Posted Jun 12/11 - Orioles Split Games at MJBL Showcase After Come From Behind Win Wednesday
The 2011 Manitoba Junior Baseball League Showcase Weekend was partially successful for the Pembina Valley Orioles. The Orioles took Game 1 from the Carillon Sultans after falling behind early in the game for the second straight game. Game 2 saw the Orioles get down on the scoreboard early, never being able to tie the hometown Legionnaires.
The Orioles welcomed the Carillon Sultans to Morden on Wednesday, June 8. The Orioles fell behind in the first inning, then tied the game in the 4th. However, the Sultans answered with 4 runs in the 5th. Carillon pitcher Nathan Christiuk left the game in the 5th inning, allowing only 2 runs on 2 hits. With the departure of Christiuk, the Orioles began their battle back. Going into the 7th with a 7-4 score in favour of the Sultans, the Orioles battled back to tie the game on a balk by Sultan pitcher Josh Bergen. Paul Schaak made his Oriole season debut with the walk-off flare over 3rd base to give the Orioles the win.
Game 1 of the Showcase Weekend saw more of the same for the Orioles. The Sultans grabbed an early 4 run lead in the first inning, only to be squandered to the Orioles in the second inning. Bret Heselwood went 5 2/3 innings, giving up 4 runs. Brady Nichol made his pitching debut, picking up a big strikeout against one of the Sultans premier hitters in Nick Drews. From there, Nichol closed out the game for the save.
The second game of the Showcase doubleheader had no "Cinderella" comeback story for the Orioles. The Orioles saw themselves on the short end of the score from the get-go, only being able to score the majority of their runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to bring the score to a final of 9-7. Wade Haight started for the Orioles, giving way to Josh Ginter in the 4th inning, who made his pitching debut for the Orioles.
The Orioles welcome the Altona Bisons to Morden on Wednesday, June 15. Game time is 7:00.