Royals take extra innings win over Elks

By Lethbridge Herald on June 21, 2023.

Herald photo by JUSTIN SEWARD Lethbridge ElksÕ Corbin Roberts slides safely into first base as Billings Royals Davis Mosier tries to catch the ball during American Legion Baseball action at Spitz Stadium on Wednesday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Elks AA American Legion Baseball team lost to the Billings Royals 13-8 in extra innings to wrap up their three-game series on Wednesday at Spitz Stadium.

“We had our chance to win that one and just  unfortunate (we are) just  having a tough time finding those elusive (wins),” said Elks coach Scott Oikawa.

A bright spot for the Elks in the game was taking the lead in the fourth inning after being down 4-2 and scoring four runs to take a 6-4 lead.

“Yeah, you know, we showed a little resiliency there, you know coming from behind,” said Oikawa.

“But unfortunately, you know,  we just couldn’t hold that lead. And you know, we battled back a few times but just couldn’t get that key base hit when we needed it or make that key play when we needed to.”

Oikawa feels his team is not getting the bounces.

“But at the same time,  we’re  you know just maybe  not executing like we need to defensively and we need to have you know some big at bats when we have the opportunity to drive in runs,” said Oikawa.

The Elks will look to get back on track when they have a home and home with the Medicine Hat Monarchs, beginning with a  Saturday doubleheader on  the road before returning home Monday for a rematch at Spitz Stadium at 7 p.m.