A chilly but beautiful Wednesday night marked the long-awaited return of baseball to Nat Bailey Stadium, as fans filled into the park for the first time since August 30^th 2019. A confident UBC Thunderbirds team showed no fear playing against High- A talent, as they bested the host Vancouver Canadians 2-0 in Exhibition play. The T-Birds brought their own swagger to the friendly competition, and team manager Chris Pritchett appreciated the effort.

"I was really proud of the guys," said Pritchett. "I think from the beginning when they came out in batting practice no one looked nervous or anything. Whether we won or lost I thought they were going to come out and just be themselves. That's what we preached all week, don't try to be something you're not, and they didn't."



Despite palpable excitement for the return of professional baseball in the Lower Mainland, it was the amateur team receiving the most crowd support. Classic treats and the familiar smell of Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs and butter-filled popcorn helped the crowd stay spirited throughout the seven innings of play. The T-Birds soaked up every second of the incredible experience of playing on the historic field at The Nat.   



"A lot of local kids, they had family in the stands, and we were really proud that a lot of local community little leagues came out to support us," added Pritchett, who formerly played first base for the Triple A Vancouver Canadians in the mid 90's. "It was a big win just getting a chance to play in this game and I thought they showed really well."

Oakville's Nathan Shute scored in the game's first run with an RBI single in the top of the fourth. Third- year Nolan Weger added to the tally with a sacrifice fly, and the T-Birds rally ended up being the only two runs scored in the contest.



It was an all-around effort for UBC, with the bullpen more than pulling their weight. T-Birds pitchers recorded nine strikeouts including five-straight in consecutive innings. In the bottom of the seventh inning the Canadians looked like they might build some momentum with runners on base. However, T-Birds Shortstop Mike Fitzsimmons made an incredible read on a ground ball, securing the victory with a double play.



"That ball was hit hard and Fitzy made a great reaction, and that was a heck of a play," recounted Pritchett." Then to get up and make a good flip and turn it over, I thought that was a perfect ending to the night."

While the win won't count in the standings, the experience is sure to last a lifetime for these UBC players.

"I think to come out and get to play on this field, and not just play anybody, but to play the Vancouver Canadians, a really good baseball team," reflected Pritchett. "I think was in itself really exciting. They just really wanted to show well, and they did that. They made our program look really good; they did a good job today."



The T-Birds will hope to build on the confidence boost from Wednesday night as they head to Seattle, Washington to play Seattle University next Tuesday, April 12^th.