North Delta Pirates Survive Late Rally to Edge Cloverdale Rangers 10-9 in Midweek Makeup Thriller-Odd Ball Game

CLOVERDALE, BC — The North Delta Pirates built an early cushion and narrowly weathered a furious late-inning surge to secure a semi-dramatic 10-9 win over the Cloverdale Rangers on Thursday, in the first leg of a doubleheader makeup game following a previous rainout.

The Pirates appeared to be cruising after piling on a seven-run lead by the fourth inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and disciplined plate appearances. But Cloverdale refused to fold, clawing back with a relentless offensive push that included a triple, multiple RBI singles, a hit-by-pitch, and a series of productive outs to nearly erase the deficit.

North Delta jumped ahead early, striking first in the top of the second when Eliaz Murti laced a two-run single. Murti finished the day with two RBIs, joining teammates Dakota Simicak and Noah Saunders in driving in a pair of runs apiece.

Cloverdale responded in the bottom of the fifth, tying the game with a small-ball sequence that saw a groundout, a bases-loaded walk, and a single score runs.

With the game deadlocked at 7-7 in the final frame, the Pirates capitalized on a costly defensive miscue — a dropped third strike that allowed two runs to cross the plate. Tevin Bentley followed with a key RBI single to stretch the lead to 10-7, just enough to fend off the Rangers’ final rally in the bottom half.

On the mound, Pirates starter Simicak was solid over three innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits while striking out six. Jack Sorensen started for the Rangers, yielding three runs on four hits across three innings but struggling with command, issuing five walks. Cole James and Kesler Curtis pitched in relief for North Delta, helping hold the line during Cloverdale’s comeback attempt. Curtis earned the win for the Pirates.

Payton Harper paced the Pirates’ offense with a 2-for-3 effort, while Saunders swiped at least two bags to keep the pressure on. North Delta showed patience at the plate throughout the game, drawing 10 walks, with Lucas Stebbings and Curtis each earning two free passes.

Despite a late scare, the Pirates held firm to notch a crucial victory in the tightly contested matchup — a win that showcased both their offensive firepower and ability to withstand adversity.

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.

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