TAKING NO PRISONERS, THE ROYALS STYMIE THE HALOS AT BICKFORD PARK
ROYAL ACES > Top to bottom: Royals starter James (6) and reliever Kaenoa (3) combined for six strikeouts in the first two innings to keep the Angels off the basepaths and the scoreboard at Bickford Park.
Beneath a canopy of hot and humid skies, the Royals defeated the Angels 12-6 in 3 ½ innings of Mosquito Division action this evening at Bickford Park.
In an entertaining affair between two talented and well coached teams, the Royals patiently built on their lead while neutralizing the potent Angels offense with some stellar pitching and solid defense to emerge with the victory.
Seizing upon an Angels error, Mekai (14) blazes home from third with the Royals winning run. In three at bats, Mekai drew three walks with two runs scored and a RBI.
In 1-2-3 fashion, Royals starter James (6) struck out three in the top of the first to keep the Angels off the bases and off the scoresheet.
The Royals burst out of the palace gates with four runs in the bottom of the first to stake themselves to an early 4-0 lead. After Jackson (8) singled and Mekai (14) walked to lead off the inning, a Halos error opened the door for Jackson to blaze home from third with the first run of the game.
After a walk to James put two runners on the basepaths, another Angels faux pas would allow Mekai to motor home from third. Subsequently, James would steal two bases to reach third and come zooming home on a brazen theft of home to put the Royals up 3-0.
With one out, Parker (10), Matthew (5) and Elayna (12) drew consecutive walks to load the bases. Thomas (?) followed with RBI single to plate Parker.
In a spirited effort on the mound, Angels starter Julien (8) struck out one during the first inning.
Royals reliever Kaenoa (3) would mow down three Angels in order in the top of the second with a John Deere X754 Diesel Mowing Tractor to keep the Halos in the pews and off the scoreboard.
Putting the majestic pedal to the metal, the Royals added four more in the bottom of the second to widen their advantage to 8-0. After Lewis (11) [walk], Dashiell (15) [hit by pitch] and Jackson [walk] loaded the bases to open the inning, Mekai drew a RBI walk that plated Lewis.
James would enter the batter’s box and hit into a bases loaded fielder’s choice that allowed Dashiell to come home to roost.
In two trips to the dish, Jack (10) sparked the Angels offense by going 2 for 2 with a run scored and 2 RBI’s.
Later, an Angels error would allow Mekai to blaze homeward safely and put the Royals up 7-0. James would follow with another grand theft of home.
In a determined foray on the hill, Angels reliever Alex (9) put in a spirited effort during the second frame.
With their backs to the wall, the Angels offense surged to life in the top of the third as they scored four to slice the deficit to four. After Matthew (11), Sadie (6) and Julien drew consecutive walks to load the bases, Maggie (4) hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Matthew to come home with the Halos first run of the game.
With two ducks on the pond, Jack (10) would follow with a clutch one out 2 RBI single that allowed Jackson and Maggie to come homeward bound and trim the margin to 8-3.
After Alex and Aiden (13) walked to reload the bases, Matthew followed with a RBI walk that brought Jack home to roost.
In a concerted effort on the mound, Royals reliever Jackson (8) induced a ground out during the third inning.
![Lewis (11) lit the flame under the Royals attack by going 1 for 1 [walk, double] in two at bats with two runs scored and 2 RBI's versus the Halos.](https://torontoplaygrounds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC08181-001.jpg)
Lewis (11) lit the flame under the Royals attack by going 1 for 1 [walk, double] in two at bats with two runs scored and 2 RBI’s versus the Halos.
After Dashiell, Jackson and Mekai followed with consecutive walks to load the bases, James stroked a RBI single that plated Dashiell.
In a gritty effort on the hill, Angels reliever Jack (10) struck out one during the third inning.
Refusing to surrender, the pesky Angels donned their rally caps in the top of the fourth and made a determined effort to stage a comeback rally. After Sadie garnered a lead off walk to open the frame, Maggie stroked a one out RBI double to bring her home and cut the deficit to seven.
After a single by Jack and a walk by Aiden loaded the bases, Matthew drew a two out RBI walk that allowed Maggie to saunter homeward and trim the margin to 12-6.
Shaken, but not stirred, Royals southpaw closer Lewis (11) would strike out three in the fourth to leave the bases loaded and seal the deal on a hard fought victory over a tough opponent.