All the offence in the world can't win you baseball games if the hits don't come with runners on base and in scoring position.

That is one of the major focal points for the Midget AA Humboldt Dodgers as they begin their run at provincials.

Coach Roger Gerwing says that they have come up short in recent games, leaving runners stranded

"Last few games we're getting runners on base, first, second, one out, and we just haven't been able to bring them across," he explained. "We had a good practice Wednesday and we emphasized that we need to get timely hits."

Gerwing referenced the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Championship tournament that the Dodgers hosted from July 15-17, where they went 2-2 and missed out on the final game.

A 4-3 loss to the North Battleford Beavers ultimately left them short from a meeting with the Moose Jaw Canucks, who downed the Beavers to win the tournament.

"We had a chance at winning both those games against Moose Jaw and North Battleford, so I don't think our guys are discouraged or intimidated playing them."

The Dodgers lost 6-5 to the Canucks in their first game of the tournament.

Those are two of the three teams they will play in the three game round robin and Gerwing noted that being able to play them a week in advance of provincials certainly isn't a disadvantage.

"Everybody is geared up and ready to play. We have a legitimate shot to play in the final on Sunday, which is what everybody wants."

Opening up the tournament on Friday night at 6:00pm, the Dodgers will meet the Regina Buffalos. Games against Moose Jaw and North Battleford will come on Saturday.

The top four teams overall in the six team tournament will be ranked one through four and battle in the semi-finals and the championship game on Sunday.