U18 AAA Split Double Header

By Robert Thomas

It wasn’t pretty but the U18 AAA Canucks managed to force a split in a Saturday double header versus the Zone 7 Sun Devils.

In game one the Canucks found themselves up against a strong opponent going on to lose 8 - 1 in the first game of the doubleç0 header.

Sun Devils pitcher B Spencer earned a number of strike outs or three up and three down situations limiting the Canucks ability to mount an offence.

In the second game the Canucks eventually found their baseball legs and won a hard fought game that moved into extra innings.

The Canucks won the game 8 - 7 in the bottom half of the eighth inning.

Moose Jaw U18 AAA pitcher Rylan Caplette - Tarrant waits for the ball to tag out a runner at home plate in game two - MJ Independent photo

Game Two Review

The Canucks seemingly broke their slow start syndrome by scoring a single first inning run.

The second and third innings productive wise were not the best as the failed to score a single run and gave up three strikeouts in both the second or third innings.

The Sun Devils on the other hand wracked up two runs in the second inning and three runs in the third inning. Offensively the biggest output by the Sun Devils in the game.

The Canucks started to come alive with two runs in the fourth inning.

The fifth inning was scoreless for both teams.

The sixth inning saw the Canucks alive and well offensively going on to score four runs.

Noah Thul attempted to give the Canucks their fifth run of the inning but was called out at home plate.

There was no further scoring until the bottom of the eighth inning when the Canucks scored the winning run.

Moose Jaw U18 AAA head coach Taylor Elder said he was happy to get the split in the double header.

“We split today. One win and one loss. It is better than nothing. We didn’t show our best game in the first game and we’ve been starting out slow…and we are trying to minimize those slow starts “ he said.

Relief pitcher Max Simmons came into the game late as the Canucks started to apply pressure and stage a game two comeback victory - MJ Independent photo

Elder said the Canucks came out better in the second game but “then just let off if the gas near the middle of the game.”

“We won one and we lost one.”

Asked if in the end the scoring was important or the stats on the leaders board wax more important Elder said the win loss stat was the most important number to look at.

“Obviously you want to have a good showing and make sure the games are close but in the end it is wins/losses.”

Despite the dramatic come from behind victory much of the second game of the double header could be described as lethargic and inevitably winding down to another loss. Elder attributed it to the Sun Devils strong starting pitcher.

“They had a really good pitcher at the start of the game (that hurt us) so kudos to our hitters for getting deep into hus count and driving up his pitch count.”

Elder described the Canucks starting pitcher as having a good game but the team is going to have to find a way to support him defensively.

Asked if he was almost having a heart attack with the sixth inning attack by the Canucks and their ability to hold the Sun Devils at bay Elder said it was exciting.

“It’s exciting. That’s the one thing we’ve learned about our team you know we’re never really out of it. We’ve had a lot of come from behind victories this year so. Even if we are down a few runs these guys have got a lot of character.”

In the sixth inning of game two Noah Thul is called out after he attempted to get to home on a pass ball by the Sun Devils. Successfully taking home would have made the score 8 - 7 instead of 7 - 7 after the inning - MJ Independent photo

Noah Thul being tagged out in the sixth inning is just part of the Canucks style, Elder said.

“We like to run the cases aggressively. Sometimes it’s going to work out. Sometimes it’s not but I don’t mind that play at all. It was a good hard working play. The had to make a good play to get him out there so it was good to see.”

If Thul would have scored it would have given the Canucks a one run lead at that time.

Elder said he is happy with the team and the growth they’re experiencing individually and as a team.

“They’re starting to put it together. This is a pretty good team with a high ceiling so when they start to put it together (and injuries pass by) they are going to be something to watch,” he said.

The Canucks were ranked seventh in pre-season rankings something the team does not agree with.

“We’re better than seventh we know that…we’re going to go out and show everyone we’re better.

The team has a few days off and will practice on situational stuff as well as infield plays.