2012 Winner of the Dr. Anson Buck Award
2019 Brampton Tournament Finalist
2019 COBA MVP - Joe Ferreira
2019 COBA Playoff Finalist
2022 Lakeside Tournament Finalist
2022 COBA ROY - Aidan Murphy
2023 Lakeside Tournament Finalist
2023 COBA Playoff Finalist
2023 COBA ROY - Alex Fascia
A Proud member of the COBA "AAA" Major League since 2004
2018 Game Updates
Tournaments
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May
League 2-5-1
May 10 vs Milton Red Sox – Milton 11 Brampton 6
RJ Page took the mound on this the first game of the season vs the Milton Red Sox who finished 2nd to Etobicoke in the COBA standings, and had a 1-2-3 inning. The Royals opened their season with a pair of runs in their 1st, on the strength of 2 singles, a double and a BB, the Red Sox answered right back to even the game, then added 3 more in the 3rd and 3 in the 7th. A single and 3 doubles made the score closer in their 7th but that’s as close as they got against Ian Zettle, who pitched a CG.
Notables:
Yannick - 3 H, 2 R, RBI, 2 D
Murphy – 2 H, 2 RBI, R, D
Hough – 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R
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May 11 at Etobicoke – Etobicoke 5 Brampton 4
In the 4th, Etobicoke used 4 singles and a BB to score twice, to go ahead 3–1, but that was short-lived as the Royals fought back to score 2 of their own. With the game tied at 4 apiece the Rangers put their first 2 batters on in the 9th by way of errors. Coach Flannagan chose to fill the baes with an intentional BB, but it backfired when Iafrate hit a hard ground ball to center to end the game. I believe it was still the best move.
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May 16 at Burlington – Brampton 11 Burlington 5
The Brants jumped out in front with 2 runs in the 1st, but with 3 BB, a triple, and 2 singles the Royals scored 4 times in the 2nd. Brampton was able to run away with the game scoring 4 times in the 5th. With homers from Yannick and Thomson they took the game 11 – 5.
Notables:
Thomson – 3 for 5, 5 RBI, HR, T
Stormer – 2 H, 3 R, SB
DiRoma – 2 RBI, 2 H
Fascia – 5 IP, 2 ER
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May 17 vs Etobicoke – Etobicoke 10 Brampton 6
The Rangers jumped all over Royals starter McLaughlin in the 1st inning scoring 6 times on its way to an easy victory. Etobicoke scored in the 1st, 5th, 7th and 8th innings. The never-say-die Royals scored 5 times in the 9th, on 3 singles, a double and a HR to make it more presentable.
Notables:
Eric Ferreira – 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER
Thomson – 2 H, 2 R, RBI
Marco DiRoma – HR, 3 RBI
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May 21 at Erindale – Erindale 11 Brampton 9
The Royals scored 6 times in the first 4 innings. Normally this would be enough for a win, but they were playing Erindale, so you know 6 runs is never enough to secure a win when on the 9th Line. As late as the 7th the Royals were up 8 – 7. 3 singles, a double and a BB put the Cardinals out in front 11–8. Brampton would score one more time making the final 11 – 9.
Notables:
Marco DiRoma – 3 H, 2 RBI, SB
Stormer – 3 for 4, 3 RBI, 2 D, SB
Fabio DiRoma – 3 for 5, D, 2 RBI, 2 R
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May 24 vs Oakville – Brampton 8 Oakville 5
The Royals opened the game by generously giving the A’s BB, an error, then a single then a grand slam. It was 4 -0 before Brampton recorded an out, but there was still plenty of time for a comeback. Joe Ferreira clubbed a solo homer in the bottom of the 1st. A double by Pinlac scored Fabio, then Speciale scored Pinlac. It is now 4 – 3. 3 consecutive singles scored 3 more Royals, putting the game away.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira – HR, 3 IP, 0 R
Stormer – 2 for 3, R, D, SB
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May 26 vs Mississauga SW Twins DH – Brampton 9 Mississauga 9
With Burke on the bump Mississauga were up 7 – 0 in the 5th inning, but the Royals rallied with consecutive singles by Janes, Sohota, Dawson and Pinlac, and a HR by Yannik made the score 7-4. Now we have a game. The Royals started the 6th with D, S, S, S, S, D, BB plating 5 more runs, but were not able to hold the S W Twins, as they scored twice to tie the game at 9.
Notables:
Pinlac – 2 for 3, 3 RBI, R, D
Rickli – HR
Janes – 2 for 3, 2R, RBI
Dawson – 2 for 4, 2 RBI, R
June
League 5-4
Tournament - Ottawa 3–2
Jun 7 vs Erindale Cardinals – Brampton 8 Erindale 5
Brampton starts the game with 3 singles and a double opening up a 4-0 lead, then added 2 more in the 2nd and singles runs in the 3rd and 4th. The Cardinals scored 3 in the 9th but it was too little too late. This was a game the team can build on to have a successful month.
Notables:
Rickli – 2 for 4, 3 R, RBI, D, 2 SB
Keegan Murphy – 2 for 4, 2 R, RBI, D
Burke – 7 IP, 2 ER, W
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Jun 8 at Oakville A’s - Oakville 9 Brampton 3
The Royals opened the game with a couple of runs, but they would only score one more time in a game they were never in. Give the A’s credit on a good game with 4 of their starters scoring a run, an RBI and a hit.
Notables:
McLaughlin – 2 H, 2 RBI
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Jun 10 vs Niagara Metros DH – Brampton 7 Niagara 4
With one out in the 1st Brampton had 3 singles but couldn’t score. Against a team as good Niagara is, you must score on every opportunity or you may have trouble winning. Niagara took early control by scoring 3 times in the 4th. In the Royals 6th they reached base on 4 singles, 2 doubles, a HBP and a BB scoring 5 times making the final score 7-4. Joe Ferreira worked hard for this one throwing a 135 pitch CG for the win. Outstanding.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira – 135 pitches, 5 H, 4 R, 11 K, W
Fabio – 2 H, 2 RBI, D
Keegan – 3 for 4, RBI
C J Fearon – R, 2 H, RBI
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Niagara 14 Brampton 2
Niagara took full advantage of 9 H and 13 BB.
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Jun 14 vs Erindale Cardinals – Erindale 13 Brampton 7
This would be team’s 8th loss in 13 games. We need better pitching and defense. We didn’t get either today. With Burke on the hill, he allowed 4 ER over his 5 innings of work and the team committed 5 errors resulting in 7 unearned runs.
Notables:
Thomson – 3 R, HR, 4 RBI
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Jun 21 vs Burlington Brants – Brampton 6 Burlington 5
Finally, I can say “what a great game”. The Royals were down 5-0 in the bottom of the 8th before their bats came alive. They were getting hits, but they weren’t getting rewarded for them, leaving 7 on through 7 innings.
C J opened the 8th with a line drive to the 2nd baseball who bobbled it allowing him to reach 3rd base on a errant throw. Marco reached on another error, followed by Keegan’s BB. Eric Ferreira then smacked a line drive down the right field line for a triple, scoring two.
All six batters in the 9th reached base, scoring 3 times for the win. What an exciting game!
Notables:
Eric Ferreira – T
Yannick – 2 H, RBI
Eric Ferreira – 2 RBI, T
Fabio – 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER
Keegan – 4 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, W
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Jun 23 vs Niagara Metros DH – Brampton 3 – Niagara 1
There would be no scoring until the 5th inning when Dawson singled by the shortstop, then worked hos around to 3rd, letting Yannik do his thing, driving him in.
The first 3 batters reached base in the 5th but could only manage one run. The Metros inched closer with a run in their 6th, but Brampton responded with a run making the score 3-1. Burke went the distance on the hill. It seemed like one wrong pitch could be disastrous.
Notables:
Burke – 7 IP, CG, 96 P, 2 H, 0 ER, W
Joe Ferreira – 2 H
Vic Speciale – 2 H
Dawson – R, H, RBI
Stormer – 2 H, SB
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Brampton 7 – Niagara 4
I don’t recall a time when Brampton took both ends of a twin bill from Niagara, but they sure needed the sweep.
Keegan’s double scored Marco and Thomson in the 1st inning. They added 2 more on Thomson’s triple in the 4th. They would bring home a couple more in the 7th before Metro’s legend Dave Davidson’s 3 run bomb. Joe Ferreira took the victory as he also went the distance earning the much-deserved W.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira – 7 IP, CG, 118 P, 4 ER, W
Thomson, Keegan and Speciale – R, 2 H, 2 RBI
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Jun 28 vs Milton Red Sox – Milton 5 Brampton 3
In what was a tight game Brampton opened the scoring by plating twice in the 3rd inning, when Marco DiRoma drilled a double over the center fielder to the fence. The Red Sox got on the board with a run in the 6th, then 2 more in the 7th, before Speciale’s sac fly scored the Royal’s last run.
July
League 3-4
Tournament - Hap Walters 1-2
July 9 at Erindale Cardinals – Brampton 14 Erindale 12
Just another 9th Line slugfest between 2 potent offences. It seemed like half the team had their career game on this night.
The Cardinals scored 4 times in the 1st inning and was answered with 5 from Brampton. It would carry on like this through the whole night ending in the 10th inning. There were 7 lead changes. Brampton still left a lot of runs on the bases, with 9 LOB.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira – 3 for 4, R, 5 RBI, GS HR
Vic – 5 for 6, 3 RBI, 3 R, D
Yannick – 4 for 6, 3 R, 2 RBI, T, SB
Keegan – 3 for 6, 2 R, RBI, D
Marco – 2 R, H, RBI, 2 HBP, 2 SB
Batting
2B: Victor Speciale, Keegan Murphy, Andrew Thomson, Dawson Fascia, CJ Fearon
3B: Yannick Rickli
HR: Joseph Ferreira
Grand slam: Joseph Ferreira
TB: Marco DiRoma, Joseph Ferreira 6, Victor Speciale 6, Fabio DiRoma, Keegan Murphy 4, Yannick Rickli 6, Andrew Thomson 2, Dawson Fascia 2, CJ Fearon 2
RBI: Marco DiRoma, Joseph Ferreira 5, Victor Speciale 3, Fabio DiRoma 2, Keegan Murphy, Yannick Rickli 2
SAC: Andrew Thomson
SF: Joseph Ferreira, Fabio DiRoma
ROE: Brian Stormer, Fabio DiRoma
FC: CJ Fearon
HBP: Marco DiRoma 2
SB: Marco DiRoma 2, Yannick Rickli, Eric Ferreira
CS: Fabio DiRoma
PIK: Fabio DiRoma, CJ Fearon
Team LOB: 9
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July 13 at Etobicoke Rangers – Brampton 9 Etobicoke 3
A complete team effort was needed to beat the Rangers at Connorvale. Brampton needed to get on the board quickly to put the pressure on them. The idea is the get into their heads and force them to make mistakes, but you need to score early to have a chance. It was a classic pitching duel between Andrew Hyde and the Royals Mike Burke.
The Royals were making a lot of loud outs, so it was only a matter of time before they would break through for some runs. In the 3nd inning Brampton loaded the bases on three singles, then a sac fly by Marco scored his brother Fabio. So, now there’s a crack in the dam. Keegan would widen the crack a little more when he doubled home 2 more runs. In the 5th Yannick doubled home 2 more, then Speciale would get in on the action when he doubled home 2 more runs. Now it’s 7-0. The Rangers would score twice in the 7th, but it was far too little, too late.
Notables:
Burke – 9 IP, CG, 132 P, 0 ER
Dawson – 4 H, 2 R, RBI
Marco – 2 H, 2 RBI, R, D
Speciale – 2 H, R, 2 RBI, D
Keegan – H, 2 R, 2 RBI, D, 2 BB
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July 17 at Oakville A’s – Oakville 10 Brampton 9
After a huge game that had to have boosted the team’s morale, they tanked in Oakville 4 nights later. The Royals started the scoring in the 2nd on a triple by Yannick then he scored on a sac fly, then Fabio brought home Pinlac on a single. Oakville plated 2 in the 3rd, and 5 more in the 4th. Vic’s double brought home 2 runners pushing the Royals ahead 9-7, but Oakville scored 3 more to take the game.
Notables:
C J Fearon – 4 H, 2 R, RBI, 3 SB
Marco – 3 H, R, D
Speciale – H, 3 RBI, D
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July 25 at Milton Red Sox – Milton 15 Brampton 7
This is the 9th time the Royals have given up 10 runs or more in a game. Although the Royals would jump out to a 5-0 lead in the 3rd, on 5 singles and a BB, but this didn’t concern the patient Milton team, who waited and waited for the right time. In the Red Sox 5th, they managed 2 singles, 2 BB, a double and triple scoring 5 times. After 2 quick outs Milton attacked again scoring 6 in the 7th. Brampton was never in this game even though they scored first.
Notables:
McLaughlin – 3 H, R, RBI
Speciale – 2 H, 2 RBI
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July 30 vs Etobicoke Rangers– Etobicoke 3 Brampton 2
Why is it the Royals play the Rangers hard, and allow other teams to walk all over them? After a poor outing his last game coach Flannagan was giving Fabio a chance of redemption, and he didn’t let coach down posting his best game of the season. Fabio threw 4 scoreless innings. Both teams managed to score on errors, the Brampton went ahead when Pinlac scored on a wild pitch. Through 7 innings 3 mistakes by both teams led to 3 runs. In the 9th a HBP would end up being the tying run for Etobicoke, and a WP would be the winning run. All 5 runs would be the result of some kind of misplay.
Notables:
Fabio – 4 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 K
McLaughlin – 4 IP, 0 ER, 4 H
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July 31 at Mississauga SW Twins– Mississauga 15 Brampton 5
The score was a respectable 6-5 going the bottom of the 7th, but in the 7th and 8th Mississauga score 9 runs winning the easily.
Notable:
C J Fearon – 2 R, H, RBI, SB
Speciale – R, 2 H, 2 RBI
August
League 1-3
The Elims - 4-2
Aug 9 vs Burlington – Burlington 4 – Brampton 2
Two doubles and a single got Burlington on the board in the 2nd inning. In the 3rd the Brants scored again on an error, then finished their scoring in the 4th. The Royals managed a run in the 5th but that was all they could muster.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira – R, 2 H, RBI, HR
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Aug 11 at Milton Red Sox – Brampton 13 Milton 6
The Royals were able to score 6 times in the first 2 innings but Milton matched it over 3 innings. The Royals answered with a couple in the 5th. CJ scored on Rickli’s single, then he scored on Marco’s triple. Brampton scored again in the 7th on 3 singles, DBP, double, triple and a BB putting the game out of reach 13-6. 7 of the starting 9 scored twice.
Notables:
Marco – 2 H, R, 4 RBI, D, T
Rickli – 3 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, T
CJ Fearon – 3 R, 2 H, SB, D
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Aug 13 at Burlington Brants - Burlington 5 Brampton 2
Burlington broke out in front early with a run in the first inning on 3 straight singles, but the Royals bounced back with a run on Stormers ground out scoring Rickli. The Brants tripled home a run in the 2nd then added 3 more in the 3rd. Brampton managed one more run but couldn't catch up to Burlington.
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Aug 14 at Mississauga SW Twins - Mississauga 8 Brampton 7
Mississauga scored 5 times in the first 3 innings. Brampton put their first 6 batters on base in the 6th to take the lead 6-5, but Mississauga answered right back with a couple in the 6th. Murphy brought home Stormer in the 7th but that was as close as Brampton got.
Notables:
Zach Fascia - R, 2 H, 3 RBI, D,
Speciale - R, 2 H, RBI, D
Marco - R, 2 H, RBI, D, SB
Tournaments
Ottawa
3-2
June 29 - July 1
June 29 vs Ottawa Knights – Brampton 17 Ottawa 7
The Royals took on a team that were looking for exposure and experience in tournament play, and Brampton used it as a warmup for the rest of the weekend.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira – 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, HR – 3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, W
Speciale – 2 R, 2 H, RBI
Pinlac – 2 H, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 D
Marco – R, H, 3 RBI, D
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June 30 vs Capital City Red – Capital City 10 Brampton 0
This game was much different than last night. We faced their ace who completely shut down the Brampton offence. It appeared the Royals were ill prepared for the weather they had to played through. Numerous players were greatly affected by the 34° heat. Many were looking for shade anywhere they could find it, but it didn’t take away from the great effort of the Capital’s pitcher who threw a CG 5 hitter.
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June 30 vs Metcalfe Mudd – Brampton 6 Metcalfe 5
Brampton scored all their runs in the first 2 innings, but Metcalfe stayed in the game by scoring 2 in the 3rd, 2 more in the 4th and a single run in the 5th. After tossing 3 innings last night Joe Ferreira was back on the hill despite the heat. He didn’t allow an earned run over his 3 innings.
Notables:
Joe – 3 IP, 0 ER, W
Yannick – 2 H, H, RBI
Marco – R, 2 H, 3, RBI, T
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July 1 vs Pickering Red Sox – Brampton 7 Pickering 3
The Red Sox put 5 batters on base in the 1st inning, scoring 3 times. After that, B’Mac settled down and shut down their bats down for the rest of the game. He just had to wait for the Royals bats to come alive. With Speciale and Keegan on base, Pinlac laid down a perfect bunt that the Pickering catcher messed up scoring Victor. 2 singles and a Marco triple brought the score to 6-3. Pinlac’s double in the 7th scoring Speciale closed out the scoring, thus advancing Brampton to the Finals. The offence was spread out across the starting lineup. 8 of the 9 starters had a hit, 5 batters scored a run. Complete team effort under adverse conditions.
Notables:
McLaughlin – CG, 7 IP, 2 ER, W
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July 1 vs Thornhill Reds – Thornhill 14 Brampton 3
Because of the excessive heat the tournament organizers ask both teams in the final if they would be willing to split the first and second place money. The Thornhill team said they were willing to split the money, but Brampton said they would like to play the final game, a decision they would later regret. I still believe they made the right decision at that time though. This was Brampton’s first final and they wanted to earn their way to the championship, unfortunately it didn’t turn out the way they wanted.
Hap Walters
1-2
July 20 - 21
July 20 vs Niagara Metros - Brampton 7 Niagara 6
A run in the 2nd and 3 more on a homer put Niagara in the drivers seat in the first game of the Hap Walters Tournament, but the never-give-up attitude pushed the Royals back in the game scoring 3 times in the 4th. Marco scored on a fielder choice in the 5th, but the pesky Metros added 2 more in the 6th. Thomson scored on Speciale's single to centre. to tie the game at 6. In the 9th Murphy managed to reach 3rd on a BB and a WP. Joe followed that with a BB as did Pinlac, setting the stage for stormer to work his magic with a single to win the game.
Notables:
Stormer - 3 H, 2 RBI, SB
Speciale - 2H, 2 RBI
Hough - 3.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H
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July 21 vs Windsor Stars - Windsor 1 Brampton 0
This game turned into one of the best games played this season. Two great pitcher in Joe Ferreira vs Dana Little. The two veterans know what it takes to be a winner, so this should a great game. In the top of the 2nd inning the Royals loaded the bases with one out, but Little got Eric Ferreira to pop out and Dawson Fascia to strike out to end the threat. Unfortunately, that was the Royals one shot and they couldn't do anything with it. The very next inning they managed a single, a HBP and a sac, putting runners on 3rd and 2nd. The next batter sacrifices to score the runner from 3rd. 1-0 Windsor. After Speciale singled in the 7th, Thomson pinch ran for him and made his way over to 3rd, but was unable to score on Murphy's groundout. Joe Ferreira popped out to end another threat. The Royals fell to the crafty veteran southpaw. The game did live up to its billing. It was a great game.
Notable:
Ferreira - 6 IP, CG, 2 H, 1 ER
Little - 6 IP, CG, 5 H, 0 R, W
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July 21 vs Pickering Red Sox - Pickering 5 Brampton 4
After a well played game vs Windsor, the Royals have another very good team to beat in order to advance in the tournament. The Red Sox got things going in the 2nd inning, but the Royals responded right away with Thomson's single to score Speciale. B'Mac ran into trouble in the 3rd when he had 2 HBP with the bases loaded. Royals have dug a hole they need to climb out of being down 4-1. Brampton began to start picking away at the Red Sox lead by scoring a run in the 4th, then Pinlac tied the game when he doubled home Thomson and Murphy in the 5th. For the next 4 innings both traded jabs but no one could score, until Pickering was able to score the winning run in the bottom of the 9th. The Royals played excellent ball today and had nothing to show for it. They are out of the tournament.
Notables:
Thomson - R, 2 H, RBI, D
Pinlac - H, D, 2 RBI
B"Mac - 8 1/3 IP, 5 R
Elims
4-2
Aug 3 - 5
Aug 3 vs Kingston Ponies - Brampton 10 Kingston 1
Not much was known about the Kingston team before the Royals began their game. Early in the game the Ponies getting batters on base but couldn't bring them home. It wasn't until the 3rd inning that the Royals were able to score first bringing in 2 runs. It didn't Brampton long before they figured out the Kingston pitcher scoring 6 times in the 4th with the help from 4 doubles, 2 singles and a BB. The Royals plated 2 more in the 5th.
Notables:
Speciale - 3 RBI, H, D
CJ Fearon - 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI, D, 3 SB
Fabio - 2 R, 2 H, SB
Joe Ferreira - 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, W
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Aug 3 vs Etobicoke Rangers - Brampton 18 Etobicoke 4
Winning a game when everyone contributes is so much sweeter, especially against Etobicoke on our leagues biggest stage. This was one of those games.
It's never a good idea letting the Rangers take the lead. When they do, the game changes, as their opponent tightens up and try to plays catch up. This falls into Etobicoke's trap, they've altered the mind set of their opponent. Teams that stick to their strategy usually have a better chance of beating the Rangers.
Pinlac's double scored Zach Fascia, then Stormer brought home Pinlac. Having taken the lead, the Royals have put the pressure back on the Rangers to make something happen. Having been in this position the Rangers show no urgency scoring in their 2nd tying the game, then took the lead in the 3rd on Iafrate's homer, then added one more. Royals are down 4-2, but there will be no altering of strategy, the Royals will stick to their plan.
After a pair of 4th inning singles, Stormer brought home Zach and Pinlac. Tie game. 4 singles and a double later the Royals were uncomfortably in front by 3 runs. This opened the door for the Royals to play their game, a game no opponent can compete with. Brampton would go on to score 5 runs in the 4th and 5th and another 6 in the 6th inning. They have literally ripped the heart out of the best team in COBA. Mike Burke who took the bump was the recipient of those runs shutting the Rangers down after the 3rd inning.
The team knows games like this down come along too often so enjoy it while they can, but are very aware there's still so much ball to be played in Windsor.
Notables:
Stormer - 3 H, 2 R, 3 RBI, D
Zach Fascia - 4 R, 4 H, D, T
Marco - 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, 2 D
C J - 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, SB
Pinlac - 2 R, 3 H, RBI, D
Kosta Kafes - 2 R, H, 3 RBI, HR
Burke/Hough - 6 IP, 3 ER
2B: Brian Stormer, Marco DiRoma 2, Patrick Pinlac, Zach Fascia
3B: Zach Fascia
HR: Joseph Ferreira, Kosta Kafes
TB: Brian Stormer 4, Marco DiRoma 4, Joseph Ferreira 4, Patrick Pinlac 3, Keegan Murphy, Yannick Rickli, Andrew Thomson, CJ Fearon 2, Zach Fascia 7, Kosta Kafes 4
RBI: Brian Stormer 3, Marco DiRoma 3, Joseph Ferreira 2, Patrick Pinlac, Keegan Murphy, Andrew Thomson, CJ Fearon 3, Kosta Kafes 3
FC: Yannick Rickli
HBP: Marco DiRoma, Joseph Ferreira, Patrick Pinlac
SB: Marco DiRoma, Andrew Thomson, CJ Fearon
Team LOB: 5
Fielding E: Marco DiRoma 2
DP: Marco DiRoma, Joseph Ferreira 2, Patrick Pinlac 2, Keegan Murphy 3
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Aug 4 vs Milton Red Sox - Milton 7 Brampton 4
It seemed like the huge win over Etobicoke took a little out of them facing the Red Sox. Milton scored 3 times right away in the 1st, then the Royals bounced back with 2 of their own, on a pair of doubles. Again, they were getting guys on, but not in, leaving 7 LOB. Losing this game has put the pressure on the team, knowing another loss will send them home. Can't wait to see how they react.
Notables:
Zach - R, H, RBI HR
Joe Ferreira - R, H, RBI, D
C J - R, 2 H, SB
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Aug 4 vs Thornhill Reds - Brampton 6 Thornhill 5
Thornhill is not the team you want to be playing when you afford a loss. In the 2nd inning Stormer's single scored Ferreira, to which Thornhill reacted quickly tying the game in the 2nd. The Royal's spirits were lifted when the watched Zach fly ball said over the right field fence in the 3rd. Again, the Reds came right back tying the game in their 3rd. The Royals accepted the challenge going back in front on Pinlac's sac bunt scoring Rickli. In the 6th Pinlac once again hit a sac fly scoring Rickli. they are up by 2 runs 4-2. To finish the Royals scoring, Marco's triple brought home Zach then scored on Ferreira's double. Thornhill managed to knock out starter Hough only to have Fabio DiRoma enter the game with the bases loaded, leaving the tying run at 3rd for the save. What a great back and forth game. Will have to wait for results from other games to decided who the Royals play next. This is getting exciting.
Notables:
Hough - 6 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, W
Rickli - 2 R, 3 H, D, SB
Zach - 2 R, 2 H, RBI, HR
Marco - R, 2 H, RBI, T
Ferreira - R, H, RBI, D
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Aug 5 vs Etobicoke Rangers - Brampton 10 Etobicoke 0
After taking a pummeling two days ago Etobicoke showed off their arrogance by making only one lineup change. We all know they are the flagship team of COBA, but for them to think they would expect a different result facing the same team is crazy. Maybe that's what makes them so good, believing no one can beat them twice in a row. Well, welcome to the Elims where anything can and will happen.
No disrespect to Oakville, but the Royals could never get this excited beating the A's as they do when they beat Etobicoke. Under Whitey's direction they have always been the standard all other teams strive for, so when those few times when we do beat them, it feels like Brampton has really accomplished something special, but to do it on this big stage it's even better. The one thing the Rangers have that no one else has, is consistency. That's all other teams are looking for.
I'm sure the Rangers players kept looking down the line, trying to see who they'd be facing, but no one was there. Mike Burke thought he had the day off so he slept in. While at the store loading up on water, he got a call from Hough saying he's on the hill today. He screeched his tires getting to the park then parked right beside the dugout with less than 20 minutes before game time. Had time for a only a few warmup throws, then the game began. Etobicoke must have been licking their chops watching all of this.
Burke managed to strikeout their lead off batter, then they got Capone and Panas on base with singles in the 1st inning. He allowed one more single in the 2nd inning and that was it, that was their last hit of the game.
Just like their first game, Burke relied on the teams offence for the win. The team was firing on all cylinders. They will be talking about the 2018 Elims for a long time. To mercy COBA's best team twice in 41 hours is something that should be celebrated.
Notables:
Burke - 5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, W
Marco - R, 2 H, 4 RBI, D, SB
Speciale - 2 R, 3 H, 3 RBI, D, HR, 2 SB, stole home, on base 4 times
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Aug 5 vs Strathroy Royals - Strathroy 10 Brampton 8
Brampton are entering uncharted waters playing their second game on a Sunday. The higher you climb the ladder the better the teams. The Royals now have to take on one of Ontario's top teams, the Strathroy Royals. After getting the first 3 batters on base Speciale bombs a grand slam in the 1st inning. What is happening? Are the Royals that good, or just lucky. The answer is, they can play with the big boys. They have finally earned their membership to the Elites club. Well, we'll see how they do here facing Strathroy. This will tell where the Royals stand.
Strathroy answered right back with a 3 run dinger and a triple, 2 doubles, a BB and a single taking the lead 5-4. Strathroy pushed across 2 in the 4th and 5th innings. Not giving up, Kosta Kafes homers in the 5th, then Marco's 6th inning single score Pinlac. Now it's 10-8. Brampton managed to load the bases in the 7th with Marco up to bat, but flies out to center to end the comeback and tournament.
Notables:
Speciale - R, 2 H, 4 RBI, HR
Kafes - R, 2 H, 2 RBI, HR
Marco - R, 2 H, RBI
Playoffs
3-2
Aug 17 - 19
Aug 17 at Mississauga SW Twins - Brampton 4 Mississauga 0
I always thought Mississauga were a finely tuned tournament team, which had worked in their favour many times in the past, having gone to the Nationals 3 years in a row (2011 - 2013) representing Ontario. They showed little interest in league play between tournaments. This may not be a tournament but it should be played as one.
The Royals scored first on Fabio's double to left scoring Murphy in the 2nd. Brampton struck for 3 more runs in the 5th, but there was answered by Mississauga who only managed to get a batter to 2nd twice and that was by BB, not hits. Great pitching.
Notables:
Joe Ferreira - 7 IP, CG, 3 H
Marco - R, H, RBI, D
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Aug 18 vs Burlington Brants - Brampton 8 Burlington 5
After the Brants score 3 times in the 3rd, Brampton showed their competitive spirit by plating 6 in their 3rd. The key hit was from Thomson who tripled home Ferreira and Murphy. Marco and Ferreira both had RBI's in the 6th putting the game away winning 8-5. It was a very competitive game. There were times when either team could have run away with a victory.
Notables:
Ferreira - R, 2 H 3 RBI
Marco - 2 R, 2 H, RBI
Thomson - R, 2, H, 2 RBI, T
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Aug 18 vs Etobicoke Rangers - Etobicoke 3 Brampton 2
Oh, no, here we go again. Can Burke beat Etobicoke 4 times in a single season. No. Although he gave it everything he had, it wasn't to be. He threw 77% strikes over his 6 innings.
The Rangers began the scoring in the 1st and 3rd innings. The Royals put one on the board in the 5, the Rangers scored in that inning also. The Royals scored once more in the 7th, but they needed 2 more. Another great game.
Notables:
Rickli - 2 R, 2, H
C J - 2 H, RBI, SB
Burke - 6 IP, CG, 3 R, 56 P
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Aug 19 vs Niagara Metros - Brampton 10 Metros 5
The Royals quickly jumped out in front 2-0 when Speciale brought home CJ and Marco. They scored a couple more in the 3rd and 4th bringing the score to 6-1. The Metros flexed their muscles in the 4th scoring 4 times. The Royals pulled away again in the 6th. They added a single run in the 7th to close out the game.
Notables:
Marco - 3 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, D
Speciale - 2 H, 3 RBI
Ferreira - R, 2 H, 2 RBI
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Aug 19 vs Etobicoke Rangers - Etobicoke 8 Brampton 0
The Rangers made a loud statement, putting to rest any notions of teams thinking of dethroning them. Kyle Breitner almost pitched a no-hitter.