North Delta Pirates Split Key Doubleheader with Richmond Chuckers, Remain in the Hunt for Top Spot
NORTH DELTA, B.C. — With first place in the AAA standings up for grabs, the North Delta Pirates and Richmond Chuckers delivered a doubleheader full of momentum swings, timely hits, and high-stakes baseball at Mackie Park on Sunday. The teams split the twin bill, with Richmond taking Game 1, 10-3, and North Delta responding with a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win in extra innings in Game 2.
Despite the split, the Pirates (19-4) continue their standout season and remain firmly in contention, trailing the Chuckers (22-6) by just three wins while holding five games in hand.
Game 1 – Pirates Fall Behind Early, Can’t Recover in 10-3 Loss
The opener saw the Pirates play catch-up after Richmond jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, sparked by a Jake Parnell triple and a Dylan Thomas RBI single. North Delta briefly surged ahead in the bottom half of the inning with a three-run rally powered by a Payton Harper two-run double and a Richmond error.
But the Chuckers answered immediately and never looked back, retaking the lead in the third on another clutch hit from Thomas, who tripled home a pair and finished the game with four RBIs while Parnell went four-for-four at the plate. Richmond pounded out 15 hits against North Delta starter Kesler Curtis, who allowed eight runs (six earned) over five innings.
North Delta had its chances, tallying 11 hits but stranding runners in key spots. Harper led the way offensively with a 3-for-4 day and two RBIs. Noah Grant and Noah Saunders also collected multiple hits, while the defense turned two double plays to keep the game close through the early innings.
Game 2 – Wilson Walks It Off as Pirates Rally Late to Earn Split
Game 2 was a thriller from start to finish, with the Pirates showing the resilience that has defined their season. Trailing multiple times, North Delta clawed back at every turn and ultimately walked it off in the bottom of the 10th on a Connor Wilson double that scored Eliaz Murti, sealing a 7-6 victory.
Wilson came up clutch with two hits and two RBIs, while Saunders continued his hot day at the plate, going 3-for-5 from the eight spot in the lineup. Harper, James, and Dakota Simicak also chipped in with key hits in a game that saw North Delta compile 13 total knocks.
Starter Grant turned in a gritty performance on the mound, throwing 117 pitches over seven-and-two-thirds innings, allowing just four runs while striking out nine. Murti took over in relief and kept Richmond at bay through the final two frames, giving the Pirates a chance to complete their comeback.
Richmond led 3-0 midway through the contest and took additional leads in the ninth and tenth innings, but each time the Pirates answered. Harper tied it in the ninth with a line-drive single to center, and Wilson capped it with a drive to the gap in the tenth.
Pirates Rolling Into Summer Stretch
With the split, North Delta remains in second place but in a strong position to chase down top-seeded Richmond thanks to five games in hand. The Pirates have combined strong starting pitching, consistent bats, and a never-quit mentality, as showcased in Sunday’s second game.
They return to Mackie Park next Sunday to host the Kamloops Riverdogs, looking to build on their 19-4 record and make a statement as one of the league's elite squads heading into the back half of the season.
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
