Dawgs Attack Early, But Royals Outrun The Pack

The Royals found a new rival in a much-improved Big Dawg squad Sunday, winning a see-saw battle 20-8.  The game was a lot closer than the final score suggests, as the Royals found themselves trailing 8-5 heading into the bottom of the 4th.  But their bats came to life, scoring 15 unanswered runs and running away with the victory in the end.

Missing 6 defensive starters, plus their DH (who's arguably their biggest home run threat), the Royals called in a few super-subs and leaned on their veterans.  Mike Miller took the hill again and showed that his arm still has a little magic left in it.  He threw a 6-inning complete game, allowing 8 runs (3 earned) on 10 hits, 1 hit batsman and no walks.  While the defense was shaky at times (7 errors), they did flash some leather with some outstanding plays in the outfield (Joaquin Carrasco, Andrew Miller, Gio Smith) and an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play on a slow roller (Jake Romo-Manny Johnson-Eric Addis.)

On offense, the boys in columbia blue faced one of the hardest throwing pitchers they've seen all season.  But for the fourth week in a row, every Royal had a meaningful contribution, with all 10 players scoring a run and reaching base at least twice.  Leading the way this week this week were third baseman Jake Romo (3 hits, walk, 2 runs, 4 rbis), shortstop/sub Josh Holmes, who reached base 4 times (2 hits, walk, hit by pitch, 3 runs scored).catcher Oliver Lopez (3 hits, 3 runs, 2 rbis) and right fielder Gio Smith (3 hits, 2 runs, 2 rbis, 2 stolen bases.)  But wearing the crown was Nick Ocepek, who not only took a nasty 75+mph fastball to the elbow, but a few innings later, scored on a passed ball where he drew a 5 throw rundown and ended up being pancaked by the catcher - all for naught as the field umpire came in late and called it a hit by pitch and he got home anyway!  He had one of his best days as a Royal, reaching base twice, scoring 2 runs and knocking in 1.

Next week, the Royals play the surging Threshers (6-1) at 9:45am at Verdugo High School.  These teams seem to play tight games every time they face off, and with first place on the line, expect it to be a good one!