Pirates Make Statement at Spring Showdown with Dominant Shutout of Royals College Prep Squad

MAPLE RIDGE - May 14, 2026

The North Delta Pirates opened their first-ever appearance at the Ridge Meadows College Prep Spring Showdown in impressive fashion Thursday afternoon, rolling to an emphatic 8–0 victory over the host Ridge Meadows Royals College Prep team. Facing a Royals club currently sitting third in the BC Minor College Prep standings, the Pirates delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, controlling the game from the opening inning through the final out.

From the outset, North Delta appeared sharp, confident, and fully in command. The Pirates established an early lead in the first inning when Lucas Stebbings drove in the game’s opening run, setting the tone for an afternoon where nearly everything seemed to go North Delta’s way. The offense continued to apply pressure inning after inning, consistently producing quality at-bats and timely hits against a strong Royals squad.

North Delta added to its advantage in the second inning when starting pitcher Eliaz Murti helped his own cause with an RBI single to extend the lead. The Pirates continued building momentum in the third, as Payton Harper drove in a run and Stebbings followed with a run-scoring double down the left field line. By the middle innings, North Delta had firmly seized control of the contest and never allowed the Royals an opportunity to climb back into the game.

The Pirates’ pitching staff was equally dominant. Murti earned the victory after throwing three-and-two-thirds outstanding innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three and consistently keeping Royals hitters off balance. He attacked the strike zone efficiently throughout his outing, generating swings and misses while inducing a heavy number of ground balls. Jack Riley took over in relief and closed out the final two-and-a-third innings without allowing a run, completing the combined one-hit shutout.

Defensively, North Delta was composed and efficient behind its pitching staff. The Pirates turned a double play and limited Ridge Meadows to just two baserunners all game, showcasing clean execution and strong communication in the field. The team’s ability to consistently convert routine plays helped maintain momentum throughout the shortened six-inning contest.

At the plate, the Pirates finished with 10 hits and received contributions from throughout the lineup. Stebbings and Riley each recorded multi-hit games, while Stebbings and Calvin Mattu both drove in two runs. North Delta’s balanced attack and disciplined approach at the plate consistently pressured the Royals and created scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.

The victory marked an impressive start for the Pirates in a tournament the organization has not traditionally entered, having competed in the Kamloops Riverdogs tournament during past May long weekends. With a commanding opening performance against one of the province’s top College Prep programs, North Delta sends an early statement at the Spring Showdown and carries strong momentum into Friday’s matchup against the Vancouver Island Mariners College Prep squad.

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