Herts Falcons manager Lee Manning could only tip his hat to the Bracknell Blazers after his team was beaten handsomely on Sunday.
The Blazers won both matches in the weekend’s double-header, taking the first 10-6 and the second 11-1. In both, they leapt into an early lead and didn’t relinquish it.
Edwin Alcantara hit a solo homer and Jose Sosa launched a two-run tape measure shot over the wall but it wasn’t enough as four runs in the fifth inning put the Blazers well in front in the first game.
Bracknell’s onslaught continued in the second as they sussed out Sosa’s pitching early and never looked back.
“We have to tip our caps to our opponents and congratulate them on a well deserved win,” said Manning.
The Falcons will look to rebound this Sunday when they take on NBL leaders the London Mets.
The other Herts team in action at the weekend was the Hawks. They travelled to Tonbridge in an eagerly awaited clash between two of only three remaining unbeaten teams in the Single-A League.
It proved to be a pitchers’ duel between Nic Goetz and Gareth Nutt, who both pitched complete games. Tonbridge held a commanding 9-5 lead in the fifth inning, but the Hawks gradually found a way back into the game.
Most of their rallies started with two outs and no runners on base. Sony Lama’s double drove in two runs in the ninth inning to tie the game at 9-9 and take it into extra innings.
The Hawks took the lead with two more runs in the 10th inning and held on for a dramatic 12-11 win stranding the tying run on second base.
The Hawks host the Essex Archers this Sunday. The Herts Eagles are also at home where they will face the Essex Redbacks.
In the U15 baseball leagues, the Herts Cardinals won both of their games against Forest Glade Redbacks. Those included a phenomenal four-home-run day for Herts youngster Aaron Witter. In the U12 league, Herts lost to Brentwood but won their game against the Essex Redbacks.
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