The Edmonton Prospects are heading back to Saskatchewan Thursday, looking to capture the team’s first-ever Western Major Baseball League title.
It’s been a special week at Re-Max Field in Edmonton’s river valley. Thousands of fans have come out to cheer on their local baseball team as the Prospects make a run at the WMBL championship.
In 22 home games and six playoff games so far this season, the Prospects are averaging about 1,600 fans a game. That’s the second best gate in the league and a big turnaround from just a few years ago.
“I think people are starting to realize this is pretty good baseball,” owner Pat Cassidy said Wednesday. “Matter of fact, it’s really good baseball.”
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On Wednesday, Game 4 could’ve made history for the Prospects. They faced the Swift Current 57’s and hoped to clinch their first-ever WMBL title at home.
It’s especially significant for a team that’s managed to stay almost entirely local, despite being able to bring in up to 19 players from the U.S.
The Prospects held an early lead, but gave it up to the 57’s until a three-run home run in the sixth inning off the bat of Eric Sabrowski.
Edmonton had a 4-3 lead until Riley Campbell hit a ball to the opposite field; it was misplayed by the fielder and two runs came in.
After a pitch in the dirt, the 57’s scored another run and won the game 6-4.
The Prospects are going back to Swift Current for Game 5. Play starts Thursday at 7:05 p.m. at Mitchell Field.