Kettering Royals

Following the Kettering Royals 3 game losing streak, Mother Nature kept all teams off the fields with storms.  But the Boys in Blue have been back at it the last 2 weeks and they have made the most of it.  Last week the Royals faced off against the division leading Thunder looking to pickup a much needed divisional victory to keep pace.  The Royals sent Bryan Braswell to counter Thunder fireballer Matt Walters.  It was a pitching duel as Braswell and Watlers combined for 25 strikeouts in the game.  But with the game tied 1-1 in the top of the 8th the Royals were able to capitalize on a few hits and Thunder errors to eek out 3 crucial runs late in the game with the top of the Thunder lineup due up.  Braswell stayed in to try and finish the gem he had started and didn't disappoint.  After a leadoff walk he was able to retire the next 3 batters for the 4-1 CG victory.

 Following that exciting win against the Thunder, the "bare minimum" Royals looked to take the Dragons and their plethora of extras.  The Dragons showed the weekend wear after already playing 3 games on the weekend and sent any body and everybody to the mound.  The Royals offense exploded on the day belting 21 hits, 9 of which were doubles.  Royals catcher Mark Franklin and centerfielder Chris Jergens were each able to lift balls out of the park.  Frank Burgos started on the hill for the Royals, making his first start since he was beat up againts the Thunder in May, and showed some rust, but was able to throw 6 strong innings giving up only 3 hits.  Adam Thomas was also able to bounce back from his last trip to the mound as he needed just 4 pitches to close out the 20-7 victory over the Dragons.   On the day Royals veteran Kevin Reynolds picked up his first 2 hits of the 2010 season, and Franklin's Homerun was his first since 2006.

The Boys in Blue are off this weekend to celebrate our Independence, but will be back in action on July 8th as they will take on the Dayton Astros in their first matchup of the season.  The game will be played at historic Howell field and will start at 7:00 PM.  Please be sure to show up early to secure a good seat for the game.