Kettering Royals

After a winless June (0-4), the Boys in Blue have bounced back in the month of July going 5-3 picking up wins in their last 3 games. The month of July has ended with a bang for the Royals as the picked up the double-header sweep of the Indians this past Sunday with 12-7 & 10-8 victories. In game 1 Tim Biedenharn had the game of his career going 4-4 with 4 runs scored, 3 RBI's, a double, and back-to-back homeruns in his final 2 at-bats. Falling only a triple shy of the cycle! In the game Jergens & Burgos also hit long balls. Royals Rookie Frank Burgos started on the hill and pitched a great game in front of his family. He threw a complete game striking out 5 in the game 1 12-7 victory.

During the brief intermission the Boys in Blue were re-energized with the help of a great picnic lunch supplied by the Reynolds family. In the nightcap Royals veteran Brenden Regan started on the hill. Mirror Burgos' start, Regan also pitched a complete game for a Royals victory. A few Indian long balls in the 7th and final inning made it interesting, but Regan was able to retire the final batter on an easy F4 for the 10-8 win. At the plate the Royals picked up key hits (and walks) off the Indians starter when needed. Highlights at the plate for the Boys in Blue included, Veteran Brian Duffy who hit a triple off the wall clear the bases capping off a 5 run second, Biedenharn stayed hot in game 2 going 0-0, with 1 run scored, 3 walks, and 3 RBIs, Kevin Reynolds plated 2 RBIs on 2 hits, Rudegeair was 2-2 with 3 runs, and Velasquez rebounded to go 2-3 scoring 2 runs in the 10-8 victory in the nightcap.

After a brief days rest the Royals were back in action Tuesday night at Rotary Park against 3rd place Shockers. The Shockers sent Jeff Cherry to the hill who has had the Royals number their last 2 meetings. For the Royals, Rookie left-hander Tyler Allen made his first start of the season. Allen had a rough start finding the zone in the first inning and with the help of the sun the Shockers were able to jump out to a quick 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the first the Royals were able to plate one as Biedenharn was able to score on a pass ball after reaching on a single and then moved over to third on a Jergens single. From there Allen worked inning after inning holding the Shockers at bay keeping the Royals in the game. Over Allen's final 5 1/3 innings of work he recorded 1 K, 8 Fly-outs, 6 ground-ball outs, and only gave up 4 hits. Down 4-1 the Royals were able to cut the lead in half as Biedenharn was again able to score on a pass ball after landing on third off his first triple of the year. In the 5th Reynolds got the Royals within 1 of the Shockers with a sacrifice fly that was able to plate Jameson from third. With a score sitting at 4-3 in favor of the Shockers in the top of the 6th, they were able to pickup an insurance run as the Shockers' Allen was able to score on a fielder's choice. However in the bottom of the 6th down 2 runs the Royals battled back off Shockers reliever Damon Barr. Rookie Chris Jergens led off the inning with a sharp single down the first base line, and after a quick K, veteran Jesus Velasquez III stepped up to the plate. Down 0-2 in the count, and his Mom and Daughter Savannah looking on, Jesus hit a clutch 2 run HR over the left field fence for his first of the year to tie the game at 5. In the 7th, Allen was replaced by Eric Jameson, coming on for his 2nd relief appearance, as the Shockers were able to get runners on 1st and 3rd with only 1 out. A quick pickoff play recorded the 2nd out of the inning, but Kuhn was able to move up to 2nd. With a Shocker runner still in scoring position Jameson was able to get the much needed flyout to end the threat. In the bottom of the 7th Barr worked quickly sitting the Royals down in order with the help of a 4-6-3 double play ball sending the game into extras tied 5-5. In the 8th Jameson mirrored Barr's performance and was able to pickup 3 quick outs bringing the Boys in Blue to the plate with the heart of their order due up. Biedenharn led off the inning for the Royals and was able to draw a key walk getting the winning run on base. However Biedenharn was unable to score as he was gunned down at the play by an excellent relay from the fence off a Jergens blast that fell a few feet short. With 1 out the Shockers were able to pickup the 2nd out of the inning with a short fly at the plate. With 2 outs, and 1st base open, the Shockers elected to intentionally walk Velasquez to setup the force anywhere. Following the velasquez's walk, Royals skipper Mark Franklin, was also able to draw a 2 out walk loading the bases. The Shockers still had a force at any base with 2 outs as Jason Holmberg stepped up to the plate. Not leaving anything to chance Holmberg jumped on the first pitch he saw and was able to hammer it between the Shortstop and Third baseman for the game winning walkoff single. Jameson recorded the victory as the Royals won 6-5, but Allen's 6 1/3 innings was key to keeping the Royals in it until the end.

I want to say thank you again to the Reynolds family for the picnic lunch between games Sunday, I truly think this helped us perform at the level needed for the victory in game 2 against the always tough Indians. Up next for the Royals, they have one more game this Sunday before the league breaks for the All-Star festivities. The Boys in Blue will face off at 4 PM in Springfield at Carleton Davidson Stadium, home of the Wittenburg Tigers. We hope that all the Royals family, friends, and fans can make it out to support the team. Be sure to check the locations page for a map if needed. We hope to see you at the ballpark.