Centennials/Royals First Place Showdown Preview

By Travis Longman.

First place in the Southwest Baseball League is on the line this evening in Boissevain. The 9-2 Boissevain Centennials host the 8-2 Deloraine Royals. This is the second meeting of the season between the two clubs, they met in Deloraine on June 7 and Deloraine won 4-3. In that contest the Royals jumped out to an early 1-0 before the visitors scored 3 in the third to go up 3-1. Deloraine responded with 1 in the 4th and two more in the 6th, Boissevain had no response and took the loss. 

The Centennials look for a measure of revenge tonight by handing the Royals a second consecutive loss. Deloraine comes in having dropped their last game 6-4 against Wawanesa. Boissevain meanwhile has won three straight games including a 10-9 decision over Virden in their last outing. Corey Billaney of the Centennials would like to see less runs allowed tonight. “Our expectations are to play solid defence, our pitchers throw good pitches and we stay aggressive on the bats.” Billaney says. The nine runs given up were the second most runs they have gave up all season. 

This matchup features the two home run leaders in the league. Boissevain’s Dawson Hole and Deloraines Mitch Olson each have three round trippers on the season. “Expectations for this contest are to have a good game with a good team.” Olson says. “Limiting walks and playing good defense will be key. Along with getting some timely hits.” These two teams are capable of scoring at will or playing a defensive gem. Who will come out of this one in first place? Find out tonight when all of the action begins at 7 from Boissevain.