With the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League season in the books, teams are gearing up for the AAA 18U Provincial Tournament happening this weekend in Regina.
The East Central Red Sox have proven to be strong throughout the season, but the league has provided challenges throughout with the parity leading to a three-way tie for third place.
The Saskatoon Cubs emerged in first place with a 24-8-0 record, while the Regina White Sox pulled in second with a difference of one game.
Then the three-way tie between the Red Sox, The White Butte Broncos, and the Swift Current Kal Tire 57s left the East Central squad seeded 4th heading into the tournament. The action for the 8 playoff teams is divided into two pools.
Pool 1 houses first seed (Saskatoon Cubs), fourth seed (East Central Red Sox), fifth seed (White Butte), and eighth seed (Regina Athletics).
The majority of the games will be played in Regina’s Optimist Park with a few spread to other fields due to scheduling. Heading into the weekend, Red Sox head coach Marty Yeager likes their chances given their experience and development through the season.
“We’ve got an older group here, and we’ve been to the tournament the last two years and had some success,” Yeager says. “We go into the tournament pretty even keeled. We have consistency that we look for with our team. Of course, there were some days that were better than others, but for the most part, we have a lot of experience that will carry us through the tournament.”
Marty says the depth and skill in pitching, along with their defensive field capabilities are particular strengths.
“When the bats get going, we get tough to beat. Our older guys set the pace for the team. We have guys who are leading the league as well as our team, and we have strengths on the mound like Marek (Yeager) and Dallen (Rude). At the plate, we’ve got a fantastic leader with Cam Marshak that drives our team.”
In the end, it’s that blend of experience, skill and a long-time bond that Coach Yeager expects will carry them through.
“I don’t think the boys will be nervous. I hope they’re excited to compete for another weekend, and then it’s just a matter of finding your best baseball for that last weekend of the year.