The Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Trojans had to settle for a split to open their 2017 season.
After a 10-0 rout over W.C. Miller in three innings in the first game, the Trojans coughed up a 1-0 lead late as the Aces earned a 2-1 walk-off win to salvage a doubleheader split in MHSAA Zone 4 action Monday at Republic Park in Portage la Prairie.
“We pitched well and just didn't get those add-on runs early in the game,” said Trojans coach Jay Dewis. “Unfortunately, we hit some balls right at some guys in the second game. And that happens.”
The Trojans scored seven runs in the first inning, then Tanner Boyle hit a three-run home run in the third to end the first game. Tyler Van Deynze, Jayson Brooks, Matt Boychuk and Reilly Funk also added RBIs. Brody Moffat struck out two while allowing two hits and a walk in three shutout innings of work.
In the second game, the Trojans looked to jump out to a two-run lead in the first inning on a Chance Dickenson double. However, W.C. Miller appealed to third base following the play and the second baserunner was called out. Umpires ruled he failed to touch the bag while rounding third. The call ended the inning, stranding a runner in scoring position and taking one run off the board.
Still, it looked as if one run would be enough for the Trojans as Joey Moffat allowed just one hit and struck out four in three shutout innings. But W.C. Miller rallied off Brooks in the fifth. After a basehit and stolen base to put a runner into scoring position, an error by PCI's first baseman allowed the winning run to reach base. A double to left field plated both runs for W.C. Miller.
Next up for the Trojans (1-1) is a doubleheader in Altona against Mennonite Collegiate Blues Thursday.
SAINTS STRONG IN OPENER
The PCI Saints fastpitch team showed little rust in their 2017 season opener.
Kailee Fraser had three RBIs and Kassidy Cunningham threw five scoreless innings, as the Saints routed Northlands Parkway Collegiate 10-0 in varsity girls' Zone 4 action Monday at Republic Park in Portage la Prairie.
“If this game reflects how we do this season I think everyone will he happy with it,” Fraser said. “I think we did good and came together as a team.”
The Saints did the bulk of their damage in the first and third innings, scoring three and five runs respectively. Cunningham had seven strikeouts and allowed just one hit over her five innings of work.
The Saints (1-0) are back in action Wednesday in LaSalle against Sanford Sabers.