The North Battleford Beavers are headed to a championship deciding Game 3 of the NSRBL finals. (Submitted Photo/Andrew Hudec)

By Austin Mattes

Winner Takes All

Beavers force Game 3 in NSRBL finals with win over Cardinals

Aug 1, 2025 | 3:27 PM

The North Battleford Beavers kept their championship hopes alive on Wednesday night, defeating the Unity Cardinals 5-2 in Game 2 of the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League (NSRBL) Finals at Beavers Lions Stadium.

Backed by a strong start on the mound from Gavin Nolin and clutch defensive play, the Beavers struck early and never looked back. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, added two more in the third, and pushed it to 5-0 by the fifth inning.

The Cardinals finally answered with a run in the fifth to make it 5-1, but North Battleford’s defense and relief pitching from Caleb Hoiseth held Unity to just one more run the rest of the way.

“Both pitchers pitched really excellent there,” said Beavers player/coach Kyle Gregoire. “We made some really big plays when needed and then we kind of just capitalized on a few opportunities throughout the game to get that run support to begin.”

Nolin pitched 5 1/3 innings before handing the ball to Hoiseth, who closed the door to seal the win.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

The atmosphere at Beavers Lions Stadium was electric, with fans from both communities filling the stands and lining the baselines.

“The support was awesome,” Gregoire added. “Unity definitely brought some fans and our loyal fans were out there and then some locals as well. It was a packed crowd and I don’t think there was a seat available by the bleachers, and the baseline was full as well, so it was just great to see the good atmosphere.”

With the series tied 1-1, the Beavers now prepare for the all-important Game 3, scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Wilkie.

“I think the biggest thing for us is our arms will be fully rested with a seven-day break,” said Gregoire. “We’ll get a couple of opportunities to have some practices just to get ahead of the game, but all in all, I think with fresh arms, fresh bats, we will be ready to go.”

A win next week would mark the Beavers’ third straight NSRBL championship, a feat that Gregoire and his squad have had in sight since the season began.

“We have that confidence after winning this last one,” he said. “The finals last year also went to a Game 3, so we’re used to this. We’re just hoping to get the job done at the end of the day because it’s been our goal from day one of the season.”

—

austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes