The Sylvan Lake Gulls swept the Fort McMurray Giants during the Western Canadian Baseball League season-opening series.
The Gulls won a pair of games 1-0 Friday and Saturday, both in walk-off fashion, before securing the sweep with a 5-4 victory on Sunday afternoon. The Gulls drew more than 1,400 fans to each of their three games over the weekend.
Friday night, the first and only run of game one came in the bottom of the ninth, when catcher Hank Dodson hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded to secure the win.
“I was just looking for a pitch I could hit so I could drive to the outfield and that’s what I got,” Dodson said.
Ty Boudreau pitched seven scoreless inning in the opening game with nine strikeouts and only one walk. He allowed just four hits, while Tyler McWillie earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings of his own.
It was a great defensive game with two really good starting pitchers that were outstanding and chances to score throughout the night, head coach Jason Chatwood said.
”Boudreau did a heck of a job and then McWillie came in and did what we needed to do. Then it felt like we had chances to score through all the game and then it was just waiting for the right time to get that hit.”
Boudreau, a returning Gull, said it was awesome to see the fan support.
“It’s ecstatic seeing the fans having fun and getting the first win at home is awesome.”
The second game was also won with a score of 1-0 with Matty Fung hitting an RBI single with the bases loaded.
“When I’m batting I’m just trying to be aggressive up there and not take any strikes,” Fung said.
However, while the first two games were won and the pitching was excellent the Gulls left 10 men left on base during game one and left nine men on base during game two.
“I think a lot of times we ran into some bad luck and we hit some balls hard at guys. I think we need to give Fort McMurray a lot of credit to cause those guys had a really good game and they didn’t give us much either,” Chatwood said.
While they started 3-0, the Gulls know there was room for improvement.
“We’re going to have to hit with runners in position and score those extra runs and those most important runs as that’s how you win a ball game,” Boudreau said.
“Going into game three hopefully the pitchers continue throwing strikes and the bats will come around,” Fung said.
Sunday, Jonah Weisner had a single and a double in the 5-4 victory, but the highlight came on a three-run home run and the Gulls first of the season during the fifth inning.
“It’s a great feeling and a great way to start the season off.”
Playing in Sylvan Lake is incredible, Weisner said.
“It’s awesome getting up every day knowing that you are coming to this. It’s pretty fantastic and it’s going to be a really fun year for us.”
Fung had an RBI single Sunday and also stole three bases in the victory. Shea Bowen chipped in an RBI as well, while Hunter Jones earned the win on the mound. Jones tossed five innings with nine strikeouts and three walks, allowing just one hit and one run. Jaxon Zanolli pitched two innings and struck out three to earn the save.
The Gulls with a perfect season start have their next game at home on May 30 against the Okotoks Dawgs.
Sylvan Lake will be on the road Friday in Okotoks.
@sarahbaker
sarah.baker@blackpress.ca
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