The wait was well worth it for the Swift Current 57’s as they finally returned to Western Canadian Baseball League action on Sunday.
After the past two seasons were cancelled due to the pandemic, the 57’s travelled to Weyburn only to have Friday and Saturday’s games both postponed due to inclement weather. The 57’s returned home and knocked out 13 hits in a 7-2 win over the Regina Red Sox on Sunday.
The 57’s scored runs in four of the first five innings and held the Red Sox to five hits and a pair of early runs.
First baseman Hayden Cooper had three hits, including a two-run home run in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. The 57’s stole seven bases, including three from left fielder Justin Barnes. Shortstop Tejean Smith finished with two singles, two runs scored, one walk, and one stolen base. Brody Alexandre, the lone local on the 57’s, singled twice and knocked home one run. Centre fielder Cory Bonstrom added a sacrifice fly and a single to bring home two runs.
Five pitchers combined for the win, including 2.1 scoreless innings from Zack Stylianou. Grayden Stauffer earned the win in 1.2 innings of scoreless relief work, striking out four without allowing a hit.
The 57’s will continue a string of five consecutive games against the Red Sox when they visit Regina for games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
