The Grandview Lakers entered the season expecting to go through some ups and downs.
Back in the Southeast Senior Baseball League for the first time in six years, the team opened with a 3-3 tie against the Saltcoats Lakers. In their next three games, the team gave up 49 runs and lost all of them.
In the team's 20-4 defeat against Canora, they were up 3-1 going into the bottom of the third. They struggled defensively the rest of the way and saw their losing streak grow to three games.
While they weren't pleased with the result, Darian Giasson says they showed signs of brilliance.
"A lot of effort and improvement. A lot of the guys haven't played in a number of years, so they're starting to come around. It's about getting reps at this point," said Giasson. "Although the scores weren't good, our pitchers did a pretty good job. Mistakes cost us."
On Tuesday night, the streak was snapped. Powered by great pitching performances from Kaden Ferland and Reese Andres, the Lakers beat the Parkland Pirates, 8-7. It was Grandview's first win in six years. It was also a piece of revenge pie. The Pirates beat the Lakers earlier this season, 15-3.
Andres also had a home run while Jayce Legaarden, Kaine Morran, and Dave Elder all had two runs batted in. Darian Giasson chipped in with two hits and two runs while Kael Maxwell reached base twice, stole a base, and scored the game-winning run.
"Winning is always nice. It was the way we played, pitching was solid, and several guys chipped in," said Giasson. "It was the best defensive performance of the year."
Next up for the Lakers is some home cooking. After opening the season with five straight games away from home, Grandview will play its next six on its home field at Wilson Park.
First up is the Canora Supers on Sunday afternoon at 3. Just like Tuesday's win was their first in six years, Sunday's game will be their first home contest in more than half a decade.
"Yeah, that's pretty exciting. A lot of people around town are talking about it," continued Giasson. "We hope to have a huge crowd. Hopefully, we can play as well as we did on Tuesday night."
Eight of nine batters reached base safely on Tuesday night. It was a complete team effort, and Darian says that's the key to success: everyone on the same page, and rolling.
Tuesday was a confidence builder, and the Grandview Lakers are just getting started.
"After that first game where we had a tie, we struggled a bit," ended Giasson. "Just knowing that if we play well defensively, we can compete with most teams. We have the bats, we have to play well defensively, and stay sharp."
You can check out Grandview's full schedule here.
