Matthew Strader
Omega Sports Editor
September 27 2006

I know the professional season is just winding down, but that doesn't mean there isn't baseball to get excited about.

Sure, the wildcard race is fun. Sure, I want to see if Minnesota can actually beat the Yankees. Sure, Roger could still mathematically be in the post-season.

But how about some live action?

The TRU WolfPack Men's baseball team is gearing up for another run at the title, and this weekend there are some home games you won't want to miss.

The WolfPack just returned from a road trip to Alberta this past weekend that saw them go 4-0 against teams from Lethbridge and Calgary.

"We've got another strong team," said star catcher and 2004 MVP Anthony Cros.

On Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, the 'Pack is up to play a four-game set against the rival Malaspina Mariners. Last year, the final four game set played between these teams at NorBrock Stadium saw a full, bench-clearing brawl after Dwight Liburd was struck with an intentionally hard tag by the Malaspina short stop.

This weekend will see hard-played games. Whether pre-season or not, neither of these teams will want to give each other an inch.

The 'Pack have basically lost their three four-and-five hitters going into this season. Notables Will Devick and Brandon Hunter have completed their fourth years, and the team is without Brandon Legard and Cody Halleran.

These four starting players are the heart of the batting order, but coach Ray Chadwick's experience lends to a deep squad, and strong pitching as well as young talent give our WolfPack another strong chance at competing.

The 'Pack lost a heartbreaker in last year's championship final getting blownout in the last game of the weekend to finish in second place.

"These guys won't strike out as much," said Cros. "We've got good bats and good arms again, and are gonig to be tough competition for anyone in the league."

The Pack start the four game set against the Mariners on Sunday. All games can be seen at NorBrock Stadium on MacArthur Island.

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