The Okotoks Dawgs (21-14) and the Yorkton Cardinals (18-20) get right back at it Friday night, with the Dawgs looking for their fifth straight win.

The Dawgs beat the Cardinals 6-2 Thursday night in a stellar defensive performance, allowing just two runs despite 13 Cardinals hits.

The Cardinals came in hot, winning seven of their last 10 games, looking to avenge a pair of losses to the Dawgs in early June.

Infielder Kellan Marruffo says Manager Brett Thomas told them the Cardinals were coming in a completely different team.

"At the same, he also reminded us that we aren't the same team they saw," he says. "He just reminded us to keep doing what we're doing and come out aggressive."

Marruffo says an improved Cardinals team is actually a good thing, as playing a skilled team helps the Dawgs get ready for a playoff run.

"In the end, we all come out here for the best competition," he says. "We want our opponents to be like that, just so we can get better everyday."

Thursday's win, coupled with a Medicine Hat loss, moved the Dawgs a full two games ahead of the Mavericks for second spot in the Alberta Division.

Marruffo says it's tempting to keep scoreboard watching during the stretch drive, but they just have to focus on one game at a time.

"It's just show up to the park and take care of business every day you can," he says. "For everyone I guess, when we show up, stats and standings go out the window, and we're here to play ball and win."

First pitch at Seaman Stadium, weather permitting, is set for 7:05.

It's also 99.7 Sun Country/High River Online night at the Stadium.