The 22U Prince Albert Royals pose for a team photo after winning AAA Provincials this past weekend. (Patrick Robin/Submitted)

By Logan Lehmann

Winning feeling

22U Royals claim Provincial title, off to Western Championships

Jul 30, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The 22U Prince Albert Royals came out on top of their AAA baseball Provincial Finals this weekend.

The Royals played in a best-of three series to decide a provincial champion against the Diefenbaker Ducks, which was played at Andy Zwack Field in Prince Albert.

“Overall, I thought we played well,” said Royals head coach Patrick Robin. “We really didn’t have much practice beforehand, but we were very closely matched in both areas of offence and defence.”

He added that either team had a short bench with Diefenbaker sporting a 10-man roster while P.A. only had nine, as first baseman Rylon Elmy was battling an injury.

Game 1 was on Saturday afternoon and saw the Royals prevail 4-3, highlighted by a stellar pitching performance by Harris Kellington, who struck out 10 batters in a complete game effort. In Game 2 later that same day, it was a different story as the Ducks rallied for 12 runs in the final inning to route Prince Albert, 20-7.

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In the do-or-die Game 3, the Royals proved victorious in a tightly-knit contest winning 11-9, which was led by Brady Robin on the bump. The right-hander threw for 10 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings before Hunter Morin was summoned from the bullpen to close out the game.

With the Provincial win, the Royals are now off to the 22U AAA Western Championships that are set to happen in Winnipeg in a couple weeks. Patrick said that the tournament will be nothing short of a good time.

“It’s going to be an experience I’m sure the boys will never forget,” he said, noting that a few players on the team have been to Western’s before. “We’re going to have a practice then we’re hoping to have an exhibition game after the long weekend.”

At Western’s, the Royals will be joined alongside the host Elmwood Giants, the Diefenbaker Ducks, Alberta’s Castor Raiders, and Manitoba’s Carillon Sultans.

The 22U Western Canadian Baseball Championships will happen from Aug. 9-11 in Winnipeg. Prince Albert will embark on their journey to the tournament on Aug. 8.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com