The Alexander's Junior Cardinals who, along with the Canora Supers, had a bye in the first round of the South East Senior Baseball League (SESBL) playoffs, took on the Melville Bison in the semi-final round, sweeping the best of three games series in two games.
The Cardinals won the first game of the series 14-1. "Basically our bats came alive. We kind of out hit them," says assistant coach Gary Lamb. Both teams played some very good baseball, Lamb reports.
Ross Stillborn broke out of an eight to 10 game slump, hitting a grand slam homerun in the game which he followed up with a solo round tripper in the second game, Lamb continues. "It's good top see that he's starting to see the ball well and hit it with provincials coming up," he adds.
Stillborn also went the distance on the mound in the first game.
In addition to a strong hitting game, everybody played great defense, Lamb claims. "In the first inning they end up with bases loaded with one out and we turned a double play to get out of it without giving up a run. Second inning, same thing," Lamb says.
"Everything we did seemed to work out perfectly," he suggests.
The Junior Cardinals claimed the second game 8-3.
Logan Calanchie returned to the lineup after a four week absence because of an injury in a game. Coaches anticipated a longer absence as they don't want to aggravate the injury by bringing players back too soon. "It's a long life to have these guys have to live with injuries," Lamb points out.
Andrew Minchuk also returned and pitched for two innings.
Going into the provincial tournament, the Junior Cardinals still have a few bumps and bruises, Lamb reports. "But hopefully by Friday night we'll be ready to go," he adds.
In SESBL playoffs, the Junior Cards face the Willowbrook Royals in the best of five games final series for the league title.
