Elks get crucial win against Chargers

By Lethbridge Herald on July 12, 2024.

CIndy adachi Photo Jesse-James Olson pitched a complete game to help the Lethbridge Elks to victory on Friday night.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Elks edged the Great Falls Chargers 3-1 on the strength of a complete game pitched by Jesse-James Olson during American Legion AA baseball action at Spitz Stadium on Friday night.

Olson tossed seven innings, giving up three hits and struck out five Charger batters.

“We faced a pretty good arm and we found ways to put a couple runs across, so that was nice,” said Scott Oikawa, Elks head coach.

Oikawa thought of quality when it came to Olson’s start.

“He’s had some quality starts as of late and definitely first pitch to last, (he was) solid today,” said Oikawa.

“ (I) threw well, didn’t miss spots often (and) had a good game,” said Olson.

Olson will look to build on that pitching performance by keeping his energy and personality up.

“I know I’m really one of the better pitchers when I play my game,” said Olson.

It was a big win for the Elks in terms of jumping ahead of the Chargers in the standings as both teams battle for one of the last playoff spots.

“There’s a number of us that are fighting in and around that five, six, seven win mark,” said Oikawa.

“That’s a big one for us.”

Tristan Oriold-Marek and Karsen Haney had two hits each for the Elks.

“Hopefully we can gain some momentum,” said Oikawa,

“We’ve been a little bit consistent (with) good game, bad game, good game. Hopefully we can kind of get on (a)  little bit of a role here and that might help us out in the long run.”

The Elks will look to continue to keep the winning ways going when they play a Sunday doubleheader in Billings against the Royals.