57's score three late to beat Dawgs 4-3

Chandler-Gilbert product Tristan Peters had an RBI single for the Okotoks Dawgs on Friday. Photo: Okotoks Dawgs (file photo)

August 2, 2019

By Dan Khavkin

Okotoks Dawgs

The Okotoks Dawgs dropped the opening game of their series against the Eastern Division-leading Swift Current 57s 4-3 on Friday night at Seaman Stadium.

A late-game three-run, ninth-inning inning rally by the 57s propelled them to the win.

It was the first meeting of the season between the two clubs. The 57s have now won seven in a row, while the Dawgs lost just their third game at home this season.

Lewis-Clark State senior Tanner Simpson was the starting pitcher for the Dawgs. After allowing seven hits in the first four innings he retired 12 of his last 13 batters and exited the game after seven innings having allowed just one run.

The 57s opened the contest with three singles in the first inning to give them an early 1-0 lead.

The Dawgs then responded with a run on a wild pitch in the bottom half of the frame to tie the game. The Dawgs then added two runs in the second on a ground out by Barton Community College product Noah Geekie and a single by WCBL batting average leader and Chandler-Gilbert product Tristan Peters to give the home side an early 3-1 lead.

Andrew Yates came on for Simpson and threw a shutout inning for the Dawgs in the eighth before Mesa Junior College closer Dustin Schorie blew his first save opportunity on an unlucky break the following frame.

The Okotoks closer loaded the bases and nearly got out of the jam with two outs but a grounder by 57s pinch-hitter Jack Large was misplayed by Dawgs Academy 18U Black shortstop Richardo Sanchez and all three 57s runners scored to give the 57s a 4-3 lead.

The Dawgs failed to score in the bottom of the ninth.

The second game of the series takes place on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Seaman Stadium.