The Beavers lost 8-7 to the Standard Hill Lakers in Game 1 of the NSRBL semi-final series on Wednesday night. (Submitted Photo/Andrew Hudec)
Dramatic Finish

Beavers drop close-fought Game 1 to Lakers in NSRBL semi-final

Jul 18, 2025 | 3:00 PM

The North Battleford Beavers came up just short in a back-and-forth battle, falling 8-7 in extra innings to the Standard Hill Lakers in Game 1 of their North Saskatchewan River Baseball League semi-final series on Wednesday night.

The Lakers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead by the third inning, but the Beavers clawed their way back, eventually taking a 4-3 advantage midway through the contest. The game was tied 6-6 at the end of seven innings, setting up a dramatic finish.

In the top of the eighth, the Lakers pushed across a run, only for the Beavers to answer in the bottom half, tying it again at 7-7. But the Lakers struck once more in the top of the ninth, and despite getting runners on first and second with no outs in the bottom of the inning, North Battleford was unable to cash them in.

“We were hoping that we could have brought them in, but it was a tough game,” said Beavers player/coach Kyle Gregoire. “Their pitchers did really well and I thought our pitchers did really well too, we just didn’t get the breaks that we were hoping for in a couple of cases.”

Jared Schmidt started on the mound for the Beavers, going 4 1/3 innings before handing the ball to Caleb Hoiseth, who threw 3 2/3 innings. Gavin Nolin pitched the final inning in relief.

Skyler Dimmick led the Beavers’ offense with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI. Matt Hudec chipped in with three hits, one RBI, and two runs scored, while Bryce Gatzke added a hit and an RBI.

Nolin was also recognized before the game, receiving the NSRBL Regular Season MVP and Top Batter awards.

Gavin Nolin (left) receiving the Regular Season MVP Award. (Submitted Photo/NB Beavers)

“I think it was more that we were beating ourselves a little bit with some of our defensive plays and unlucky breaks, but (the Lakers) did hit the ball decently and their pitching throughout the game was pretty good,” Gregoire said. “They didn’t make it easy for us.”

Despite the loss, Gregoire sees plenty of room for optimism heading into Game 2.

“There were a lot of positive things out of our game,” he said. “We just have to make some minor adjustments, be a little bit more sound defensively there and just get our bats going a little bit more. If we are able to do that, I think we’re going to have great success.”

The Beavers will look to even the series in Game 2, scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Standard Hill.

austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes

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