The Hub City Paving Pirates have returned to their winning ways in time for a packed weekend of ball games.
The city’s B.C. Premier Baseball League team (27-11) swept a doubleheader Tuesday in Surrey, beating the Fraser Valley Chiefs by scores of 1-0 and 8-6.
In the first game, Justin Clarkson earned the win on the mound, allowing three hits while striking out seven batters over six innings of work. Alex Rogers supplied Nanaimo's RBI and Joey Sabo had the only other hit for the visitors.
The second game the offence was more productive, with Cody Andreychuk cashing in three RBIs. Ryan Smith had a double, two runs scored and two RBIs and Clarkson went 3-for-4 at the dish. Nick Smiley was the winning pitcher, giving up two hits and two earned runs over four innings while striking out five.
The Pirates take on the Vancouver Cannons on Saturday (July 9) at the Serauxmen Sports Fields, then play the Abbotsford Cardinals on Sunday across the street at Serauxmen Stadium. Games start at noon and 2:30 p.m. both days.