Not only are the Nanaimo Pirates B.C.’s Best, but they can also claim bragging rights over Alberta.
The Hub City Paving Pirates won the B.C.’s Best tournament in Parksville over the Victoria Day long weekend, defeating Alberta’s Okotoks Dawgs 2-1 in Monday’s final.
“We just wanted a real good final for people to watch and with each team playing six games, those kind of games can sometimes get out of hand because you’re low on pitching,” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager. “But it didn’t turn out that way. A 2-1 win, a real good, clean, ball game, well-played, well-executed, well-pitched.”
Aidan Goodall was the winning pitcher and Alex Rogers supplied scoreless relief. Zach Diewert swung a hot bat all tournament.
“I’m hoping that the corner’s turned now – certain players really started swinging the bat a little better,” Doug Rogers said.
He mentioned that the tournament title – especially alongside the junior team’s tournament title the same day – is big for the Pirates program.
“We’re playing with a confidence now,” said the manager. “Is it the same as last year and the year before, with the swag we had? No, probably not, but it’s getting there and that’s what we’re looking for.”
BASE LINES … One of the games at the tournament counted in the standings, a 4-1 win Saturday over the White Rock Tritons. Alex Rogers threw a complete-game victory, allowing no earned runs and striking out eight. Diewert was 2-for-2 and Devon Geary was 2-for-3 …The premier Pirates (9-10) play the Whalley Chiefs (4-14) on Saturday (May 25) at Serauxmen Stadium at noon and 2:30 p.m. On Sunday the Pirates and the White Rock Tritons (4-14) take to the field at 11 a.m. at Serauxmen to make up the last two innings of a game from last month. After that, the teams will play one more game. Admission at Pirates games is $5 per game or $8 for a doubleheader.
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