Kettering Royals

The Kettering Royals got off to a hot start before the April Showers slowed things down this past weekend...  The Royals picked up a 13-1 opening day victory over the new Miami River Marlins to kick off the season 2 Sundays ago.  In the game strong pitching from starter Ron Roberts kept the Marlins in check.  He went 6 strong innings and recorded 11 K's.  At the plate 9 of the 11 Royals batters were able to pickup a hit, but everyone was able to reach base at one point in the game with the help from either a keen eye or uncontrolled pitch.  At the plate Eric Jameson, Kevin Nossem, and Shane Page each recorded 2 hits, and skipper Mark Franklin led the offense going 3-4.

This past Sunday in week 2 the Royals rolled into Howell Field hoping to get the game in before the skies opened up.   They were able to start the game, but as the innings wore on the rain just kept coming and coming and finally in the bottom half of the third inning the game was suspended with the Royals leading 9-2 with guys on 1st and 2nd with no one out.  Highlights from the rain suspended game include balls crushed off the centerfield fence from Chris Flaherty(2B), Tyler Eaton(1B-held up due to slow running conditions by guys in front of him), and Eric Jameson(3B).  The game should be made up as part of a Double Header on June 7th.

Up next for the Royals is a game against the always tough South Dayton Slammers.  The Slammers have had the Royals number during the regular season dominating the series 6-1 the past 3 years, but the Royals were able to pickup 2 key Wins against them when in it truly counted in the 2013 Semifinals enroute to their 4th league title.  However the Royals have added a lot of new faces to the roster this season and feel that this new group brings a new energy to the team that will be looking to make another run this season.  Unfortunately there is more rain forecasted for this weekend so the Royals hope the fields are able to hold up and they'll get to take the field.  The first pitch is scheduled for 1pm at Howell Field.  Come out and support the team and Royals Rookie Tyler Eaton as he makes his 1st start for the Boys in Blue.