Premier Pirates fall into slump

The Hub City Paving Pirates lost four straight in B.C. Premier Baseball League play.

Nanaimo Pirates infielder Aaron Page retrieves a ball in the dirt as a Vancouver Cannons baserunner slides into second  on Sunday afternoon at Serauxmen Stadium.

Nanaimo Pirates infielder Aaron Page retrieves a ball in the dirt as a Vancouver Cannons baserunner slides into second on Sunday afternoon at Serauxmen Stadium.

The Nanaimo Pirates couldn’t seem to get into any kind of rhythm on the weekend.

The Hub City Paving Pirates lost four straight in B.C. Premier Baseball League play, losing 3-2 and 3-0 to the Whalley Chiefs on Saturday on the mainland and then losing 4-1 and 6-0 versus the Vancouver Cannons the next day at Serauxmen Stadium.

“Until we can put a complete game together, we’re going to struggle…” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager. “We have to play a team game and everybody contribute and be solid all around the field.”

The manager said going through tough times is part of the learning experience for young players.

“They have to be put in those situations and fail and then learn how to compete and overcome,” Rogers said.

The Pirates nearly won the first game of the weekend, as they led 2-0 going into the final inning. Pirates pitcher Sam Baker threw 6 1/3 innings in defeat, striking out five.

In the second half of Saturday’s doubleheader, Garrett Goodall threw six innings, allowing no earned runs. James McDonough hit a double and Zach Diewert had a hit, a walk and two stolen bases.

Sunday’s early game was noteworthy for a dugout-clearing brawl after an aggressive slide by a Cannons baserunner in the sixth inning.The Pirates’ only offence in the game was an RBI double from Cole Warken.

GAME ON … The Pirates are home at Serauxmen Stadium all weekend (June 7-8), hosting the Chiefs on Saturday at noon and 2:30 p.m. and the North Delta Blue Jays on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com

Nanaimo News Bulletin