Game one of the first round in the 2024 WCBL playoffs goes to the Dawgs after a thrilling 7-4 victory over the Lethbridge Bulls tonight.
The best-of-three first-round series is now in favour of the Dawgs after the win at Seaman Stadium and they have a chance to sweep the Bulls in Lethbridge tomorrow night.
2024 WCBL All-Star and Veteran pitcher for the Dawgs Graham Brunner made the start on the mound, opening the playoffs in Okotoks. Brunner pitched five and two third-innings, striking out nine Lethbridge batters. Cade Herrmann, Zane Morrison, Gavin Wuschke, and Ashton Luera would come in as relievers.
Luera again did what he does best, close the game and strikeout batters. He would get two strikeouts, and wouldn't allow a hit. Luera has come in clutch many times over the season and proved he can do it when the lights are brightest.
The Bulls scored two runs at the top of the second, the Dawgs responded at the bottom of the inning to take their first lead of the game.
Connor Crowson got the first run of the game thanks to "Mr. August" Brendan Luther hitting a single for his first RBI of the post-season. Jarrett Burney picked up two RBIs shortly after hitting a double and then getting to third on an error. Luther and Ricky Sanchez would get across home plate for the runs on the Burney double.
The Bulls tied it at three runs apiece at the top of the fourth. The Dawgs doubled up getting another three runs at the bottom of the fifth.
With Sanchez and Tucker Zdunich already on base, Nash "Bash" Crowell smashed the ball out of the park for a home run giving the Dawgs a 6-3 lead.
The Dawgs and Bulls would trade runs in the seventh for the final runs of the game. Zdunich would get the final run of the game, crushing the ball over the wall for a solo home run.
The Dawgs will face the Bulls tomorrow night in Lethbridge for game two of the 2024 WCBL first-round series. The game is scheduled for 7:05. If the series goes three games, the next game will be played at Seaman Stadium Friday night at 7:05 pm.