Royals Defeated by Kernersville in Exhibition

A seven-run seventh inning cemented a 15-2 victory for the visiting Kernersville Bulldogs in an exhibition game against the Burlington Royals on Tuesday night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. In that inning, Bulldogs LF Kevin Jordan hit a grand slam over the left field wall for the final four runs of the game.

"A lot of these kids have a lot of talent," Burlington manager Tommy Shields said after the game. "But they were very nervous. We gave them a lot of outs, and when we give them extra outs in the field and don't throw strikes, we're going to get hurt. We got hurt tonight."

Burlington plated its two runs with singles and doubles in the second and third innings, respectively. In the second, DH D.J. Burt reached on a dropped third strike, stole second and advanced to third on a single by 2B Luis Martinez. The next hitter, 3B Ryan Dale, hit a sacrifice fly to score Burt and get the Royals on the board.

In the third, C Chase Vallot (40th overall pick, 2014) hit the first of his two doubles, an RBI knock to right center field. He would follow with a double down the left field line in the fifth.

LHP Estarlin Cordero and RHP Andrew Brockett each tossed scoreless innings of relief for the Royals.

Burlington opens the 2014 regular season against the Pulaski Mariners on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Pulaski, Virginia. LHP Carlos Herrera will start for the Royals. Fans can hear the game on www.pulaskimariners.net.