Pirates Showcase Grit and Firepower in Nail-Biting Home Opening Doubleheader
The North Delta Pirates opened their home schedule in exciting fashion Sunday afternoon, splitting a tightly contested doubleheader with the Township Bluesox at Mackie Park. In two games - both decided by a single run - the Pirates showcased strong pitching, timely hitting, and competitive resilience in front of the home crowd.
Game one featured a dominant performance on the mound from Noah Grant, who set the tone early and carried the Pirates to a 3–2 victory. The right-hander was electric, striking out 12 batters over five innings while allowing just one hit and no runs. His ability to generate swings and misses and command the strike zone kept the Bluesox off balance throughout, anchoring a composed and confident team effort.
Offensively, North Delta capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win. Lucas Stebbings got the Pirates on the board early with a double, while consistent pressure on the base paths helped create scoring chances. Payton Harper led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 batting performance, added three stolen bases, and scored all three of North Delta’s runs, sparking the lineup with his speed and contact hitting. The game-winning run came in the sixth inning, breaking a late tie and sealing a well-earned victory.
The Pirates were equally sharp defensively in the opener, turning in a clean performance in the field. Matthew Sarkessian was especially active, handling a team-high number of chances, while the pitching staff worked effectively to strand runners and protect the narrow lead. Eliaz Murti closed the door to secure the save, completing a strong all-around effort.
Game two brought another competitive battle, with the Bluesox edging the Pirates 6–5 in a back-and-forth contest. North Delta once again showed offensive depth, with Harper and N. Grant leading the charge from the middle of the lineup with multiple hits apiece. Contributions came from across the order, as Stebbings, Calvin Mattu, N. Grant and Paul Stringer drove in runs to keep the Pirates within striking distance throughout.
On the mound, Mattu delivered a solid start, striking out five over three innings and consistently challenging hitters. The Pirates’ pitching staff continued to demonstrate an ability to attack early in counts and generate swing-and-miss, while limiting hard contact across much of the game. The team also maintained its disciplined approach at the plate, drawing walks and applying pressure with aggressive base running.
The second game came down to the final out. With the bases loaded, Stringer drove a deep fly ball to centre-right and the centre fielder made an excellent catch, ending the Pirate’s hopes of a dramatic come-back win.
Despite the narrow result in the second game, the Pirates’ home openers highlighted a balanced and determined club capable of competing in tight games. With strong starting pitching, active bats, and confident play in all phases, North Delta leaves the weekend with more positive momentum as they continue their early-season schedule. The North Delta Pirates’ next games are scheduled for April 18th at Tri Cities.
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
