The season will be on the line Monday evening in North Battleford, as the NB Beavers look to keep their championship aspirations alive, in front of the hometown crowd at Beaver Lions Stadium. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

All on the line

Beavers remain positive despite dropping finals opener

Aug 14, 2020 | 12:00 PM

The North Battleford Beavers fell 5-3 to the Lloyd Twins Thursday night in Lloydminster, in Game 1 of the North Sask. River Baseball League (NSRBL) Final.

A best-of-three series, the scene will now shift to Beaver Lions Stadium in North Battleford for Game 2 on Monday.

While the scorecard at the end of the night may have read a two-run defeat, the game was about as close as could possibly be, with the two sides separated by just a single run or less for most of the night. In fact, it was just a single run lead for the Twins going into the sixth inning.

Beavers’ player-coach Kyle Gregoire said the outcome may not have fallen in their favour in the opening game, but the team remains very confident ahead of returning to action Monday in North Battleford.

“In our mindset, we just let that one flood on us a bit,” he said. “It was a pretty good battle, it was 4-3 going into the sixth inning there, and then we gave up another run. But I think going forward we have a lot of determination that we can battle back and put it back to a Game 3 with a big win at home.”

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Gregoire added that while the team will likely make the odd adjustment ahead of Monday’s contest, ultimately, the Beavers have had the success they have this season due to their ability to execute their game plan and play to their strengths as a group.

He said if they can continue to do that, they should have a good shot at forcing a third and deciding game, back in Lloydminster Tuesday.

“We’ll have a few tweaks here and there, but nothing too major there,” Gregoire said. “Kelly Baillargeon pitched a great game there in Lloyd, and hopefully we can get more of that from our next guys up. We just need to play simple ball, get the timely hits when we need them, and have some good defence. I think we’re going to have some good success there Monday and hopefully the fans appreciate it; we’re looking forward to it.”

Monday’s Game 2 at Beaver Lions Stadium will begin at 7:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1