The Delta Tigers are making quite an impression as they get their first steady dose of action as a member of B.C. Premier Baseball’s Bantam Prep League.
When COVID-19 related provincial health restrictions were at last eased back in mid-June to play competitive sports beyond their community, the Tigers stumbled out of the gate by dropping three of five games to the White Rock Tritons. However, the losses have been few and far between since, earning Delta the opportunity to be one of three host teams for the upcoming playoff championship with a 20-7 record.
The Tigers will host Abbotsford, Victoria and Kelowna at Tsawwassen’s Winskill Park Aug. 27 to 28. The winner of that group will advance to the Final Four the following day, hosted by White Rock at South Surrey Athletic Park.
“Everyone looks a little more confident and more comfortable for sure. That’s every aspect of the game,” said Tigers head coach Cam Frick. “Defensively, we have been playing great and our pitching has always been good. Guys are able to go a little deeper into games and that has helped.”
The pitching staff is led by Taylor Pearce with 4-0 record, 0.85 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 50 innings of work. Ezi Murti has a team-leading 57 Ks and a 0.67 ERA over 42 innings, while Finley McConnell has four wins and 47 Ks.
At the plate, Macin McDonald has been sizzling with a .480 batting average 22 RBI and a pair of home runs. McConnell’s strong two-way play includes a .444 batting average. Dryden Fuoco is hitting .343 and has driven in 20 runs.
What has Frick even more pleased than the impressive record and stats is his players’ development after having to deal with the limitations due to COVID.
“I was just talking to another coach about that. I think they we were just in practice mode and the majority of the kids weren’t able to jump right back into game mode,” Frick added. “But in the last three weeks, not just our team, but the others we are playing, everyone has been able to click it back into gear and regular play.
“It’s nice to see and to me, that is getting back to real life when I start to see that and road trips as well.”
