ROYALS TAKE 3 OF 4 IN OPENING ROAD SERIES AT OUAZ

SURPRISE, AZ- The Royals opened the 2026 season with a strong showing on the road, taking three of four games against Ottawa University–Arizona in Surprise, Ariz. The weekend featured solid starting pitching, key contributions up and down the lineup, and a chance for the coaching staff to evaluate the roster in live action. "Overall this was a very good weekend for our team," head coach Dave Serrano said. "We were able to play and pitch many guys. The way I look at this weekend is whether we were successful or not, this was a great learning experience for this team."

Game 1 – Johnson 9, OUAZ 4

Johnson wasted no time getting the offense going in the season opener, scoring nine runs on 10 hits to pull away for the win. The Royals broke the game open in the middle innings and added late insurance to secure the victory. Luke Wilson and Izaac Fernandez each drove in multiple runs, while Joseph Brown delivered a two-run single in the ninth inning to help seal the game. Colby Reynolds earned the win on the mound, and the bullpen combined to finish off the opener.

Game 2 – Johnson 7, OUAZ 3 (10 innings)

The Royals showed resilience in game two, rallying late and erupting for five runs in the 10th inning to claim the extra-innings win. After battling back to tie the game, Johnson used timely hitting to take control. Joseph Brown delivered the biggest swing with a three-run double in the 10th, while JJ Menesini and Braden Frank also drove in runs during the decisive frame. Andrew Uharriet was outstanding in relief, keeping OUAZ off the board over the final four innings. "Now the coaching staff knows a little more about areas we need to improve on," Serrano said. "I felt we got very good starting pitching all weekend along with guys out of the bullpen. I like what the future can be with this staff."

Game 3 – Johnson 5, OUAZ 3

Johnson clinched the series with another balanced effort, scoring five runs on eight hits while getting contributions from throughout the lineup. Travis Hobbensiefken, Jaden Rez, Austin Menesini, and Jesse Rojas each drove in runs as the Royals built a lead and held off a late OUAZ push. Tyler Barfield turned in a strong start, and Kaleb Townsend closed the door to earn the save. "Like most starts to the season, the pitching was ahead of the offense," Serrano said. "Our offense will continue to get better and be much better. This weekend gave us a chance to see how our guys compete, and it showed us what we're capable of while also showing where we can grow."

Game 4 – OUAZ 5, Johnson 1

OUAZ avoided the sweep in the series finale, holding Johnson to one run despite seven hits. Braden Frank accounted for the Royals' lone RBI of the game. Jordan Hosman delivered a solid start, allowing just one run over four innings, but a big seventh inning by OUAZ proved to be the difference. "Opening your season with a road trip is always beneficial to bring a team closer," Serrano added. "What made it very nice was the fabulous weather we played in."

The Royals return home with a 3-1 record and momentum to build on, having used the weekend not only to earn wins but to establish roles, test depth, and grow together as a team early in the season.