The Westlock Red Lions played what was probably their most important game of their North Central Alberta Baseball League season last week, earning a win and clinching a spot in the post season.
The Red Lions travelled to St. Albert July 31 to take on the Cardinals. The two teams were tied for the fourth and final playoff spot with identical 11-8 records and the game showed just how evenly matched they were as the Lions just made it by the Cardinals 5-4.
“We made the playoffs, it’s a good feeling,” said manager Chris Brand after the game.
“No matter what we do against the Blackhawks Tuesday night, we’re in the playoffs again, but that game will make a difference.”
The final playoff positioning will be determined after the remaining games in the schedule are played. The Red Lions have one game left against the Edmonton Blackhawks Aug. 7 at Keller Field and could move past them into third place with a win.
The first place Sherwood Park Athletics, with their 17-3 record, will play the fourth seed and second place will play third place.
As it stands, the Lions will either take to the field against Sherwood Park or the Stony Plain Mets when the NCABL semifinal series is played at Keller Field Aug. 17-19 during the fair.
Against the Cardinals, the Red Lions came out strong, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning, but ran into trouble in the fifth inning when St. Albert scored all four of their runs, getting within one.
It wasn’t enough though as pitcher Carmen Brown threw the full seven inning game for his second win of the season, giving up only six hits and a single walk while striking out three Cardinals at the plate.
“We took advantage of some errors and had some timely hitting. Carmen threw really well. Our pitchers have been throwing quite a few innings this year, so we got Carmen from the Grey Lions to come out and throw for us that night. He threw one heck of a game,” said Brand.
The Lions’ Watamaniuk trio, Aaron, Austin and Brendan each drove in a run along with Nathan Swap and Jordan Brand. Aaron Watamaniuk had three hits in his four at bats and Nathan Brown also reached base three times with a hit and two walks.
“Aaron has been one of our best hitters in the last two or three weeks. He’s been aggressive at the plate and has been hitting really well for us,” said Brand.
Unfortunately, the Lions will be losing two Watamaniuks as Brendan and All-Star game MVP Austin are leaving to go back to school and won’t be available for the playoffs.
