RUNNING ON ALL CYLINDERS, THE MAJESTIC ROYALS TOP THE DEVILISH RAYS TO WIN THER OPENING ROUND ROBIN PLAYOFF GAME AT CHRISTIE PITS
ROYAL EFFORT > Clockwise from top left: Royals pitcher James (6) threw two scoreless innings versus the Rays while striking out three; After earning a walk in the second inning, Jackson (8) boldly stole his way around the bases to score the Royals winning run; Rory (2) stroked a key 2 RBI single in the second; Kaenoa (3) delivers a 2 RBI double in the third; Royals closer Lewis (11) pitched a scoreless fourth while striking out two to seal the deal.
Beneath a ceiling of warm and humid skies, the Royals topped the Rays 9-3 in 3 ½ innings of Mosquito Division round robin playoff action this evening at Christie Pits Diamond 2.
In a fun proceeding contested by two talented and well schooled teams, the Royals ultimately reigned supreme with a combination of solid pitching, strong defense and an opportunistic offense.
Royals starter James (6) struck out two in the top of the first to keep the Rays off the scoresheet and in the aquarium.
The Royals would jump out to an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. After leading off the inning with a single, Mekai (14) would steal third. On the play, the Rays would commit an error that allowed Mekai to motor home with the opening run of the game.
After James singled and stole second, Callum (13) delivered a RBI single that allowed James to come home to roost. Subsequently, a Rays error would allow Callum to come home.
In a gritty effort, Rays starter Devin (6) had a spirited inning on the mound in the first.
Exercising patience at the dish, the Rays would take advantage of five walks and a hit in the top of the second to score three and tie the game 3-3. After a lead off single by Evan (9), Ethan (15) drew a walk to put two ducks on the pond. A Royals error would allow Evan to blaze home with the Rays first run of the proceeding.
With two outs, Devon (7) and Parker (3) garnered back to back walks to load the bases. Kismet (12) and Tiger (4) followed with consecutive RBI walks that allowed Ethan and Devon to come homeward bound.
In a determined effort, Royals reliever Jashan (9) had a spirited foray on the hill in the second.
However, the Royals would answer back with three in the bottom of the second to take a 6-3 lead. After a leadoff walk, Jackson (8) brazenly stole his way around the bases to put the Royals back into the lead.
After Elayna (12) and Lewis (11) garnered walks to put two runners on base, Rory (2) stroked a 2 RBI single to bring them home.
Royals second baseman Jade (1) made a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious catch on scorching line drive in the fourth inning.
In a workmanlike effort, Rays reliever Dante (13) had a spirited frame on the mound in the second.
James would strike out one in the top of the third to keep the Rays off the scoreboard.
The Royals would add three insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth to increase their advantage to 9-3. After Matthew (5), Jashan and Zev (7) drew consecutive walks to open the inning and load the bases, Kaenoa (3) delivered a 2 RBI double to bring home Matthew and Jashan. A subsequent Rays error would open the door for Zev to motor home with a run.
In a strident effort, Rays reliever PJ (2) had a spirited foray on the hill in the third.
Royals closer Lewis (11) would strike out two in the top of the fourth to keep the Rays off the scoring ledger and seal the deal on the win.
Lewis was helped out during the inning on a super defensive play by second baseman Jade (1), who made a Gold Glove catch of a scorching hot tamale line drive in the shoestrings of her glove to rob PJ of a sure hit and record the first out of the frame.
And in a gesture of good sportsmanship, Rays reliever Nicolas (5) would strike out two in the bottom of the fourth to allow everyone in the Royals fourteen player roster an opportunity to have an at bat.