There’s no team that’s tougher to beat in the premier league than the Langley Blaze, and that’s what makes any success against them so satisfying.
The Nanaimo Pirates (4-6) will travel to the mainland for a doubleheader against the Blaze (11-1) this Saturday (May 3).
The Hub City Paving Pirates will have to play their best ball, and they intend to.
“Everyone loves those games,” said Zach Diewert, Pirates outfielder. “You get fired up because you just hate those guys. There’s nothing you want to do more than to beat those guys.”
Langley has won three of the last four B.C. Premier Baseball League pennants, with the Pirates winning the other during that span.
Pirates manager Doug Rogers called it a “great rivalry,” but mentioned his team will be short-handed on the road trip and will rely on some junior call-ups.
“We’re going to be in tough…” Rogers said. “We want to compete again, and if we compete hard, and not give in, not give ground, and see these kids progress week to week, that’s all I ask.”
GAME ON … The Pirates played the Parksville Royals on Wednesday, losing 8-5. Zach Diewert and North Rainey both hit home runs for Nanaimo, but the visitors had fallen behind 5-0 in the first inning of that one and couldn’t get back in it. After returning from the mainland, the Pirates head down the Malahat on Sunday (May 4) for games against the Victoria Eagles … The next home game for the Pirates is May 7 versus the Royals at 6 p.m. at Serauxmen Stadium.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
