Pirates Respond in Style, Sweep Expos to Complete Weekend Rebound

NORTH DELTA, BC - May 31, 2026

The North Delta Pirates responded exactly the way strong teams do on Sunday afternoon, bouncing back from a difficult Saturday by sweeping a doubleheader against the Vancouver Mounties Expos Blue. North Delta earned a hard-fought 7-6 victory in the opener before riding a dominant pitching performance from Noah Grant to a 4-0 shutout win in game two. The pair of victories allowed the Pirates to regain momentum and maintain their position in the provincial standings as they continue their push toward the Provincial Championships later this summer.

The opening game looked early as though it might turn into a comfortable North Delta victory. After Vancouver grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning, the Pirates responded emphatically. They exploded for five runs in the bottom half of the inning, fueled by run-scoring doubles from Payton Harper and Jack Riley, a bases-loaded walk by Calvin Mattu, and an infield fly that plated another run. The offensive outburst immediately swung momentum in North Delta's favour and showcased the depth of a lineup capable of producing runs throughout the order.

The Pirates added two more runs in the second inning when Harper lined a single that brought home Tyler Conway and N. Grant, extending the lead to 7-1. Harper finished with three RBIs, while Riley drove in two and Conway, N. Grant, Riley, and Lucas Stebbings each collected two hits. Conway and N. Grant crossed the plate twice apiece, helping North Delta build what appeared to be a commanding advantage.

The Expos refused to go quietly; however, steadily chipping away at the deficit and eventually making the Pirates earn every out. Vancouver collected 12 hits and narrowed the margin to a single run late in the contest. North Delta's pitching staff held firm when it mattered most. Riley earned the victory after four solid innings of work, and Eliaz Murti closed the door in the seventh, delivering a scoreless inning to secure the save and preserve the 7-6 win.

If the first game tested the Pirates' ability to withstand pressure, the second showcased their ability to dominate. North Delta ace Noah Grant delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, throwing a complete-game shutout while striking out 12 batters. N. Grant needed 101 pitches to navigate seven innings, surrendering only two hits and never allowing the Expos to establish any offensive rhythm. Time and again, Vancouver hitters found themselves overmatched by N. Grant's command and ability to work ahead in counts.

Offensively, the Pirates received contributions from throughout the lineup. While the top of the order was largely held off the scoresheet, hitters five through nine carried the attack. Riley, Scott Ormston, Tevin Bentley, Mattu, and Murti combined to go 7-for-11 and were directly responsible for all four North Delta runs. Bentley opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning before Murti followed with a run-scoring single. Conway led the team with three hits, while Riley and Ormston each recorded multi-hit performances as North Delta finished with 11 hits overall.

After enduring a challenging stretch that included injuries, illness, and a pair of losses the previous day, Sunday's sweep represented an important step forward for the Pirates. The club demonstrated both resilience and depth, showing it can win in different ways, whether by surviving a late comeback attempt or riding a dominant pitching performance. With two valuable victories in hand and confidence restored, North Delta now turns its attention to next weekend's matchup against the Chilliwack Cougars, continuing its pursuit of a strong finish heading into the Provincial Championships.

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