One disastrous inning cost the host Swift Current 57’s in a 14-8 loss to the Moose Jaw Miller Express Saturday.
Riding high from a four-game winning streak in Alberta, the 57’s seemed to be in cruise control with a 5-0 lead through five innings. The comfortable lead quickly turned to a daunting deficit when Moose Jaw scored 12 runs in the top of the sixth inning to take control of the game.
The deciding inning consisted of two errors, two walks, two hit by pitches, five singles, one double, and a three-run home run from Cole Warken as three different pitchers faced 15 batters.
Starter Matt Michalski took the loss as he allowed three hits, two walks, and four runs, three that were earned, while striking out seven over 5.2 innings.
The 57’s actually outhit the Miller Express 15-10, including three doubles, two runs scored, and two runs batted in from catcher Bodie Cooper. Matt Bondarchuk was on base with two singles and two walks and stole three bases. Leadoff man Riley Campbell had a three-hit outing, while third baseman Brett Esau singled twice, scored twice, and had two RBI. Kyle MacDonald doubled during a two-hit outing and scored three runs. Keil Krumwiede added two hits and a RBI from the nine-hole.
The 57’s still lead the Western Major Baseball League’s Eastern Division with a 23-12 record, while Moose Jaw evened their record at 18-18. The 57’s are home to the Lethbridge Bulls (21-15) on Sunday at 7:05 p.m. to continue a five-game home stand.
