Tigers 5 Riggers 2
Being the leadoff hitter isn’t an easy job but for Red Deer Riggers shortstop Mason Love-Hollman he’s just thankful for the opportunity.
“Leadoff guy’s got to get on base. He’s the first guy that sees the pitcher and he’s got to relay the message to the guys. Like I said I’m really grateful that I get the opportunity to be a leadoff hitter here and It’s a great feeling for sure when he puts you in the first spot,” he said.
The second year Rigger took his job to heart Friday night getting two hits on three at bats despite the Riggers losing 5-2 to the St. Albert Tigers at Gulls Stadium in Sylvan Lake.
“The ball flew right on my bat tonight and sometimes you just get lucky. It was good, so great experience for sure,” he said.
The youngster said to be playing with teammates who have so much experience really helps out his game, some of which he grew up watching.
“I remember going and you paid two bucks and you got in to see a really good game and I looked up to some of those guys and now I’m playing with them so It’s quite a good experience for sure,” he added. “It’s kind of like you’re getting called up to a better league and a chance to play on this lovely field out here and to get a spot where I am is really awesome.”
Love-Hollman so far doesn’t have plans to play anywhere else in the future but said he really likes it in Red Deer describing him self as a stay at home kind of guy.
Love-Hollman wasn’t the only Rigger to get two hits tonight with Josh Edwards and Jason Louis getting two of their own. Louis alongside Lewis Hammond each got an RBI.
Davin Gulbransen pitched three innings only allowing one hit and striking out two. Adam Turgeon came in relief and pitched one inning with no hits and struck out one.
Kai Poffenroth came in for the last three innings and struck out four and allowed three runs, even striking out the first two batters of the seventh inning on eight pitches.
Next up for Red Deer is a matchup with the Padres at Wally Footz Field on June 27.