SASKATOON — Anyone who has followed the Western Canadian Baseball League for any amount of time can tell you all about how radically a team’s fortunes can change in a short amount of time.
Case in point, the Weyburn Beavers.
After taking a pair of mercy rule losses to the Saskatoon Beavers to open their campaign, the Beavers came as close as could be to finding the win column against Saskatoon on Saturday night.
Then on Sunday, they broke through.
Despite falling behind 6-0 early, the Beavers would rally in the later innings to tie the game and would score a pair in the ninth to secure a 9-8 victory in Saskatoon.
In one other game for Saskatchewan teams on Sunday, the Regina Red Sox used a six-run fourth inning to propel themselves to a 7-5 victory over the Medicine Hat Mavericks.
Weyburn 9, Saskatoon 8
A six-run third inning gave the Berries their early edge, but the Beavers got one back in the fourth and then put up a six-run frame of their own in the sixth to take the lead. Saskatoon then tied the game in the seventh, setting up the dramatic finish.
In a wild turn of events, both Jared Kramp and Robery Gurney were hit by pitches with the bases loaded, bringing home Hugh Montgomery and Joe Madill with the go-ahead and what would turn out to be a crucial insurance run.
A lead-off solo home run from Ethan Murdoch got the Berries back within one in their half of the ninth, and the Berries would get the tying run on base before Weyburn’s Gunner Ferguson got the next two batters to close things out.
Ferguson gave up only Murdoch’s homer in two solid innings of relief to pick up the win. Josh Pritchard started for the Beavers and allowed seven runs — only two earned — on eight hits while going seven innings.
Kramp finished the game 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBI, Anthony Cortese also knocked in a pair.
Murdoch had another phenomenal game for Saskatoon, going 5-for-5 with two doubles, the aforementioned homer and three runs scored. Nathan Houston was 2-for-4 with and crossed the plate once.
Michael Sall had a solid start for Saskatoon, allowing a single unearned run and one hit over five innings while striking out seven. Brody Wrench took the loss.
Weyburn improves to 3-1 on the season, Saskatoon drops to 1-3.
Regina 7, Medicine Hat 5
Another game, another comeback for the Red Sox — only this time it was a lot earlier, a lot smaller and made for a far more comfortable win.
Trailing 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth at Currie Field, Regina scored six runs and would get a solid enough showing from their bullpen to defeat the Mavericks for the third time in as many meetings this season.
Brady Bye continued his hot start to the campaign by going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Carter Roth was 3-for-5 with a double and also had three RBI. Justin Simard had a pair of hits and scored two runs, Mason Canter picked up three hits.
Kaegan Baker was the winning pitcher thanks to a quality start, as he allowed two runs, one earned, over six innings of work while scattering four hits and striking out six. Kris Hahn finished things off in the ninth to earn the save.
Evan Morrison also had a pair of hits and crossed the plate twice while Carter Roth went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI.
Adam Vulcano was the losing pitcher after allowing six runs on seven hits over 3 ⅔ innings work.
Regina improves to 3-1 and are tied with Saskatoon for first in the East Division, Medicine Hat drops to 1-3.
Only one Saskatchewan team is in action on Monday, as the Swift Current 57’s are in Medicine Hat. Game time is 6:45 p.m.
