The Weyburn Beavers made their long-awaited return to Tom Laing Park Monday night. It was the first time the team had taken the field here since August of 2019.
The Beavers played host to the Swift Current 57s Monday and were looking to reverse a four-game losing streak to start the season. Weyburn came out swinging, putting up 11 runs. The visitors, though, came out swinging as well and used a six-run 9th inning to win 13-11.
At the plate, the Beavers were led by catcher Koby Kropf. He went 2-for-5 at the dish, driving in four runs. Three of those runs came on a blast to left-center field in the third inning. The three-run shot was the first home run of the season for the Beavers.
For Kropf, the home run was little consolation for the result on the scoreboard.
Helping out offensively for the Beavers was Ryan Dauphinee, who had two RBI. Also driving in runs - Will Baker, Nolan Machibroda, Patryk Hernandez and Tyren Dorrance.
On the mound, Jace Wessels went 4 2/3 innings in his first start with the Beavers, allowing four runs, all earned, on eight hits while striking out three.
Anthony Portocellato, also making his debut for the Beavers, would come on in relief, but was pulled walking four of the five batters he faced.
Matthew Armendariz took over from there, pitching one inning. Then Ben Franz went 2 2/3 innings, strikeout two but allowing four earned runs.
Mason Chamberlain finished the game off on the mound for Weyburn.
Weyburn had rallied to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, putting five runs on the board, before the 57s were able to put a rally of their own together in the top of the ninth to regain the lead.
The Beavers will be back in action Tuesday night as they entertain the Regina Red Sox at Tom Laing Park. The first pitch in the game is set for just after 7:00 p.m.