Costly errors contribute to Royals loss

The Newton Royals looked to increase their division lead over the idle Boston Cubs as the Royals took on the Waltham Nationals.  The Royals' bats were held at bay most of the game and a season high five errors in the field contributed to a tough loss for the team from Newton.

Royals starting pitcher Dan Pelberg shut down the Nationals offense only allowing 2 hits the entire game but the Nationals scored once in the second inning on a throwing error by Second baseman Bryan Weber and then scored two more in the fourth on two more costly errors by the Royals infield. 

The Royals bats came alive in the top of the fifth.  Left fielder Justin Chere ripped a one out double down the left field line and then two batters later the Royals got three consecutive doubles from Shortstop Colin Walsh, Catcher Nate Coolidge, and Pelberg.  And just like that the Royals had tied the game at three.

The Nationals regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Center fielder Anthony Andino singled to lead off the inning.  After two more throwing errors from the Royals defense, Andino scored from third base on a passed ball putting the Nationals on top for good.

Nationals lefty Will Whittemore pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning to earn his first save of the year.  Pelberg took the loss going six innings giving up four runs (all unearned) on 2 hits with 2 walks, one hit batter, and 12 strikeouts.

The Royals take on division rival the Cambridge Thunder this Thursday June 13th at 8pm at Brandeis University in Waltham.