MOOSEJAWTODAY.COM -- The Moose Jaw Miller Express haven’t had a lot of luck as of late, with the result from their most recent Western Canadian Baseball League contest in Okotoks the most recent example.
The Dawgs scored a pair of runs in the first inning and built a 4-2 lead through six before Moose Jaw got a pair back in the seventh, but they’d get no closer on their way to dropping a 4-3 decision.
As a result the Express are now 21-21 on the season and have fallen into fourth place in the East Division, a game back of the Saskatoon Berries for third. The playoffs aren’t in danger, as the Express remain eight games up on Swift Current for the fourth and final spot in the East.
Adam Christopher got the start for Moose Jaw and turned in a solid performance, allowing four runs on seven hits over seven innings to keep his team in the hunt. Takeo Cookson tossed a scoreless eighth, but the Express would be unable to find the tying run in the top of the ninth.
Okotoks ended up using six pitchers on the night, all of whom were effective. Garrett Maloney saw the lion’s share of work, going 4 ⅔ and allowing two runs on four hits and striking out four. Ashton Luera earned the save, striking out a pair while retiring the side in order in the ninth.
Nate Mensik led the Miller Express offence, going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored, while Thomas Soto was also 2-for-4 with a double,
Connor Crowson had a solid game at the plate for Okotoks, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs batted in, Jarrett Burney was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Okotoks improved to 29-11 and sit a 1 ½ games back of Sylvan Lake for first in the West Division.
The two teams are back at it on Friday night at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks. Next home action is Sunday when the Regina Red Sox are back in town. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at Ross Wells Park.
