The Nanaimo Pirates no longer have playoff hopes, but they still want to try to get better as a team.
The Hub City Paving Pirates suffered three more losses on the weekend before a 10-2 win to end Sunday on a positive.
“When you’re out of the playoffs it’s easy to just give up, but we just need to keep competing and today we competed,” said Garrett Goodall, Pirates veteran.
Doug Rogers, Pirates manager, said it’s important to play for pride.
“You’ve still got to play for what’s on your chest,” he said.
Any situation in baseball can present an opportunity to become a better ball player.
“If you’re going to the playoffs, if you’re not going to the playoffs, if you’re up or down in a game, it’s how you approach the game,” Rogers said. “That’s what I want to see these guys get out of it. We’re still learning the game.”
Goodall was the winning pitcher Sunday at Serauxmen Stadium, giving up four hits over five innings and helping his cause at the plate with a triple. Shane Rogers and Noah Banman had two RBIs apiece.
In Sunday's first game, the Pirates lost 2-1, unable to take advantage of a complete game from Alex Jinda. Goodall had two hits.
On Saturday the Pirates lost 5-2 and then 6-2 against the Abbotsford Cardinals at Serauxmen Stadium. In the late game, Matt Skingle had two singles, a double and two RBIs for the Pirates.
GAME ON … The Pirates play a rare weekday doubleheader against the Victoria Mariners today (July 19) at Serauxmen Stadium. Game times are noon and 2:30 p.m.