The Portage Padres' road to the Santa Clara Baseball League Championship starts tonight.

The Padres' finished second in league play, setting them up with home advantage for the first round. Portage is host Carberry tonight, and the Royals always put up a good fight when facing the Padres. Portage Pitcher Rod McLeod says it's nice to get the 7th seed heading in, but the Royals are a lot better than their record indicates.

"They might have just had some tough games throughout the year, but we know they're better than what they put up against other teams because we had a 1 run win against them, and a tie. So we've been having some great ball games all year."

McLeod says they had a strong year, but they need to step it up in the post-season.

"We've struggled in the past when the playoffs come around. So the biggest thing for us right now is that we're pitching the ball well, and playing good defense. The hitting has always been there for us, the big thing is not allowing a big inning and I think we'll be alright."

The Padres and Royals go at 7 p.m. at Rotary Republic Park.