The Fort McMurray Giants hit the road on a high after a 6-5 win against Okotoks.
The Giants defeated the division-leading Dawgs on Sunday afternoon in a tense, playoff atmosphere at Shell Place.
Thanks to the win, the team finish their 13-game homestand at 8-5.
It also puts the Giants’ record at 18-18, good enough for fourth in the Western Division of the WCBL.
This is the Fort McMurray Giants’ highest league position in team history.
Giants manager Ray Brown, whose team even flirted with second-place, spoke about the team’s success.
“As long as we’re in the top four, life will be good, because that will get us in the playoffs. So, we can’t complain too much.”
He also raved about Oil Giants callups Sean Dunn and Adam Canete.
Both debuted in Saturday’s game against the Dawgs.
Dunn pitched a scoreless ninth inning, while Canete pinch hit and drew a walk.
Coach Ray said they could feature in games on this upcoming road trip.
“That’s the plan. We got their feet wet [Saturday]. We were quite happy from what we saw from Mr. Dunn: He throws strikes and makes them hit the ball. I was impressed with Adam’s [Canete] at-bat, and he swings it pretty good.”
He adds local ballplayers Max Poole and Josh Iannetti will join the team soon.
Sunday nailbiter
The final game of the three-game series with the Okotoks Dawgs got off to a poor start for the Giants.
Starter Ike Buxton struggled mightily giving up four runs in the first two innings.
Ray Brown turned to Jordan Williams, who held the Dawgs over three innings and struck out four.
Meanwhile, the Giants bats came alive in the fourth scoring five runs thanks to clutch hitting from Brady Wood and B.J. Minarcin.
Both teams traded runs before Giants closer Tristan Richardson sealed the deal in the ninth to secure the 6-5 win.
Williams received the win with help from relief pitchers Tucker Sorenson and Tyler Hodder.
The Giants go on the road this week to face the top two teams in the WCBL Eastern Division.
Starting Tuesday, they play a three-game series against the Weyburn Beavers.
Then, they head to Regina for a weekend series with the division leading Red Sox.
