Three strikes but Angels not out

The Regina Angels dropped their third game in a row to start the 2018 season with a 3-0 decision facing the Diamond Devils. Although the Angels were nearly no-hit by pitching duo Jared Gudereit and Dylan Bells, the loss was ironically a vast improvement over past performance. The visiting Devils opened the game with a run by the speedy Cole Erick, who stole around after a lead-off walk and scored on a passed ball. The Angels gave up another unearned run in the Third, when Brian So reached on error and scored courtesy of an errant throw to first. Other than that combination of misfortunes, the Angels played well defensively, including one double play on a ball up the middle. Starter Noah Kaytor pitched a gem, allowing one hit over four innings...until the top of the Fifth, when slugger Brian So sent a rocket over the fence in Centre-Left to seal the game. Parker Filazek entered from the bullpen and surrendered only two hits in three innings of relief, keeping it close. Turner Ripplinger broke up the no-hitter by beating out a throw in the Seventh, but the late rally fizzled, leaving the Angels with a vow to "get'em next time".