MACKLIN —11U Macklin Lakers, competing in back-to-back provincials, captured gold in an 8-inning thriller, two innings extra from six inning regulation game, held at the Macklin diamonds July 14-16 playing the Unity Cardinals. Macklin hosted the 11U AA Tier 3 championship made up of eight teams contending for the Baseball Sask. title.
The Lakers also won gold Rosetown in 2022.
An opening ceremonies was held Friday evening that included the RCMP as well as Macklin residents where each team was marched on to the field. A fun skills competition followed for players.
Other highlights from the weekend included the Macklin Chamber of Commerce hosting a pancake breakfast July 15. Fans and guests all commended Macklin for their hospitality throughout the event and around town.
The11U AA Tier 3 Lakers opened their provincial event with a 5-2 win over Saskatoon Royal 64s. Following opening ceremonies, the Lakers earned a decided win of 8-2 over Eston Ramblers. Prince Albert Royals fell to the Lakers in game three 16-6, thus ending the round-robin undefeated.
Championship Sunday had the Lakers win a close 2-1 game over Rosetown Angels and put them in the final against close rivals, Unity Cardinals, who had earlier mercied Saskatoon Royal 64s in semifinal action.
A short, but welcome, rain delay held up championship Sunday. The final was a barn burner. Both teams put 110 per cent effort into their quest for a provincial title requiring two extra innings to determine a winner, with Macklin capturing gold in an 8-7 victory.
The Unity Cardinals opened their provincial event with a big win over Sask. Five Sliders by a score of 19-1. Unity’s second game was a 6-3 win over Rosetown Angels. Game three in the round-robin ended with a 5-3 victory over Meadow Lake Sox. A mercy win in the semifinal set the Cards up for the championship final against Macklin Lakers, earning silver.
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