Midget Beavers snag first win of season

Benoit said cashing in on runners in scoring position was a difference maker.

But it was only part of the solution.

“We capitalized on the times when we had base runners on there. It’s something that we’re working on,” he said. “And we had some good pitching and we were able to hold them off from getting their runs while we were continuing to go around the bases.”

Sunday, the Beavers were up against the undefeated Moose Jaw Canucks for another doubleheader.

Moose Jaw won both games thanks to the mercy rule.

Benoit said it’s always tough playing the Canucks, which they have now done five times this season, but it also presents an opportunity to learn.

“Of course when you go out to the field and you lose 15-0, it’s not a great feeling. But at the same time, it’s building on the things that are going to make the differences for the next game,” Benoit said.

“Like I said to the kids, ‘You’re playing the number one team in the league.’ I said you shouldn’t hold your heads down. Work on the things that you can. When you’re on the bench and they’re out there playing, watch what they’re doing and their positions because this is the best of the best.”

Benoit has already seen improvement from everyone on the team – all of whom are first years except for three – this season.

“They’ve all improved in their own way,” he said. “Whether it’s batting or whether it’s going deeper into pitching, into the 80’s or 90’s, as far as the pitching count. Everybody is trying to pull their weight. Everybody is working hard. They’re gelling as a team.

“It’s a lot of adjustment for these guys. It’s a rebuilding year for North Battleford.”

Next weekend, the team is off from league play but are heading to Saskatoon for a three-day tournament that starts Friday.

“We’re going to look at picking up one, maybe two, other pitchers for the tournament,” Benoit said.

“I asked the boys [and] they were O.K. with it. We can go in there and try to get some wins under our belt and get the kids feeling good about what they’re doing.”

nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

@NathanKanter11

by Nathan Kanter

Midget Beavers snag first win of season

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