The Humboldt Midget AAA Dodgers split a doubleheader last weekend against the visiting Regina Wolfpack, taking the opening game 8-3 but losing the second match by a count of 4-2.
The Dodgers and Wolfpack met June 26 at the Uniplex diamonds, with first place in the Sask. Premier Baseball League (SPBL) potentially on the line.
Dean Jaeb went the distance in the opening match and picked up his league-leading fifth win of the season with an impressive effort on the mound. Jaeb struck out 12 Regina batters and walked just one while giving up six hits and three earned runs.
Keenan Lucas got the offence kick-started in the second inning by driving in a pair of runs, and Jordan Gerwing drove in a trio of Dodgers in the fifth inning with a double to give Humboldt all the offence they would need.
The Dodgers had plenty of chances in game two, but failed to capitalize. As a result, Regina was able to steal away with a split.
Craig McWillie started game two on the mound for Humboldt and struggled a bit, giving up three earned runs in three innings of work. Jordan Gerwing came in in the fourth inning to close out the game, and he held the Wolfpack scoreless to at least give the Dodgers' bats a chance to eat into Regina's lead. Unfortunately, the bats were unable to respond.
Eric Bollefer led all Dodgers at the plate in the doubleheader, going 4-for-7 overall with a pair of doubles, two singles, a walk and two runs scored. Cam Blair was 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles.
With the weekend split, Regina held onto first place in the SPBL with a record of 11-3-2, good for 24 points. The Dodgers dropped to 11-3, good for 22 points and second place. They also have two games in hand on the Wolfpack.
The Regina Mets currently sit in third place in the league with 20 points and a 9-3-2 record, while the Regina Athletics are in fourth with 19 points at 9-5-1. The Swift Current Indians round out the top five teams with 18 points and a record of 8-5-2.
Next action for the Dodgers is Monday, July 4 in Yorkton when they take on the winless Cardinals (0-12-2).
