Dawgs edge Bulls 9-8

Okotoks Dawgs veteran Graham Brunner (Sherwood Park, Alta.) started and struck out nine Lethbridge Bulls batters, while allowing just one run, in 5 2/3 innings on Sunday. Photo: Okotoks Dawgs

July 7, 2024

By Oakley Matthewson

Okotoks Dawgs

Lethbridge, Alta. - The Okotoks Dawgs held on for a 9-8 win over the Lethbridge Bulls at Spitz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With the victory, the Dawgs improved to 26-6 and remain tied with the Sylvan Lake Gulls atop the Western Canadian Baseball League’s West division standings.

Slugger Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) led the Dawgs’ offence, going 4-for-5 with a three-run home run that cleared the Bulls’ scoreboard in the seventh inning. Caleb Lumbard (Regina, Sask.) also crushed a solo shot in the fourth for his first home run of the season.

Tucker Zdunich (High River, Alta.) also continued to swing a hot bat with a 2-for-5 performance.

On the mound, veteran left-hander Graham Brunner (Sherwood Park, Alta.) started and allowed just one run, while striking out nine, in 5 2/3 innings to earn the win. Ryan McFarland (Calgary, Alta.) and Easton Corey (Linn-Benton CC) each contributed scoreless outings in relief and it was Ashton Luera (Oklahoma Wesleyan) who got the final two outs to record the save.

The Dawgs will now take on the Brooks Bombers on Tuesday at Elks Field then return to Seaman Stadium on Thursday to battle the Sylvan Lake Gulls.