up Dan Bartram suffered a hamstring injury at the now infamous first base on the old diamond at Grovehill Ballpark.

Starting on the mound was veteran and former Eagles pitcher of the year, Theo Scheepers. Straight from his week long holiday in France, Theo held Essex to just one run despite a Raptors fielding error and some walks. In typical fashion, Raprtors bats started slowly and managed only 3 runs in their bottom half of the first. But Raptors offense erupted in the next two innings scoring both 10 and 11 runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings. Although Raptors bats came alive, they were assisted by Redbacks fielding errors and aggressive base running. Leading the pack in stolen bases were Dan Bartram with 5 and Charlie Mayhew with 4. Hampered by leg injuries from previous games even Jeff Witter added to the total with 2 steals but led all with 6 RBI’s.

On the defensive front Scheepers blanked the opposition in innings 2, 3, and 4, using a combination of crafty pitching and some smart Raptors fielding. The Redbacks managed runs of 3 and 2 in the next innings. But then in the top of the 7th inning with 8 players on the field due to Dan’s injury and some sloppy fielding Redbacks scored 6 before Raptors once again found their grove for a final score of 30 to 12.

Raptors manager, Arnie Longboy, who led in hits with 3, said “I like the momentum we’re building as we reach the mid-point of the season. We still have Herts rivals the Eagles in two weeks but can’t look past the Leceister 2Sox this weekend. It’s also a shame Dan got hurt as he has contributed greatly in the two games he’s played for us. But maybe his younger brother Andy will be able to step up.”

by Cristobal Hiche

Mets unbeaten run ended by Falcons. The NBL race tightens.

Robbie Unsell about to unleash his breaking ball against the London Mets (photo by Joe Gray)

written by Cristobal Hiche

Déjà vu. That’s probably what every fan is thinking because for the 3rd weekend in a row both games have been decided in the last inning. This is becoming the trend but the good news for Herts fans is that the Falcons are coming on top and winning these close games.

Game 1 was almost a repeat of last week as Robbie Unsell was throwing another gem and keeping a shutout through the first six innings. Knowing pitcher Pietro Sollecito dominated Falcons last time, Mets manager Erick Hanson was smart to start him again. He was delivering, just allowing 2 runs in 6 innings. However, this time around, Pietro wasn’t getting the run support and ultimately ended up on the losing side. Jordan Farkas was on fire going 3-3 but Falcons couldn’t get more “insurance runs”. Mets hitters were determined not to remain scoreless and in the top of the 7th they managed to tie the score thanks to some timely hitting and an unusual error by the Herts defence which has been solid all year. The big difference seen this time was the determination of all Falcons players to come back and ensure that this game didn’t go to extra-innings and they didn’t disappoint. Dave House, who also was on fire at the plate, delivered a line drive, RBI and game-winning single to end the game and hand the first loss of the season for the Mets.

The second game was no different and Michael Osborn was throwing a nasty curveball and using his fastball to second guess each Mets player. Herts hitters were starting to show the solid hitting performance of last year and managed to score runs in the first 2 innings. However, Mets did some small adjustments and did quiet down the Falcons, but also with the help of the defence as Jonathon Cramman threw Cristobal Hiche out on a bang-bang play at home trying to score from 2nd on a single. On the other side, although pitcher Michael Osborn was pretty much single-handedly beating the Mets, it also got great defence behind. The highlight was an amazing diving catch by Dave House at third base after a laser beam to his left side. Going into the 6th the score was once again 2-0 for the Falcons and it looked like a repeat of the previous game, especially as the Mets finally managed to do some damage and score a run. Yet again Falcons showed that determination seen in the bottom of the 7th in game 1 to score 2 runs to try and close the game. Mets were not ready to give up and were able to manufacture a run with some hits and being aggressive on the bases. Unfortunately it was too little, too late and Falcons got the win with a final score of 4-2.

Falcons manager Lee Manning said after the game: “Fantastic pitching, fantastic defence, good timely hitting again. Really happy for both wins”. He was really full of praise for both his starters (Robbie and Michael) and also had a few words for reliever Jordan Farkas: “In Game 1 when they tied up in the 7th inning, Jordan came in…I was really impressed with the way he managed to hold them, especially when I put them in a bad situation [with men in scoring position]”. On the other side of the field, manager Erick Hanson wasn’t happy about the losses but he had the following to say: “We knew coming to Herts we would have two tough games today, they came out and did the small things to win the games. Game 1 was a close game and could have gone either way”. Reflecting on the positives of the day he said: “We’ve been fortunate to be winning a lot so it’s nice to get these losses out of the way, regroup, and learn what we need to do in training to get better”.

The only bad news for the Falcons is that Dave Westfallen might have re-injured his knee and might be added to the now long list of players on the DL. Although this is another heavy loss, manager Lee Manning sees the positive side and said: “It’s a terrible loss but let’s hope it’s nothing serious and he can be ready for the playoffs. This being said, we now know we can call up AAA players and can perform to very high standards”.

I have been saying it for the last two weeks and I’ll repeat it again, this is quality baseball not only by the Falcons but by most teams in the NBL. Every game is going to be close with great pitching, good hitting, and fantastic defence. Just as an example, only 2 errors were made in the 2nd game by both teams combined! That’s MLB level right there. Just take a look at the box score and replace the Falcons name with the Yankees and you would think this box score was taken out from the MLB subway series (i.e. Yankees-Mets rivalry). So come down to the ballpark and check out the Falcons next time!

 

by Rob Jones

Eagles brought down to earth by Richmond

Herts Eagles 9-37 Richmond Dukes, Grovehill Ballpark

The Eagles’ impressive winning streak was brought to a sharp halt on Sunday (June 2nd) by the power of the Richmond bats, and a dominant performance on the mound by Dan Collett.

The game started with the teams seeming evenly matched. Andrew Slater was pitching for the home side and was once again staying in the strike zone and fearlessly challenging hitters. The top half of the Dukes line-up showed its capabilities and brought home some early runs, 2 in the first and 4 more in the second.

Andy Cornish
Andy Cornish powered the Eagles offense for the day, with 2 hits and 4 RBIs

But the Herts fielders were able to keep it under control. The Eagles manager, Duncan Hoyle, made a strong throw on a difficult dribbler to third to get one batter out. Shortstop Rob Jones and first baseman Michael Cresswell made their contribution to the highlight reel, with Jones diving to backhand a ground ball before unleashing a desperate throw which bounced several times before Cresswell grabbed it to beat the runner by half a step.

The Eagles also put up runs of their own, Hoyle bringing in two runners with an imperious line drive. Adam Landau-Smithers continued his season of walks and stolen bases to score one of three runs the home side put on the board in the opening frames.

But Herts also hurt their own cause with some mistakes on the basepaths. Twice, they committed the cardinal sin of making the final out of an inning at third base, attempting ill-advised steals.

At that point it looked as if it could go either way. Then Collett really found his rhythm and Herts started to fall behind. The Richmond hitters consistently found gaps in both infield and outfield, and it seemed clear that this day was not going to fall in Herts’ favour. Mike Archibald and David d’Urbano were a constant threat along with Collett, each hitting multiple RBI’s.

Daniela Phillips at bat

Slater was relieved after throwing more than a hundred pitches, and Michael Cresswell began well on the mound. But he then lost his zone and had to be substituted after suffering an injury. Rob Jones was the next to take the ball, getting out of the inning with the help of two infield fly balls but then issuing two walks and hitting a batter in the seventh.

With the Dukes now comfortably ahead there was little doubt that the game would end after seven innings on the mercy rule. But there were high still points for Herts. Catcher Andy Cornish hit a booming three-run triple in the sixth inning, the cherry on the top of a day which saw him go 2-for-2 with 4 RBI’s.

New players also enjoyed success. Rookie Chetan Shah made a good catch in the outfield and made better and better contact with the bat as the day went on. Daniela Phillips was substituted in to the demanding position of third base, and made the final defensive out with an impressive throw across the diamond on a ground ball.

All in all, manager Duncan Hoyle was disappointed but resolute. “There’s no shame in being beaten by the better team on the day”, he said, “and Richmond were very strong. We still made some good plays. We are at .500 on the year which is excellent, and the league is still wide open if we keep up the form we have been showing.”

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Win slips through Ravens claws as they leave 15 runners on base

The Herts Ravens travelled to Finsbury Park in the hope of pushing into the playoff race of the AAA League and they had the opportunity to do so, but failed to execute when the game was presented to them on a silver platter on numerous occasions.

AAA League Game 1: Herts Ravens 3 London Mets II 6 (click to view box scores)

The Mets II took a 6-1 lead in the first game of this doubleheader. Their pitchers Taichi and Rory Flood were doing very well to limit the Herts Ravens offense to 2 hits only but they were allowing too many walks (12). They allowed the bases to be loaded in 4 of the 7 innings most of which were with less than 2 outs. The Mets pitchers and defence somehow managed to get out of trouble with well executed double plays or strikeouts.

Despite this the Ravens will know that they missed a golden opportunity to pick up a win. They managed only 2 hits in 7 innings and left 15 runners on base, compared to 4 left on base by the Mets. They can take some positives though with Liam Green having a good outing and appearing to be recovering well after an arm injury earlier in the season. Green allowed only 1 earned run on 4 hits and, most importantly, no walks. Jake Caress also did well behind the plate catching a good game and working well with the pitchers to limit the Mets to 5 hits.

AAA League Game 2: Herts Ravens 0 London Mets II 12 (click to view box scores)

The Ravens had the opportunity to redeem themselves in the second game of the day, but came up against London’s pitcher, Matt, who dominated throughout. He struck out 9 and walked 2 in 5 innings of work. Going into the final inning he managed to get two quick outs and needed just one more to record an impressive no-hitter, but a 2-out line drive single to left centerfield took that away from him.

The Mets II clinched the win with a convincing 12-0 scoreline. Over the course of the two games only two Herts players managed to get a hit and the team as whole went 3-for-41, a batting average .073. Ravens Player-Manager, Carlos Casal, who is on the disabled list didn’t want to dwell too much on the outcome of this doubleheader. He said “It is best if we put this game behind us, put it out of our heads, recharge the batteries and come back strong next weekend against the Leones de Feltham”.

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Falcons look to end Mets’ unbeaten run this Sunday and blow the title race wide open

Herts Falcons’ wins on Sunday moved them up to second place in the NBL standings to set up an almighty encounter with the London Mets. It is arguably the biggest game of the NBL season so far – first against second. A sweep for Herts will move them into joint first place with the Mets, however if the Mets prevail they will open up a 3 or even a 4-game gap between them and the next team in the chasing pack, which would virtually secure an automatic postseason spot for the Mets.

The Londoners are still unbeaten this season (8-0) reminiscent of the invincible Mets of 2008 who went on to win the NBL title. The Southampton Mustangs went close to ending their winning streak two weeks ago taking them into extra innings but eventually losing 1-0. 3 weeks ago the Herts Falcons travelled to Finsbury Park and also came close but lost 4-2. That game proved to be a fiery affair. There isn’t any specific history of ill-feeling between the two teams. It has just been a case of the two teams fired up in what is proving to be a very competitive and exciting season.

In their first meeting the pitching matchups were Julian Summers (Mets) versus Darrin Ward (Falcons) in game one and Pietro Sollecito (Mets) versus Robbie Unsell (Falcons) in game two. Sollecito has been sensational leading the League in ERA (0.78) so he is a certainty to start one of the games, but beyond this it is difficult to predict the pitching matchups for this Sunday as both managers are spoilt for choice with large number of other starting pitching options.

Sunday’s clash is also a meeting of what are considered to be the two largest baseball clubs in Great Britain. Below we have put together a chart comparing various aspects of the two clubs. In terms of infrastructure and facilities they are more or less equal. The two organisations are also equal in terms of the number of their affiliated teams, with 7 teams each. However, the London Mets have a superior championship-winning record with 6 league titles, while Herts have 2.

Statistically this season the Mets have been outstanding so as expected they rank higher in all main categories with the exception of home runs where the Falcons have a slight advantage after home runs by Cris Hiche and Ryan Bird so far this season.

Herts will have home field advantage this Sunday and they will count on their loyal supporters to come out in force and help the team end London’s run. (click here for address and directions to Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead). Game starts at 1pm.

Two other top-of-the-table games from the BBF Single-A League will be played on the same day at Grovehill Ballpark. The Herts Eagles host the Richmond Dukes at 10am while the Herts Raptors will play the Essex Redbacks immediately after that from around 2pm.

 

HERTS FALCONS

LONDON METS

CLUB FACTS

1996

Year founded

1998

2

Adult baseball diamonds

1

0

Youth baseball diamonds

1

0

Softball diamonds

1

NUMBER OF BBF LEAGUE TEAMS

1

National Baseball League (NBL)

1

1

AAA League

2

1

AA League

1

2

A League

1

1

U17 League

1

1

U14 League

1

7

Total

7

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Runner-up in brackets)

0 (1)

NBL

2 (0)

1 (0)

AAA League

0 (0)

0 (1)

AA League

0 (0)

0 (0)

A League

0 (0)

0 (0)

U17 League

2 (2)

1 (1)

U14 League

2 (1)

2 (3)

Total

6 (3)

NBL 2013 SEASON

8-4

Wins-Losses

8-0

2nd

League position

1st

W2

Current streak

W8

7.25 (3rd)

Runs scored per game

8.13 (1st)

4.33 (3rd)

Runs allowed per game

2.63 (1st)

.305 (5th)

Batting average

.311 (3rd)

.365 (5th)

Slugging average

.388 (4th)

2 (3rd)

Home runs

0 (-)

3.14 (5th)

ERA

2.00 (2nd)

16

Fielding Errors

11