The Sylvan Lake Gulls showed promise during their preseason game against the Red Deer Riggers on May 27.
Sylvan Lake won 15-5 in the nine-inning exhibition contest, but stranded 10 runners on base, showing there's still plenty of work to do as the regular season starts on May 29.
The Gulls' bullpen was also active throughout the nine, fine-tuning the pitching staff and rotation.
During the game, new Sylvan Lake Gull Brooks Bachman had a standout moment, hitting a grand slam during the bottom of the first.
Bachman, who was named player of the game, will be one for fans to watch this season, with such a strong showing at his first game as a Gull.
Being able to play a pre-season game against the Riggers was very beneficial for the team, coach Jason Chatwood said.
"I think it is so much more beneficial to do a pre-season game like the one against the Riggers than a practice, as it gets our guys used to each other a little bit more, and it gives them a chance to get a familiarity with the playing surface and the fans."
For returning players Matty Fung and Hunter Jones, it is exciting to be back at the lake for another summer.
"This is my fourth year, and it gets better each year for me," Fung said.
"We are a very large team this year. The guys are huge, and I am excited to see how they play. Hopefully, it's the year Sylvan gets the big one," Jones said.
Jones is a pitcher, and Fung acts as a utility player, playing wherever he is needed.
"This past spring at school, I played in the outfield, but I am also super comfortable playing the infield. So wherever Chatwood wants me to play, I will play for him," Fung said.
"My favourite pitch is my change-up. I am a naturally pronated guy, so for me it is easier to throw, and once I learned to throw it against right-handed hitters, it was a game-changer," Jones said.
Last year, the Gulls posted a WCBL record-setting 44 wins but came up short in the league playoffs against Okotoks.
"This year I want to win, and I know that the team wants to win," Jones said.
"Last year, we did everything right. We had a balanced team, great pitching, great offence, and if we have the balance of speed and power on the offensive side, and throwing strikes on the mound, I think we will get to where we were last year, and probably even further this year," Fung added.
This year, many of the players are new, but many of the new players were also recommended by former Gulls and schools the team is close to, coach Chatwood said.
"We have many players that have been referred through by other players, which is a big thing for us. We feel that if the guys that have been to Sylvan before want to recommend someone then that is someone we will look into and take an interest in. We also get player recommendations from the schools we are close with."
Fan support is a huge part of the Gulls' success, Chatwood said.
"We appreciate the support we get from everyone. The players feel it, and it is one of the reasons why we have guys that come back every season. We enjoy getting to play in front of the fans every night at home, and I hope the fans realize just how important they are."
The Gulls' season Sea of Gold Home Opener will be on Thursday, May 29, with the starting pitch at 7:05.
"If you don't have tickets, get a ticket because it is going to be a super fun Sea of Gold. It is a great atmosphere when the stadium is full," Fung said.
More information on upcoming games, purchasing tickets, and more can be found on the Sylvan Lake Gulls Facebook page and website, sylvanlakegulls.com.
