MOOSE JAW — 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 several 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.
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 they 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, racked 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.
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.”
Despite the dramatic come-from-behind victory, much of the second game of the doubleheader could be described as lethargic and inevitably winding down to another loss. Elder attributed it to the Sun Devils' strong starting pitcher.
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.
Noah Thul being tagged out in the sixth inning is just part of the Canucks style, Elder said.
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.
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.
