Once the Moose Jaw Miller Express bats came to life, they cruised to a pair of key wins Thursday.
The Express starting pitchers did their job and the bats gave them ample support — eventually — in a double-header sweep against the Edmonton Prospects. The Express won the first game 6-3 and the second game 7-3 in front of a big home crowd.
The wins, combined with a Saskatoon loss give the Express a five game lead over Saskatoon in the Western Major Baseball League’s Central Division playoff chase. The Express are a win or a Saskatoon loss away from making the playoffs.
It took five innings for the Express to get going in the first seven-inning game, but once they did they were able to carry their momentum into the second game.
“We were a little slow getting started in that first game,” said Express head coach Michael Hunt. “Especially in a seven-inning game, we can’t afford to be asleep for the first five.
“In the second game we came out in the first inning and got right after it.”
Express 7 Prospects 3
Jess Cooper hit a two-run home run in the first inning to stake the Express to a 2-0 lead.
In the second inning Jon Cotter hit a two-run single with two outs and Cooper got an RBI single to fall to extend the Express lead to 5-0.
Starting pitcher Marshall Dean struck out five of the first six batters he faced. Dean pitched six innings and allowed three hits, no walks and struck out eight batters.
Express 6 Prospects 3
The Express bats finally came to life as they scored five runs in the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie.
Atkins hit a leadoff double in the sixth before Hornstra hit his second clutch bloop single. Atkins came home on a fielder’s choice to put them ahead. Zack Cadet walked to load the bases and Cotter was hit by the next pitch to put the Express ahead 3-1. With two outs, Cooper hit a two-run single and Silva followed with an RBI single.
Arturo Maltos-Garcia allowed three runs and four hits in seven complete innings. He struck out five batters to improve his record to 4-3.
The Express are 16-21 heading into weekend action when they host Swift Current Saturday and Saskatoon Sunday. Both games start at 7 p.m. at Ross Wells Park.
For more please see Friday's Times-Herald.
