Kettering Royals

Since suffering a close 7-5 loss to the Beavercreek Sox almost 2 weeks ago the Royals have bounced back. One week ago the Boys in Blue battled back and forth against the Sox as Kevin Reynolds worke hard against the Sox before Drew Dobbins was able to pickup the 9-8 save. Then this past Sunday the Royals faced off against the Astros who are missing a lot of key personel. The Royals were able to begin their win streak as they cruised to a 22-12 victory.

Last night Boys in Blue faced off on a very hot and humid night against the Cardinals. The Royals were the visitors in the game and were able to strike first as Brian Duffy was able to score on a double by Jesus Velasquez for the quick 1-0 lead. However it was short lived, as an early error in the second allowed Nate King to reach base and he later scored off on a Chad Jaynes single to tie it up at 1's. The Royals were able to plate 2 more in the top of the 3rd as Tim Biedenharn drilled a double off the left field fence to score DJ Swearingen and Duffy. With a 3-1 lead the game became a pitchers duel as Frank Burgos (Royals) and William Howard (Cardinals) mowed down batters on both sides. Entering the 7th the Royals held a slim 3-1 lead as Jason Holmberg started things off with a single between 1st and 2nd. Royals Rookie Chris Smith entered the game to run for Holmberg as the Royals looked to pickup an insurance run. Smith promptly stole 2nd and was moved 3rd on a pass ball. Kevin Reynolds was able to plate Smith on a hard hit ball for the 4-1 lead. Howard was able to close out the top of the 7th picking up his 7th and 8th K's on the night. The Cardinals went to bat in the bottom of the 7th as Burgos looked to close out what he had started. However the heat and humidity got to him as he lead of the 7th hitting the first batter and giving up a single that put runners on the corners. The Royals went to the bullpen for some relief as Adam Thomas entered the game for the Royals. With runners on the corners Ryan Kreitzer moved up as Thomas faced S. Schwendeman. S. Schwendeman was able to get a much needed hit for the Cardinals as he reached for a fastball to slap it into the hole to plate 1 again putting runners on the corners with MVABL number 1 draft pick Aaron Thacker stepping into the box. Thomas battled Thacker, but eventually gave up the walk on a close pitch to load the bases. With the bases juiced and no outs the Royals again went to the bullpen for some relief bringing in Chris Jergens. Jergens entered in quite a jam, but was up to the challenge. Jergens struck out Kevin Enchelmeyer for the 1st out of the inning bringing Cardinals skipper Nate King to the plate. King battled Jergens fouling off several pitches before Jergens again won the batter picking up his 2nd K. With 2 outs and the bases loaded Howard stepped into the box looking to salvage his great game on the hill. Jergens missed with his first pitch, but then beared down and threw 3 fastballs past the Cardinals pitcher to secure the 4-2 save for the Royals 3rd straight victory.