Rich Walker Has A Complete Game Shutout, Prospects Win
Rich Walker Has A Complete Game Shutout, Prospects Win
By Len Nunes
Just past the 2-week anniversary of his perfect game, Rich Walker pitched a complete game 2-hit shutout for the Edmonton Prospects. The game was played in only two hours and ten minutes as Collin Thomas of the Brooks Bombers also pitched a complete game. The only offence on Canadian Armed Forces Night at RE/MAX Field was 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th. The 2-0 win puts the Prospects on a 3-game winning streak.
The game did not have a smooth start for Walker and the Prospects defence. A lead-off single followed by three errors loaded the bases and gave the Bombers a loaded-bases, no-outs situation. Walker struck out Bryce O'Farrell then watched his defence turn a double-play to escape the jam. This was Brooks' first game without Riley MacDonald. The new home run king of the WMBL and now former Brooks Bomber signed a professional contract with the Quebec Capitals. A tip of the cap to MacDonald for going pro!
At one point Walker retired 11 consecutive Bombers. The streak was broken up by a lead-off walk in the 6th. The Prospects second double-play of the evening kept Walker cruising along. Walker did not allow another hit until 1-out in the 8th inning. The Prospects Instagram account posted the 27th out of the evening as 2,123 fans congratulated Walker on a job well done!
All the offence the Prospects needed came in the fifth inning. Beaux Guilbeau led the inning off with a single but was swapped out on base with Anthony Cusati after a fielder's choice. AJ Nitzschke hit a single to left field to give the Prospects runners on the corners. The Bombers intentionally walked Tony Olson who had already collected a double and a single on the evening loading the bases for Zane Takhar. Down in the count 1-2, Takhar smacked a ball to center field making the score 2-0.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Rich Walker deservedly earns the “Player of the Game” nod with a complete game shutout. In his 6th start of the season, his 6 strikeouts is his second highest game total of the season.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Sunday July 15 vs Brooks - RE/MAX Family Day - In support of the Children's Wish Foundation, kids run the bases post-game. Pick up a free Prospects Magazine on the concourse for player autographs or purchase a bouncing baseball in the Prospects General Store on the Main Concourse! 2:05 PM first pitch!
Toonie Tuesday July 17 vs Regina 7PM
Wednesday July 18 vs Medicine Hat - Faith and Family Day in support of The Mustard Seed - 7PM
Thursday July 19 vs Medicine Hat – Pre-game Business Mixer - 7:05 PM First Pitch
Friday July 20 vs Regina - Edmonton Trappers Night featuring Ron Kittle! 7;05 PM First Pitch