It's been nearly two years since Red Deer Riggers Kyle Belich hit a home run but he chose the most opportune time to get back on the board.
On Tuesday night at Great Chief Park, the second-year catcher hit not one but two home runs including the game-winning deep drive to walk off the St. Albert Tigers 9-8.
"I've never had that feeling before and I'm not sure I'm ever going to again," he said. "I blacked out and all of a sudden I was at home plate and we were celebrating."
Down 8-6 in the bottom of the final inning, Belich's three-run home run lifted the Riggers to their second straight victory. He also had a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at two.
Despite evening the score early on, the Tigers jumped out to a 7-2 lead scoring five runs in the top of the third inning.
The Riggers slowly chipped away at the deficit including a two-run home run by Matthew Murray in the bottom of the fifth to inch closer. They also scored a run in the fourth and sixth innings to come close.
However, it was Belich's late-game heroics that put them in front. Even though they trailed most of the game they never lost belief that they could pull it off.
"We're a mature team," Belich added. "We got quiet but we were just focused on getting back into it. Now here we are."
Riggers started Jared Arnold on the mound before turning to Jay Kirkham later in the game. Closing pitcher Kai Poffenroth came in in the seventh inning to finish the game.
With the win, the Riggers now have a 9-4 record in Sunburst League action. On Friday they'll head to Calgary to take on the Rockies at 7:30 p.m. at the Webber Academy Athletic Park.
They'll stay in Calgary to face the Diamondbacks on Monday night before returning home on Tuesday, July 9 for a rematch at Great Chief Park at 7:30 p.m.