The Weyburn Beavers rallied in the ninth inning, loading the bases with no outs in their game against the Medicine Hat Mavericks while down by four. However, strong pitching from Dylan Weaver, who was credited with the save, would hold off Weyburn, giving the Mavericks a 6-4 win.
Pitching and defense was a key part of the game, with Mavericks starter Dylan Esquival going six innings striking out 10 while allowing two earned runs and walking three. Weyburn's starter, Ethan Webster, would go six innings himself while allowing three earned runs and striking out three.
The defence behind the Weyburn pitchers was also phenomenal, turning five double plays over the course of the game.
At the plate, Ryan Dauphinee extended his hitting streak to five games, as he hit a double in the ninth inning during the rally for the Beavers. Ryan Muizelaar and Matthew Rachman collected two hits each in the loss, with Trent Lawson, Eric Wirun and Rachman each getting an RBI.
"They had one roll over that got through for two runs, and we lined out with the bases loaded once, so take one of those away, or give one and it's a whole different ball game," said Beavers head coach Cam Williams after the game.
On the mound, aside from the performance turned out by Webster, Jacob Clark and Cole McGregor also spent some time on the bump. Clark pitched the seventh inning, not allowing a run, while McGregor had one earned run over two innings to finish off the game.
After Esquival's start, Medicine Hat sent out Casey Henderson, who pitched two innings in relief, striking out one. Lucas Teel then came on for the ninth inning but was chased off the mound after giving up a hit, two runs and a walk. Weaver took his place after hurriedly warming up, and limited the damage, earning the save.
The Beavers will now have two consecutive days off, a rarity in the WCBL season. They will be spending the downtime with visits to schools in the area, as well as some practices. They also have the Sports Dinner with guest John Gibbons on Friday night.
The next game for the Beavers will be Saturday afternoon when they host the Regina Red Sox at Tom Laing Park.