Extra innings, daring base running and strong pitching delivered a classic to open the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) championship series.
The Sylvan Lake Gulls edged the Regina Red Sox 3-2 at Currie Field in Game 1, scoring the winner in the top of the 11th in extra innings.
All-time WCBL strikeout leader Joshua Tucker went six innings for the Gulls, allowing two earned runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out seven. Regina’s Matthew Fox put the Red Sox ahead 2-1 with a solo homer in the fifth.
Sylvan Lake tied it in the sixth on a sac fly by Tripp Ray, then took the lead in the 11th on a daring double steal, sending Michael Quick home with the go-ahead run.
Reliever Garrett Lundmark picked up the win with four scoreless innings, while closer Mickey McClaskey finished off the Red Sox in the bottom of the 11th. Regina outhit Sylvan Lake 12-9 but stranded 15 runners.
The Gulls have a chance to claim their first WCLB championship title tonight at home. Game 2 is Friday, Aug. 15, at Gulls Field in Sylvan Lake. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Cochrane’s Simon Baker has been a force for Sylvan Lake, contributing big hits and strong defense throughout their playoff run.