Bantam Royals in 1st Place
Posted May 15, 2016
As we approach the halfway point of the 32-game Bantam AA schedule, the Ridge Meadows Royals have moved in to first place after sweeping a home-and-home series this week with the now second place Ladner Red Sox.
The Royals took the first game on Tuesday night at Pitt Meadows Athletic Park by a score of 6-0. Nick Baust got the start and continued his dominant streak, throwing a complete game while allowing only 5 hits (no walks) and striking out 5. On offence, the Royals took advantage of the few opportunities they had, as Darian Guemos hit a 3-run home run and Oliver Para hit a 3-run double that accounted for all of the runs.
On Saturday the Royals traveled to Cromie Park to face Ladner for the third and final time in the regular season. The visitors were able to complete the season sweep with a hard-fought 3-1 win. Guemos started on the hill and was brilliant over 6 innings, allowing a run on just 2 hits while striking out 12. Nick Stroud pitched the 7th inning to pick up the save. Para continued his hot hitting with a 2-run double.
The Royals now sit atop the standings with a 13-2 record. The Royals will host a pair of home games this week, with Richmond (Monday) and Cloverdale (Wednesday) both visiting Hammond Stadium before the Royals will take part in the Tsawwassen May Long Weekend tournament beginning Saturday.