North Delta Pirates and Cowichan Valley Mustangs Split Spirited Doubleheader
NORTH DELTA — Riding high after a strong performance at the Sussex All-Star Tournament, the North Delta Pirates returned to league action Sunday at Mackie Park, facing off against the surging Cowichan Valley Mustangs — winners of nine of their previous fourteen and solidly in fourth place in the BC Minor standings. But after a week-long layoff, the Pirates showed some rust in a fiercely contested doubleheader that featured lack-luster performances, elite defensive efforts, late-inning drama, and even a few controversial moments.
The teams split the two-game series, with Cowichan taking Game 1 in a high-scoring affair, and the North Delta Pirates bouncing back in Game 2 with a dramatic walk-off win.
Game 1: Mustangs Capitalize on Big Inning, Edge Pirates Despite Being Out-Hit
Despite outhitting Cowichan Valley 9–7, the North Delta Pirates dropped the opener 8–5. The Mustangs broke a 2–2 tie in the top of the fourth, stringing together a trio of RBI singles to plate five runs and take a commanding lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
North Delta starter Liam Jones was tagged for seven runs (five earned) across three-and-one-third innings, while Cowichan’s starting pitcher went the distance, allowing five runs (three earned) over seven innings while walking just two and striking out four.
Noah Grant and Dakota Simicak each collected two hits for the Pirates, with Grant and Kesler Curtis driving in two runs apiece. Defensively, the Pirates turned a double play, but were unable to halt Cowichan’s momentum after the decisive fourth inning.
Cowichan showed strong plate discipline, drawing seven walks and flashing defensive efficiency with two double plays.
Game 2: Curtis Delivers Walk-Off Single in Tense Pirates Victory
Game 2 was a much tighter, low-scoring affair marked by clutch pitching and defensive excellence. The Pirates snatched a 2–1 victory in walk-off fashion, thanks to a single to right field by Curtis in the bottom of the seventh that drove in the winning run.
It was a pitcher’s duel for most of the afternoon. North Delta’s Simicak tossed six strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out six. Cole James sealed the win with a scoreless seventh, striking out two in relief.
After falling behind 1–0 in the first, the Pirates finally broke through in the seventh. Eliaz Murti tagged up to score the tying run, and Curtis — who continued his strong day at the plate — delivered the game-winning RBI single moments later.
Payton Harper had a standout game defensively, making a pair of highlight-reel diving catches in right field during the third inning that electrified the crowd and kept the Pirates within striking distance.
The game’s intensity reached a boiling point in the fifth inning when several disputed calls created tension on both benches. Umpires had their hands full in the emotionally charged finale, which ultimately led to a couple of ejections.
Despite the volatility, both teams showed flashes of high-caliber baseball. The Pirates were patient at the plate, drawing nine walks without committing an error in the field.
Cowichan’s starting pitcher was impressive on the mound, going six scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
With the split, North Delta holds steady in the standings, showing grit in Game 2 to bounce back after a shaky start. They’ll look to carry that momentum into a a mid-week makeup against the Cloverdale Rangers on Thursday later this week.
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
