Marriott powers Millers past 57s

Eric Marriott's solo shot in the bottom of the eighth inning was the difference on Tuesday night at Ross Wells Park, as the Moose Jaw Miller Express came from behind for a 4-3 win over the Swift Current 57s, avenging Monday’s defeat in Swift Current.

"I knew he was coming fastball 3-2 there, so I was pretty geared up and I got a pretty good chunk of it, so that was a good feeling," said Marriott after the win.

"I was just trying to get on base, we had our big boys coming up next, so I was just trying to get something going and fortunately I put a good swing on it and things worked out."

Marriott finished 2-for-4 with two RBI out of the lead-off spot for Moose Jaw in the win, while the bottom of the order also came through with Geordie McDougall smacking an RBI-double in the fifth inning.

The fifth was the start of the comeback for Moose Jaw. Swift Current had just moved in front 3-0 with two runs in the top half of the frame, but shortstop Jon Prudhom walked and then stole second to get things going.

McDougall traded places with Prudhom on a double and then he came around to score on a single from Marriott.

Moose Jaw was able tie the game in the sixth when an RBI-single from first baseman Ty Roseberry scored catcher Ty Barclay.

Barclay was key to the win with a big game behind the dish for the Millers, he threw out two base stealers, one in the sixth ended the inning with a runner stranded on third base and the other helped end the 57s' threat in the eighth.

"It was a lot of fun tonight, (Monday) night was kind of a struggle and tonight was a lot of fun," said Barclay, who was hit by a pitch twice and walked once at the plate.

"The pitching staff did a good job of holding runners today and it was just a lot of fun to catch them today."

On the mound, starting pitcher Mitch Robinson comes away with a no decision after throwing 5 2/3 strong innings. He allowed three runs -- one earned -- on five hits and struck out seven with three walks.

Robinson did a good job of pitching his way out of trouble early in the game, especially after Swift Current opened with back-to-back doubles to score one right off the hop.

“I had trouble commanding a little bit with my fastball, but I was making pitches late in the counts that got hitters out, so that worked out,” said Robinson.

The bullpen was lights out after that to allow the Millers to come back. Logan Hoffman pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings, surrendering one walk and striking out one.

Blake Gallagher earned the win, throwing the final two innings, striking out two and walking a pair.

Swift Current starter Evan Pontley allowed two runs on two hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out five as he took a no decision as well.

Reliever Brock Gilliam was tagged with the loss, giving up the home run to Marriott, while striking out one in the eighth inning.

The win puts the Millers at 14-12 on the year and moves them a half-game ahead of Swift Current for third place in the WMBL's Eastern Division.

Moose Jaw is off on Wednesday before heading to Swift Current on Thursday night. The Millers return home on Friday night to host the Yorkton Cardinals at 8 p.m.