Kettering Royals

On a hot Sunday afternoon the Royals faced off in their first matchup of the season with the Camden Redlegs.  In game 1 the Redlegs jumped out to an early 8-0 lead on the Royals before they were really heated up in the first inning.  After settling in Royals starter Tyler Eaton controlled the Redleg offense over the remaining 6 innings, but they were unable to find any holes to plate enough runs.  However in game 2 the tables would turn.  It was the Royals turn to score as they were able to send 16 batters to the plate in the 2nd inning scoring 11.  However as the at-bats wore on both teams were starting to feel the heat from the summer sun as the game slowed to a crawl.  The Royals were able to score 18 runs to earn Rookie Derek Barnhart his first W, but the Redlegs made it interesting off of Royals reliever Matt Piskor.  Piskor pounded the zone, but unfortunately the heart of the Redlegs order was able to make some good connection.  Shaun Delozier was called in to quiet the Redleg bats and with 2 outs in the top of the 7th after 5 pitches the game was over, 18-10.

 It was nice to get a split on the day to keep pace with the rest of the division, but the Royals need to start finding some luck on a lot of their hits.  In the loss on the day the Royals only had 3 K's and put everything else in play, but just weren't able to get a lot to fall.  Hopefully the game 2 offensive explosion carries through the MVABL Bye week as their next game is with the Mad River Machine on Tuesday June 23 at 8pm at Action Sports.  Come out to watch the Royals battle it out under the lights.