The Grey Lions roared into the 2018 Alberta West Central Baseball Association regular season, crushing the Edmonton Blues 11-1 in five innings May 8 while ending the week with a 16-0 May 11 blowout of the Edmonton Pirates.
Looking to repeat their championship run from last year, the Lions couldn’t have asked for a better start.
“It took a little bit to get started, but we turned it around, got on our bats and played some good defence and results followed,” said skipper Sheldon McConaghy.
“We scored in bunches, it was good. Hopefully we can keep that going.”
The Lions took a bit of time to rise from their winter slumber against the Blues, letting their opponents get ahead by one by the third inning, but then Westlock tied the game up and never looked back.
In the bottom of the third, Westlock loaded the bases before Rick Sereda hit a grounder to centre field, bringing two Lions home. The Blues managed to hold them at a 3-1 entering the fourth.
With Sean Beaudoin on the mound Westlock quickly stopping the Blues with three-straight outs.
In the bottom of the inning, McConaghy was walked and stole second, then Nathan Swap brought McConaghy home.
Dean Rau followed with a short grounder towards right field that allowed Swap to score.
Keith McCoy continued the onslaught when he hit a grounder to the outfield, scoring another run. Then it was Paul Smith’s turn, as he managed to plate a pair of Lions.
The Blues managed to record one out, but then Sereda was hit in the back and took first base. Dean Fagnan struck out, but then Jordan Brand got on base with a hot shot up the middle.
The bases were loaded and McConaghy was up to bat. He did not disappoint, knocking the ball into the outfield to bring home three Lions.
After the final out the Lions ended the fourth inning with an 11-1 lead.
Fagnan took over on the mound and the Lions recorded three-straight outs. The mercy rule was called and the game ended in five innings.
It was a similar slaughter in their second game against the Edmonton Pirates, where the Lions ran the Pirates off the field with a 16-0 defeat.
“It would be good if we could start hitting a little earlier,” said McConaghy. “Beyond that, it was a good result and everyone played well.”
Up next, the Lions are host the Fort Saskatchewan Red Sox at Keller Field May 15.
