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Nanaimo NightOwls fall 7-5 in their first-ever game at Serauxmen Stadium

West Coast League expansion baseball team makes long-awaited home debut
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Edmonton Riverhawks baserunner Aaron Stinnett scores a run as Nanaimo NightOwls catcher Connor Caskenette keeps the ball in front of him during the first inning of Friday’s West Coast League baseball game at Serauxmen Stadium. (Greg Sakaki/News Bulletin)

The home opener for the NightOwls didn’t end with a win, but it was a special night at the ballpark.

Nanaimo’s new West Coast League baseball team played its first game on home field at Serauxmen Stadium, falling 7-5 to the Edmonton Riverhawks.

The evening started with ceremonies to mark the occasion, and the game included home runs and other highlights and ended with a chance at a comeback.

The NightOwls, who trailed 5-1at the seventh-inning stretch, had the potential tying run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth.

“The guys battled hard…” said Gorman Heimueller, NightOwls acting head coach. “We came back twice with some big hits and came up a little short. I was feeling good there in the last inning after getting a break by them dropping the ball, but credit them, they got some big hits when they had to in situations.

He praised his team’s effort and the energy on the bench throughout the game.

“I definitely think we’re not going to give up,” said Landon Frei, NightOwls outfielder. “I think we’re just trying to put together a whole game right now. It seems like we’ve put together bits and pieces.”

Heimueller said starting pitcher Seth Gurr was “outstanding” in defeat, throwing 5 1/3 innings and giving up one run and five hits.

Frei hit the first-ever West Coast League home run at Serauxmen Stadium high over the left-field fence in the sixth inning, Tim Holyk hit a two-run homer to left in the eighth and Marcus Steen went 3-for-5 with two RBIs.

Frei said it was “definitely a good feeling” to hit the home run, especially the first by the NightOwls at the ballpark, and said “it was so fun” to play in such a great atmosphere on opening night.

Steen, who played for the Mid Island Pirates, has played a lot of games at Serauxmen Stadium, but never like this, at what he said was a whole new field.

“It was a very cool atmosphere,” he said. “I’ve never played in front of this many people before in my life. So to get the support and kind of feel … a little bit famous with the kids coming out and signing their balls, it’s an amazing feeling.”

Steen said the NightOwls battled well and are still getting to know each other and how to play with one another, and said in a week or two the team will be closing games out.

“I see a lot of ‘Ws’ with this team coming – we’ll be very good,” he said.

Heimueller said the team will be able to build some continuity as it gets more games in. He’s confident batters will start to hit if they aren’t, and pitchers will become more finely tuned.

“And so will the other teams, too,” the coach said. “It’s a competitive league, good players and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

GAME ON … The NightOwls and Riverhawks continue their series Saturday, June 4, at 6:35 p.m. at Serauxmen Stadium, then play Sunday, June 5, at 1 p.m.

READ ALSO: Nanaimo NightOwls earn first win in franchise history



editor@nanaimobulletin.com

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