North Delta Pirates Blanketed by Dominant Pitching in Provincial Tournament Opener Loss to North Island Cubs

MAPLE RIDGE, BC – July 24, 2025 — The North Delta Pirates kicked off their provincial championship campaign with a tough 4-0 loss to the second-seeded North Island Cubs on Thursday morning at Maple Ridge’s Larry Walker Field.

The matchup, which featured two familiar foes with a competitive history stretching through the spring and summer, lived up to expectations in intensity, if not in outcome for the Pirates. Despite several opportunities to break through offensively, North Delta couldn’t capitalize in key moments, leaving runners stranded in a game where every chance mattered.

North Island struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Chase Robbins delivered a two-run single to put the Cubs ahead. The following inning saw the lead extend to 4-0 after a solo shot to left field by Brian Buchanan and a run scored on a wild pitch. That proved to be all the cushion their ace Nolan Cathcart would need.

Cathcart was in dominant form, striking out 12 Pirates over six-and-two-thirds innings while allowing just four hits and three walks. His command and poise kept North Delta hitters off balance all game long.

Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Pirates. Cole James, batting out of the seven-hole, led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance, was rock-solid defensively, and earned the game MVP for the Pirates. The Pirates also played a clean game defensively, turning a double play and committing no errors.

On the mound, North Delta divided the work between Noah Grant, who gave up two unearned runs over two innings, and Eliaz Murti, who allowed two more runs in relief.

While the result wasn't what the Pirates were hoping for in their tournament opener, the team remains firmly in the hunt. With two games scheduled for Friday—against the Chilliwack Cougars and the Cowichan Valley Mustands - the path forward is clear. The Pirates will need to bounce back decisively on Friday to keep their provincial dreams alive.

The first pitch against Chilliwack is scheduled for Friday morning at 9:30am at Hammond Stadium in Maple Ridge.

For more information about the North Delta Pirates, visit www.northdeltapirates.ca. Follow the team on Instagram (@northdeltapirates), Facebook, and Twitter (@piratesnd) for exclusive content and updates throughout the season.

To become a team sponsor or for media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Matt Grant
Director with the North Delta Pirates
northdeltapirates@gmail.com