The Saskatoon Berries enter the second half of the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) season with only four losses. And they’re doing it with everyone in the roster. While most teams would have admitted defeat after giving up five runs in the first inning on Sunday against the Regina Red Sox, the Berries didn’t give up. “Yesterday we were down early,” said Joe Carnahan, head coach of the Saskatoon Berries. “Dallen Rude did a good job of calming everything down on the mound and the bullpen did a good job. We were able to have a big inning, and that’s just the biggest thing with this group. They just keep playing no matter what the score is.” The Berries went on to win 7-5 Sunday — one of many examples of this team’s resilience. “I think as a team we really came together when we walked off against Moose Jaw last week,” said Dallen Rude, a Saskatoon Berries pitcher. “We had a big outing from a guy who hasn’t pitched in a bit, and the bats came out at the right time.” The roster is deep at every position meaning players need to be versatile to get into the lineup. “We have a really deep group, so just guys subbing in and out, and they got their chances, and they take it,” said Turner Zdunich, who has suited up at first base, outfield and at pitcher for the Berries this season. “So, it helps to keep guys fresh all the time.” Coach Carnahan — a two-time league MVP himself — knows it takes more than just hits, runs and strikeouts to be successful, though. It takes chemistry. “We have a good group,” he said. “They hold each other accountable and they just love playing the game of baseball, and they love being around each other. And we’ve just been fortunate with this group for them to be able to gel pretty early, and just enjoy one another; being around one another.” After a 4-3 win Monday against the Moose Jaw Miller Express, the now 27-4 Berries are flirting with a WCBL single season record. The record for most wins in a regular season is 44 by the 2024 Sylvan Lake Gulls, but the Berries aren’t worried about the results. “I wouldn’t say we’re worried about that,” said Zdunich, who recently finished his freshman season at Colby Community College. “We just take it one game at a time and win.” And whether players are in the starting lineup, the bullpen or have a day off, word travels fast about how fun it is to be at the ballpark on game day. “The crowds are fantastic,” said Zdunich. “Couldn’t get any better. The games are good, the weather’s been great for us, so no complaints.” And playing close to home has its benefits too. “That’s like the best part about coming here and playing, is the fans,” said Rude, a product of Muenster and a teammate of Zdunich at Colby Community College. “You get great crowds here in Saskatoon and just a lot of family and guys coming out to support the team.” The Berries are back in action tonight against the Moose Jaw Miller Express. First pitch is at 7 p.m. from Cairns Field.
