It sure is smooth sailing for the premier Pirates these days.
The Hub City Paving Pirates (18-2) won all four of their home games this past weekend and have now won 13 games in a row in the B.C. Premier Baseball League.
“It’s fun to come to the ballpark,” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager. “It’s been, so far, a pretty special year – 18-2 is ridiculous in baseball circles.”
The Pirates defeated the Coquitlam Reds on Saturday at Serauxmen Stadium by scores of 6-0 and 7-3. On Sunday the Pirates came from behind to beat the North Shore Twins 4-2, then mercied the Twins 11-1 to round out the weekend.
In Sunday’s early game, first baseman Cody Andreychuk drove in what proved to be the game-winning runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, smacking a two-run home run over the green monster in right field.
“I haven’t got it over there before so it feels really good, and to get the team the win, it was fun,” he said.
Then in the late game, Brendan McCarthy ended things in the sixth with a walk-off double to right centre.
The Pirates scored boatloads of runs on the weekend thanks to good approaches at the plate.
“Everyone’s seeing the ball really well,” said Andreychuk. “This weekend a lot of guys walked looking for their pitches and not being over-aggressive.”
The approaches worked even against some good pitching. Rogers noted that opposing teams are starting to run out their aces against Nanaimo.
“We’re seeing the best that every team has, and that’s a compliment to our team,” he said.
The flip side is that the Pirates are beginning to intimidate teams.
“For sure, and we love the feeling that teams will come in and they’re watching us doing our thing and being afraid of us,” said Alex Rogers, Pirates outfielder.
In Saturday’s shutout, Kenton Schroter was the winning pitcher, allowing just two hits.
The next game saw Chris Faber earn the ‘W’ on the mound. He received offensive support from Alex Rogers, Colby Morgan and Liam Goodall, who had two hits each, and Andreychuk who had a triple and three walks.
In Sunday’s first game, Morgan picked up the win. Andreychuk had a double to go with his homer and Brady Rogers and Alex Rogers also had two hits apiece.
In the finale, Nick Granton had a triple, a single and two walks, Morgan had a double, a single and two walks and McCarthy had two hits. Alex Rogers walked four times. Justin Clarkson was the winning pitcher, giving up three hits.
GAME ON … The Pirates play the defending-champion Victoria Mariners on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Serauxmen Stadium. For a preview of the game, please check back at www.nanaimobulletin.com on Tuesday.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com