American Legion teams experience tough games on Wednesday

By Lethbridge Herald on July 9, 2025.

Lethbridge Lakers Payton Brownlee catches an outfield throw to get Ethan Grad of the Medicine Hat Monarchs out at second base during American Legion 'A' baseball action at Lloyd Nolan Yard on Wednesday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Elks had another tough go with Billings Royals, as they fell 10-2 in the finale of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon during American Legion ‘AA’ baseball action at Spitz Stadium.

“Once again, some miscues,” said Scott Oikawa, Elks head coach.

 “Some things compounded, and we gave them a few runs that maybe they shouldn’t have gotten. But overall, I thought our defence was a little better and our mound work was pretty solid, but they’re a pretty good swinging team and they capitalized on our mistakes again.”

Fawkes Bruinsma drove in both runs and had a hit in three plate appearance on the day to lead the Elks.

Ben Puszkar took the loss on the mound for the Elks after he pitched four innings, while allowing five runs on six hits, striking out three batters and walking a batter.

With the win, the Royals swept the series after winning Tuesday’s doubleheader by 10-8 and 20-6 scores respectively.

In terms of conference games, the Elks are still adjusting to them.

“Maybe it’s just a mindset and a question of focus,” said Oikawa.

The Elks will look to get back on track when they travel to take on the Billings Scarletts this weekend for two games , which will be the start of a road trip that will also take them through Great Falls twice and Kalispell for games  in a 10-day span.

“We’re playing quite a bit in this next little bit and so we’ve got the opportunity to turn our game around and make some adjustments,” said Oikawa.

Lethbridge is 3-8 in conference play.

The Lethbridge Lakers ‘A’ team’s double header against Medicine Hat did not go as planned as they lost the first game 11-6 and the second game 12-5 on Wednesday at Lloyd Nolan Yard.

“Our pitchers all threw really well, (you have) got to give credit to them, and we swung the bat fantastic,” said Lucas Puszkar, Lakers head coach.

“Our defence has been lacklustre and needs improvement. We had Cooper Norsworthy start the second game and he pitched a fantastic game, and we just couldn’t help … behind him.”

Puszkar spoke about how the Lakers can learn from those games.

“Every game now (and) every at bat means a lot in the sense that we’re fighting for a position in our standings and those guys are going out there and fighting for a starting spot,” said Puszkar.

The Lakers are 6-15  in conference play.

The Lakers play at Lewistown and Havre this weekend.