WMBL Division Finals: Edmonton, Swift Current Game 3 winners

Riley Campbell had two hits, a run and an RBI for the Swift Current 57’s in their 6-5 victory over the Weyburn Beavers on Wednesday. Photo Credit: Outlaw Communications

By Tony Playter

WMBL Communications

Game 3: Medicine Hat 3 at Edmonton 4

(Edmonton leads the series 2-1)

The Edmonton Prospects sent the 1,648 fans home from Re/Max Field happy with a dramatic 4-3 bottom of the ninth victory to take a 2-1 series lead over Medicine Hat.

Jake Lanferman had a clutch double that scored Derek Shedden from second base for the win. The ninth-inning double was Lanferman’s third hit of the game. Designated hitter Erik Sabrowski added two hits and an RBI in the win.

Blake Rowlett led the Mavericks attack with two hits and a run.

Zaine Foth-Thomas took the hill for the Edmonton Prospects in this pivotal playoff game. The Edmonton born lefty’s pitching line included three runs on five hits over six innings. He also struck out six before turning things over to relievers Taran Oulton and Andrew Mirasty, who picked up the win. 

Tanner Helms started for Medicine Hat and threw seven quality innings. Helms, a senior at Glenville State faced 30 Prospect batters allowing nine hits and three runs while striking out three. Helms handed the ball to Barry Caine to start the eighth inning. WMBL playoff save leader Conner Deeds was hit for the loss giving up the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Game four will be played in Edmonton on Thursday night.

Game 3: Swift Current 6 at Weyburn 5

(Weyburn leads series 2-1)

With their playoff backs against the wall, the Swift Current 57’s rallied with a four-run sixth inning to win 6-5 and stave off elimination. Game 4 will be played at Weyburn’s Tom Laing Park on Thursday night.

Weyburn starter Carson Perkins, the Beinfait, Sask., product, was in total control of the game until the sixth inning. That inning, Perkins, the freshman from Canisius College, was tagged for four runs on seven hits and five walks. Beau Rabedeaux was the first reliever summoned from the bullpen. Brodie Stairs and Landon Mostellar also saw action in the game.

Swift Current countered with the right-hander from Mansfield, Texas, Matt Michalski. The Beaver batters got to the senior from the University of Texas early as they scored four runs on nine hits and a walk. Michalski lasted just two innings before being replaced by Sean Chandler. The University of Nebraska hurler threw four shutout innings in relief to pick up the win. Keil Krumwiede then earned the save throwing a scoreless ninth inning.

Ulysses Fluellen, a senior at Spring Hill College, had three hits and an RBI for the Beavers. Evan Weidner also provided three hits and three runs in the Weyburn loss.

University of Nebraska at Omaha freshman, Cole Thibideau reached base three times on two hits and a walk. The speedy Riley Campbell had two hits, a run and a RBI for the 57’s in victory.