The Birch Hills Brewers with the Labbat Cup after beating the Humboldt Dodgers on Thursday. (Submitted Photo/Birch Hills Brewers)

By Derek Craddock

CHAMPIONS OF HIGHWAY 3

Birch Hills Brewers clinch second-straight Highway 3 baseball championship

Jul 29, 2022 | 11:33 AM

For the second year in a row, the Birch Hills Brewers are champions of the Highway 3 Baseball League.

The senior baseball club captured the titles after a thrilling 11-10 game on Thursday night at their home field. The Brewers swept the best of three series against the Humboldt Dodgers. They took Game 1 on Tuesday by a score of 10-7.

Player Adam Morrison said the whole team was elated after the final out.

“It feels really good. We have such a great group of guys. We had so many guys returning from the year before and three new local guys that helped out immensely.”

One of those newcomers was Alex Ozar, which Morrison praised as being one of the cornerstones of the team this past season.

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Morrison added the club in general was one of the most committed teams he’s ever been a part of.

“Our guys are so committed; we practice every other week. The commitment and how everybody gets along, it’s so fun. Our team thrives on fun. We just rally behind each other and it’s just very special.”

Believe it or not, the victory celebration almost didn’t happen after Humboldt led by five runs twice in that game. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Tyler Tilford came to the mound and hit a monster Grand Slam to put the Brewers ahead by one run.

Last year, Tilford gave the Brewers the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning in the clinching game against the Tisdale Rangers.

Much like last year, Morrison said the championship win came in front of a packed house.

“Last night, packed park. Everyone from grandmas and grandpas to little kids as well, it was so cool.”

The team will now get ready to play in provincials which take place next weekend in Macklin.

Morrison said the team is looking forward to the challenge.

“Not having a senior team for the last 20, 30 years, it’s kind of hard to gauge where we’re at. I’m excited and curious to see where that goes.”

This was only the second year for the Highway 3 Baseball League which saw an expansion to include a team in Porcupine Plain. Plans are already in gear for the third season in 2023.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock