REGINA -- Maybe it was first-game jitters at the plate, maybe it was excellent starting pitching, maybe it was just a good night for the defences.
But through the first five innings of the Western Canadian Baseball League season opener between the Regina Red Sox and Swift Current 57’s on Thursday night, neither team could get anything whatsoever going on offence.
Then the Red Sox found their bats in the later innings, and it was all systems go for the home team from then on.
Regina scored two runs in the sixth before pouring across eight in the seventh and going on to an 11-1 win in front of just over 800 fans at Currie Field.
Every player in the Red Sox batting order had at least a hit, with Riley Bender leading the way with a 4-for-6 night that included a run batted in. Seven players had a pair of hits, led by Jordan Tucker with a 2-for-4 showing that included a double as Regina’s only extra base hit while adding two runs scored and two RBI.
Rafael Jackson, James Wright and Matt Melancon each crossed the plate twice, while Jackson also had a pair of RBI and walked three times.
Second-year veteran Holden Hungerford had an impressive start on the mound, holding Swift Current to only two hits over six innings while striking out four. Ayden Page went two innings and allowed a single hit while Tyler Fortin allowed the only 57’s run on two hits in the ninth.
Jose Ayala singled home Silas Hilton in the top of the ninth for Swift Current’s lone run of the game, with five players getting a single hit on the night.
Adam Korte was solid in his own right to start for the 57’s, finishing an out away from a quality start by allowing two runs on nine hits in 5 ⅔ innings. Hunter Mark allowed four runs on three hits in the next ⅔ innings of work, Mitchell Dejon gave up five runs on six hits to close out the game.
Regina is back on the field Friday night when they travel to Weyburn to face the Beavers (1-0) with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. at Tom Laing Park.
Swift Current plays their home opener on Friday, hosting the Medicine Hat Mavericks (1-0) at 7:05 p.m. at Mitchell Field.
