(rdnewsNOW/Troy Gillard)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

batter up

Riggers stepping up to the plate after slow start

Jul 15, 2019 | 11:30 AM

The Red Deer Riggers have turned things around following an inauspicious start to the Sunburst League season.

Since dropping four of their first five outings, the senior men’s team has reeled off five wins in their last six games to bring their record back to a respectable 6-5.

Over their winning stretch, they’ve averaged 6.2 runs per game while limiting opponents to 3.7 runs. In the opening five, they only scored 4.2 runs per game versus 5.0 per game against.

Jaret Chatwood, who plays shortstop and has now been with the team for a decade, says they’ve had to deal with higher roster turnover than normal.

“Everyone has had to find their role on the team, but we’ve clicked as of recently and things are starting to go our way now,” he says.

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“Some guys are having to take a little more of a leadership role this year. Everyone’s starting to get their reps in and it’s been a really good middle of the season.”

Chatwood adds veteran guys like pitcher Davin Gulbransen have played their hearts out in getting the team back on the right track.

“He’s been really dialled in. Josh Edwards has primarily been a pitcher for us, but he’s had to come in and play first base and done a really good job there,” he says. “Shayne Court has been our rock out in the outfield. We’ve had a lot of our core guys take that extra step and we’re putting a good foot forward right now.”

The Riggers have just four games left in the regular season, and sit second in the Sunburst League standings. Remaining home games are July 16 and July 23 at Great Chief Park with first pitch at 7:30.

Ahead of the playoffs to determine a provincial champion, the club will host its 39th annual tournament at Great Chief Park July 26-28. This year’s event will feature a home run derby for the first time.

Admission to regular season games is free.