Vernon Canadians salvaged their season-opening weekend homestand in the B.C. AAA 18U Baseball League with a win at Marshall Field.
Ethan Huizinga went five innings, scattering eight hits, and added a double at the plate, while Caden Doyle came on in relief to allow two hits over the final two innings as the Cs downed the Cloverdale Spurs 9-6 to earn a split of their Sunday twinbill.
Kadyn Thomas, Doyle, and Dylan Ecklund all had singles for the Cs, who dropped the opener to the Spurs, 9-3.
Dawson Chase went five innings in the loss before giving way to Raynan Campbell. The pair gave up eight hits. Corey Anderson was 2-for-2 with a pair of singles while Thomas, Doyle, Chase, Eckland and Ryan Gudljek all had base hits.
The Canadians, provincial semifinalists in 2016, opened the new season by being swept at home by the North Shore Padres, who won by scores of 10-4 and 11-0.
Anderson started the season opener, giving up nine runs in five innings. Huizinga allowed one run in his two innings of relief. North Shore took advantage of seven walks, while Padres pitching held Vernon to three hits from Huizinga, Chase and Cadon Bracken.
In the second game, North Shore cranked out 10 hits off the trio of Thomas, Doyle and Eckland, and held the Cs to a pair of singles from Chase and Jordon Wiseman.
Vernon hosts four more league games this weekend, entertaining the South Fraser Giants Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Marshall Field, then hosting the Victorial Eagles Sunday at 9 a.m. Game 2 will follow shortly after as the Eagles need to catch the ferry home.
Meanwhile, Vernon Minor Baseball Association will holds its Picture Day and Bottle Fundraiser Saturday May 27 at Lakeview Park.
“Help us keep registration fees low by saving your empty bottles, cans and juice boxes and donate to Vernon Baseball,” said communications director Maria Hansen. “Simply bring them with you; we’ll have a designated collection area at the ball field.”
There will be baseball games for the Mosquito Division as well as other activities for all.
