Saskatoon Berries Fall Short in Playoffs After Record-Breaking Season

The Saskatoon Berries’ remarkable season concluded in disappointment as they were defeated 6-2 by the Regina Red Sox in the decisive game of the East Division final. Despite setting a record with 46 wins during the regular season in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL), the Berries struggled to convert their success into playoff victories, ultimately falling short of the championship series.

The critical match took place at Cairns Field on March 12, 2024, before a record crowd of 2,306 fans. The Berries, known for their potent offence and strong pitching, managed only two runs, unable to find the clutch hits that had characterized their stellar season. The Red Sox, who finished the season with a 29-27 record, secured their place in the league championship series with this victory.

Reflecting on the season, first baseman Ethan Menard, in his second year with the team, expressed the disappointment felt by the players. “It’s just tough. You have a season like we did and come up short; it’s never easy,” he stated. Menard emphasized the bond formed among teammates and coaches, noting that the goodbyes were particularly difficult after such a successful season.

The Berries’ total of 49 wins, combining regular season and playoffs, tied the league record for the most wins in a single season. Earlier in the playoffs, they had triumphed over the Moose Jaw Miller Express, winning that series 2-1. The Berries showcased their resilience in a dramatic comeback win during the semifinal, where they rallied from a 12-10 deficit in the ninth inning to secure a 16-12 victory, highlighted by a walk-off grand slam from outfielder Carter Beck.

Head coach Joe Carnahan, a four-time WCBL Coach of the Year, acknowledged the strength of this year’s team, stating, “It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, obviously, but the group of guys we had this year is an unbelievable group.” He emphasized the team’s ability to maintain focus and composure despite the high stakes.

The Berries posted an impressive 46-9 record during the regular season, including a remarkable 25-3 at home. However, their playoff performance faltered as they struggled to replicate their season-long success in crucial moments. Carnahan noted, “You want to have opportunities, and sometimes you take care of them and sometimes you don’t.”

While the Berries have made the East Division final in both of their seasons in the WCBL, they have yet to secure a spot in the championship series. The league championship will see the Regina Red Sox face off against the West Division champion Sylvan Lake Gulls, who advanced after sweeping the Okotoks Dawgs in their final series.

As the Berries reflect on a season filled with achievement, they are left with the hope that their franchise will continue to grow and improve in the coming years. The players and coaching staff will undoubtedly carry the lessons learned this season into future competitions, aiming to build upon their record-breaking performance.