The Westlock Grey Lions are one win away from taking their first round Alberta West Central Baseball Association playoff series against the Spruce Grove Eagles.
After falling behind and losing game one of the best-of-three series 7-3 on Aug. 4 at Keller Field, the Lions came back and won game two 6-3 to keep their championship hopes alive.
Grey Lions’ acting manager Carmen Brown admitted game one was not the best showing from his players.
“We’re always looking to win game one of a series, but they played very well, their pitcher threw very well and we just didn’t have an answer for them,” Brown said.
Brown downplayed whether the Lions’ 13-4 regular season record, which was good for a first-place tie with the Fort Saskatchewan Red Sox, made them a marked team in the playoffs.
“All the teams are pretty familiar with each other now, but it is playoffs now and they threw in one of their stronger pitchers and he shut us down,” he said.
On Aug. 6, the Lions returned to Keller Field needing a win to stay alive. The team delivered with a 6-3 win in a much better all-around effort.
“We got off to a good start scoring six runs in the first inning, I think we had as many hits in that inning as we did all game on Tuesday,” Brown said. “That was good and that gave the team some life and some energy… just all facets of the game were good.”
Brown said almost the entire line-up contributed offensively to help secure the win.
“We always say hitting is contagious and it definitely showed itself last night,” he said. “Everybody contributed and that’s what we need.”
With the early lead, the Lions didn’t look back en route to the win, which paved the way for a decisive game three. Brown said the team will head into the match with more confidence after Thursday’s contest.
“Some guys broke out of a hitting slump, and I think we came out with more confidence, some good energy, and some positive vibes,” he said. “I think we’ll be good. We just have to play well and we’ll give ourselves a chance.
“We know we’re capable of winning if we play some strong defense, have good pitching, and have some timely hitting.”
Game three was played on August 10 in Spruce Grove. Results are not available due to publication deadlines.
