August 1, 2019

By Dan Khavkin

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs scored two runs in the top of the ninth to come from behind to beat the Lethbridge Bulls 3-2 on Thursday.

The win was the Dawgs’ sixth in eight games against the Bulls this season and it closes out the season series between the two clubs.

Dawgs starter Nolan Ruff allowed just one run in six innings while striking out five to pick up the win and finish his second WCBL regular season with a perfect 7-0 record.

The bats for both teams were silent until the bottom of the fourth inning when the Bulls scored a run on two-out double by centre fielder Robert Bostedt.

But the Dawgs would even the score in the sixth when WCBL batting average leader and Chandler-Gilbert Community College product Tristan Peters belted his 10th home run of the season.

The relief corps for both sides kept them game deadlocked until the Bulls pulled ahead on a bloop hit from second baseman Ashton Roy that landed just outside of the infield and caused Dawgs Academy 18U Black shortstop Richardo Sanchez to lose his footing. Bulls first baseman Riley Jepson scored on the play.

Down 2-1 in the ninth and down to their final out, the Dawgs rallied when Thompson Rivers second baseman Liam Rihela singled and came home on a triple by University of Houston third baseman Brett Esau to tie the game.

Bulls closer Evan O'Toole then balked, allowing Esau to cross home plate and give the Dawgs a 3-2 lead.

Bellevue hurler and Calgary, Alta. native Brandon Desjardins came on for the Dawgs and recorded the final three outs to register the save and help the Dawgs secure their 38th win of the season.

The Dawgs will now head back to Seaman Stadium for their final homestand of the regular season. They will battle the East Division-leading Swift Current 57s beginning on Friday.