The Edmonton Prospects, and their 5-17 road record, entered a two game set in Lethbridge fighting to control their own destiny. One win would clinch a playoff spot, two wins would clinch third place. The Prospects busted out to a 6-0 lead on Thursday on their way to clinching a playoff spot. On Friday, Rich Walker turned in his third complete game shutout of the season to lock up third place for the Prospects!
Game One:
The Prospects wasted little time hitting the scoreboard in the opening game of the mini-series as in the second inning Aidan Huggins drove in Daylen Calicdan to make it 1-0.
The third inning began with a Tony Olson triple, two pitches later Zane Takhar drove him in. Nick Spillman hit a double to join Takhar on base. Eric Crain then hit a double of his own emptying the bases. A Michael Gahan sacrifice fly would plate Crain and make the score 5-0 Prospects.
Spillman’s second double of the game, his 8th of the season, drove in the Prospects final run of the night. A 6-0 lead after 4 innings ended in a 6-3 victory.
Josh Sieglitz, making only his 2nd start in 10 appearances, was excellent. Through 8 innings of work, Sieglitz held the Bulls off the board allowing only three hits. The attempt to complete the game broke the shutout but does not diminish the great start.
Game Two:
Olson’s second triple in two nights, giving him a team high 4 on the season, drove in the first run of the game in the top of the 8th inning. Gahan tripled in the 9th inning and scored an insurance run on a passed ball. It was more than enough offence for Prospects starting pitcher Rich Walker.
Walker’s final pitching line shows a complete game, 3-hit mastery of the Bulls. 8 strikeouts his highest total since his Perfect Game back on June 29th. Walker leads the WMBL in complete games with 3.
Playoffs are mere days away and the old mantra is true, pitching wins championships. Prospects starters Josh Sieglitz and Rich Walker win Player Of The Game nods for their respective starts in Lethbridge.
The final two home games of the regular season which means your final two chances to use your tickets from one of our three rained out ball games:
CISN Country Night - Saturday July 29 vs Fort Mac 7PM
Fan Appeciation Day - Sunday July 29 vs Fort Mac 2PM
Playoff Schedule - Opponent yet to be determined to be determined. Games will start at 7PM.
*Friendly reminder, no outside food or drink is permitted at RE/MAX Field*