The Fort McMurray Giants head into the final week of the Western Major Baseball League season fighting for their playoff lives.
With six games left on the schedule, the Giants (15-27) sit four games out of a playoff spot and will need to pick up some wins but also get some help from others if they are to make their first post-season berth in franchise history.
The Giants didn’t do themselves any favours over the weekend as they were swept by the Lethbridge Bulls (19-23) the team they are chasing for the final playoff spot in the Western Division.
The series included three straight heart breaking losses for the Giants. On Friday, the Giants had the bases loaded with two outs in the 9th inning but were unable to score the tying run as they fell 7-6. Leading 5-3 after 6 innings, the Giants allowed three runs in the 7th inning as the Bulls took the lead and never looked back. Chris Mercure got the loss on the mound while all nine Giants batters recorded a hit in the game.
On Saturday, the Giants roared out of the gate scoring five runs in the first inning and added another in the 2nd to lead 6-0 early. The Bulls responded by scoring five runs in the 3rd inning to cut the lead to one and eventually led 10-7 through six innings. The Giants got two runs back in the 7th but it wasn’t enough as they lost 11-9. The Giants were out hit 16-6 in the game but five Lethbridge errors kept them in the game. Liam Rihela hit his team leading 5th home run of the season in the game and added two RBI’s to his team leading 34.
Looking to salvage a win to end the series on Sunday, the Giants started slow as the Bulls struck for four runs in the 2nd inning to take a 4-0 lead. The Giants settled down and were able to grab a 6-4 lead heading into the bottom of the 9th inning after scoring three runs of their own in the 8th. But it just wasn’t meant to be as the Bulls got to closer David Craft and scored three runs to walk-off the Giants 7-6. Nicklas Cardinal pitched 8.1 innings and struck out 10 Bulls batters before giving way to the bullpen.
The Giants will open their final homestand Tuesday night as they welcome the Brooks Bombers to town for a four game set. All games are scheduled to start at 7:35 p.m.
Wednesday night’s game will be themed Christmas in July as the Giants will be serving turkey legs at the concessions. The team will also be accepting donations of cash, gift cards, new unopened toys, clothing or any other new products that our less fortunate community members would be in need of. If you bring a donation you will be entered to win season tickets for the 2019 season.
Friday’s game will be the Giants final home game and will be Fan Appreciation Night. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. there will be games, bouncy castles, giveaways, autographs, and food specials happening in the softball field right next to Shell Place as the Giants say “Thank You” to all of their fans for their continued support.
