By Craig Beauchemin

NSRBL Season preview: Wilkie Brewers strive for continued success

May 9, 2016 | 5:00 PM

After nearly eliminating the eventual NSRBL champion Border City Blue Jays last season, the Wilkie Brewers are looking to take the next step in 2016.

“Our team has been fairly similar for the last four or five years, so we’re hoping to just pick up basically where we left off. David Schell was our MVP last year and he’ll be back pitching this year. With more games on the schedule this year there will be more chances for other guys to get some innings as well,” Brewers coach Trent Cey said.

The 2016 NSRBL season has been extended to 16 games compared to 13 in 2015. Schell had a 3-1 record on the mound in five games, throwing 31.2 innings, striking out 20 batters with a 3.09 ERA. Schell’s ERA was inflated after a tough first game of the season when he was on the hook for 12 runs against, as he only allowed two more runs over his next four games.

In 2015, the Brewers posted a record of 8-5 before beating the Standard Hill Lakers in three games in the opening round of the playoffs. After shutting down the league’s best offense 1-0 in the first game against the Blue Jays, the Brewers lost games two and three 8-2 and 6-0 to see their NSRBL season come to an end. Shortly after, the Brewers won the Senior Provincial A2 title in Macklin over Bruno.

“Normally we’re a pretty good hitting team once the bats get going. Sometimes it takes a week or two for that to happen. Our goal is always to make the playoffs in the NSRBL and be playing the right way at the right time,” Cey said.

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The Brewers will see just two new faces on the roster this season, along with 12 returning players. The new players are Tristan Huber and Dustin Saracini, while returning players include Bye Braun, Rick, Rob and Ryan Cey, Burke Heltman, Jared Herle, TJ Hoogsteen, David and Jason Schell, Aaron and Mike Sittler and Cody Wilgenbush.

Cey says the returning players are the ones they count on each season and having the same group of players year in and year out is what makes each season so enjoyable.

The Brewers will play in the Colliar Division this season, along with the North Battleford Beavers, Macklin Lakers and Unity Cardinals. The first game of the year for Wilkie is Tuesday, May 24 at home against the Midwest Expos.

Email: cjnbsports@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @craig_beauch