On Saturday, the ANAF D'Backs traveled to Kelowna to face the Jays.  The Jays defeated Vernon 10-1 and 10-0.  Vernon's lone run came courtesy a sacrifice fly from Kyle Anderson to score Josh Wade.  "The 10-1 game was closer than it sounds.  We were only down 3-1 heading into the 5th.  It was just the one bad inning that broke it open", said catcher, Josh Wade.

On Sunday, Vernon hosted the Kamloops Sun Devils.  Game 1 saw Kamloops come out on top 15-4.  Game 2 was a different story.  In front of the hometown crowd, the ANAF D'Backs just fell short, 2-0, in a thriller.  Veteran knuckleballer, John McInnis, got the nod in game 2 and held Kamloops to 2 runs and 3 hits over 6 and 1/3 while giving up 7 free passes.  The last of McInnis' 7 walks proved to be the back breaker.  After walking the first batter in the top of the 7th, Kamloops earned their first run by stealing second and placing a single past a diving Oggie Ortman at short.  McInnis gave way to Jerry Allison who recorded the final 2 outs with a sacrifice fly that scored the 2nd run and strike out to end the inning.  Vernon then loaded the bases in the bottom of the 7th but were unable to score.

"They have a great pitching staff and don't give up many runs.  I knew I had to be on to put us in a position to win."   (John McInnis)  The pitching duel was highlighted by a number of spectacular defensive plays from both squads.  "Last week they executed a suicide squeeze with runners on 2nd and 3rd.  The runner on 2nd broke early and they scored 2 on the play.  We worked on that play at practice this week and they tried it again today.  This time we turned a double play to get Johnny out of trouble."  (Oggie Ortman)  "We played flawless defence and turned 2 key double plays.  We just couldn't push a run across the plate.  We played a great game against a great team."  (Josh Wade)

On the injury front, center fielder and pitcher, Pete Ortman, tore ligaments in his left ankle during practice.  Doctors say he will be out for the remainder of the season.  Other notables; Josh Wade picked up a couple hits including a double and RBI, Eric MacLachlan had a pair of singles and scored twice, the newly acquired Mike Owen contributed a single, while Ryan Boe and Oggie Ortman each collected hits.  (Photo courteousy Keith Johnston - www.Images4alltime.com)