Royal Knights sweep Burbank

ROYAL CITY - The Royal High baseball team closed the regular season last week with a 7-5 and 15-0 sweep of Burbank to secure a berth in the SCAC baseball district tournament.

"It was good to end the regular season on a high note," coach Joe Avila said. "Aaron (Johnson) and Kaden (Jenks) both threw the ball really well, and the defense backed them all day."

Royal led 1-0, 2-0 and 3-1 early in the first game then had to come back in top of the sixth to overcome a 4-3 lead by the Coyotes. The Coyotes fought all the way, taking the lead on a three-run triple in the fifth inning.

The Knights roared right back for four runs to regain the lead at 7-4. They combined Burbank errors with clutch hits.

Sam Christensen batted 3-4 with two doubles, a walk, a RBI and two runs scored. Riley Lefler went 2-5 with two RBI. Kai Jenks had a double and two walks. Teddy Mead had a hit and a RBI.

Kaden Jenks got the mound start, going more than six innings and striking out seven batters along the way.

The second game was dominated by Royal. Sam Christensen went 3-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Kai Jenks was 3-5 with three RBI and three runs scored.

Johnson was 2-4 with a RBI and two runs scored. Teddy Mead added a hit and two RBI. Riley Lefler was 2-5 with a triple.

Berto Martinez was 2-3 with a RBI and a walk and Juan Niebla had a double and a RBI. Johnson got the start and threw all six innings, striking out seven.

"Its always fun anytime you reach the postseason, but we know there is still a lot of work to get done before we play," Avila said. "We'll put in a solid week of preparation and be ready to get after it come game day."