North Delta Pirates Fall Victim to Cloverdale Rangers Rally
The North Delta Pirates could not hold onto the lead against the Cloverdale Rangers on Tuesday at Hillcrest Park in Surrey and fell 6-5 despite leading by five at one point.
Please see a recap of the game below:
A single by Ryo Ikeda put the North Delta Pirates on the board first in the top of the first.
North Delta added two more runs in the third. Tyler Conway doubled on an 0-2 count, making the score 3-0.
In the top of the fourth everything seemed well in hand when the North Delta Pirates added to their lead to make the score 5-0 when Noah Saunders scored on a ground out and Tyler Bernabe scored on an error.
But the wheels started to come off in the bottom of the fourth as Cloverdale scored two runs courtesy of singles by D. Gair and M. Bhangu and the score was 5-2.
Then, in the bottom of the fifth Cloverdale scored on a fly ball to center, closing the gap to 5-3. The Rangers then singled and were hit by pitch, and the bases were loaded with two out. North Delta made a pitching change and a hard-hit ground ball to third caused an error and Cloverdale scored to tie the game 5-5. The next Ranger batter was hit by pitch and the bases were loaded again. North Delta then walked in the go-ahead run and Cloverdale had their first lead of the game 6-5. A ground out mercifully ended the inning but the damage was done and Cloverdale led.
Two additional scoreless innings were played and the game ended in a one-run victory for the Cloverdale Rangers, ending North Delta’s double-digit winning streak and late-season surge toward second place in the standings - a place Cloverdale now trails by only a half game.
Liam Jones stepped on the mound first for the North Delta Pirates. They took the loss, allowing seven hits and six runs (five earned) over four and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking two.
Lukas Dance stepped on the bump first for Cloverdale. They surrendered six hits and five runs (one earned) over three and one-third innings, striking out three and walking one.
Ikeda entered the game in a tough spot with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning. They pitched one and one-third innings but failed to earn the save for North Delta, walking one and hitting another while giving up zero earned runs.
Conway drove the middle of the lineup, leading the North Delta Pirates with two runs batted-in. In the top of the fourth they seemed poised for a huge day but a fly out to right stranded three Pirate runners and the inning ended.
Bernabe led North Delta with two his in four at bats from the leadoff position.
North Delta turned one double play in the game.
The North Delta Pirates will play their last scheduled game of the regular season on Thursday when they travel to meet the North Shore Knights in a game that will contribute to their final placing in the standings. More will be known in the coming days but the North Delta Pirates have earned their spot in the BC Provincial Tournament that will see the top eight 18U AAA BC Minor Baseball teams vie to become provincial champions July 25th through July 28th at Hillcrest Field in Surrey.
For more information about the North Delta Pirates and to view player and coach profiles, visit www.northdeltapirates.ca. Follow the team on Instagram (@northdeltapirates), Facebook, and Twitter (@piratesnd) for exclusive content and updates throughout the season.
To become a team sponsor or for media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Matt Grant
Director with the North Delta Pirates
northdeltapirates@gmail.com
