Coach Jonny Edgren employed five pitchers in Sunday’s two narrow victories over the Skövde Saints, with Hannes Wiström, Daniel André and Alex Rikner all making their pitching debuts. Although all pitched well, Rikner was especially impressive, holding the Saints hitless over two innings, walking just two.

Rikard Kronqvist, undefeated in an earlier stint with the Marsa Mustangs at the turn of the century, was also impressive, but was experiencing pain Monday “in every single part” of his body. Shervin Shakki pitched the final innings of game 2 in his usual solid fashion.

Coach Edgren reminding the team that winning is better than losing.

The Sharks’ playoff hopes took a major hit Sunday in game one when hard-hitting Niclas Ekström, temporarily on loan to the Saints, caught a cleat in a dash to home and collided with Sharks catcher Toofan Khazal.

Ekström was diagnosed with a broken foot and has been placed on the 60-day DL. In a corresponding move, Isak “Izzy” Voigt Jansson was called up from the Sharks’ Umeå affiliate to take Ekström’s place on the 24-man roster.

Khazal was unhurt by the collision and showed no signs of a previously reported season-ending injury. Fans gathered at sports bars throughout the land to watch the games went wild when they saw Khazal take his usual place behind the plate. “He my man!” one boisterous Sharks fan was reported as saying.