Bo Lewington (Calgary, Alta.), Garrett Ciuk (Misson College) and C.J. Lewington (Calgary, Alta.) before beating the Edmonton Prospects and auctioning the shirts off their backs for breast cancer research. Photos: Amanda Fewer.

July 23,2016

By Ryan van Keulen
Okotoks, Alta. _ The Okotoks Dawgs (28-13) defeated the Edmonton Prospects (19-23) in a close game at Seaman Stadium.

Kellen Marruffo (University of Utah) had another great game for the Dawgs, as he had four hits, including a solo shot to left field, driving in three runs, scoring three runs and walking once as he helped control the high tempo offensive.

Brendan Rose (University of British Columbia) had a three-hit game scoring twice. Josh McIntyre (Everett Community College) had two RBIs and a hit. JT Patterson (Northeastern Junior College) had a two-run double in the 1st inning.

Liam Stroud (University of Niagara) started against the Prospects, and received his first win, moving to a record of 1-2 with five no decisions. He worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on 12 hits and two walks while fanning four strike outs.

C Joel Brophy (Burlington, Ont.) pays a mound visit to winning pitcher RHP Liam Stroud (Maple Ridge, BC)

Tyler Burdett (Dixie State University), Anthony Baldaras (Lewis and Clark State University) and Michael Bucci (University of Niagara) all came in to pitch relief.

RHP Michael Bucci (Toronto, Ont.) signs an autograph after the win.

The main story of the night was the annual Breast Cancer event, as the Dawgs auctioned off the players and coaches jerseys. In addition to the jerseys the Dawgs also received a donation from the Okotoks Fire Department as they raised over $1,400. The Dawgs jerseys in total raised more than $20,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Dawgs have facilitated $250,000 in donations to support breast cancer research. This is an incredible achievement from a 2 1/2 month, summer collegiate club.

Even as founding father John Ircandia struggles to field a championship team, run a organization that sometimes borders on sheer chaos, he points out that the Dawgs should never lose sight of the incredibly positive impact the Dawgs continue to have on the communities.

With the breast cancer fundraiser, not to mention the literally 1,000s of other causes we actively support, the Dawgs contribution to community health and well being has been and continues to be truly remarkable.

Ircandia says his group should all take a moment and be proud of this achievement, while thanking all for the contributions.

The Dawgs finish the regular season with a four-game home stand against Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat.

Dawgs beat Prospects, auction shirts for worthwhile cause