By Mitch Bach

AA Monarchs drop final regular season game to Lethbridge; scoreboard watching this weekend

Jul 20, 2017 | 1:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat “AA” Moose Monarchs bowed down to defeat in their final regular season game, but plenty of praise was had for 10 American Legion graduates who’ve swung their last bats at Athletic Park.

“This has always been my home diamond, practically ever since I was young,” said Monarchs outfielder Alex Andres. “I’ve always wanted to play on this field and to play my last game on it as a Monarch feels great.”

Prior to their final match of the season, the Monarchs held a special ceremony to honour the 10 players leaving the Medicine Hat American Legion. 

Head coach Skyler Stromsmoe says it’ll be tough to replace the veteran leadership, but he’s already seeing good things out of the A Knights and B Majestics programs.

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“It’s tough losing 10 guys, but I know looking ahead we’ve got a lot of good young guys coming up next year,” said Stromsmoe, who’s in his first year coaching the Monarchs. “I’m excited for that.”

Medicine Hat was on the losing side of an 18-10 decision against the Lethbridge Elks on Wednesday. A monumental game, not only for the 10 players leaving the AL program, but also in the AA North District standings.

The Monarchs dawn a 5-13 record on the season to sit in the eighth and final playoff spot. Lethbridge has locked up seventh place to book their ticket to the State Tournament next week in Bozeman, MT.

If Medicine Hat hopes to join their Highway 3 rivals stateside, they need the Billings Scarlets to lose their final two games to Great Falls this weekend. Billings is one victory back of the Monarchs, and hold the advantage in the tie-breaker.

“Get on your knees and pray,” said Stromsmoe when asked about the message he sent to his team following the loss. “We’re not out of it. The fat lady hasn’t started singing yet, but she’s humming.

Come Sunday evening, the Monarchs will either hear the fat lady clear as a bell, or be packing up for a trip south of the border. The Scarlets final two games are scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m in front of home crowdds.

If Medicine Hat squeaks in, Andres says they’ll be ready.

“If we make the State, let’s just go in and hopefully win,” he added with a smile.