North Delta Pirates Lose in Pre-Season Tilt Despite Out Hitting Cloverdale Rangers

The North Delta Pirates were handed a 10-7 loss in pre-season action by the Cloverdale Rangers on Saturday at Mackie Park, despite out-hitting their opponents ten to eight. Eliaz Murti led the charge for the North Delta Pirates with three hits in the losing effort.

The North Delta Pirates got off to a strong start in the first inning, when Noah Grant's single scored Tyler Conway to give them an early lead. However, the Rangers quickly regained control in the top of the third inning. A wild pitch allowed one run to score, followed by a walk that brought in another. And then an error later in the frame resulted in two more runs crossing the plate and Cloverdale found themselves up 4-1 at the end of the inning. It stayed that way until the top of the sixth when a North Delta Pirate error and a walk accounted for two more runs and Cloverdale held a commanding 6-1 lead at the middle of six. But, the North Delta Pirates rallied in the bottom of the sixth tallying four runs on four hits and trimming the margin to make it a 6-5 Cloverdale lead. The two teams traded additional runs in the seventh and eighth innings and Cloverdale continue to hold a one run lead, 8-7, going into the ninth. They added two more runs in the ninth and the game ended 10-7 in favour of Cloverdale.

Cole James started on the mound for North Delta, throwing two innings in which he allowed one hit and two runs, striking out five and issuing three walks. Murti, Kesler Curtis, Grant, and Connor Wilson pitched the remaining innings in relief, collectively surrendering an additional eight runs (four earned).

Despite their offensive output, the North Delta Pirates could not overcome a combination of walks, fielding errors, and timely hitting from Cloverdale. James contributed two RBIs from the seventh spot in the lineup, finishing 1-for-3 on the day. Curtis added two hits in four at-bats, while Grant reached base on four of five at-bats. The North Delta Pirates totalled seven free passes for the game.

Cloverdale exhibited impressive patience at the plate, drawing fourteen walks over the course of the game versus seven for the North Delta Pirates. Cloverdale earned ten runs in the game on seven hits. They also turned one double play in the game.

The North Delta Pirates will return to action Saturday, March 29th at Mackie Park against the North Shore Lions.

For more information about the North Delta Pirates, 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