Elks look to sharpen game ahead of conference play

By Lethbridge Herald on June 20, 2022.

Herald photo by JUstin Seward Lethbridge Elks’ pitcher Aiden Wensmann gets ready to fire pitch at the plate during a game against Okotoks in this June 2022 file photo.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge American Legion Elks ‘AA’ baseball team concluded their exhibition schedule with four games against Okotoks over the weekend before heading into conference play this Saturday against Medicine Hat.

However, the club struggled to a 1-3 record in the series against Okotoks and head coach Scott Oikawa admits there  are several areas of their game they need to clean up on as the games start counting for real beginning Saturday.

The Elks also played in three tournaments prior to the Okotoks series.

“You know, not necessarily the result we wanted heading into conference,” said Oikawa.

“But once again, we got to see some guys play and now we know kind of what we need to work on going into conference next weekend. Like I say, we had some decent individual performances from some guys but you know we definitely have some work to do this week to sharpen up before next Saturday.”

Oikawa emphasized the team has to sharpen their defensive play and up their compete level when in the batter’s box.

“You know, we’re having some good at bats, but at times, not one through nine in the line-up,” said Oikawa.

“So hopefully now this is kind of like our preseason is over and it is game on for the conference.”

The coaching staff saw some different guys on the mound that Oikawa feels can add key pieces down the road. 

“But we’re making strides right now — it’s baby steps,” said Oikawa.

“Two steps forward, one step back. But hopefully when we get to this next month we can figure it out.”

When asked about what he knows about their Montana opponents, Oikawa said teams got their conference planned away there — three or four games deep — and it does seem like a great deal of parody. 

“Which one again means you definitely need to be ready to play in each and every conference game ,” he said.

“With the shortened conference season you can not give any games away that’s for sure.”