Kettering Royals

The Royals picked up a pair of wins this weekend as they squared off against the Dayton Rangers who were in ahead of them in the playoff standings by the same 2 games.  Saturdays matchup was a fierce one as the Rangers sent their 9-1 ace, Jacob Robinson, to the hill as the Boys in Blue countered with their Wittenburg alum, Jason Holmberg.  Holmberg has been happered by a sore elbow and shoulder, but always manages to muster the strength to come through when needed the most.  Holmberg picked up the victory with a complete game as the Boys in Blue bested the Rangers by 2, winning 8-6 in game one.

 On Sunday the Boys in Blue headed to the ballpark for game 2 against the Dayton Rangers who now held a slim half game lead.  The Royals sent veteran Kyle Ubinger to the mound for a very rare start for the teams closer as the Rangers sent their catcher Shane Fallen to the hill.  As in game one, the Royals were patient at the plate and as the innings progress the continued to tack on run after run as they built a safe lead.  After 5 innings of work Ubi turned the ball over to Falkowski to close it out.  After a shakey couple of innings Falko went 1-2-3 in the last inning of work as the game was shortly halted due to time constraints with the Royals up.  Game 2 scores and stats to be added shortly.

Up next for the Boys in Blue, they have 2 more tough games to wrap up the 2008 Regular Season against the Dayton Panthers and the Springfield Indians.  Both games are very important to the squad as the look to hold onto their number 2 seed heading into the playoffs.  Be sure to come out Tuesday at 7 & again on Saturday at 1 to cheer on your Boys in Blue.

Sunday marked the return of a pair of Royals to the ball field. After a two and a half hiatus flamethrower Kyle Ubinger made his return to the squad. Kyle was solid at the plate after starting the day off with a K he buckled down to record a pair of walks, a few foul tips, and finished up with a triple. Ubi also recorded 2 shutout innings to work the kinks out before he takes the mound next Sunday for his first start of the 2008 season. However, he showed what a valuable asset he is to the squad playing 3 different positions around the infield on the day, and he even received a welcome back gift from Royals Rookie outfielder Brendan Regan as his throw from the outfield took a "Rotary Hop" and let it's mark on the side of Ubi's noggin!!

On the day the Boys in Blue also welcomed back OF/P Kevin Reynolds and his family to the ballpark after their tragic loss. Reynolds took the mound for the start in game 2, but after a rocky first inning allowing 4 runs, he settled down and only gave up 2 more runs in his final 5 innings of work. Reynolds threw 6 solid innings to record the win in his first game back.

Game stats and recap will follow.

The Kettering Royals played Tuesday night against the Dayton Panthers.  The Boys in Blue had been in a bit of a slump, losing 3 straight and being out-scored 18-51.  However, the team got a much needed victory to restore morale to the Royals dugout.  Several Royals had multiple hits, but veteran first baseman Shawn Rudegeair was perfect on the night going 5-5 plating 4 RBIs and recording 4 runs of his own.  It was an overall team effort though as the defense looked sharp and all batters were patient at the plate waiting for that one they liked.  Be sure to check out the game summary for a full recap.

Up next for the Boys in Blue are the Dayton Aviators.  The Royals grounded the Aviators in their first matchup with a 17-4 victory.  Rookie Jason Holmberg and veteran Scott Falkowski are on tap to take the mound this Sunday for the Boys in Blue as they look to pickup a pair after being swept in their first DH.  The games will be at Rotary Park, with game one starting at 10am.  Be sure to come out and root on your Royals.

Royals retiree Chad Campbell and his wife Lori welcomed their latest bundle of joy to the world Monday.  Kaden Allen arrived @ 9:25 AM weighing 7 lbs 5 oz and measured 21 inches long.  Everyone is doing well, and at press time they should be on their way home from the hospital.  If you would like to leave a message for Chad and Lori you can find the baby's webpage on Kettering Hospitals Baby Gallery, Baby Kaden .

From all the Royals Family Congratulations on your new addition!!

As the 2008 season progresses the Boys in Blue have been tuning up for the heart of the season.  The league is about to enter the heart of the year that will make or break teams as the teams will be playing games every week from here out.  What's in store for the Boys in Blue you ask?  They play 14 games over the next 6 weeks consisting of 5 double-headers, 2 weeknight games, and 2 Solo Sundays, leading up to the All-Star break on August 10th!  It will be a tough stretch for the Boys in Blue, but the team is ready for the challenge.  The Royals kick-off their road trip this Sunday in their first match-up against 2007 Regular Season Champs, the Beavercreek Sox, at 6 PM at Rotary Park.  The Sox are posting a 4-1 record, and outscoring their opponents 41-10.  Royals Veteran Kevin Reynolds will be on the hill to start the game this Sunday.  Be sure to show up early to get a bleacher seat for this great game.