Both the Westlock Red Lions and Grey Lions seasons came down to one game each on Aug. 12.
The Red Lions pulled out a 10-0 win at Keller Field Aug. 8 against the St. Albert Cardinals to put themselves into a three-way tie with the Cardinals and the Edmonton Primeaus for the last playoff spot in the North Central Alberta Baseball League, each with an 11-9-1 record for the season.
The Primeaus were given the third spot by virtue of their record with the other two teams, while the Red Lions and Cardinals fought it out in St. Albert Monday for a chance to meet the first place Sherwood Park Athletics when the semifinal playoff series get underway at Keller Field Aug. 17, during the Westlock and District Agricultural Fair. Results were not available before deadline.
Manager Chris Brand said he was planning on starting Carmen Brown, who threw a complete game one-hitter against the Cardinals in the 10-0 victory in hopes their competitors continued to be baffled by the pitcher.
“We got another life, that’s for sure,” said Brand. “Throughout the lineup guys were having good at bats and working the pitcher.”
“I kn ow what Carmen is going to bring every night. He brings a lot of strikes and he’s not going to walk a lot of guys, so if the boys an play some defense behind him, we’ll be in good shape.
Meanwhile, the Westlock Grey Lions took to Keller Field Aug. 6 for the first game of their playoff series with the Sturgeon Paladins, dropping a 3-1 loss to the former NCABL team, which came over to the Alberta West Central Baseball Association this year.
“It was a little tough going at the beginning of the game. Both teams scored all their runs in the first inning after that the pitchers kind of locked it down and it turned into a pitching duel,” said manager Sheldon McConaghy, who started the game on the mound.
The Grey Lions travelled to Bon Accord Aug. 12 for Game 2, but results were unavailable at press time. If successful, the team will play the third game of the series Aug. 14 at Keller Field.
“Hopefully, we’ll get the bats going and get more runs than we did last time,” said McConaghy.
Depending on how this week’s games turn out, the Red Lions and Grey Lions may compete against each other Aug. 17 during the Westlock and District Agricultural Fair Aug. 17. Keller Field is the traditional host of the NCABL semifinal series, whether the Red Lions make the playoffs or not.
