It wasn’t quite the performance the Wilkie Brewers had in mind to start off their defence of the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League championship.
In their home opener Tuesday night, the Brewers were unable to claw their way back from an early deficit as they fell 12-1 to the newly formed North Battleford Trappers.
“That’s a young good hitting team over there and they showed what they are capable of tonight,” Brewers player Mike Sittler said.
“For many of us on the roster this is the first time that we’re swinging a bat all season, so we don’t expect too much out of the opener. Our goal was to get some swings and get some of our pitchers arms strengthened up. It’s early still for us, and we know that we can get better from here.”
The Trappers took control of the game during the top of the third inning, as they rattled off six runs during the frame to take a commanding 7-0 lead.
The Brewers had chances to bring runs home in the later innings, but were unable to close the gap.
“We made some good contact on their pitches but there wasn’t too much good that came out of the game,” Sittler said.
“I think the final score reflects what happened, but we’ll bounce back.”
It was an impressive debut into the NSRBL for the Trappers, which is mostly made up of players that were on last year’s Midget AA provincial champion North Battleford Beavers squad.
“The guys had a good tempo to the game,” Trappers coach Michael Hudec said. “The hitting was strong and our pitching was excellent.
“We have young guys on the roster, but we have guys like Mike George and Mike Ross who haven’t played senior ball for awhile that will be key for our team, especially as those new players get used to playing at this level.”
Despite their tough loss to the Trappers, there isn’t much cause for alarm for the Brewers as they prepare to host the Border City Blue Jays next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
“We’re known as a slow starting team,” Sittler said. “Once the middle of the season hits, that’s when all of our guys are able to play on a regular basis.
“We should be in good shape after a few more games and a few more at-bats.”
The Trappers, meanwhile, will make their debut at Beaver Lions Stadium Thursday night against the visiting Mervin Flyers.
In other action Thursday night, the Macklin Lakers will visit the Edam Blue Sox, the Midwest Expos will take on the Blue Jays, the Standard Hill Lakers will host the St. Walburg Reds and the North Battleford Beavers will face the Meadow Lake Sox.
