Saskatoon Berries head to WCBL championship series for the first time

The Saskatoon Berries are on the cusp of a historic achievement, heading to the Western Canadian Baseball League championship series for the first time since their inception three years ago. The team secured their spot by defeating the Moose Jaw Miller Express in two decisive games, a victory that has boosted their confidence as they prepare to face the Sylvan Lake Gulls.

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They were number one on the East Division and they’re a tough, competitive team. And beating them in two definitely gave us a lot more confidence getting ready for the championship.

Game 1 of the championship series is scheduled for Saturday night just west of Red Deer, Alberta. The Berries aim to secure a crucial early win on the road, as they believe it will set the tone for the entire series. Winning the first game would also give them the opportunity to clinch the championship title in front of their home crowd in Saskatoon on Sunday.

Relief pitcher Brooks Jones highlighted the significance of their recent wins against the Miller Express, who were the number one team in the East Division. "Beating them in two definitely gave us a lot more confidence getting ready for the championship," Jones stated. This confidence is vital as they prepare to face the Sylvan Lake Gulls, a team eager for redemption after losing last year's championship game.

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I think they’ve had that on their mind all season. They wanted to get back here and wanted to get back to the championship. So they’re going to play tough games, and we just got to match that.

Head coach Joe Carnahan acknowledged the Sylvan Lake Gulls as a formidable opponent, noting their strong pitching, potent lineup, and effective base running and defense. "They can really pitch it, they got a potent lineup, run the bases well, play good defence. So they’re a good all-around team and that’s what you expect when you’re in the finals, to play a good team, and it should be a good series," Carnahan said. He urged his players to remain focused and maintain the consistent attitude and teamwork that defined their season.

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They can really pitch it, they got a potent lineup, run the bases well, play good defence. So they’re a good all-around team and that’s what you expect when you’re in the finals, to play a good team, and it should be a good series.

Pitcher Adam Korte also commented on the Gulls' motivation, suggesting they have been focused on returning to the championship since last year's loss. "I think they’ve had that on their mind all season. They wanted to get back here and wanted to get back to the championship. So they’re going to play tough games, and we just got to match that," Korte remarked. The Berries are determined to play for their city and fans, hoping to bring a championship home to Saskatoon.

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Just be the same guy every day, the same guy that you’ve been all year. And just come with a good attitude and play for each other and play for the city and play for the fans.