The Cartwright Twins triumphed in the 2025 senior Western Canadian Baseball Championships hosted in Westlock from Aug. 15-17.
The tournament featured six teams from across western Canada including the hosts Red Lions, Parkland Twins from Spruce Grove, Carlyle Cardinals from Saskatchewan, West Winnipeg Athletics and Cartwright Twins from Manitoba and Kelowna Jays from BC.
The Red Lions were outmatched despite going into the championships as league pennant winners and having just advanced to the NCABL finals.
The Red Lions lost all three of their games going down 13-3 to the Kelowna Jays, 8-4 to the Cartwright Twins and 5-4 to the West Winnipeg Athletics.
It was also an emotional weekend for the Red Lions as they honored the late Chuck Keller about a year following his passing with a ceremony prior to their game against the Athletics.
Keller’s ashes were spread at second base by his widow Donna as Red Lions veteran Nathan Brown read a dedication speech.
“Anyone who has worn the Red Lions Jersey knows that it represents more than just a team. It's a culture built on passion, hard work, loyalty and sacrifice,” said Brown. “Chuck consistently did what was right, not for the recognition or reward, but because it was the right thing to do. Chuck set an example of how to live a personal, purposeful, meaningful life.”
The Cartwright Twins came into the championships off a defeat in the finals of their own Border Baseball League to the Morden Mud Hens.
The Twins defeated their namesake Parkland Twins 9-3 in the tournament’s opening game on Friday and secured their semi-final spot with their 8-4 win against the Red Lions.
The Twins lost their final qualifying game 11-9 to the Carlyle Cardinals in a remarkable game where the teams combined for six home runs.
In their rematch against the Cardinals in the semi-finals, the Twins were flawless in an 11-0 thrashing to advance to the final against Winnipeg.
The Twins offence in the final was led by Kaden Rozdeba who hit a three-run home run for a commanding lead which they never let go of. Maddux Mateychuk was another stand out for the Twins in the final with nine strikeouts.
Despite a tough weekend, the Red Lions will seek to retain the NCABL title next weekend with a final matchup against the Parkland Twins. Game 1 will be played in Westlock on Aug. 22 with game 2 in Spruce Grove the following day. If necessary, an all-deciding game 3 will be played in Westlock on Sunday.
