Bryce Gatzke of the North Battleford Beavers, locked in at the plate. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Wednesday Night Rivalry

N.B. Beavers host Unity for rematch of NSRBL final

May 22, 2024 | 3:24 PM

Nearly 10 months after the North Battleford Beavers snapped a 26-year championship drought, defeating the rival Unity Cardinals to win their first North Sask River Baseball League (NSRBL) title since the late 1990s, the teams will renew acquaintances on the diamond Wednesday night, in North Battleford.

Reigniting one of the premier rivalries in senior baseball in the region, due to the close proximity of the two communities and only amplified by their recent playoff history, longtime player/coach with the Beavers, Kyle Gregoire said it’s a matchup that both sides have likely had circled on the calendar since the season began.

“Unity has definitely been a force in the NSRBL, and last year we were able to host the championship against them, so I think they’re probably really eager to play us here and vice versa,” Gregoire said heading into the matchup. “I think it will be the first real test for us into the season and hopefully we can have a good turnout and perform like we can.”

A battle of two undefeated teams, the Beavers’ early season dominance has seen the club outscore their opposition by a combined 48-5 margin through their opening three games. North Battleford followed up a statement 16-0 season-opening win over Glaslyn with a 12-2 victory over Lloydminster, and most recently added a 20-3 triumph over Mervin just a night ago.

Gregoire said more than anything, the team’s success comes back to their depth as a group with everyone pitching in to make a difference however they can.

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“I think we have a really strong lineup one-through-nine, so that makes it really difficult on the opposition, and I think our defense has been exceptional [too],” Gregoire said. “We’ve made some really nice plays, and our pitching has been outstanding, so that’s been another reason for our success.”

The Unity Cardinals have also been a force through their opening three games, having outscored their opponents by a combined 41-21 margin, following up a season-opening 11-7 win over Mervin with a 21-7 victory over Glaslyn, and 9-7 final over Lashburn, Tuesday.

Wednesday night’s matchup at North Battleford’s Beaver Lions Stadium will be a 7:30 p.m. start.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1