The back and forth series between Red Deer and the Rockies continued on Thursday night at Webber Athletic Park, as the Riggers scored a run with two outs in the 7th to tie the game and tacked on another run in the 8th inning to take one run lead that would hold up for a final score of 7-6, evening the season series 2-2.
The Rockies offense came out firing with a three run 1st inning on the back of a Steve Mackenzie 2-run double in his first career Rockies appearance. They would go on to add runs in the 4th, 5th, and 6th with leadoff man Mike Goldade setting the table all night by drawing three walks in five plate appearances and tacking on a single and a swipe to his line for good measure. Luke Wilson led the team with two hits in his three AB’s including an RBI and a run scored in this contest.
Andrew Grieder (1-0) didn’t have his best bat-missing stuff, but battled through five innings and left with the game tied 5-5 to take a no decision in his second turn through the rotation this year. He gave up four earned runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out two. Desmond Sullivan came out of the bullpen strong and retired the Riggers in order in the 6th which allowed the Rockies to retake the lead in the bottom half of the inning. He would go back out for the 7th and got the Rox to within one out of sealing the victory before Red Deer sluggers Josh Edwards and Jason Louis hit back-to-back doubles to tie the game at 6-6. With the Rockies unable to score in the bottom of the 7th, Tyson Kilbreath was brought in to try and keep the Riggers at bay but would eventually be stung with the loss when a run scored on a fileder’s choice and the Rockies weren’t able to get anything going in the bottom of the 8th.
The Rockies have some time off before heading up to Edmonton for their first North Division road trip that will see them play four games in two days versus the Sherwood Park Athletics and St. Albert Tigers. The action kicks off at 12pm on Saturday at Centennial Park #9 in Sherwood Park.
