It took one big inning for the Oak River Dodgers to claim their first ever title in the Manitoba Senior Baseball League. The Dodgers defeated the Brandon Marlins 6-4 on Tuesday night at home, taking the best of seven final series four games to one.

"It was a pitcher's battle," said manager Gord Paddock of their game five win. "We were happy to string some hits together in the seventh and go ahead and hold onto it from there."

The Dodgers were trailing 3-1 in the seventh inning thanks to 2 RBI's cashed in by the Marlins' Tanner Jago. However, the Dodgers rallied in the bottom of the seventh, scoring 3 runs off of relief pitcher Jeff Wiebe, who came in relief for Marlins' starter Luke Whelpton. The Dodgers would later tack on two more runs to seal the deal.

"The feeling on the bench was 'We're gonna get an inning'. We're used to that, and it happened again," said Paddock.

Matt Gunning lead the offensive charge for the Dodgers, going 2-3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Gino Steering also had two RBI's, and he and Morgan Geeke were named co-MVP's for the playoffs. Oak River starter Nathan Winstone threw seven innings, struck out two, and surrendered three runs on five hits. Ty Paddock came in to finish the game for the Dodgers, surrendering only one run.  

Paddock credited the whole team with clinching the championship. "It's not just about one person. It's wrapped around a team."

"You need contributions from everybody, and that's what we got this year."

Paddock went on to credit the community surrounding the team in helping with victory as well, and hopes that they can enjoy the team's first league title as much as the team can. The Dodgers earn a birth in next year's senior national tournament with the title.