The Nanaimo Pirates outscored their troubles for a big comeback win.
The Hub City Paving Pirates split a four-game series against the Okanagan Athletics on Saturday and Sunday at Serauxmen Stadium, losing 2-1 and winning 7-6 on Saturday and losing 8-4 and winning 12-9 on Sunday.
In the weekend finale, the A’s led 8-2 through four innings, but the Pirates pounded the baseball around the park the rest of the way.
“It played out a little differently than I’d hoped, but we keep coming back,” said Doug Rogers, Pirates manager. “We definitely show some fight in the team. It’s no quit.”
He said the team’s offence means that the Pirates always have a chance.
“We have really good hitters one through nine, so when it comes down to it, we do have enough guys to pick it up,” said Matt Skingle, Pirates first baseman.
Skingle led the offence, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and five RBIs. Shawn Arabsky was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Zach Diewert had a single, a double and two RBIs. Cole Warken also had two hits. Call-up Jayden Hamm was the winning pitcher, throwing three relief innings and allowing two hits and one run while striking out three.
In Sunday’s early game, the Pirates scored three in the seventh inning to force extras. Arabsky and North Rainey had two hits apiece.
In the series opener, Skingle hit a home run. Rainey threw five innings, giving up three hits and one earned run while striking out five. Robert Busch threw two no-hit innings of relief.
Saturday’s win saw Aaron Page earn the ‘W,’ throwing three innings, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out five. Arabsky hit a single and two doubles including the game-winning hit in the ninth inning. Shane Rogers had two RBIs and Diewert, Skingle and Josh Carless-Jones had two hits apiece.
GAME ON … The Pirates host the Parksville Royals on Wednesday (April 29) at 6 p.m. at Serauxmen Stadium.
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