Crowell, Gates, Machej lead Dawgs to rout of Cactus Rats in playoff opener

The Okotoks Dawgs downed the Energy City Cactus Rats 24-7 in their playoff opener on Friday. Photo: Okotoks Dawgs

August 7, 2026

By Abby Fralic

Okotoks Dawgs

Okotoks, Alta. – The Okotoks Dawgs began their 2026 playoff run with a dominant 24-7 win over the Energy City Cactus Rats in front of 4,307 fans at Seaman Stadium on Friday night.

The Dawgs’ offence exploded for 25 hits. Cal Gates led the way with a 5-for-5 performance that included two doubles, six runs and two stolen bases.

Nash Crowell (Yarmouth, N.S.) added to the attack, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a triple, three RBIs and a walk, while Jordan Kievman belted two home runs.

Third baseman Eric Machej (Edmonton, Alta.) also contributed three doubles and five RBIs for the Dawgs.

On the mound, Brody Forno (Okotoks, Alta.) started and struck out five batters in four innings.

The Dawgs then received strong relief performances from Will Labonte (Montreal, Que.), Wyatt Sadleir (Calgary, Alta.), Matthew Tran (Regina, Sask.) and Brody Burnette who combined for five strikeouts and limited the Cactus Rats to two runs in five innings.

The Dawgs will look to keep their momentum going when they host the Cactus Rats again in Game 2 at Seaman Stadium on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.