After getting a number of runners on base in their last couple of home games, North Battleford Midget AA Beavers head coach Bert Benoit felt like his team was due for some good luck when it came to putting runs on the board.
Their efforts were finally rewarded Saturday afternoon at Beaver Lions Stadium, as the Beavers earned their first win of the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League season with an impressive 13-5 performance against the Regina Blue Jays.
“We felt like we were due for a result like that with how well the guys have been improving their play over the last couple of weeks,” Benoit said.
“Once we were able to get a few runs on the board, the guys were able to relax a little bit and have some fun out there. I think that confidence allowed them to execute at the plate, but they were also making some great plays out in the field.”
The Beavers also had some confidence heading into the game as they clawed their way back from a five-run deficit to tie things up at five against the Blue Jays in the first half of the doubleheader, only to see the visitors score eight runs in the top of the seventh inning on their way to a 11-5 win.
“Coming into the weekend, we felt like we matched up well with the Blue Jays and we could have a chance to get a couple of wins,” Benoit said.
“It was tough to have that loss in the first game as things got away from us in the end, but the guys showed a lot of heart to come back like they did.”
Sunday’s doubleheader at Beaver Lions Stadium was a tough one for the Beavers, however, as the league leading Moose Jaw Canucks picked up 13-1 and 15-0 wins.
“We’ve played the Canucks five times this year and I feel like we’ve improved each time out against them, even though the scoreboard might not show it at times,” Benoit said.
“That’s a good team to go up against as they have a number of veteran guys on their roster.”
Next up for the Beavers is a trip to Saskatoon this weekend, as they will be taking part in a three-day tournament.
Their next league games will be at Beaver Lions Stadium at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 when the Regina Pacers will come to town for a pair of contests.
