The Westlock Red Lions feasted on their second straight win of the North Central Alberta Baseball League season, putting the Stony Plain Mets out to pasture 7-1 May 18 at Westlock’s Keller Field.
The win brings the Lions within striking distance of the Edmonton Blackhawks, who sit atop the NCABL at 3-0.
The Mets have been a longtime rival but posed the Lions little trouble Wednesday, despite encroaching rain, manager Adam Sawatzky said.
“Stony Plain has kind of had our number going back to the days when they were the Mayerthorpe Mets. They always seem to get up and play their best games against us. We knew that going in but right from the gate we were focused and ready to go.”
The Lions pounced early, putting up a run in the first from Nathan Brown.
Sawatzky held things down on the mound, giving up just one run in the fourth.
Nathan Swap nailed the coffin shut in the same inning with a two-out, three-run double to clear the bases for Westlock.
“It was a turning point,” Sawatzky said.
“We came right back,” he added.
“Scored one in the top of the fifth. That showed our team’s resolve, our focus and intensity in the game that as soon as we gave one up we came right back.
Austin Watamaniuk scored three times, drove in an RBI and earned Sawatzky’s praise.
“Austin had a very strong game hitting the ball and defensively played very well for us,” Sawatzky said.
“He’s just 18 years old, but he’s already making an impression in the league.”
Sawatzky kept Stony Plain locked at one run until relief pitcher Curtis Burlet stepped in to clear off the rain-splattered Mets in the seventh inning.
“Typically, he’s a starting pitcher for us, but we wanted to give him some work,” Sawatzky said.
“He’s thrown very well for us so far this year.”
The Lions next scheduled game is against the Sturgeon Paladins in Bon Accord May 24.
Sawatzky said that, though the boys aren’t worried, the Paladins are known around the league as a mixed bag.
“They’re kind of a tricky team to figure out. They seem to have a different roster every game and if the right guys show up it could be a real tough game and if the wrong guys show up it could be a really good game,” Sawatzky said.
“We’re hoping to run a bit of a streak together, here.”
