SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The P.E.I. Junior Islanders continued their strong play in the New Brunswick Junior Baseball League on Saturday.
The Islanders swept a doubleheader from the host Fredericton Royals, winning the opener 7-6 and taking Game 2 by a 5-0 score.
The two victories improved the Charlottetown-based Islanders’ record to 8-2 (won-lost).
Islanders 7 Royals 6
In Game 1, P.E.I. jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but were forced to hang on for the one-run win.
Alex Jabbour started on the mound, going three innings and allowing two runs while striking out five. Fredericton made it close, scoring three times off reliever Eric Anderson in the fourth.
Chandler Laporte kept the Royals at bay and Ryne MacIsaac retired the last three batters for the save. Sam Beaulieau took the loss.
Connor McGregor had three hits for the Islanders and Noah Duckworth had two hits and three runs batted in. Patrick Gallant and MacIsaac had two hits each and Gabe Penalver chipped in with one.
Beaulieau had two hits, including a home run, to lead the Royals’ attack.
Islanders 5 Royals 0
P.E.I. starter Nolan Hicken was in full control in Game 2, scattering four hits over the first five innings, striking out six. Penalver pitched the final two scoreless innings for the save. Isaac Edwards suffered the loss.
Gavin Hickey doubled twice and drove in two runs for P.E.I. Elijah Hood had two hits and two RBIs and McGregor stayed hot with two hits of his own. John Savidant, Gallant and Penalver all had one hit.
Beaulieau had three of the Royals’ five hits.
Busy schedule
The Islanders have a busy upcoming schedule. Saturday, they travel to Moncton to take on the Mudcats in a doubleheader. This will be the first matchup of the season between the two top teams in the standings.
Sunday, P.E.I. hosts the Chatham Ironmen in Summerside for a twin bill starting at noon.
