Vancouver Canadians show their skills against Tri-City Dust Devils

JEN FIELD/ GATG

August 19 marked the final regular season match up between the Vancouver Canadians and the Tri-City Dust Devils. This series also introduced 2 new faces to the Canadians line up with third baseman Tucker Toman and right fielder Matt Scannell joining the roster. 

The first inning went by quickly, but the Canadians skills began to show during the second inning with a double play instigated by Toman at third base to J.R. Freethy at second and Carter Cunningham at first. 

Both teams fought hard to get their men on base home, but neither team could score until the bottom of the fourth when a hit from Cunningham brought in Arjun Nimmala for the first run of the game. Cunningham would score off a hit by Alexis Hernandez, and Hernandez would score off a hit by Toman. 

The Canadians would continue to dominate the game with another 2 runs scored at the bottom of the sixth by Cunningham and Hernandez. 

Toman, Cunningham and Hernandez were the standout players that secured the Canadians a 5-0 win to start the series. 

The Canadians took Wednesday's game as well, however, the Dust Devils fought back Thursday to secure a 3-2 win. Putting the series 2-1. Friday's sweltering afternoon game went to the Canadians with a 4-0 victory. 

Entering Saturday evenings game the Canadians were up 3-1 in the series and hoped to lock in another win. 

The Dust Devils came out swinging, securing the first run of the game in the top of the first. They would then secure another 3 runs in the top of the third, giving them a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the third. 

The Canadians Jay Harry was able to score a run off a hit to centre field by Nick Goodwin. This began the turning point in the game for the Canadians. 

In the bottom of the fourth Hernandez hit a home run allowing himself and Cunningham to score 2 runs, bringing the game within a single run. 

The bottom of the ninth is when the Canadians true skillset kicked in with Sean Keys hitting a walk off home run, which would bring in Hernandez and secure the Canadians a 5-4 win. 

The game closed out with a spectacular fireworks show which sweetened the victory.  

Sunday's afternoon game was another scorcher, but both teams continued to fight for the win. However, the Canadians were able to secure the final win, making the series 5-1 in their favour. 

The Vancouver Canadians final home series will begin September 2 with their Dog Days of Summer event, against the Everett Aquasox.