Pirates Push Nationals to the Brink in Heartbreaking Extra-Inning Quarter-Final Classic
MAPLE RIDGE - May 17, 2026
The North Delta Pirates saw their impressive run at the Ridge Meadows College Prep Spring Showdown come to a heartbreaking end Sunday afternoon, falling 3–2 in extra innings to the North Fraser Nationals College Prep program in a thrilling quarter-final matchup. In a game defined by elite pitching, clutch defense, and relentless compete from both teams, the Pirates pushed one of the province’s top College Prep programs to the limit before ultimately coming up just short in the ninth inning.
From the opening pitch, the game carried the intensity and pace of a playoff battle. Both starting pitchers were outstanding, consistently working ahead in counts and limiting scoring opportunities. North Fraser struck first in the third inning after a fly ball to center field turned into a run-scoring triple, followed by a sacrifice fly that extended the Nationals’ lead to 2–0. Despite the early deficit, the Pirates remained composed and continued to battle inning after inning.
North Delta starter Noah Grant delivered one of the strongest outings of the tournament, keeping the Pirates within striking distance throughout the afternoon. The right-hander threw 119 pitches across eight innings, striking out 11 batters while walking none. N. Grant consistently attacked the strike zone, generated swings and misses, and stranded runners in key moments, giving North Delta every opportunity to mount a comeback.
That comeback finally came in dramatic fashion in the top of the seventh inning. With the Pirates down to their final outs, Jack Riley delivered a clutch double that sparked the rally and the Nationals committed a throwing error allowed both Payton Harper and Scott Ormston to score, suddenly tying the game at 2–2 and completely shifting the momentum. What had looked like a Nationals victory moments earlier was now a tense extra-inning battle.
North Delta continued to compete deep into the game, matching the Nationals pitch for pitch and play for play. N. Grant remained on the mound until the end of the eighth inning, continuing his dominant performance against a powerful North Fraser lineup. Defensively, the Pirates were steady throughout, with Ormston anchoring the fielding effort and North Delta consistently making key plays behind their ace.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game still tied, North Fraser finally broke through with a walk-off double that plated the winning run and ended the Pirates’ tournament run. While the result was difficult, the performance itself underscored just how competitive North Delta had become against some of British Columbia’s strongest College Prep programs.
Although the Pirates did not advance to the semifinal round, the tournament represented a major step forward for the program. North Delta earned a convincing victory over Ridge Meadows College Prep and pushed both the North Shore Lions and the North Fraser Nationals to highly competitive games. Against programs from larger baseball markets and established College Prep systems, the Pirates proved they could compete at the same level. They now leave the Spring Showdown with valuable experience, growing confidence, and momentum as they shift their focus back toward the AAA provincial playoff race.
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
