Thursday, July 24, 2008

More Rain/Mils' Coach Goes Out On a Limb

Rain is good for the Ag sector, which I appreciate being a farm boy, but enough is enough. Crops are growing, moisture levels are good in most parts, time for sunshine, and maybe a little baseball. Rain-outs, rain-outs, rain-outs has been the theme over the last few days, with all 3 games scheduled in Saskatchewan WMBL cities postponed last night, including the Yorkton Cardinals and Regina Red Sox. The only game played saw Sherwood Park handle the first place Okotoks Dawgs 9-1. And on our 'local' sports sheet, WMBL was all I had yesterday... talk about a slow news day. It picks up a little today, though, with South East Senior Baseball semi-final action resuming, as well as Tri-Highway Fastball League semis. Busy weekend coming up around here for provincials. Yorkton's hosting Midget 'A', and Melville's hosting Midget 'AA.'

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How's this for confidence? Regina's 4 games up on both Melville and Yorkton for first place in the WMBL's East Division. The Red Sox and Cardinals both have 6 games left, while the Mils have 8 to play. Here's what Melville Coach Garnet Keller had to say about the playoff race on the Coach's Show yesterday morning.

"I'm going to make a very bold statement today. I'm going to say Regina will NOT finish first, it'll be either the Melville Millionaires or the Yorkton Cardinals."

My response? "That is a bold one, but I hope you're right!"

For that to come true, Melville's in an almost must-win game tonight as they meet the Red Sox in Regina. A loss would make it a 5-game lead with 7 games left for the Mils. A win, however, narrows the gap to 3. Should be an intense final week of the regular season. Playoffs are slated to start August 1st... hopefully all these make-up games can get squeezed in.

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The Northern Connecticut Wings, a summer hockey team which includes 12 SJHLers, 4 Yorkton Terriers, play their first game of the Chowder Cup this morning in Boston. Game time is 7:00 am their time. 7AM! 5AM in Saskatchewan. I'll try and get my hands on a result today. 80 teams are participating in this tourney.

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Today's Schedule

Western Major Baseball League
Melville Millionaires @ Regina Red Sox 7:00
Medicine Hat Mavericks @ Saskatoon Yellow Jackets 5:00
Medicine Hat Mavericks @ Saskatoon Yellow Jacekts 7:00
Moose Jaw Miller Express @ Weyburn Beavers 7:00
Swift Current Indians @ Lethbridge Bulls 7:05
Sherwood Park Dukes @ Okotoks Dawgs 7:05
**The Yorkton Cardinals are holding a steak night tonight (THU) at the Army & Navy at 6 o'clock. Adult tickets are $10, which includes steak, potato, salad and dessert. Kids can get hot dogs for $5. Tickets available at the door, as well as at Alexanders' Mens' Wear, or any Cardinal executive member.
South East Senior Baseball League
Playoffs
Willowbrook Royals @ Canora Supers 6:15
(Canora leads the Best of Five series 2-0)
South East Men's Fastball League
Playoffs
Fleming Sr Jets @ Broadview Buffs 7:30 in Grenfell
(Broadview leads the Best of Three series 1-0)
Whitewood Falcons @ Fleming Jr Jets 7:30
(Whitewood leads the Best of Three series 1-0)

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