WCBL returns to Saskatoon in front of sold-out crowd

The hunger for the return of WCBL baseball was apparent at Cairns Field on Tuesday night, as a sold-out crowd of 2,200 fans witnessed the Saskatoon Berries’ inaugural home opener.

“We’re just thrilled,” said season ticket holder Lorne Forer as he waited to be one of the first people inside Cairns Field for Tuesday’s game against the Regina Red Sox.

“We used to watch the Yellow Jackets and were disappointed when they left. We watch the Blue Jays and are excited to see a few that get there that might be from here.”

Forer said it’s great to have high-level baseball back in the city.

“We were just wondering when it was going to come back. Now we’re trying to balance our lake life and this life,” he laughed.

Kelly Salmon is also a season ticket holder who had been waiting years for baseball to return to the Bridge City.

“I’m a huge baseball fan. We like the new look and new team, so it’s exciting,” Salmon explained. “I do miss ball, and it’s been too long. I like to support the team and support local. You get a hot dog and a drink and we’re all good.”

“It’s about time,” joked Terry Akister. “I missed it! I needed something to do in the summer. I’d like them to do well, but I’m just happy to be here and support them.”

On the field, the Berries lost their home opener to the Red Sox 8-4 and remain winless through their first three games.

Pitcher Ryan Olchoway was given the start in the game from manager Joe Carnahan – he is from Saskatoon and grew up playing baseball at the Cairns Field.

Despite the loss, Olchoway said it was pretty cool to pitch in front of his home crowd.

“I thought it was great. A ton of people came out, and it was good energy all game. You can’t really ask for much more from a home opener,” he explained.

“It’s been a long time coming – nervous, exciting and all types of emotions. I was honoured to be the guy to open it up, and it reminded me of back in high school to be pitching at Cairns. It was pretty cool to be back,” he added.

Carnahan said Saskatoon had a great showing for what was a historic moment in the ball club’s young history.

“The support that the city showed and the atmosphere at the field today was awesome,” Carnahan said. “The guys really enjoyed it. We obviously wish we had a better outcome here, but as far as the atmosphere and energy was, it was great.”

Carnahan’s Berries didn’t get off to the start they wanted to, as they found themselves down 5-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Berries were able to bat in a couple runs and reduce the Red Sox’ lead to 5-4, but in the ninth, the Red Sox tacked on three more runs to ultimately put the game away.

Carnahan admitted his team didn’t play their best on the defensive side of the ball.

“Defensively, we didn’t play very well today – the first two games we did, and they capitalized on our mistakes,” he explained.

Through three games so far, Carnahan said he really has enjoyed seeing what his pitching can offer and suggested his offense is improving.

The Berries’ next game is Wednesday in Medicine Hat where they will begin a quick two-game series. The team returns home on June 1 when they welcome Lethbrdige to town.