The Moose Jaw Miller Express scored five runs in the first inning, and never looked back, as they surprised the Weyburn Beavers with a 9-4 win Thursday night. The victory allowed Moose Jaw to stay alive in their best-of-five WMBL East Division semifinal with the Beavers, which Weyburn still leads 2-1.

Beavers starting pitcher Landon Mostellar was roughed up early in the game, as he was responsible for seven runs from the Miller Express in 1 ⅓ innings work. The uncharacteristic start saw him replaced by Connor DiNaro.

DiNaro would pitch for 5 ⅔ innings, striking out seven, and allowing two more runs. Cameron Williams finished the game off on the mound for the Beavers.

Offensively, Weyburn had a tough time-solving Moose Jaw starting pitcher Ryder Yakel. Yakel went seven innings on the mound, giving up two runs on five hits. The Beavers would score a single run in the eighth and ninth innings, but couldn’t find the extra offence to even the game up.

Drake Pilat had another strong game at the plate, as he went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two doubles. Pilat is batting .500 so far in the postseason, with five RBI.

The Beavers will be looking to bounce back Friday night, as they take the field again in Moose Jaw for game four of the series. It is expected Chase Thometz will get the start for the Beavers, who are looking to put away the Miller Express to advance to the division finals.