The 18U AA Beavers pose for a team picture opening weekend. (Submitted photo/Sherrilyn Phelps)

By Martin Martinson

Defending provincial champs

18U Beavers see opening weekend success

May 2, 2022 | 5:21 PM

With the crack of the bat, the Battlefords 18U Beavers hit the road over the weekend to open their AA baseball season with back to backs Saturday in Moose Jaw and Sunday in Regina.

Winning two of their first three games, the Beavers topped Moose Jaw 7-6 in extra innings Saturday, before splitting their next two Sunday, rebounding from a 10-5 loss to the Regina Buffaloes to beat the Lumsden Clubs 9-8 in another back-and-forth contest.

Head coach, Dean Dimmick, said while the season may be just beginning, the team’s resiliency opening weekend bodes well for finding continued success as the spring progresses.

“We are a young team, but we have lots of skill,” Dimmick said. “I’m impressed with our skill level and I think that youthful exuberance will only help us. They just go out there and compete no matter who they’re playing against and we’re a team that’s going to compete and play hard and be a scrappy team that will keep bouncing back.”

Coming off a memorable season last year that saw the 18U Beavers take home a Tier II Provincial Championship, Dimmick said the team’s success has only helped grow their confidence as a group heading into this year, with a good mix of returning players and youth looking to make an impact and find success.

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“I think winning provincials last year gives our whole group that added confidence,” Dimmick said. “Our young guys have something to prove and our returning players want to come back for more. We have one third-year player, four second-years and 10 first-years, so it’s going to be a great combination to see where this season goes.”

The Beavers will return to action this weekend for a neutral site game Saturday, May 7 against the Regina Pacers in Unity. Their first game at the home diamond will be a double-header against the Prince Albert Royals May 15, with the first game at noon, and the second at 3 p.m.

The minor ball season will run to July 17, with provincials to follow July 22–24, with league playoffs to come after the provincial tournament.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1