Surrey Indians VS Newton Royals

Indians go toe to toe against the Royals

What a ball game! The Newton Royals and Surrey Indians locked horns at Central Park in a classic pitcher’s duel. The game featured outstanding pitching from both sides and good defense as evidenced by the score of 1-0. In total, the Royals used 3 hurlers while the Indians used 2.

This game marked the return of key players in Ratelle and Sibley; we also spotted former Indian Rob and wife Sandra Aubertin in the stands, rooting in support of the tribe. They were accompanied by a 6 month old little one… perhaps…um, Robbie’s in training??? This game also marked the first time the Indians enjoyed home field advantage -- in a Montreal Expos--San Juanish -- sort of way. The Indians will finally play on their home turf on Sunday June 15th; a brand new playing field awaits.

The Indians could only knock 4 base hits in this game, one of them a double by T. Jones. It wasn’t really a lack of contact that contributed to our poor production; there were in fact, some very hard hit balls but they were hit almost perfectly at every defender on the field. The Royals’ shortstop never moved an inch on more than a few occasions.

In the bottom of the third inning, T.Jones reached base on an error by the Royals’ third baseman. B. Tonogai followed with a single. K. Neidert then laid down a beautiful sac bunt down the first base line. With one away, K. Grace chopped a high bouncer to third, Jones running on contact from third, was gunned down at the plate. It took a perfect throw to nail Jones at home. The threat ended with the Indians scoring no runs.

The tribe threatened again in the bottom of the sixth inning when Tonogai reached base on a free pass. Neidert followed with a single to centre. As the centre fielder bobbled the ball, Tonogai took off for third and made it safely. Neidert would get caught stealing second base one out later. After Sibley earned yet another walk, this threat ended with the same result as the previous one; no runs for the tribe.

In the bottom of the eighth, Jones led off with a double to left centre and Tonogai reached base by getting hit for the 3rd time in two games. We’ll have to get this kid a body armor soon. This again was developing into a very good threat until the next hitter K’d and the one after flied to centre. After Sibley walked to load the bases, the inning ended with a fly ball to right field. The tribe was 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position in this ball game.

O. Matsubara was outstanding in relief of K. Neidert who pitched the first five innings of the ball game. Matsubara tossed 4 innings of no-hit ball, allowed no walks, and struck out 7 batters while facing the minimum number of Royals. The only things in the way of perfection for this outing were a couple of miscues by the Indian defense but those base runners were quickly erased as the tribe turned two impressive double plays. At one point, Matsubara K’d 6 Royals consecutively.

Neidert held his own on the mound as he continues to give the Indians a chance to win ballgames every time he climbs the hill. Unfortunately for Neidert, he would end up taking the loss on this one, as the Royals managed to scratch out a run in the top of the third inning. Neidert allowed 6 hits, 2 walks, and K’d 3 while facing 20 Royals batters.
It was a very good ballgame all around and hopefully the tribe can cowboy up and come thru with clutch base hits in our next assignment. That will take place on Sunday June 15th at 5:30 in the newly revitalized Whalley Stadium.

Please don’t forget to vote for the player of the game, this game and the previous two games are open for voting.
The nominees for player of the game Indians VS Royals are:

Brayden Tonogai 1 for 1, 1BB, 1HBP
Kris Neidert 1 for 3, 1B, 1SAC * 5 IP, 6H, 1ER, 2BB, 3K
Orien Matsubara 1 for 4, 1SB * 4 IP, 0H, 0BB, 7K
Tyler Jones 1 for 3, 2B