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
2023 Game Updates
Tournaments
2023 Schedule
League Games
Away
Etobicoke
Brampton
Brampton
Oakville
Brampton
Brampton
Erindale
Brampton
Milton
Oakville
Brampton
Burlington
Oakville
Brampton
Brampton
Milton
Oakville
Brampton
Brampton
Milton
Brampton
Burlington
Brampton
Erindale
Oakville
Brampton
20
11
12
4
7
5
8
1
9
8
5
7
11
11
13
4
6
14
15
5
3
4
14
Home
Brampton
Burlington
Erindale
Brampton
Milton
Milton
Brampton
Etobicoke
Brampton
Brampton
Oakville
Brampton
Brampton
Oakville
Erindale
Brampton
Brampton
Etobicoke
Etobicoke
Brampton
Erindale
Brampton
Burlington
Brampton
Brampton
Burlington
8
7
8
15
7
12
2
8
11
18
6
4
RO
4
1
RO
RO
9
2
3
8
4
17
13
21
4
W L T
0 1 0
1 1 0
2 1 0
3 1 0
3 1 1
3 2 1
3 3 1
3 4 1
4 4 1
5 4 1
5 5 1
5 6 1
6 6 1
7 6 1
8 6 1
9 6 1
9 7 1
10 7 1
10 8 1
10 9 1
11 9 1
12 9 1
13 9 1
Combined
W L T
23 18 1
Tournaments
Vaughan
Brampton
Windsor
Brampton
Sarnia
Brampton
St. Thomas
Brampton
Brampton
Etobicoke
Brampton
Brampton
Brampton
Ilderton
Brampton
Brampton
Oakville
Brampton
Milton
Brampton
11
8
7
7
7
6
5
13
7
15
10
9
18
0
3
4
0
2
1
Ajax
Brampton
Vaughan Jr
Brampton
Leaside
Brampton
Sarnia
Strathroy
Brampton
Etobicoke
Kendal
East York
Brampton
Burlington
Oakville
Brampton
Etobicoke
Brampton
Etobicoke
4
5
6
6
2
4
4
1
6
5
7
4
2
4
4
14
10
5
7
Lakeside
Hap Walters
W L T
1 0 0
1 1 0
2 1 0
2 2 0
3 2 0
3 3 0
4 3 0
5 3 0
5 4 0
6 4 0
7 4 0
8 4 0
8 5 0
8 6 0
8 7 0
9 7 0
9 8 0
10 8 0
10 9 0
Ontario Eliminations
Playoffs
May Updates
3-3-1
May 16 vs Etobicoke – Etobicoke 20 Brampton 8
Like last seasons opener, the Rangers defeat the Royals with ease. Arman Lakhani took the loss giving up 12 earned runs over his 2 2/3 innings of work. The veteran pitcher knows what it’ll take to get into the winners’ column. He finished with a very respectable 6-3 record last year. The offense was led by COBA’s 2019 MVP Joe Ferreira, who went 3 for 3, scoring 3 times, with 3 run and 2 run dingers.
Notables:
Ferreira slammed 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R
--------------------
May 17 at Burlington – Brampton 11 Burlington 7
Brampton won a hard-fought game against the much-improved Brants of Burlington. With the Royals ahead 6-5 going to the 9th they broke out with a 5-run burst to grab the win. Alex Fascia led the way in this one going 4 for 4, including a double and a triple, scoring 3 runs with 2 stolen bases. Pitcher Matt Stoddart started his season with a great performance allowing a run, on 2 hits and 8 Ks over his 4 innings. Alex Emerson earned the win for allowing 4 runs (only 2 earned) over his 3 innings.
Notables:
A. Fascia - 4 for 4, 3 R
Stoddart - 4 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 Ks
--------------------
May 22 at Erindale – Brampton 12 Erindale 8
The Royals jumped out in front 9-1 after 3 innings which helped them beat division rival Erindale. Rickli, Lebel, Aidan Murphy and Dylan Langlois all scored twice. Rickli and Lebel each had 3 and 2 RBI’S respectively. Lakhani started and pitched 4 innings giving up 4 runs. Aiden Cowper earned the win with his 3 innings of work only allowing a couple of runs.
Notables:
Rickli - 3 for 3, 2 R, 2 D, 2 RBI
Lebel - 2 H, 2 R, 2 D, 3 RBI
Cowper - 3 IP, 0 ER
--------------------
May 23 vs Oakville – Brampton 15 Oakville 4
Cameron Hibbs got his season going with a great performance throwing 4 innings and only giving up a run on 3 hits. Cam has improved every year since joining the senior squad. We expect good things from Hibbs this season. Ferreira and Cowper provided the offence. Joe going 3 for 5 knocking in 4 runs with a double and Cowper had a double, a triple and 2 RBIs on his 2 for 3 game. It must be noted the winning pitcher was Vic Speciale who scraped off many years of rust and threw 2 innings giving up only 3 runs. More importantly Vic kept the Oakville bats at bay until the offence took over the game with 8 runs in the 7th to end it.
Notables:
Ferreira - 3 for 5, 4 RBI
Cowper - 2 for 3, 2 R, 1 D, 1 T, 2 RBI
Dawson - 2 for3, 2 R
Hibbs - 4 IP, 1 ER, 6 K
--------------------
May 27 at Milton – Brampton 7 Milton 7
The first game of a twin bill ended in a tie with Oakville scoring a 6th inning run on a 2 out, base hit to centre field. Offensively, the team was led by Aiden Cowper who went 2 for 3, scoring twice, with 2 RBIs. Myles Swartz got the start giving up 5 runs in his 3 innings of work. Alex Emerson continued with his fine pitching going 3 innings allowing only 2 runs.
Notables:
Cowper - 2 for 3, 2 R, 1 D, 2 RBI
Dawson - 2 R, 1 D, 1 SB
Fearon - 1 R, 3 SB
Emmerson - 4 IP, 2 ER
--------------------
Milton 12 Brampton 5
The Royals were never in this one, down 9-2 after 4 and 12-4 after 5. None of the Royals hit or scored twice, although Lebel reached base 3 times and Lahey reached twice on a pair of walks. Matt Stoddart took the loss giving up 11 hits and 9 runs over his 4 innings. Only 4 runs were earned on account of 3 errors behind him. Stoddart is much better than his numbers show. He will become a pitcher coach Fascia will lean on later in the season.
--------------------
May 30, vs Erindale - Erindale 8 Brampton 2 This was a shortened game on account of unsafe playing conditions with 2 banks of lights not working. With Cam Hibbs on the bump the Cardinals struck early plating a 2 run homer in the first, then allowed a run in the 2nd and 2 in the 3rd. Erindale took advantage of an off night and had 10 hits over their 7 innings. Joe Ferreira came in for the final 3 innings giving up 3 runs. Cowper had a couple of hits for the Royals. Pinlac looked comfortable at 3rd base making a couple perfect throws across the diamond. Keegan made a great stop at 1st base in the 7th. Too bad it didn't have any affect on the game.
June Updates
League 2 - 3
Tournaments 5 - 4
Vaughan semi-finals
Lakeside finals
June 2 at Etobicoke - Etobicoke 8 Brampton 1
There were times when the Royals would march into Connorvale Park and expect a good showing and often left with a win. The 2023 version has a long way to go before they strike fear in opposing COBA teams. You can't expect to lose 50 years of experience in players like DiRo, Hough, Page, Burke and Stormer and maintain your status within COBA. The sooner they let go of the past the sooner they can begin the process of retooling the team. The past players will be remembered and honoured, while at the same time, the team must move on. We have a ton of quality players arriving from the Junior program that will expedite the process of returning to the teams’ past glory. With the guidance of coach Fascia and the veterans on the team, we can get back to causing havoc within COBA, we just need to be patient and enjoy following the progression of the players.
Notables:
Swartz - 4 IP, 2 ER, 5 K
--------------------
June 6 vs Milton - Brampton 11 Milton 9
On a cool, windy evening the Royals started the game by keeping Milton off the scoreboard in the first inning. This may sound insignificant, but when you break it down you'll see in their 4 losses they allowed at least one first inning run and in their 4 wins they didn't allow any runs in the first.
The three runs the Royals scored in the first inning set the tone for the rest of the game. They added 6 more by the 6th inning sealing the win, so they thought. Milton fought back with 4 in the 7th and a run in the 8th and 9th to put a scare into the Royals. The Royals were led by Rickli's 2 doubles and 3 runs, and Thomson's speed earned him a double and a triple. The team used it speed to steal 4 bases. Matt Stoddart continued his outstanding pitching allowing only 2 ER over his 5 innings of work, earning his second win. Logan Janes left with the save, holding the Red Sox at bay. The team will carry this momentum into the Vaughan tournament weekend.
Notables:
Rickli - 2 H, 3 R, 2 D, 1 RBI
A. Fascia - 3 H, 2 R, 2 RBI
Thomson - 2 R, 1 D, 1 T, RBI
Stoddart - 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, W
--------------------
June 13 vs Oakville - Brampton 18 Oakville 8
With the weatherman calling for rain the Royals were more than pleased the rain held off. In what was a close game for the most part, the Royals blew it open in the 7th with an 8 run outburst, to take the game with a 10 run winning margin.
Every Royals player scored at least once, 6 players had multiple hits and 6 players had multiple RBIs. This was a total team effort. Ferreira took the bump allowing only a run in his first 4 innings, then gave up 7 runs over the next two innings, but that's when the bats took over coasting to the win. The A's pitchers needed 190 pitches to get through 6 2/3 innings and pitched to 46 batters.
Notables:
Fearon - 3 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 3 SB
Langlois - 2 H, 2 R, 2 RBI
A. Murphy - 2 H, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
Pinlac - 3 H, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB
--------------------
June 16 at Oakville - Oakville 6 - Brampton 5
This was a hard fought back and forth game. The Royals scored once in the 2nd, 3rd and 6 innings to take a 3 - 0 lead, but the As came firing back scoring 4 in their 6th inning. The Royals tied it up in their 7th, only to have Oakville score 2 in the 8th. The Royals needed 2 to tie but could only muster one losing 6-5.
Between Alex and Dawson, they scored twice on 3 hits (2 doubles) collecting 4 BB, and stole 2 bags.
It was nice to have Arman back on track giving up only 3 hits, not allowing any runs during his 4 innings of work.
Notables:
D. Fascia - 2 H, 1 D, R, RBI
A. Murphy - 3 H, R, SB
Lakhani - 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER
--------------------
June 20 vs Burlington - Burlington 7 - Brampton 4
The Royals showed little energy, in an important game before the London tournament this weekend. A few notables: Only 2 of the 7 Burlington runs were earned. Only 2 pitchers gave up an ER. Royals’ batters reached 2nd 8 times but were missing that knockout blow.
Coach Fascia cleared the bench using 17 batters and 8 pitchers, so everyone should be ready for a weekend battle.
Good Luck in London!
July Updates
Dave Dash Makeover - July 3/23
League 4 - 1
Tournaments 3 - 1
Hap Walters semi-finals
July 4 at Oakville - Brampton 11 Oakville 4
On a hot, muggy night the Royals found themselves in Oakville hoping to avenge their loss to the A’s on their last visit. After 2 innings the A’s were up 3-0, even though Royals starter Cameron Hibbs still looked very much in control.
In the 3rd, the Royals took advantage of sloppy pitching, with a HBP, BB, S, WP, S, then Keegan hit a liner over the left field fence making it 5-3. In the 5th Brampton with the score 6-3, took complete control of the game when Keegan and Sam led off with a HBP, Langlois’s single brought them home. The Royals had taken the fight out of Oakville, they couldn’t respond to anything the Royals did. The final was 11-4.
Except for 3 innings the Royals had at least 2 runners on base constantly putting pressure on their pitching and defence. That is winning baseball.
In his 4 innings Hibbs gave up only 1 ER, then was followed by strong pitching by Cowper, who through blanks in his 3 innings earning the W, then Emerson cleaned up allowing a run in his 2 innings.
This was a great team effort.
Notables:
Ferreira - 2 H, 2 R, RBI
Thomson - 2 H, 2 R,
A. Murphy - 2 H, 3 R, RBI
K. Murphy - 3 R, 2 H, HR, 3 RBI
Hibbs - 4 IP, 1 ER
Cowper - 3 IP, 0 ER, W
--------------------
July 10 at Erindale - Brampton 11 Erindale 1
By the time 10 pitches were thrown in the game the Royals were up 2-0. The Royals entered the 5th inning up by 3, then they took advantage of sloppy Cardinals baseball for a couple more runs, Lebel's bomb to left broke it open making the score 8-0. Alex had an incredible night also, which amounts to an almost perfect night at the plate, needing a HR for the cycle.
Lakhani's fine pitching held the Cardinals at bay, while the offense had their way with the home team. B'Mac and Stoddart cleaned up the final 4 innings giving up only 3 hits between them.
Notables:
Lakhani - 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R
Alex Fascia - 5 for 5, 3 R, 2 D, 1 T
Lebel - 2 H, 2 R, 1 D, 3 RBI, 1 HR
--------------------
July 16 at Erindale Doubleheader - Brampton 13 Etobicoke 9
A typical Rangers/Royals game. Nothing comes easy when they meet, especially knowing the Rangers of Etobicoke are rated as the No. 1 Senior AAA team in the country, by CABC (Canadian Amateur Baseball Central).
The Royals answered Etobicoke's first inning run with a couple of their own on Speciale's 2 run dinger, then added 4 more in the 5th extending their lead to 6-1. The Royals broke the game wide open plating 7 more in the 7th on the strength of 6 singles and a couple of errors. With a 13-1 final inning lead and Matt Stoddart looking great on the mound, the Rangers demonstrated to the Royals and the league that no lead is safe. In the bottom of the 7th Etobicoke sent 9 batters to the plate before an out was recorded. The score was now 13-7. The Rangers scored a couple more to make the final 13-9. Most teams would have folded with a hill that high to climb. It's not always their batting and pitching, it's their attitude that sets them apart from the other teams. That hasn't waivered in the 16 years I've been around this team. Game two coming up.
Notables:
Speciale - 2 R, 2 H, HR, 3 RBI
Rickli - 4 H, R, 3 RBI
Pinlac - R, 3 H, RBI
Team - 13 R, 15 H
Stoddart - 6 1/3 IP, 6 H, 4 R
--------------------
Game 2 - Brampton 4 Etobicoke 2
The Royals showed today they can play any type of game you want. They can blow you out or they can play a low scoring tight game. Low scoring games versus the Rangers is not usually a winning formula, but on this day it led the Royals to victory, thanks to their veteran hurler Joe Ferreira. Joe exited the game after 8 innings, giving up only 6 hits before handing the ball over to Lakhani, who recorded the save.
Joe helped himself out by hitting a single to bring home Sam Lebel in the 1st. Cowper followed up with an RBI of his own to bring home Aidan Murphy. 2-0, but it was Thomson's huge 2 run single in the 9th that proved to be the winner.
Both teams played solid scoreless baseball for the next 4 innings before the Rangers tied it up in the 6th, but errors by Capone and Hyde gave the Royals the break they needed to score 2 runs in the 9th for a well earned doubleheader sweep.
The unexpected sweep should bolster their confidence going into the Hap on the weekend.
Notables:
Ferreira - 8 IP, 6 H, 4 K, W
Thomson - 2 H, 2 RBI
Cowper - 2 H, RBI
--------------------
July 18 vs Milton - Milton 6 Brampton 3
This game started out really well. There were early indications that the Royals were going to put up some runs. Rickli led off by lining out to the right fielder, hitting it on the screws but he wasn’t rewarded for it. An out later Lebel had a solid, hard hit, a double to the left field fence. The Royals didn’t score that inning but they were getting good reads off the pitcher. In the 2nd Pinner reached 1st on a dropped 3rd strike, then stole 2nd and reached 3rd on the catcher’s error. He scored on Jeminson’s single. They showed the long ball in the 1st then scored on the small ball in the 2nd.
By the 5th, the Red Sox were up 3-1 on what is turning into a tight ballgame. The Royals answered in Speciale’s hit to the right field fence scoring Aidan Murphy. In the Royal’s 7th Logan Janes’s single brought home Murphy. Tie game.
Milton ran away with it scoring 3 times in the 10th on the strength of 3 doubles, an error and a walk. The Royals played a good game and deserved a better fate. Off to the Hap.
Notables:
Aidan Murphy - 2 H, 2 R - 3 IP, 1R, 5 K
Cowper - 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R
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July 24 at Erindale - Brampton 14 Erindale 8
To prove my point regarding their blowout vs Ilderton, some games you have no control over the result. You get over it and move on, but it was poor Erindale that took the brunt of Brampton’s power easily winning 14–8. This game also highlights the importance of getting on the board first. When leading after the first inning the Royals are 14–1 for the season.
The Royals were up 8-0 before the Cards were able to score, but like they have done all season, Brampton answered right back by scoring 4 more times in the 7th putting the game out of reach 12-3 at that point.
Brampton was able to score in 7 of the 9 innings which shows consistency across the lineup. 3 players had multiple hits, runs and RBIs.
Notables:
Cowper – 2 R, 3 H, D, 3 RBIs, 2HR
Lebel – 4 R, 4 H, 2 RBIs, 2 D
Alex Fascia – 2 R, 3 H, 3 RBIs, D
Hibbs – 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, W
--------------------
July 25 vs Burlington - Burlington 15 Brampton 4
A good team will always take advantage of the other teams’ mistakes and errors, and tonight was no different. In the first inning Burlington scored a couple of runs on 3 singles with the aid of an error. Another error in the third led to another run.
The Brants opened the game up when they shut the door on the Royals on a 3-run homer, making the score 8-0. Brampton was able to tighten things up in the 6th scoring 4 times, but that was as close as they got. Burlington easily ran away with the game, with the final score 15-4.
Stoddart took the mound and gave up only 1 ER over his 3 innings of work.
I’m not too concerned about the recent blowouts as I know it’s a much different game at the Elims. Brampton always seems to bear down and play their best under pressure leaning on their veteran leadership. Brampton’s tournament play (8-5) this season has exceeded all expectations. Just win those first two games. I wish the team well.
August Updates
League 3 - 1
Tournaments
Elims 0 - 2
Playoffs 2 - 2
Aug 9 at Burlington - Burlington 17 Brampton 5
A very unexpected result in this one. I thought the Royals would bust out of the gate and score early to shake off the rust from the Elims. There's still plenty to play for, but the Brant's were thinking the same as they were bounced out of the tournament after 3 games. Burlington scored 14 times in the first 4 innings. Game over.
Burlington spent many years being the league's punching bag, but now are taking aim on all of COBA. They have a good group of young players having fun causing havoc.
Notables:
Patrick Pinlac - 3 R, 3 BB, RBI
--------------------
Aug 10 vs Erindale - Brampton 13 Erindale 3
The Royals weren't messing around with this one. Ferreira's 3 run homer in the first led the way for a lobsided win. In the 2nd Rickli tripled home a couple more runs, but we all know the Cards can come back from any score. This game seemed different though, the Royals showed there would be no comeback today. When Jemminson doubled home Pinner the score was now 8-2. Brampton tacked on a few more runs, but the Cards were never able to answer. This was the best outing by B'Mac on the hill this season. It was nice to see the offence and the pitching going at the same time. Seven of the nine starters had multiple hits, 6 had an RBI, 8 had a R.
Notables:
McLaughlin - 6 IP, 3 R, 7 K, W
Rickli - 3 H, 3 R, 3 RBI, T
Jemminson - 2 R, 3 H, RBI, D, SB
Ferreira - 2 H, 3 RBI, HR, R
Alex Fascia - 2 R, 3 H, 3 RBI, T
--------------------
Aug 11 vs Oakville - Brampton 21 Oakville 4
I felt bad for the Oakville A's, but not for their first pitcher. Over, their pitcher actually beat the Royals in the past, but on this day he was unable to record an out or give up a hit in this game, but did allow 6 runs, 5 BB and 4 WP. They came to Brampton knowing they weren't going to be competitive. That part they got right.
This would be a night to pad the stats, and they did.
Notables:
Oakville pitcher, Over - 0 IP, 0H, 6 R, 5 BB, 4 WP, HBP
Swartz - 7 IP, CG, 4 R, W
A. Fascia - 4 for 5, 3 R, 5 RBI, 2 D, T
Rickli - 4 R, 3, H, 2 RBI, 2 BB, D
Speciale - 2 H, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
Cowper - 2 R, 2 H, 2 D
--------------------
Aug 16 at Burlington Brants - Brampton 14 Burlington 4
I'm sure the Royals had their last game vs Burlington in mind when they took the field tonight. Burlington took advantage of everything Brampton gave them and ran away with score (17-5).
The Royals loaded the bases in the 1st inning, but couldn't cash in. The Brants did score in their half of the 1st though. Ralph Lahey opened the 2nd with a solid double to center, followed by Janes double scoring Lahey. Janes advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch then scored when Rickli reached base on a error. Ferreira's single to left scored Rickli from 2nd. Speciale followed with his homer scoring Ferreira. It is now 5-1.
In the 5th, Lahey singled to center scoring Speciale, making the score 6-2. Burlington scored a couple in the 5th and that would be their last run of the night, but the Royals were just getting warmed up, in the 6th inning they had a BB, HBP, S, S, S, D, BB, BB, S, BB, BB scoring 8 times. Final was 14-4.
The team appears to be in great shape for the stretch run through the playoffs. Let this be the tournament they win. They are long overdue. They have the bats (they always have), they have the bench, they have the pitching (it comes and goes) and they have the defense. The team who makes the least mistakes wins. The only team that can get in their way, are the Royals. Have a great weekend.
Notables:
Lahey's best game - 2 R, 4 H, 3 RBI, 2 D
Speciale - 2 R, 3 H, 2, RBI, D, HR
Rickli - 2 R, 3 H, 2 RBI, SB
Ferreira - 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI
Janes - 2 R, 1 H, RBI
Thomson - R, 2 H, RBI
Tournaments
Vaughan
June 9 - 12
June
Friday
Saturday
Saturday
Sunday
Away
Ajax Spartans
Windsor Stars
Vaughan Jrs
Brampton
4
8
6
6
Home
Brampton
Brampton
Brampton
Sarnia Brigade
11
5
7
7
Tourneys
W L T
1 0 0
1 1 0
2 1 0
2 2 0
Playoff Round
Windsor won the tournament beating Sarnia 9-4
June 9 vs Ajax - Brampton 11 Ajax Spartans 4
The Royals opened their tournament season with a win over the Spartans of Ajax by scoring early and often. The game was literally over when Brampton scored 7 in the 3rd putting them in front 9-4. Myles Swartz squashed any threats Ajax had for the rest of the game with 4 Ks along the way to earn the win.
In the 3rd Speciale, Thomson and Rickli all drove in runs on 2 strike counts. Rickli, Ferreira, Speciale and Alex Fascia all had at least 2 hits. Yannick went 3 for 4 scoring twice and an RBI.
Notables:
Rickli - 3 H, 2 R, RBI
Ferreira - 2 H, 2 R, D, RBI
Speciale - 2 H, R, D, 2 RBI
A. Murphy - 2 R, 2 RBI, HR
Swartz - 6 IP, 4 ER, W
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June 10 vs Windsor - Windsor 8 Brampton 5
The Royals were in tough against the reigning National Champs. After giving up a run in the 1st inning the Royals answered back by plating 3 of their own in the 3rd and one in the 4th, but the Stars scored 5 in the 5th sealing the win.
Lakhani started the game and held the Stars in check for 4 innings on 2 hits and a couple of walks. He looked real sharp in those 4 innings, but after hitting the leadoff batter in the 6th Lakhani allowed a triple, double and homer. Dawson, Vic and Jayden each scored a run on 2 hits.
Notables:
Speciale - 2 H, R, RBI
Jemminson - 2 H, R, RBI
Lakhani - 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER
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June 10 vs Vaughan - Brampton 7 Vaughan 6
It was a good thing the Royals scored 5 in the 1st inning because they needed all of those runs. After a 4 pitch walk Yannik, advanced to 2nd on Ferreira's BB, then to 3rd tagging up on Speciale's deep fly out, then reached home for the winning run on Lebel's single. Sam Lebel led the offence going 3 for 4, scoring a run and adding a couple of RBI. Aidan Murphy had a tough time giving up 6 runs on his 3 1/3 innings. Like a great teammate Cameron Hibbs was there to pick him up with 3 2/3 innings of scoreless pitching to save the day. Brampton needed that win to advance to the playoff bracket.
Notables:
Lebel - 3 H, R, 2 RBI, SB
Speciale - H, R, 2 RBI, D
Hibbs - 3 2/3 IP, 0 ER, W
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June 11 vs Sarnia - Sarnia 7 Brampton 6
Just as Brampton won their last game by scoring the winning run in the 6th, they lost this one on a 6th inning run. Stoddart started this one giving up 7 runs in his 5 1/3 innings of work. Sarnia seemed to have an answer to everything the Royals did. In the 3rd Brampton scored 3, Sarnia scored 4; in the 4th Brampton scored 3, Sarnia scored 2. the Brigade answered everything Brampton threw at them.
Like so often, Rickli rises to the occasion in big games. In the 4th Yannick smoked a triple to centre scoring 2 runs then scored himself on Alex Fascia's groundout, putting the Royals up by a couple of runs.
Overall I think coach Fascia should be pleased by what he saw this weekend. The bats have never been an issue and that continued this tournament. The pitching still has some kinks to smooth out. He needs to get a feel for his pitcher's limitations. The team attitude from a fan's POV is very good.
Notables:
Rickli - 2 H, 2 R, 2 RBI, T
Speciale - 2 RBI, D
lakeside Tournament
June 23 - 25
June
Saturday, June 24
Saturday, June 24
Saturday, June 24
Semi Final
Sunday, June 25
Finals
Sunday, June 25
Away
Brampton
St. Thomas Tomcats
Sarnia Brigade
Strathroy
Brampton
7
6
4
1
6
Home
Leaside Leafs
Brampton
Brampton
Brampton
Etobicoke
8 innings
2
4
5
13
7
W L T
1 0 0
1 1 0
2 1 0
3 1 0
3 2 0
Semi Finals
Worth Noting - Fridays rain caused havoc with scheduling
Erindale beat Tecumseh 3-2
Erindale vs Etobicoke in other semi-final game
Although the Royals have been very average so far this season this should be a good test to see where they stand within the provincial hierarchy. I'm sure coach Fascia will have them ready for the test.
June 24 vs Leaside - Brampton 7 Leaside 2
It's about time seeing the Royals start flexing their muscles. As we have seen over and over again in big tournaments Victor carry the team to victory, and this time was no different. They showed they meant business in the first inning with Yannick and Alex on base they chose to hit and run with Victor up. He smacks a 2 run single to right field scoring 2. To their credit Leaside answered right back loading the bases and scoring a couple runs, but starter Swartz shut them down for the rest of the game securing the W. The Royals took advantage of a sloppy defense scoring 3 times on 3 errors and 2 wild pitches.
Swartz threw the teams first complete game of the season. He was in control of the whole game, not allowing a runner to reach 2nd base after the 2nd inning.
Speciale led the offence with his 3 hits and 4 RBIs. Yannick and Alex chipped in also, scoring twice on 2 hits each. Defensively, it’s worth mentioning that 2nd baseman Keegan handled all 7 chances he had.
Now the Royals take on St. Thomas who won their first tournament game. This will be an important game as they face a very good Sarnia team in their 3rd game.
Notables:
Speciale - 3 H, 4 RBI, D
Rickli - 3 H, SB
A. Fascia - 2 H, 2 R, SB
Swartz - 7 IP, CG, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K
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June 24 vs St. Thomas - St. Thomas 6 Brampton 4
Matt Stoddart took the bump in this one and like Swartz pitched a great game. Matt threw the teams 2nd complete game of the season giving only 2 earned runs. Unlike the Leaside game the defense let them down giving up 4 unearned runs, which nullified Stoddart’s fine pitching performance. The Royals were down 5-0 before they scored their first 2 runs. Brampton managed to put together a couple of runs in the 5th but came up 2 runs short.
Jayden Jemminson went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Cowper added the other 2 RBIs on his lone hit. The Royals had a chance in the 4th, but hit into a double play with the bases loaded ended the inning. They were getting guys on but couldn’t get that one hit to put up some crooked numbers.
They now are forced to win their game against Sarnia. They will need everyone to play errorless baseball. St. Thomas didn’t beat the Royals, the Royals did.
Notables:
Jemminson - 2 H, 2 RBI
Stoddart - 7 IP, CG, 4 ER
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June 24 vs Sarnia - Brampton 5 Sarnia 4
Sometimes you just have to give the other team credit and take your medicine. The Royals got their first hit of the game in the 6th inning. Brigade pitcher Derek Masse was well on his way to a win over the Royals until fate got in his way. We all know you can’t fight fate. With both teams needing a win to advance to the semi-finals, the Royals lulled them to sleep then left the field with a walk-off win, before Sarnia knew what happened. They were stunned by what happened.
With Sarnia up 3-0 heading to the bottom of the 6th they had every right thinking they were heading to the semis, but Aidan Murphy singled bringing home Thomson and Rickli. Sarnia managed one more run in their 7th, but the fireworks were about to start. Now it’s 4-2.
Lebel led off the 7th striking out. Dawson followed with a single. Pinlac, up next, changed places with Dawson on a fielder’s choice. Thomson, recent Royals Wall of Fame inductee singled on a 2 out, 0-2 count to left moving Pinner up to second. Now with 2 out, 2 on, Yannick (another recent WOF inductee) on a full count smoked a liner down to 3rd on what should have been the last play of the game, but an error resulted in C.J. (running for Thomson) and Pinner scoring. Yannick ended up on 2nd. Now it’s 4-4. Next up was Alex Fascia, with a 2-2 count hit a line drive to right scoring Yannick for the winning run. Three times they had a 2 out, 2 strike count, but couldn’t finish off the Royals.
In the first inning this was the most unlikely of outcomes when Sarnia’s first 7 batters started the game with a single, double, single, out, out, walk, walk. They might have knocked Lakhani down, but they failed to knock him out. Arman turned in a great gutsy performance repaying coach Fascia and his teammates for believing in him. It was only 2-0 after one inning and the Royals still had plenty of time to scratch their way back. Arman only gave up 2 more runs the rest of the game, going the distance tossing 115 pitches for the teams biggest win of the season. This game should help to get Arman back on track, being the pitcher he was last season.
The Royals can look for inspiration from what they accomplished in last years Elims.. They scored in the 9th inning against Erindale for the walk-off win, then in the 10th down a run against Strathroy scored a run to tie, then won it on Yannick’s single scoring Pinner.
In those two games and this one the same three names keep showing up; Pinlac, Thomson and Rickli. The trio played major roles in winning these three games. All three are tournament savvy and not affected by the situation in any way. Aidan Murphy is about to join this group with his late inning heroics.
The Royals don’t know who they play next, but they do know the only team that beat them in last years London Tournament has been eliminated. Congrats to coach Fascia and the team for whatever happens next.
Notables:
Thomson - 2 H, R,
A. Murphy - H, 2 RBI
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June 25 vs Strathroy - Brampton 13 Strathroy 1 (6 innings)
No one can say they saw this one coming. After two close games this one started the opposite way the Sarnia game started. We had their starter on the ropes and let them off easy only scoring a couple of runs. We opened with S, BB, out, S BB, S. The game was very much like many other tournament game, tight. Brampton led by a couple heading into the 5th when they opened the floodgates scoring 6 times and 4 more times in the 7th.
Aidan Murphy started and finished this one only giving up a run on 3 hits. He faced only 21 batters. He was on a mission all game. Like Swartz, Lakhani and Stoddart before him, he saved his best game for this day.
Four players had multiple runs, 5 players had multiple hits, 2 players had multiple RBIs. If I had to pick a player of the game besides Aidan I would have to go with C.J.. He went 3 for 4, 2 R. 3H, 3 RBIs. In the 2nd inning his leadoff was so big at 2nd base their pitcher tried to pick him off but threw it into centerfield scoring 2 more runs,
This was a total team effort. We were all expecting a close game like all the others we've had with them. Again, fate was on our side.
For the second year in a row the Royals are in the Finals of the Lakeside Tournament. This time against COBA competitor Etobicoke. Win or lose they are still winners.
Notables:
Fearon - 3 H, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 D
Rickli - R, 2 H, 2 RBI
K. Murphy - 3 H, 2 R, RBI
Pinlac - R, H, RBI
Thomson - R, H, RBI
A. Murphy - 6 IP, CG, 1 ER, 4 K, W
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June 25 vs Etobicoke - Etobicoke 7 Brampton 6 (8 innings)
On days like this do we allow our minds to wonder, “is this the day?”
The Royals have yet to win a tournament in their 18 years of COBA baseball. They came close in Ottawa, Vaughan, last year at the Happ (where they rarely do well) and the last few trips to the Elims. Last year at the Lakeside tournament they were placed in the Division of Death, with Sarnia, Strathroy and Tecumseh. They managed to make it to the Finals against one of the best teams in the country, but they ran out of gas getting up that final hill. All three of those teams have been to the Nationals so they have a winning pedigree, they know what it takes to compete and win, whereas the Royals are still searching for that winning formula that will allow them to take their place among the very best in the province. The other teams in Ontario now know who the Royals are, the Royals have earned their respect, but they still need that elusive tournament win to put them over the top.
Winning doesn’t come easy. A good COBA pitcher gets 9-12 starts a season and if they win a third of them, that means about 6-8 wins. The Royals have had only 5 pitchers who have won 5-7 games in a season. This is a tough league. I don’t look at this weekend as a lost cause, but rather it should be a learning experience. It’s the smart players that will watch the game, watch the opponents, watch their team, and learn when to lay down that perfect bunt, what can you do to become a better player. The best thing about those lessons learned, you don’t have a be a great player to make great plays.
That’s enough rambling. The Royals opened up with 2 runs in the first on Aidan Murphy’s double scoring Rickli and Alex. They left the bases loaded which might cost them later. B’Mac was on the bump and had a 1-2-3 first inning, In the 3rd he ran into control issues loading the bases. Ferreira came in and allowed 3 (2 earned) runners to score. The Royals tied it up in the 4th when Joe knocked in Pinlac from 3rd, then Royals added two more in the 5th. The Rangers scored in the 6th making it 5-4 Royals. In the Brampton 7th, Dawson singled then scored on C.J.s double to centre. Things are looking good. Do we let ourselves dare to wonder “could this be our day?”
At this point I think coach Fascia was going to leave Joe in, no matter what. Joe has been the go-to-guy for many years and he wanted Joe to finish the game out of respect. No one would question that. After a HBP and 2 BB, Etobicoke took another BB and a single to tie the game. The feeling was that we were still in shape with Joe on the hill. He’ll work out the kinks, he always has. The Royals went down quietly in the 8th, even with a runner at 2nd to start the inning. Etobicoke’s single scored the winning run. Bridesmaids once more, but this time felt different. Okay the Royals lost the game but they were still winners, because they were able to still close the gap between them and the leading pack. They know the Royals are coming for them, and will learn from their mistakes.
Bring on the Hap!
Notables:
A. Murphy - 3 H, R, 2 RBI, D
Hap Walters
July 21 - 23
Friday, July 21
Saturday, July 22
Saturday, July 22
Sunday, July 23
Away
Etobicoke Rangers
Kendal Eagles
East York Bulldogs
Ilderton River Hawks
5
7
4
18
Home
Brampton Royals
Brampton Royals
Brampton Royals
Brampton Royals
15
10
9
2
W L T
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
3 1 0
Semi Finals
Championship game between Newmarket and Ilderton was called because of rain.
July 21 vs Etobicoke Rangers - Brampton 15 Etobicoke 5
Well, this one started out as a typical Brampton/Erindale hit fest, but it was Etobicoke the Royals were playing to open the Hap Walters Tournament. Brampton scored in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th innings answering any threat the Rangers could muster.
In the 1st Ferreira would begin his special night with a 1 out single up the middle scoring Alex Fascia. In the 2nd Thomson hit a deep fly ball to center for a double scoring Keegan, then would score himself, on a wild pitch. Fearon would get on via a single, then like he always does, work his way around the bases putting himself into a scoring position. C.J. did score on a groundout. There’s no other player that’s as exciting to watch on the bases as C.J..
Etobicoke plated 4 runs in the 4th to tie the game, but the Royals answered with 6 of their own, making it 10-4. The Rangers changed pitchers in hopes of stemming the onslaught, but on this night, nothing would slow down the charging Royals.
With one out in the 5th Brampton loaded the bases setting the stage for the 2019 COBA MVP who slugged a deep fly ball over the left fence to put the game away. Keegan would add another dinger in the 6th to make it official, 15-5 mercy.
Can’t say enough of the pitching of Matt Stoddart who held the Rangers at bay all night. In 1st inning they had runners at 1st and 3rd, nobody out, Matt induced a weak pop up to short, a strikeout, then a groundball out to stop any threat. He was like that all night. The Rangers would get one or two on but Matt and the Royals defence would snub it out.
I know they say you learn more of yourself and of the team when you are losing but I think what the Brampton Royals learned on this night is that they know now they can play with anyone, not only within COBA, but the province as well. On July 10 Etobicoke were crowned as the #1 AAA team in the country and the Royals have just beaten them 3 times in the past 5 days. Unfortunately, Etobicoke is finding out that designation just puts a bigger target on their team. Everyone wants to take down #1. The really good teams will earn that #1 spot then figure a way of staying there.
Kendal is next up. We can’t let up on the gas.
Notables:
Ferreira - 4 for 4, Grand Slam, 6 RBI
Stoddart - 6 IP, CG, 1 ER, 5 K, W
Speciale - HR, 3 RBI
Alex Fascia - 3 for 4, 3 R, 1 D, 2 RBI
Keegan Murphy - 3 for 4, 1 HR, 2 R
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July 22, vs Kendal Eagles - Brampton 10 Kendal 7
Just like the previous game the Royals jumped on opposing pitching opening up a 4-0 lead. In the 1st Ferreira stayed hot clubbing another homer. The teams sparkplug Fearon continued his timely hitting with a couple of RBIs in the 2nd inning. With the Royals up 5-2 in the 6th the Eagles of Kendal struck for 4 runs, putting them up by a couple. The Royals reacted quickly and decisively answering with 5 runs to squash the uprising on the strength of RBIs from Ferreira, Pinlac, Keegan and Speciale. Now it’s 10 – 7.
Lakhani on the bump deserved a better fate as only 1 of his 7 runs scored against him were earned. B’Mac enter the game in the 7th to earn the save. With 2 out in the 6th Cowper relieved Lakhani, gave up a triple but got the final out to earn the win.
It’s nice to see Brampton scoring whenever they feel threatened. The bats are always there when needed.
Notables:
Ferreira - 2 H, 2 R, D, 2 RBI, HR
Speciale - 2 R, 2 H, RBI
Fearon - 2 H, 2 RBI
Pinlac - R, H, 2 RBI
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July 22, vs East York Bulldogs - Brampton 9 East York 4
Like the first two games the Royals opened the scoring in the first inning by plating 2 runs. The difference here was the Bulldogs of East York stormed right back scoring 4 times in their 4th. Again, like the other games Brampton answered with 3 of their own taking a 5-4 lead. The Royals sealed the win with Pinlac's 2 run double in the 6.
The Bulldogs pitchers assisted the Royals with 3 HBP, 5 BB and 6 WPs, so it was more about how East York gave Brampton the victory. Without those errors it would have been a much closer game.
Notables:
Swartz - 7 IP, CG, 4 ER, 1 BB, W
Cowper - 3 for 4, 3 R, 2 RBI
Pinlac - 2 H, 4 RBI
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July 23, vs Ilderton River Hawks - Ilderton 19 Brampton 2
Not much to say here, the score tells the tale, but the team should be congratulated on one of the team best showings at the Hap in many years. As good as they thought they were, there's still much work needed to reach the higher echelon.
The team shouldn’t let one game determine whether this weekend will be regarded as a success or not. Take solace Brampton took down the #1 team in the country and two other formidable opponents, then entered the playoff round as the #2 seed.
Brampton was going to lose regardless of who they played. The Royals pitching wasn’t there today and Ilderton were finding all the gaps. Take your lumps and learn from it. As painful as it may be, it's all part of the process of getting to the top.
Ontario Eliminations
Friday, Aug 4
Saturday, Aug 5
Away
Brampton
Brampton
0
3
Home
Burlington
Oakville
4
4
Won Loss 0 1
0 2
Aug 4 vs Burlington Brants - Burlington 4 Brampton 0
Burlington was going to test Brampton right off the bat in Round 1 of the 2023 Elims. Both teams were waiting for that one hit that would launch then into victory, but for both teams that hit never came. The Royals left 2 men on in the 1st and the Brants left the bases loaded the first 2 innings and scored twice on bases loaded BBs. Both teams had only 4 hits each but Burlington showed a lot of patience at the plate drawing 8 BB.
Kyle Mucin was put into the game when Logan ran into trouble. Where were B'Mac, Hibbs and Emmerson, the players who have been with the team through thick and thin, worthy players who should have had the opportunity to determine the outcome of the game. In my opinion they should have been in the game before Kyle. There's no doubt he will get his chances, but not here, not at this time when there's so much at stake.
It's going to be an uphill climb staying in the tournament. This is not the place where you want to fall behind. These teams will show no mercy, especially to those with a .174 BA.
Aug 5 vs Oakville A's - Oakville 4 Brampton 3
Not really sure where to start with this game. I think everyone would be pleased with allowing only 8 runs in two games, but for one of the Ontario's most potent offences to score only 3 runs is not acceptable. That's why baseball is the hardest game to play (and watch).
There's no rhyme or reason for players and teams to drift into a slump. You could have entered the Elims on a 7 game winning streak and hit the same slump. You can do nothing to control it or manage it. There's no lessons to be learned here, except to keep your cool. There are no warning signs that you are entering the slump, there's no way of preparing for it. It's like walking in quick sand, the harder you try to get out of it, the harder it gets. You just keep playing like you always have and hope it will leave for another team. Sure, it hurts, it should, but don't base your season on one weekend.
Now we know how Tecumseh felt at last years Elims when they went home with a 1- 2 record.
Playoffs
Saturday, Aug 19
Saturday, Aug 19
Sunday, Aug 20
Sunday, Aug 20
Away
Oakville
Brampton
Milton
Brampton
4
0
2
1
Home
Brampton
Etobicoke
Brampton
Etobicoke
14
10
5
7
Won Loss 1 0
1 1
2 1
2 2