The Weyburn Beavers bounced back in a big way Saturday night, outlasting the Moose Jaw Miller Express in a 19-16 slugfest at Ross Wells Park.
Weyburn entered the contest following a 5-0 shutout loss at home to the Regina Red Sox, but their bats came alive early and often in Moose Jaw. The Beavers put up crooked numbers in three straight innings, scoring five in the 3rd, three in the 4th, five more in the 5th, and another four in the 7th, en route to a 19-run, 16-hit offensive outburst.
Third baseman Trevor Dale led the charge for Weyburn, going 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double, and five RBIs. Second baseman Alex Alva added three hits, all doubles, and four RBIs, while catcher Bryker Smith chipped in with a two-run double.
Dale would hit the first home run of the season for the Beavers, as he put a 2-1 pitch over the fence to lead off the second inning.
Alva would start all of the scoring in the game with a two-run double in the third. Dale would then drive in two more runs with a double of his own. A Tyren Dorrance single rounded out the scoring in the inning.
Alva's second double of the night would score another run in the fourth, and Smith's RBI double came in the same inning.
The first home run of the season for Ian Heck was in the fifth inning, as he hit a two-run bomb. Then, after another RBI double for Alva, Dale's second homer of the night would bring him home.
Noah Brooks doubled in the sixth inning to bring home Ryan Dauphinee, then Weyburn unloaded for another four runs in the 7th.
Alva hit another RBI double, then a run crossed the plate when Tyren Dorrance was hit by a pitch while the bases were loaded. A fielder's choice with Dauphinee at the plate would score another run. Brayden Mayencourt rounded out the scoring for the Beavers with an RBI single that brought in Smith.
Weyburn’s starting pitcher Dylan Parton earned the win, allowing three earned runs over five innings. The bullpen faltered late, however, surrendering 11 runs over the final four frames as Moose Jaw made a furious rally attempt. Keaton Husband pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief, striking out two, but allowing eight earned runs. Ethan Webster tossed the final 1 2/3 innings, striking out one, and allowing three earned runs.
The Miller Express, still searching for their first win of the season, were paced by designated hitter Jaxon Yeager, who put on a show with five hits, including two home runs, and seven RBIs. Right fielder Tanner DeGrazia added three hits and three RBIs, while Austin Gurney and William Edwards each drove in a run.
Weyburn improves to 2-1 on the season, while Moose Jaw falls to 0-3. The two teams will meet again Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Tom Laing Park in Weyburn.