Zane Sawyer pitched a complete game shutout as the Virden Oilers blanked the Boissevain Centennials in game one of the Southwest Baseball League final Thursday night in Boissevain.

"Getting the first pitch strike was big then I could mix my curveball in," explained Sawyer. "I had a good curveball and good change-up going tonight, just keeping them off balance. They are a good hitting team."

The Oilers pitcher gave up three hits while striking out eight in the victory.

Virden struck early and often scoring 2 runs in the 1st and 4th inning and capping the game with 1 in the 6th and 2 more in the 7th inning.

Oilers Player-Manager, Des Koop stated that early run support was important.

"Anytime you can get a few runs on the board in that first inning that goes a long way.  The boys were seeing the ball well and the biggest part was that the bottom part of the line-up was turning it over to the top and that is when we have success."

Skylar Canada got the start for Boissevain pitching 6 and 1/3 innings giving up 7 earned runs on 11 hits.

Centennials second baseman, Ryan Albrecht shared what it will take to bounce back in game two.

"I think getting some runs early is big.  We get on the board and get some confidence back in our bats and keep playing good defence.  So hopefully get some runs early and carry on with that momentum."

Game two goes Monday night in Virden.