The Red Deer Riggers lost game one of their best of three Sunburst League playoff series against the St. Albert Tigers 6-1.
With home field advantage in the series, the Riggers played at Great Chief Park Monday evening looking to take the first game in front of their fans. The winner of the series will move on to the league finals to face the winner of the other series between the Sherwood Park Athletics and Edmonton Cubs.
The Tigers took an early 3-1 lead after the first inning and added two more in the second inning to extend their lead 5-1. St. Albert would add one more in the final inning to hand the Riggers a loss at home.
Josh Edwards pitched three innings and struck out four but allowed five runs on 10 hits. Jay Kirkham pitched the remaining four innings where he only allowed three hits and struck out one.
Left fielder Derek Chapman had two hits on four at-bats and the Riggers were held to just six hits total by Tigers starting pitcher Logan Blumhagen.
Game two is set for Wednesday, Aug. 10 in St. Albert at 7:30 p.m. If Red Deer loses their season is over but if they win the Riggers will play Thursday, Aug. 11 in Sylvan Lake at Gulls Stadium.