The PCI Trojans were winners on the diamond Thursday in Zone 4 high school baseball in Portage la Prairie. They won the first game of a doubleheader against Northlands Parkway 11-2 in three innings, then climbed back from a 5-2 deficit to tie the Nighthawks 6-all in the final inning.

"The first game we put some goods swings on the ball, especially Chance Dickenson. He's seeing the ball really well for us and had himself a day here," says head coach Jay Dewis. "It was a good response in the second game too. We kind of dug ourselves a hole early and it was nice to see them put some good at-bats together and climb back into the game."

Chance Dickenson picked up the win on the mound in the first game. He pitched all three innings and gave up one run on four hits. Tanner Boyle started the second game, he pitched one inning and gave up five unearned runs. Matthew Tompkins came in and relieved Boyle in the second. He gave up one run in just over two innings pitched. Tyler Van Deynze was brought in to close out the second game. He came into the bottom of the fifth and struck out two batters to hold onto the 6-6 tie.

Tanner Boyle got into a little trouble in the first inning but the Trojans still go the tie. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

"These games are fun to play when it's that tight. Home runs are really exciting too so good on Chance for getting us going," says Van Deynze. "I walked the first guy and just had to throw strikes, I have great defence behind me so I just needed to get them over the plate."

Dickenson started the rally in game 2. He hit a home run in the third inning, which led to some great at-bats to tie the game. It was his second home run of the day.

"I came up with the approach and I knew we needed a boost," says Dickenson. "So I figured I'd try and hit one deep and change the momentum, and I hit it over the fence. I think the wind helped it out there."

They're back in action tomorrow when they host Garden Valley. The winner will take the top spot in the Zone.

"We should be better tomorrow," admits Dickenson. "Wednesday was kind of cold and we weren't mentally prepared, it can be tough in the cold weather. Thursday should be a nice day and it's a new day, new baseball, so it should be fun."

"It's a good situation to be in," adds Dewis. "We're trying to get that first seed so it should be really exciting."

Thursday's game starts at 4:15 at Rotary Republic Park.