WESTLOCK – Mid-season defence, combined with three rock-solid performances on the hill added up to a shutout win for the Westlock Red Lions over the Fort Saskatchewan Reds in their North Central Baseball League season opener.
Played at Keller Field May 11, the Red Lions got all the offence they needed via a single off the bat of player/manager Chris Brand in the second inning that scored a pair of runs, while Jordan Brand added an RBI in the fifth inning and the club’s other two runs came via passed balls/errors in a 5-0 victory.
On the mound, starter Kyle Lawrence went four strong innings to pick up the win, while Corson Hanlan came in for two innings of relief work and Sean Beaudoin mopped up and got the final three outs in the seventh inning.
“We played really good defence last night and were able to turn one double play in the second inning,” said Brand following the win. “It always takes a little while to shake off the rust at the beginning of the year. Really, we haven’t had much of a chance to practice either, so just getting out on the diamond was good.”
Tuesday, May 16, the Red Lions play host to the 0-1 Barrhead Orioles who dropped their season opener 9-8 to the St. Albert Cardinals May 10 — game time for the Tuesday-night tilt at Keller Field is 7 p.m. To round out the week the Red Lions will be in St. Albert May 18 to face the Cardinals and will remain on the road with four more games the rest of the month.
“We’re looking forward to getting back out and building on our good start to the year,” Brand added.
