After impressive regular and playoff seasons, the Kindersley Raiders claimed the Fertile Valley Baseball League (FVBL) Championship last Wednesday.
The Kindersley team earned their title after two victories over their strong competitors, the Kindersley Stallions.
“Winning this title has made many of us more excited than we may like to admit,” laughed Coach Clayton Artymovich. “It’s been a great year, I couldn’t think of a better way to end off.”
The Raiders had nearly perfect regular and playoffs seasons with several exciting highlights, such as their thrilling victory over the Rosetown Angels, a first in Raiders’ history in over five years. Their season was matched only by another Kindersley team, the Kindersley Stallions. As the finals drew to a close, both Kindersley teams carefully prepared for the final showdown.
“We weren’t sure how the games were going to go,” recalled Coach Artymovich. “We had our hearts set on winning, but our track record with the Stallions wasn’t very encouraging.” Over the previous seasons, the Raiders’ few losses included three to the gutsy members of the Kindersley Stallions.
Last week the best-of-the three games drew over 300 spectators— all eager to witness some exciting baseball and they weren’t disappointed.
Game 1 was a tight game, the scoreboard obstinately showed 0-0 until the sixth inning, where the Raiders finally got the lead and ended the game with a 6-3. Game 2 was “do or die” for the Stallions and they strove mightily to gain the upper hand, but the Raiders were not going to give up their advantage without a fight. Crowds roared and cheered as both teams played their finest.
Byron Ismond and Tyler McKee each pulled a powerful performance for the Raiders, while the defense played a faultless game. Emotions were running at an all-time high so when Ismond brought in the final run, the Raiders team rejoiced with the abandonment of children.
“We were so excited, we were like a bunch of little kids; running, whooping and jumping—definitely a moment to remember.” Coach Artymovich noted that the timing of the team couldn’t have been better. “Seems everyone hit their optimum play all at the right time; the Stallions were also in top form, so I think Kindersley saw some of the best baseball they’ve seen in a long time.”
Image Submitted by Clayton Artymovich
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