COBA Major News

GRIZZLIES' SOGAN NO HITS BATTLECATS IN ELIMINATION GAME

August 21, 2008

Thursday night Tim Sogan of Glanbrook took on the Brampton Battlecats in what would be the losing team's final game of the 2008 COBA Major Season.

The Battlecats, who went out to Ninth Line less than 24 hours after losing a thrilling game in walk off fashion to the Brants Wednesday night, couldn't muster up a hit against the brilliant Sogan who lead the Grizzlies in staving off elimination one day after their 4-1 loss to Erindale.

The pitching line for Sogan reads 7 innings pitched, allowing 0 runs on 0 hits with 11 strikeouts. Sogan also walked 1 and hit 2 Brampton players.

The win puts Glanbrook into round 4 at 1:00pm in Milton against the winner of Game 10. The Brampton Battlecats have been eliminated and will return in 2009.

Red Sox Win Playoff Opener

August 21, 2008

Courtesy Of Brants Website

Milton and Etobicoke hooked up in a slugfest at 9th Line Park in th opening game of the 10 team double knockout COBA MAJOR playoff series and the Red Sox emerged victorious 14-6. Veterans Dave Strutt and Joe Jurus set the pace for the 'Trailer Park Boys", as Strutty had a 4/4 night with a pair of RBIs and 'Shoeless' blasted a double and 2 singles while driving in 3 runs. Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell continued his torrid pace driving in 4 runs with a pair of hits, Taylor Lawton drove in 2 runs with 3 singles and Junior Sean Mathe continued to impress at 3rd base with 2 hits and an RBI. Carlos D'Costa with a double and 'Little Curt"' Davies and Nick Mazzorato with timely singles, rounded out the 17 hit Milton attack.

Tyler Wilson earned the win with a 6 inning stint, surrendering 6 runs on 8 hits while striking out 3. Mike Grabauskas had a 1-2-3 9th. Milton played errorless ball on the night.

The Red Sox now take on the hard-hitting Oakville A's in Game 2 at 9th Line Park Thursday night at 7:30pm.

BRANTS WIN IN STYLE

August 21, 2008

Courtesy Of Brants Website

In dramatic fashion, the Burlington Brants edged an impressive Brampton Battlecats team, 3-1 in 8 innings.

Down 1-0 in the 6th, the Brants finally got to Brampton lefty Chris McCanna to tie the game. It wasn't until the 8th, when the Brants won the game on a no doubter by JR Crosby, his 8th homerun of the year. The homerun was a 2 run shot that gave the Brants the 3-1 victory.

It was no surprise that Chris Cooney (Win, 9-1) pitched all 8 innings, giving up just 1 run.

The Brants get right back into it tomorrow at Nelson, when the Erindale Cardinals come into town for round 2. Erindale beat Glanbrook 4-1 in their first game.

METROS CRUISE TO WIN OVER MISSISSAUGA IN GAME 1

August 21, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

The St. Catharines Metros went into Mississauga North on Wednesday night, and scored early and often to back the 6-hit pitching of Rob Nixon. The result was a 12-2 win over the Tigers, in Game 1 of the C.O.B.A. Major League double-knockout playoff tournament.

St. Catharines got on the board with one unearned run in the 1st, and then put up 4 in the 2nd and 2 more in the 3rd. The final blow came in the 5th as the Metros scored 5 times, without recording an out, to win the game in a 5-inning mercy. Brad Namtzu had quite a game to lead the Metros with the bat. He scored the first run, added an RBI single in the 2nd, an RBI Sac Fly in the 3rd, and a 3-run homer in the 5th...for a total 5RBI's on the night. Joe Roach collected 3 singles and 2 RBI's, while Jono Marcheterre doubled and singled. Ryan Villers and Rocco Spano singled twice, with Spano driving in a run, while Justin Czorny hit a 2-run double and Jonathan Paul, an RBI single. The other hit and RBI came from the bat of Tim Collins in the Metros' 14 hit assault. Jay Woodford had 2 hits and an RBI for the Tigers.

On the mound, the Metros' Rob Nixon was, once again, sensational. In his last start before returning to Adelphi University in New York City, Nixon went the distance, allowing the 2 runs on 6 hits. He walked 2 and struck out six, in a very efficient 63-pitch outing...to bring his record to 7-4 on the season.

The Metros now receive a bye, in the 10-team tourney format. The next game for the Garden City crew is Friday night against the winner of tonight's Milton - Oakville matchup. That game will be in one of three parks (either Dundas, Erindale, or Etobicoke) beginning at 7:30. The tourney continues on Saturday, with a possibility of two games, in either Burlington or Milton, before it wraps up...declaring the C.O.B.A. Major League Playoff Champion on Sunday.

Results From Monday August 18, 2008

August 18, 2008

ETO	\|	DUN
BUR PPD/Rain	\|	ERI PPD/Rain

METROS CLOSE REGULAR SEASON WITH DOUBLEHEADER LOSS

August 18, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

The St. Catharines Metros showed up at Bernie Arbour Stadium yesterday, and played two games, to complete all 27 regular season games (when, just 2 weeks ago that seemed like an impossibility). Unfortunately, that was the end of the good news for St. Catharines on this day. After clinching the C.O.B.A. Major League pennant the day before, and playing their 4th and 5th games in 4 days, there was just nothing left in the tank...and they were unable to muster much resistance to the hard-hitting Glanbrook Grizzlies. The result was a doubleheader sweep by the Grizz, to the tune of 12-2 and 13-3.

In Game 1, Glanbrook pounced on Metros starter Ian Horner, for 9 first-inning runs, on 7 hits to put the game away early. Horner suffered his 2nd loss (against 3 wins) going 3 innings, and giving up 11 runs (7 earned), on 11 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 0. Ryan Villers pitched 2 innings of relief and allowed one unearned run on 1 hit and 1 walk. Glanbrook starter, Tim Sogan threw 4 no-hit innings before being relieved by Ryan Kinsella. The Metros' Jono Marcheterre and Dan Estey finally broke into the hit column with singles (Estey driving in the 2 Metros runs) in the 5th. Mike Grilli had 4 hits for Glanbrook.

In Game 2, Metros' starter Dan Estey was a sacrificial lamb on the mound, as the Metros made 5 errors...leading to 11 unearned runs, in the Grizzlies' 13-3 win. Estey went 2 innings and allowed 10 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks. He struck out 1. Brad Namtzu, Rocco Spano, and Justin Czorny pitched an inning of relief, each...and combined to allow 3 runs (all unearned) on 2 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 5. The Metros did manage to collect 5 hits in game 2, with Jonathan Paul leading the way, posting a double and a single. Joe Roach doubled, while Andrew Sorochan and Jono Marcheterre singled to round out the attack. Paul and Rob Nixon (with a Sac Fly) drove in the runs.

So, the Metros officially finish their 27-game schedule with a record of 19-8, which, as mentioned, is good enough to secure the Anson Buck Trophy as C.O.B.A. Major League pennant winners. And as the number one seed heading into the C.O.B.A. 10-team double knockout playoff tournament, they will meet the number 10 seed, the Mississauga North Tigers on Wednesday evening. The park that will host that game has not been set, as of yet. The winner and loser of that game will receive a bye to round 3, which means that...while there will be a Thursday night game at Community Park, it will not involve the Metros. They will play their second game of the tourney on Friday, at an out of town diamond. As soon as details are confirmed by the league, we'll pass them on to you.

Results From Sunday August 17, 2008

August 18, 2008

MIL 14	\|	STC 2	\|	MIL 11	\|	STC 3	\|	OAK 7
MN 4	\|	GLN 12	\|	MN 1	\|	GLN 13	\|	DUN

METROS SWEEP DOUBLEHEADER TO CLINCH COBA MAJOR PENNANT

August 17, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

The St. Catharines Metros went into Milton on Saturday and did what they've done almost all season long...score just enough runs, and then let their pitchers take care of the rest of the work. The Metros got a 2-hit shutout from Jason Ermers in Game 1, as they downed the Milton Red Sox 4-0. And then Rob Nixon allowed just 3 hits to the powerful Erindale Cardinals to lead St. Catharines to a 3-1 win in Game 2. The 2 wins extends the Metros' winning streak to 8 in a row in C.O.B.A. Major League play. The Garden City crew has also clinched 1st place overall in the league...and along with the pennant, the coveted Anson Buck Trophy.

In Game 1, lefty Jason Ermers was magnificent, in showing everyone why he was selected to join the Oshawa Royals for the Canadian Senior Championships next week. Ermers allowed just two singles (both to Steve Lauzon) in pitching the complete game shutout. He walked 1 and struck out 10. The Metros collected 11 hits, and scored 4 early runs off Mike Grabauskas, the losing Milton pitcher. Justin Czorny and Wade Hill doubled and singled to lead the way, while Ryan Villers and Jono Marcheterre added 2 hits each. Rocco Spano and Andrew Sorochan doubled, and Jonathan Paul singled to round out the offense. RBI's were collected by Spano, Hill, Villers and Rob Nixon.

Game two was much the same story, as the Metros scored 3 early runs off losing pitcher Alex Schmitz, and left the rest up to young Rob Nixon. Nixon was brilliant in his complete game 3-hitter. He allowed 1 run and 4 walks, while striking out 5. St. Catharines managed just 6 hits in this one, with Jonathan Paul collecting 2 of them. Justin Czorny, Rocco Spano, Andrew Sorochan and Ian Horner accounted for the rest of the hits while Sorochan and Nixon added the RBI's.

The two wins improves the Metros' record to 19-6 on the season, and although the Burlington Brants won on Saturday (to improve to 18-8), with just one game left, the best they can do is tie St. Catharines for first place in the league. And the Metros hold the tiebreaker, on the strength of their 2-1 season series edge, head-to-head. St. Catharines have a chance to win the league title outright on Sunday, as they travel to Hamilton's Bernie Arbour Stadium for another doubleheader...this time with the Glanbrook Grizzlies. Game time for the first one is 12:00 noon.

Results From Saturday August 16, 2008

August 17, 2008

STC 4	\|	MN 3	\|	ERI 1
MIL 0	\|	BUR 15	\|	STC 3

Results From Friday August 15, 2008

August 17, 2008

GLN

DUN NR

METROS WIN SIXTH COBA MAJOR LEAGUE GAME IN A ROW

August 15, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

Question...how do you win a baseball game when you collect only 3 hits? Well, if you use the St. Catharines Metros recipe, you A) take advantage of what little the opposition gives you, B) make very efficient use of your outs C) let your pitchers take care of the rest. That formula led to a 6th straight Metros win (in the COBA Major League) last night, by the score of 3-1, over the Etobicoke Rangers at Community Park.

The Metros scored a run in the 2nd on a single by Joe Roach, a wild pitch, and two groundouts...the second one from Andrew Sorochan to drive in the run. They extended their lead in the 4th, when Roach reached on an error, followed by a walk to Jonathan Paul. A double steal put runners on 2nd and 3rd, and Sorochan followed with his 2nd RBI, a Sac Fly to right. Jono Marcheterre then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to score the charging Paul, to complete the Metros scoring. Marcheterre and Tim Collins rounded out the offense with singles.

The rest of the work was left up to pitchers Dustin Turner and Rob Nixon. Turner, who leaves next week to play at the Nationals with the Oshawa Royals, made his final start of the season, and was, once again, brilliant. He went 7 innings, and allowed 6 hits and 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 11. The win improves Turner's record to 5-3 on the season. Nixon pitched the final two shutout innings to pick up his 2nd save. He allowed 2 singles and 0 walks, while striking out 1.

The hard-luck losing pitcher was Mark Eccleton, who allowed 3 runs (1 earned), on 3 hits. He walked 4, and struck out 2. Jon Bezanson doubled twice, while Rob Vecciarelli added 3 singles for Etobicoke.

The Metros' win improves their league record to 17-6, and restores their 1 game lead over Burlington, in the overall league standings. And everything comes to a conclusion this weekend, as the Metros wrap up their regular season with 4 games. Saturday, they travel to Milton to play the Red Sox and the Erindale Cardinals in a doubleheader...and then on Sunday, they drive to Hamilton's Bernie Arbour Stadium, to take on the Glanbrook Grizzlies in a twinbill. Starting time for both doubleheaders is 12:00 noon.

Results From Thursday August 14, 2008

August 15, 2008

DUN	\|	ETO 1	\|	BRM
ERI PPD/Rain	\|	STC 3	\|	GLN PPD/Rain

Results From Wednesday August 13, 2008

August 13, 2008

ERI 16	\|	MIL 3
MN 2	\|	BUR 11

RANGERS NIP BATTLECATS

August 13, 2008

Courtesy Of Rangers Website

The Etobicoke Rangers nipped the Brampton Battlecats last night by a 9-8 score @ Dave Dash Park in Brampton. The Rangers combined some youth and experience last night as they sent 1st year Midget pitcher Kyle Breitner to the mound in his 1st ever Senior start. Kyle kept the Rangers in the game through 5 2/3 before veteran pitcher Jon Kielb came in to pick up a win as the Rangers needed 2 runs in the 8th to overcome an 8-7 defecit. The Rangers came out swinging and by the end of 3 1/2 had a commanding 7-2 lead courtesy of 3B Chris Mokriy's 3 run dinger and C Jon Bezanson's 2 run shot. Brampton erupted for 4 runs in the 4th, another in the 6th and then went ahead in the bottom of the 7th as they plated 2 more to take an 8-7 lead. For the Rangers 1B Troy Weston, SS A.J. Iafrate also had RBI's. Bezanson picked up 2 more RBI's as he plated 2 runs with a single to get the Rangers on the board in the 1st. The Rangers outhit the Cats 14-12 and comitted 6 errors leading to all 8 Battlecats runs being unearne d.

The Rangers now travel to St. Catharine's this Thursday to take on the 1st place overall Metros in a make up game from earlier this season.

GUTSY TEAM EFFORT BY RED SOX IN HAMILTON

August 13, 2008

Courtesy Of Red Sox Website

The Milton Red Sox continued to pick each other up during close games as they pulled together to defeat the Glanbrook Grizzlies 5-1 at Bernie Arbour Stadium tonight. Pitching and defense set the tone as Tyler Wilson threw a strong 7 1/3 innings for the win holding the Griz to 0 ERs and 6 hits while striking out 5 and walking one. Brian 'Busman' Stewart came on in the 8th to retire the last 5 batters in order. Steve Lauzon led the scrappy Trailer Park Boys with 3 hits and an RBI, and Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell coninued his torrid hitting with a pair of hits and 2 RBIs. Taylor Lawton pounded out an RBI double and Kevin 'Coop' Cooper hammered a single. The turning point in the game came in the 7th, as Milton committed 3 errors, yet escaped scoreless with a brilliant, heads-up play by Lawty to throw a runner out at third.

The Red Sox are right back at it Wednesday night in Burlington as they take on the Brants at 7:30pm at Nelson Park.

Results From Tuesday August 12, 2008

August 12, 2008

ETO 9	\|	GLN 1
BRM 8	\|	MIL 5

THREE METROS SELECTED TO PLAY AT CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

August 12, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

On Monday, the Oshawa Royals were required to submit their roster to Baseball Canada, for next week's Canadian Senior Baseball Championship Tournament in Brandon, Manitoba. And when they did, that roster included the names of three St. Catharines Metros...pitchers Dustin Turner and Jason Ermers, along with catcher, Wade Hill. The three Metros players accepted the invitations, and with the blessing of Metros' management, are off to Manitoba with the Royals next Wednesday.

As mentioned in our recap of the Elimination Tournament, both the Windsor Stars and Oshawa Royals qualified for the National tournament, on the strength of finishing 1st and 2nd at Elims. As Provincial representatives, both teams have the right to pick up players from any team in the province, to augment their roster. The fact that the Royals chose to take three of them from St. Catharines is a very good indication of how far the Metros program has progressed, as well as being a credit to the talent that these players possess.

Metros' General Manager Mark Walters was thrilled when he got the email from the Oshawa coaching staff, requesting permission to use Turner, Ermers and Hill at the tournament. "Dustin, Jason, and Wade have played extremely well all season long, and it's exciting that their play has been noticed by teams outside of our own", said Walters. I really think these additions will bolster the Royals' chances to win the tourney".

Turner has pitched 44 innings this season and has allowed a stingy 28 hits, while striking out 59. He has won 4 games and compiled an E.R.A. of 1.64. Ermers, one of the top lefthanders in Ontario Senior ball, has thrown 47 innings and allowed just 11 walks, while striking out 49...and has won 3 games with an E.R.A. of 3.26. He was also voted the Top Pitcher at the London Lakeside Tourney in July. Hill has batted just .170 this season, after missing all of last year with a knee injury. However, he is one of the top defensive catchers in C.O.B.A., and is also an outstanding "team guy". The fact that he has caught Turner and Ermers all season will also be an asset that Oshawa will reap the benefit of.

The loss of these three players will, no doubt, hurt the Metros' chances in the C.O.B.A. playoffs, which will be run simultaneously with the Nationals, but G.M. Walters said that was never a concern. "This is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity for these three kids, and we would never stand in their way of playing in a tournament like this". "They have all worked hard to get where they are, and we're absolutely thrilled that they are getting this opportunity". Walters added, "This also makes our team look good, and adds more credibility to our C.O.B.A. Major Baseball League...I just wish I could be there to root them on in person".

The Nationals can be closely followed from this website: http://www.baseball.ca/seniormen and begins on Thursday, August 21st...as Oshawa (Ontario 2) takes on British Columbia. Best of luck to the Royals...and especially Dustin Turner, Jason Ermers and Wade Hill. Give 'em hell, guys!

Results From Monday August 11, 2008

August 12, 2008

ERI 7

OAK 4

Results From Sunday August 10, 2008

August 9, 2008

ETO	\|	MN	\|	MN	\|	OAK
BUR PPD/Rain	\|	GLN PPD/Rain (Gm1)	\|	GLN PPD/Rain (Gm2)	\|	DUN NR

METROS SOLIDFY HOLD ON COBA MAJOR LEAD WITH DH SWEEP

August 11, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

The St. Catharines Metros put together two solid efforts on Saturday afternoon at Community Park, and emerged with a sweep of the Brampton Battlecats by scores of 10-3, and 5-3. The two wins improves the Metros record to 16-6, and puts them 1 full game ahead of the 16-8 Burlington Brants, in the COBA Major League standings.

In game one, the Metros took advantage of some shoddy Brampton defence, and added to their advantage by outhitting the visitors 10-4. The game featured the combined contributions of Andrew Sorochan with the bat, and T.J. Tavender on the mound. Tavender, who threw 5 innings of one-hit relief on Thursday, threw a complete game 4-hitter on Saturday. He walked 3 and struck out 6, to improve his record to 3-1 on the season.

Sorochan led the Metros offensively, with 3 hits and 5 RBI's. Rocco Spano added a double and two singles while Joe Roach doubled and added an RBI. Tim Collins chipped in with a 2-run single, Brad Namtzu added an RBI single and Jonathan Paul added a single, to round out the attack. Matt Piccioni had a two-run double for the 'Cats, while Mike Burke took the loss on the mound.

In game two, the Metros had just enough gas left in the tank to score 5 runs in the 6th inning, to steal away a 5-3 win. The Metros, playing their 4th game in 4 days, trailed the game 3-0 after 4 innings, with Brampton starter Joe Nonis cruising along with a no-hitter.

But in the 6th inning, with two out and nobody on base, the Metros got back-to-back-to-back doubles by Jonathan Paul, Rocco Spano and Joe Roach to narrow the gap to 3-2. After a walk to Tim Collins, and a double steal put runners on 2nd and 3rd, pitcher Dan Estey delivered the decisive blow of the game...a single that drove in the tying and winning runs. Estey then came around to score himself to make the final 5-3.

Estey was a double threat on this day, as he was lights-out on the mound, in addition to his hitting heroics. Estey went the distance to improve his season record to 3-3. He allowed 3 runs (just 1 earned) on 4 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4. Wade Hill added a double to the Metros' 5-hit attack.

St. Catharines gets a well-deserved rest for a few days, before the second half of the game-cluster arrives late next week. The Metros host the Etobicoke Rangers Thursday night at 7:30 (Community Park), before finishing the regular season with back-to-back doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the Metros play Milton and Erindale at Brian Best Park in Milton (beginning at noon), and Sunday they travel to Bernie Arbour Stadium in Hamilton, to wrap up the season with a pair against the Glanbrook Grizzlies. The first game in the twinbill starts at noon.

Results From Saturday August 9, 2008

August 9, 2008

BRM 3	\|	BRM 3	\|	ETO	\|	ETO
STC 10 (Gm1)	\|	STC 5 (Gm2)	\|	MIL PPD/Rain (Gm1)	\|	MIL PPD/Rain (Gm2)

COONEY MASTERFUL IN 9-0 WIN

August 9, 2008

Courtesy Of Brants Website

Chris Cooney (Win, 7-1) continued his most dominant season with the Brants, in a 9-0 victory over the Dundas Chiefs, in the friendly confines of Volunteer Field. Cooney stifled the Dundas bats with a 9 inning, complete game shutout. Big Country gave up just 5 singles in the game. In so doing, Cooney solidified his case for his 3rd pitcher of the year award.

The 9-0 score is a bit misleading however, as Cooney was locked in a pitcher's duel with Angelo Amore until the 6th inning. The Brants had just 1 run on 3 hits through 5, but put together their second big inning in as many games. Following up an 8 run 2nd against Erindale, the Brants put up a 7 spot in the 6th to put the game to bed. The Brants would add one more in the 9th for the 9-0 final.

Offensively, Darryl Pierce had 3 of the 10 Burlington hits, and added 2 RBI. Neil Fraser continued to swing a hot bat, with 2 hits and 2 RBI. Matt Sikorski had a single, and a double. Daniel Jagdeo and Jeff Brunsek added doubles with 2 RBI apiece, while Pat Mastrogiacomo singled.

As mentioned, Cooney was at his best, avenging an earlier no decision against the Chiefs two weeks ago. Cooney lowered his league-leading ERA to 1.03. In COBA alone, Big Country is an unbelievable 6-0, with a 0.82 ERA. Also with the win, the Brants take the season series from Dundas. The win was a big one, as it puts Burlington back in a tie with St. Catharines for 1st place in the league. The Metros came back to defeat Oakville last night, and put the Brants in 2nd place for the first time since June 7th. Burlington has a tough task on Sunday, as the Etobicoke Rangers come into Nelson Park at 12 noon. The Rangers will get their first look at Craig Hawkins (4-1, 1.59).

ZETTS AND MCCANNA MAGNIFICENT IN PITCHING DUEL

August 9, 2008

Courtesy Of Brants Website

Milton's Ian Zettle and Brampton's wily, lefty Chris McCanna hooked up in a brilliant pitching duel at Brampton's Dave Dash park last night that saw the Red Sox emerge as 1-0 winners. Zetts took a no-hitter into the 8th before Joey Nonis punched a single to right field. He went the distance striking out 9 and walking just one. McCanna was equally brilliant holding the Sox to 6 hits while striking out 6 and walking only one. 'Little Curt' Davies and Kurt "Dirty' Mitchell each had a double and single, while Taylor Lawton and Dave Strutt contributed singles. 'Dirty' and 'Lawty' hooked up for a pair of key double plays on the night and 'Little Curt' called a brilliant game behind the plate.

Since Brian Best is virtually a lake, the Trailer Park Boys have been forced to move their DH vs. Etobicoke to Clarkson today for a 2:00pm start; however, ominous threats of rain and thunderstorms loom large for the day. What's new?

Results From Friday August 8, 2008

August 9, 2008

MIL 1	\|	BUR 9	\|	ERI 7
BRM 0	\|	DUN 0	\|	ETO 3

METROS DODGE RAIN, LIGHTNING AND A'S

August 9, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

We're guessing that Mother Nature owed it to the Metros and A's. After raining out their game twice before, there was rain and lightning everywhere last night...everywhere but over Community Park in St. Catharines. The brief respite from the elements allowed the game to be played, and the Metros emerged victorious over Oakville by a score of 7-5.

It looked as though the short-staffed A's were going to walk away with the win, as they took a 5-1 lead after 4 innings, but the Metros (who had been no-hit to that point) displayed a little lightning of their own in the 5th. After scoring 2 runs, to cut the lead to 2, St. Catharines got a big 3-run home run by Rocco Spano, to put the Metros ahead. They added one more in the 6th, and left the rest up to reliever T.J. Tavender.

Tavender was nothing short of sensational, pitching the final 5 innings, and allowing no runs on just one infield single. He walked one and struck out 7. Ryan Villers started the game for the Metros and he went 4 innings, allowing the 5 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits, walking 2 and striking out 1. Tavender got the win, improving to 2-1 on the season, while Matt Cockburn took the loss on the hill for Oakville.

In addition to Spano's game-winning HR, he added an RBI Sac Fly, while Brad Namtzu (RBI), Justin Czorny and Tim Collins (RBI) all delivered two hits. Andrew Sorochan added an RBI groundout and Wade Hill drew 3 walks and scored twice. Gord Robertson had two hits and Matt Griffin an RBI double for the A's.

The win moves St. Catharines into first place in the C.O.B.A. Major Baseball League at 14-6, half a game up on the Burlington Brants. The Brants still hold the lead in points, but the Metros have 3 games in hand. And two of those games come tomorrow, as the Metros' busy week continues. The Brampton Battlecats come to town for a rare Saturday doubleheader at Community Park. Starting time for the first game is 12:00 noon.

Results From Thursday August 7, 2008

August 5, 2008

OAK 5

STC 7

METROS BLAST TIGERS

August 7, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

The St. Catharines Metros might have released some frustration on the Mississauga North Tigers, last night in Mississauga...the Metros' first C.O.B.A. game after an up-and-down Elimination Tournament. The Metros scored early and often, in a 13-1 drubbing of the Tigers, called after 7 innings due to the league's mercy rule. St. Catharines took advantage of 5 Tigers errors, and pounded out 12 hits in the shortened game, to back a masterful performance on the hill by Ian Horner.

Horner allowed a lead-off home run by Jamaal Thelwell in the first inning...before settling down and allowing just 2 more singles the rest of the way. He walked 3 and struck out 10, in his first complete game of the season.

Offensively, the Metros were led by Tim Collins, who singled and added a 3-run homer...his first home run in his 2 years with the Metros. Brad Namtzu and Andrew Sorochan collected 2 singles and an RBI each, while Joe Roach and Dan Estey added 2-run doubles. Jonathan Paul drove in 2 runs with a Sac Fly and a groundout, while Rocco Spano and Justin Czorny added singles. And, in his final game before returning to university in Oklahoma, Tylor Prudhomme drove in a run with a single, as well.

The win improves the Metros' record to 13-6, keeping them in a tie for 1st Place in the Johnson Division with the Burlington Brants, who also won last night. The Metros don't get much time to rest, as the Oakville A's come to Community Park this evening for a make up of a make up of a rained out game from June. Game time is 7:30.

CHIEFS INCH CLOSER TO .500

August 7, 2008

Courtesy Of Dundas Chiefs.com

The Dundas Chiefs have gotten back to within 1 game of the .500 mark following a 3 game winning streak. After rallying late in the game to steal an 8-7 win from the first place Burlington Brants last week, the Chiefs rode the a strong pitching performance from Jason Drysdale to an exciting 3-2 win over the Milton Red Sox. Drysdale scattered 4 hits over his 8 innings allowing a single run and then the Chiefs hung on as Bill Langford closed out the contest in the 9th stranding the tying and go ahead runners on base.

On Monday, the Chiefs faced a tired but game Oakville squad. Coming off 4 games in Windsor at the Elims, the A�s hosted the scheduled game and battled the Chiefs with a strong effort. Dundas put up 3 runs in the first and then another 3 runs in the 5th to defeat the A�s 6-2. Justin Volpato, 3- 2, was effective in his 6 innings of work, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned, while relievers Brian Molloy and Ang Amore combined for 3 hitless innings. Offensively, the Chiefs were led by veteran Neil Campbell who went 2 for 4 with 4 RBI�s, including a 3 run homer, and Chris Leendertse who continued his hot hitting with another 2 hits and a RBI.

The Chiefs will be in tough on Friday as the Burlington Brants return to Volunteer Field for the rubber match of their season series. The Brants feature a potent offensively lineup and their scheduled starter Chris Cooney, is one of the best COMBL has to offer. The Chiefs have yet to announce their starting pitcher.Offensively, the Metros were led by Tim Collins, who singled and added a 3-run homer...his first home run in his 2 years with the Metros. Brad Namtzu and Andrew Sorochan collected 2 singles and an RBI each, while Joe Roach and Dan Estey added 2-run doubles. Jonathan Paul drove in 2 runs with a Sac Fly and a groundout, while Rocco Spano and Justin Czorny added singles. And, in his final game before returning to university in Oklahoma, Tylor Prudhomme drove in a run with a single, as well.

Results From Wednesday August 6, 2008

August 5, 2008

ERI 11	\|	STC 13
BUR 15	\|	MN 1

Results From Tuesday August 5, 2008

August 5, 2008

BRM

GLN PPD/Rain

2008 ELIMS - METROS GOOD...BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH

August 5, 2008

Courtesy Of Metros Baseball.ca

The St. Catharines Metros went to Windsor, this past weekend, with two objectives...to play well in every game and to get to Sunday evening, or Monday. They accomplished half of what they tried for...they did play well in every game...but, after going 2-2, they failed to advance past Sunday morning. The Metros managed to defeat East York and Etobicoke in their first two games, but lost to eventual tourney finalists, the Oshawa Royals, before dropping a decision to the Newmarket Hawks.

The Metros looked like a force to be reconed with, in Game 1 at Lacasse Park, as they rode the strong right arm of Dustin Turner to a 2-0 win over the Bulldogs. Turner was nothing short of brilliant in the game that was interrupted in the top of the 5th inning, due to lightning storms in the area. After a delay of about an hour, it was decided to resume the game the next morning in Woodslee, with St. Catharines ahead 1-0.

Turner, who threw 55 pitches on Friday night, came back and finished what he started on Saturday, showing no ill effects from the 12 hour delay. In all, Turner threw the complete game shutout, allowing 2 hits, and no walks, while striking out 8. The Metros managed just 7 hits of their own against East York ace Sean Leah, but collected RBI singles from Rocco Spano (before the delay) and Joe Roach (the next morning) to give St. Catharines their margin of victory. Spano added a double to his totals, while other singles went to Justin Czorny, Jonathan Paul, Tylor Pruhomme, and Tim Collins.

n game 2, the Metros faced off against C.O.B.A. leaguemates, the Etobicoke Rangers, and played perhaps their best game of the entire year, winning by a score of 7-2. Brad Namtzu had the game of a lifetime in this one. The veteran outfielder led off the game with a double and scored the first run, hit a 2-out 2-run single in his next at bat, and made the defensive play of the tourney, to snuff out a potential Etobicoke rally in the 6th inning. With the bases full of Rangers and nobody out, Namtzu made an unbelievable diving catch of a Tim Deacon fly ball, before getting up and throwing a strike to 2nd base, doubling off the baserunner, and ending the threat.

Tylor Prudhomme doubled and singled (and added an RBI) for St. Catharines, while Andrew Sorochan and Wade Hill (RBI) singled twice each. Rocco Spano singled and added an RBI Sac Fly. Young Rob Nixon was impressive, once again, on the mound for the Metros going the distance for the win. He allowed 6 hits and 2 runs (1 earned), while walking 3 and striking out 3.

The win over Etobicoke sent the Metros up against the defending Ontario Champion Oshawa Royals, and while they did hold an early 3-0 lead, the Royals formidible offense eventually took charge of the game, leading to an 8-3 Oshawa win. Jason Ermers pitched into the 5th inning, holding the Royals to 3 runs (and a 3-3 tie in the game) on 7 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 5. But Oshawa got a big RBI double from Doug Wright, off Metros reliever T.J. Tavender, and the Royals rolled to the victory. Tavender and Ian Horner finished on the mound for St. Catharines and between them, allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits and 4 walks. Offensively, the Metros got 2 singles each from Jonathan Paul and Jono Marcheterre, with Paul driving in 2 runs and Marcheterre 1. Brad Namtzu, Joe Roach, Tylor Prudhomme, and Andrew Sorochan added singles.

On Sunday morning, the Metros were facing a must-win situation against their long-time memesis, the Newmarket Hawks, and when the dust had settled, the Hawks won again...this time 4-1, ending the Metros weekend. St. Catharines sent Dan Estey to the hill, but the Hawks got to him with 3 runs in the 3rd inning, creating a hole that the Metros couldn't climb out of. Estey went 4 innings and allowed 5 hits and 3 runs while walking 3 and striking out 1. T.J. Tavender, pitching on consecutive days, held the Hawks at bay for 3 innings, before allowing a run in the 7th. Ryan Villers recorded the final out, keeping St. Catharines in the game. Tavender gave up a run on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2.

The Metros could not mount much of an attack against Newmarket starter Brent Heaslip, as they managed just 5 singles, and 1 unearned run. Rocco Spano, Jonathan Paul, Andrew Sorochan, Jono Marcheterre, and Tim Collins shared in the offense.

Despite the fact that their tourney ended before they had hoped, the Metros did play well in every game and fought hard to make strides in their pursuit of an Ontario title. The coaching staff believe that they have accomplished this, and have a substantial base on which to build for next year. By the way, the tournament was eventually won by the powerhouse Windsor Stars who, after losing to the Oshawa club in the preliminary rounds, came back to beat them twice in the finals, to earn the title. Both Windsor and Oshawa have won the right to represent the province at the Canadian Championships in Brandon, Manitoba, later this month...and the Metros wish both teams the best of luck. Windsor and Oshawa will be great representatives of what we believe Ontario Senior baseball is...quality ball, played and coached by quality people. Bring home the gold and silver, guys!

Results From Monday August 4, 2008

August 5, 2008

DUN 6

OAK 2