One of the first things we do after the season is completed, is get our statistics updated.  We have, in fact, completed some of that updating, beginning with the final 2009 Batting and Pitching stats.  You can access those statistics by clicking on the "Standings / Stats" link...to the left of the page.

In addition, we have brought our all-time statistics up to date.  We have (in our Archive area) every player that has ever appeared in a Metros uniform, over the past 25 years, listed...with their career batting and pitching statistics.  The 2009 numbers have been added to the totals, for the current players...and are now visible.  Please, just click this link, and then click on All-Time Batting (or Pitching) to access the new numbers.

We have other statistical lists to update, as well, on that page and we'll be getting those completed within the next week or so.  If you like numbers and records, we've got 'em for you. 


P.S.  - Congratulations to the Erindale Cardinals, Oakville A's, Milton Red Sox, and Glanbrook Grizzlies for advancing to the C.O.M.B.L. "Final Four".  The four teams will be playing a double knockout tourney this weekend, to determine the League Playoff Champion.  Best of luck to everyone.  And here's hoping the weather (which isn't looking good right now) co-operates.  At least you can't blame the Metros this time! 

Talk to you next week.

The Windsor Stars, representing Ontario at the Canadian Senior Nationals, defeated Newfoundland and Labrador 1-0 yesterday, to win the bronze medal.  And the St. Catharines Metros' Brian Essery pitched 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball, to pick up the win.  It was Essery's 2nd win of the tournament, after pitching 4 innings of 1-run relief in game 1, last Thursday.

The Stars scored the only run they would need, in the top of the 1st, and then relied on their pitching the rest of the way.  Essery started the game, and as mentioned, went 5 2/3 innings, before pulling a muscle, which forced his exit.  Dane Little came in to relieve, and pitched the final 1 1/3 innings for the save.  Brian allowed 4 hits and no walks while striking out 3...and overall during the tournament, he pitched 9 2/3 innings, and allowed 1 run, 8 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 6.  He was also voted the M.V.P. of the Bronze Medal game, by the tournament committee, and sportswriters.

Essery, a 12-year veteran with St. Catharines, was added to the roster of the Stars after completing a season in which he pitched 46 innings, and went 2-2 with a 2.93 E.R.A. as a member of the Metros.  One of those wins was a very impressive 1-0, 1-hit shutout of the Windsor club during the "Hap" Walters Tournament, in July.  By the way, the National Tournament was won by Alberta, after an 8-4 victory over Quebec in the gold medal game.

Congratulations to Brian, and to the Stars in an excellent showing!! 

The 2009 St. Catharines Metros baseball season came to an end yesterday in Dundas, after the Oakville A's defeated them by a score of 5-1.  The Metros came into the Preliminary tournament weekend needing to win twice to advance to the final 4, but were only able to pick up one win...a 5-1 victory over the Dundas Chiefs, earlier in the day.  That win followed a very disappointing 3-1 loss to the Milton Red Sox on Saturday.

In game 1, the Metros season was encapsulated during a very frustrating 6th inning.  Trailing 3-1 after 5, the rain started to fall, and the Red Sox took advantage of two Metros errors, and a bases-loaded walk by a drenched Dustin Turner on the mound to take a 5-1 lead.  The game continued into the bottom of the 6th, and the Metros came up with two runs of their own, and narrowed the gap to 5-3.  More importantly, they got runners to 2nd and 3rd with two out, leaving them a base hit away from tying the game.  With a 3-2 count on Metros batter, Eric DeBoer, the umpires suddenly stopped the game, as the rain continued to fall.  15 minutes later it was called, forcing the game to revert back to the last completed inning...leaving the final score 3-1, in favour of the Red Sox.

Despite St. Catharines' frustrations, the Red Sox were "full value" for the win, as they outhit them 8-7, and didn't make an error in the less than ideal conditions (compared to the Metros' 5).  Adam Scheerer was the winning pitcher for Milton and Dustin Turner took the loss.  Turner went 5 2/3 innings and allowed 5 runs (3 earned), on 8 hits.  He walked 3 and struck out 7.  Ian Horner picked up the final out in the 6th.

Offensively the Red Sox got a couple of doubles (including a 2 RBI shot) from Kevin Greer, to lead the way.  St. Catharines were led by Justin Czorny and Andrew Sorochan, who both picked up a double and a single.  Joe Roach also doubled, while Dan Estey and Eric Deboer singled.  Estey, Roach and Sorochan picked up the RBI's.

The loss in game 1, sent the Metros up against the Dundas Chiefs in game 2, and St. Catharines finally put together a solid game in all 3 facets...offense, defense, and on the mound.  The result was a 5-1 Metros win.  An errorless performance by St. Catharines, backed the excellent start by rookie Chris Magarian, who picked up the win.  Magarian went 5 innings, and allowed 1 run on 4 hits, while walking none, and striking out 4.  Ian Horner pitched the 6th, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out 1.  Eric DeBoer pitched a 3-up, 3-down 7th, for the save.  Abe Gagliardi took the loss.

Offensively Joe Roach collected 3 hits, and an RBI for St. Catharines, to lead the way.  Rocco Spano hit an RBI triple, and Justin Czorny added a 2-run double.  Steve Baldinelli, Andrew Sorochan, and Aaron Butler singled, and Jono Marcheterre chipped in with an RBI Sac Fly.

That win set up a game 3 matchup with the Oakville A's...the winner advancing to the Final weekend.  And as mentioned, the A's defeated St. Catharines 5-1.  Oakville pounced on Metros starter, Dan Estey with 2 runs, on a walk and 2 hits, in the 1st...which proved to be all they would need.  Estey settled down, however, and kept his team in the game during his 5 innings on the mound.  Estey's final line: 5 innings, 3 runs (1 earned), 3 hits, 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts.  The A's blew the game open in the 6th against reliever Eric DeBoer, scoring 2 more, with the big hit being long HR by Jeff Jarockis.  Matt Chisamore picked up the win on the mound for the A's.

St. Catharines was unable to get much going offensively in this one.  They managed just 5 scattered singles, and were not able to take advantage of the chances they had with runners in scoring position.  In fact, the Metros stranded 9 baserunners, including 6 in scoring position, during the 7 innings.  Joe Roach led the way with a pair of hits, while Brad Namtzu, Jono Marcheterre and Aaron Butler rounded out the offense.  Justin Czorny drove in the run with a groundout.

So, with the 2 weekend losses, St. Catharines fails to advance to the "final four" for just the second time during this decade.  It also brings to a close, a very up-and-down season for the locals...a season that saw them make it to the finals of the "Hap" Walters Tournament in July, and their 4th straight Johnson Division Championship in the Central Ontario Major Baseball League.  Their disappointing performance at Elims, as well as the quick exit from the C.O.M.B.L. Playoffs, make up a couple of the low-points.  In the end, however, the team did manage an overall record of 25-19, and successfully celebrated their 25th Anniversary as a franchise in Ontario Senior baseball.  

Stay with us here at www.metrosbaseball.ca, as we will continue to keep you informed on everything happening with the Metros, as well as the C.O.M.B.L. and Ontario Senior Baseball in general.  The updates will continue all fall and winter long.  Thanks for reading.                

The Windsor Stars, representing Ontario, have gotten off to a great start at the Canadian Senior Baseball Championships in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia...with a little help from their friends.  Metros' veteran righthander, Brian Essery, picked up the win in game 1, which was a 9-5 victory over Manitoba.  Essery came in in the 4th inning, with one on and nobody out, and the Stars trailing 3-2.  He was later credited with the win as he allowed just 1 run the rest of the way (4 innings), while his team scored 7 times, to win going away.

The Stars, in game 2 on Friday, defeated the host team from Dartmouth by a score of 8-3, with Dane Little going the distance on a 5-hitter, and Kenny Rogers (of the Oshawa Royals) driving in 3 runs.  Today, Team Ontario has two tough games, as they take on Quebec at 11:00, and New Brunswick at 4:00.  Best of luck Brian, and best of luck to the Stars, as they go for Gold.  

The St. Catharines Metros wrapped up their 2009 regular season with a win on Wednesday night, as they defeated the Burlington Brants 10-4 in Burlington.  The game marked the end of a gruelling 10 games in 14 days stretch for the Metros, in which they went 5 and 5, which was good enough to win the Johnson Division title for the 4th straight season.

Burlington actually led the game 3-2 after 5, but St. Catharines tied it in the 6th, and then put up 4 in the 7th and 3 in the 8th to win going away.  The Metros used 4 pitchers in the game, with Jonathan Paul (making his first appearance on the mound in more than a year) picking up the win.  Paul was the 3rd pitcher, following starter Ian Horner and Dan Estey.  Justin Czorny pitched the 7th, 8th, and 9th, to pick up the 3-inning save.  The foursome combined to allow 4 runs, on 6 hits, while walking 5, and striking out 8.  Trevor Hall, the 3rd of 4 Brants pitchers, took the loss.

St. Catharines' 8-hit attack was led by Andrew Sorochan and Aaron Butler, with a pair of singles each.  Butler also collected 2 RBI's.  Brad Namtzu doubled, for a pair of RBI's, while Czorny added a 2-run single.  Tim Collins, and Jono Marcheterre rounded out the hitting attack with singles, while Rocco Spano added a pair of RBI's.  Mickey Ho hit an RBI double for the Brants.

The Metros, with the win, finish the season at 19-12, 2 1/2 games ahead of 2nd place Milton in the Johnson Division, and half a game back of the Oakville A's for 2nd place in the overall standings.  Speaking of Milton, they are providing the opposition for the Metros when they open the 1st weekend portion of the double-knockout C.O.M.B.L. Playoffs on Saturday.  The game will be played in Dundas, at 11:00.  A win at 11:00 will mean a 2nd game Saturday, at 4:00 in Dundas.  A loss in either game will mean the Metros travel to Milton on Sunday, to try and win once more.  2 wins this weekend means that St. Catharines advances to the "final 4" next weekend, in Dundas.   

With all the games that have been played over the last few days, we really didn't get a chance to bring everyone up to date on some of the happenings from the St. Catharines Metros very hectic schedule, over the past week.  Let's do that right now.


OFF THE FIELD

Wow, what can we say about the proceeding last Thursday night, at our 25th Anniversary celebration?  Community Park was filled with a couple of hundred fans, alumni, relatives of alumni, current players wives, girlfriends and family, and just interested onlookers, as the Metros unveiled their 25th Anniversary All-Star team.  Then, after the announcement of the team, and the introduction of the players, there was a surprise.  The 2009 Metros, the alumni, and many others, put together an unbelievable presentation for Metros' General Manager, Mark Walters, in appreciation of his 25 years with the team. 

Co-organizers Ashlee and Andrew Sorochan, as well as Sandi and Kerry Hedden, and alumni representative, Dave Buzanko, pulled out all the stops in the proceedings, and presented Mark, along with his wife Debbie, a number of expensive and heartfelt gifts.  Representatives of the C.O.M.B.L. and the Erindale Cardinals were there, as well, to make a presentation to Mark, in addition to gifts he received from his current team, the alumni, and his friends and family.  It was an amazing night, and Mark would like to pass on "thanks" to all of the people who were involved...for the gifts, as well as the unexpected and wonderful tribute.

As for the 25th Anniversary team, the Metros would like to thank all of the guys who attended in person.  It was great to see everyone, and we hope you had a good time reminiscing, getting caught up with old friends, and just "being at the yard" again.  As we promised that night, here is the list of players, who were selected to the 25th Anniversary team, along with the years that they played for the Metros:

         Position                             1st Team                                     2nd Team

           Catcher                        Chris Mozina (1995-01)                   Bob Asham (1985-87)
           1st Base                        Frank Keltos (1991-01)                    Joe Roach (2004-09)
          2nd Base                       Brad Namtzu (1997-09)                   Dan Despres (1985-90)
          3rd Base                        Jim Borysko (1985-90)                  Tommi Paugh (1995-07)
         Short Stop                  Jamie Robertson (1999-07)                John Martin (1985-87)
          Left Field                        Mike Coull (1985-00)                   Rob Lipovsky (1999-03)
        Center Field                    Justin Czorny (2003-09)                   Steve Earle (1992-97)
        Right Field                      Rocco Spano (1999-09)                  Tim Rowdon (1985-95)
     Multi-Positional                    Frank Iker (1985-93)                     Dave Lafleur (1988-99)
     Designated Hitter               Ronnie French (1994-03)                 Kerry Hedden (1986-00)
  Righthanded Starter               Lou Gazzola (1988-05)                   Brian Essery (1997-09)
   Lefthanded Starter               Jason Ermers (2005-08)                  Brady Kramar (1995-01)
       Relief Pitcher                  Graham Bailey (1997-07)                 Dustin Turner (2003-09)

Congratulations to all of the players who were selected to the team, and thanks, once again to everyone who able to make it out to the park on Thursday night, for your introduction.  We plan to put together a page on this website, with pictures and career accomplishments of all the players on this team, sometime after the season.  Until then, click this link to go to the All-Time Metros Statistics and Records pages, for a check on their numbers.


BY THE WAY

We have posted some brand new photos on our "Photo Album" page.  There are a bunch of photos from the 25 Anniversary festivities, from last Thursday.  In addition, we finally found time to post some photos from the Metros 2009 Elimination tourney in London.  Check out these great photos (taken by Debbie Walters), by clicking on "Photo Album" and scrolling toward the bottom.


ON THE FIELD

After playing 5 games in the 5 days between Wednesday and Sunday, the Metros are enjoying a couple of days off, prior to the start of playoffs this coming weekend.  In case you missed it, the Metros secured their 4th consecutive Johnson Division title on Sunday, with a 5-3 win over Burlington.  

St. Catharines plays the second half of a home-and-home with the Brants on Wednesday, and then open up their 2009 C.O.M.B.L. Playoffs on Saturday in Dundas.  The Metros will open up against the Milton Red Sox, in a battle of 3rd and 4th place teams, at 11:00.  A win in that game will put them into a 4:00 Saturday game with either the 2nd place Oakville A's, or the 5th place Etobicoke Rangers.  A loss in either game on Saturday, will send them to Milton on Sunday, to try and win one more game, to make it to the "Final 4" weekend, on August 28th.  Best of luck, Metros.
 

The St. Catharines Metros defeated the Burlington Brants 5-3 on Sunday, and in so doing, clinched the Central Ontario Major Baseball League's Johnson Division title for 2009.  It marked the 4th consecutive Johnson title for the Metros, and 11th in the 21 years the trophy has been awarded.

The game was a make up of an earlier rained out affair, and the Metros and Brants had a 3 hour window of park availability at Community Park, giving them just enough time to play a 7-inning game.  And in the game, young lefty Chris Magarian was the story.  Normally a reliever, Magarian went 6 innings (his longest outing of the season) and held the Brants to 1 unearned run, on 2 hits through 5.  He tired in the 6th, and gave up a 2-run HR to Roger Lambert, before retiring the side.  Eric DeBoer then came in, and finished up.  The final line for Magarian:  6 innings, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 hits, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts.  DeBoer earned the save (his 4th), with a 3-up, 3-down 7th.  Burlington starter, Trevor Woodjets went the distance to take the loss.

The Brants held a 1-0 lead, before St. Catharines tied it in the 3rd.  The Metros then put up a 3-spot in the 5th, and one in the 6th, for their margin of victory.  The big hit was a 2-run double by Steve Baldinelli...the 4th straight hit for the Metros in the 5th inning.  Tim Collins doubled and singled, while Joe Roach added a pair of singles and an RBI.  Rocco Spano and Aaron Butler chipped in with singles, to round out the offense.

The Metros play one more league game on Wednesday night, as they pay a return visit to the Brants...7:30 at Nelson Park.  Then they open their playoffs on Saturday in Dundas, as all 11 teams play 2 weekends of double-knockout baseball to determine the COMBL Playoff champions.  Final seedings and matchups will be announced later in the week.      

The St. Catharines Metros and Brampton Battlecats played 5 hours in the scorching sun on Saturday, and both teams emerged with victories, at Community Park.  St. Catharines won game one 3-2, while the 'Cats came back to win the second game 8-2.  

Game one featured a stellar pitching performance from Ian Horner.  Horner went the distance, throwing just 78 pitches, and allowed 2 unearned runs on just 2 hits.  He walked 2 and struck out 3, to raise his record to 4-2 on the season.  Joe Nonis tossed a complete game as well, taking the loss for Brampton.

The Metros collected 7 hits in the first game, with Justin Czorny and Kevin Benjamin picking up 2 of them, along with an RBI.  Andrew Sorochan picked up a single and an RBI, while Steve Baldinelli singled and stole 2 bases.  Rocco Spano singled, to round out the offence.

In game 2, Brampton broke open a 1-0 game in the 6th with 3 runs, and then added 4 in the 7th, to win going away, by the score of 8-2.  Adam Purohit started for the 'Cats, and went 6 innings for the victory.  Dan Estey started on the mound for St. Catharines, and went 5 1/3 innings in taking the loss.  His record is now 2-3 on the season.  Estey allowed 4 runs (just 2 earned) on 5 hits, walking 1 and striking out 2.  Justin Czorny finished up, and allowed 4 runs (just 1 earned) on 4 hits.  The "guaranteed win night" Metros defense committed 5 errors, on the game.

Allan Hughes collected 3 hits for Brampton, while St. Catharines was only able to muster 4 hits in total.  Jono Marcheterre, Steve Baldinelli, Eric DeBoer, and Estey collected singles, while DeBoer contributed the 2 RBI's.

The split leaves St. Catharines with a record of 17-12 on the season, and a 1 1/2 game lead on Milton for the Johnson Division title.  Brampton remains at the .500 mark with a record of 13-13.  The Metros are right back at it today, as the Burlington Brants come to Community Park for a make up of an earlier rainout.  First pitch is at 2:30.   

On a night when the St. Catharines Metros were celebrating their 25th Anniversary with a gala event prior to the game, the Dundas Chiefs did some celebrating of their own.  They humbled the home team by a 5-1 count at Community Park, last night.  The game started about 25 minutes late, due to the Metros introduction of their 25th Anniversary Team, followed by a salute to long-time Coach and General Manager, Mark Walters.  But the Chiefs, to their credit, stole the thunder and the game with some solid play in all 3 facets of the game...offense, defense, and on the mound.

The winner was Eric Conlon, who started and went 6 2/3 innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits.  Fabio Del Rio retired everyone he faced, to pick up the save.  The losing pitcher was Dustin Turner, who really deserved a better fate.  Turner allowed 4 runs, but only 1 was earned, during his 6 inning stint.  He gave up 5 hits, and 4 walks, while striking out 10.  Eric DeBoer pitched the final 3 innings, giving up a run on 4 hits and a walk.  He struck out 2.

Abe Gagliardi led the Chiefs at the plate, collecting a double, 2 singles and an RBI.  For St. Catharines, Steve Baldinelli was a HR away from the cycle, clubbing a triple, double, and single.  Brad Namtzu added a double and Tim Collins a single, in the Metros' 5-hit effort.

With the win, the Chiefs improve to 10-18 on the season, while the Metros drop to 16-11, and now maintain just a 1 game lead over Milton in their Johnson Division pennant chase.  Things will come to a head this weekend, as St. Catharines plays 3 games...all at Community Park.  On Saturday, the Brampton Battlecats come to town for a doubleheader beginning at noon.  Then on Sunday, the Burlington Brants are here for a make up game from an earlier rainout.  First pitch for that one is 2:30. 

The Oakville A's took a 9-3 lead at the halfway point of the game, and then held off the hard-charging St. Catharines Metros, to win 9-7 at Erindale Cardinal Field, last night.  The A's scored 5 in the 1st and 4 in the 4th, to take their commanding lead...but the Metros scored 2 in the 6th and 2 in the 8th to make a game of it, coming up just short.

Marc Walton went the distance on the hill for Oakville to pick up the "W", surrendering 7 runs on 10 hits.  Dan Estey was victimized for the loss, going just 3 2/3 innings.  He allowed 9 runs (8 earned) on 9 hits, walking 5 and striking out 3.  Chris Magarian, and Ian Horner were very effective in relief for St. Catharines.  Magarian went 2 1/3, and gave up 0 runs and 0 hits.  He walked 1 and struck out 2.  Horner finished up, tossing 2 innings allowing just 1 hit, while striking out 1.

Julian Richards and Conrad Bach had 2 hits and 2 RBI's each, to lead the A's at the plate.  Andrew Sorochan had 3 hits and 2 RBI's for St. Catharines, while Kevin Benjamin picked up 2 RBI singles.  Joe Roach doubled and singled, driving in a run, while Rocco Spano, Steve Baldinelli, and Justin Czorny rounded out the offense with singles.  Jono Marcheterre added 2 RBI's.

The win by the A's, puts the 2 teams in a flat-footed tie for 2nd place overall, in the C.O.M.B.L., with identical records of 16-10.  The Metros maintain their 1 1/2 game lead over Milton, in their pursuit of their 4th straight Johnson Division title.

The Metros, as mentioned numerous times in the past week, will be hosting the Dundas Chiefs, this evening at 7:30...but before the game gets underway, the Metros will be unveiling their 25th Anniversary All-Star team.  Should be a fun night at the park, beginning at about 7:10.  Then after a day off, the Metros play 3 on the weekend, all at Community Park.  The action begins Saturday...a noon-time doubleheader versus the Brampton Battlecats.  And  then on Sunday it will be a 2:30 start, against the Burlington Brants.  The regular season wraps up next week, with the league playoffs beginning on the weekend of August 22. 

The St. Catharines Metros, having been washed out of yesterday's home game against the Dundas Chiefs at Community Park, have just two more days to prepare for a big celebration, being put on by the team.  Thursday night at Community Park, prior to the Metros game against the same Dundas squad, the Metros will unveil their 25th Anniversary All-Star team.  

The Metros are finishing up all the preparations, and have gotten in touch with all of the alumni who have been selected to the team.  About 80% of the former players (all of the ones who are still living in the area) have agreed to make an appearance for the event.  At about 7:10 on Thursday, the team will make their way to the baseline at Community Park and will be announced...along with some of their accomplishments from their playing days, dating back as far as 1985.

We urge all former players, fans, and just those who are interested partaking in a fun and nostalgic evening (as well as some very good baseball) to be there.  That's Community Park, in St. Catharines...Thursday, August 13th...at 7:10 PM.


LOTS GOING ON THESE DAYS

The incredibly busy month of August continues for the St. Catharines Metros.  Prior to the "big night" on Thursday, the Metros travel to Erindale, to play a make up game with the Oakville A's.  Game time for that one, at Cardinal Field (formerly 9th Line Park) is 7:30.  Then, on the weekend, St. Catharines has 3 games scheduled...all at Community Park.  On Saturday, the Brampton Battlecats come to town for a doubleheader.  First pitch is at 12:00 noon.  And then on Sunday, the Burlington Brants are at Community for a single game.  Game time for that one is 2:30...note the unusual start time...2:30 PM.

In case you missed it...we had some big news delivered to us last week.  Metros' veteran pitcher Brian Essery was added to the lineup of the Windsor Stars for their run at a National Senior title, in Dartmouth Nova Scotia, next week.  For all the details, check out the story just below this one...

Here at the website, we've completed a couple of updates for you.  We have a new "Showcase Movie" posted at the bottom of this page.  It's an old Disney cartoon featuring "Goofy", that teaches us the right way to play the game of baseball.  It's a lot of fun.  Just press "Play".

Also, we have updated the C.O.M.B.L. Standings, and our Metros batting and pitching Statistics.  The stats are up to date, as of Saturday, August 8.  Just click on Standings / Stats to view them.

A reminder, once again...Thursday night, at about 7:10 PM, the Metros 25th Anniversary All-Star team is unveiled at Community Park.  Hope to see you there!

The St. Catharines Metros are proud to announce that righthanded pitcher Brian Essery, has been added to the roster of the Windsor Stars, for the 2009 Canadian Senior National Tournament in Dartmouth, N.S.  Essery, a 13-year veteran of the Metros, has won two C.O.M.B.L. Top Pitcher awards, as well as a League M.V.P. trophy, and has set many team and league records during his distinguished career.  But 2009 will mark his first appearance at the National Tournament.

The Stars won the right to represent Ontario at the tournament (which begins on August 20th), after going through the rigorous 2009 Ontario Senior Elimination Tournament with a record of 6-1, defeating the Leaside Leafs twice in the finals.  As the Provincial representatives, the Stars have the right to augment their roster with any players they deem worthy, from across Ontario.  They chose Essery, probably based on his game against the Stars during the "Hap" Walters Tournament, in St. Catharines.  The Metros knocked off the Stars 1-0 in that game, with Essery tossing a complete game 1-hitter.  It's the second straight year that Metros players have been added to an Ontario representative's roster.  Last year, pitchers Dustin Turner, and Jason Ermers went to Brandon, Manitoba, as members of the Ontario 2 team...a designation held by the Oshawa Royals.

Brian (who has a 61-23 all-time record with St. Catharines), is 2-2, with a 2.93 ERA in 46 innings this season.  He will join 2nd baseman / DH, Kenny Rogers of Oshawa, as Ontario representatives who will join the Stars in Dartmouth, next week.  Congratulations, and best of luck Brian!    

The St. Catharines Metros gave it "all they had" on Saturday, but the Milton Red Sox emerged from the day's activities with a doubleheader sweep in Milton.  The scores were 6-4, and 4-2.  The Metros were hit by a series of work assignments, weddings, and vacations, that forced them to juggle their lineup, and play "National League" baseball.  But the team played two solid games, and made the Red Sox work for both wins.

In game 1, the Metros got off to a great start, scoring 3 runs in the top of the 1st.  The Red Sox got one back in the 4th, but St. Catharines answered in the 5th, to reclaim their 3 run lead.  It stayed that way until the bottom of the 6th, when a tiring Brian Essery was victimized by 5 singles, and a grand slam HR by Carlos D'Costa.  Essery had held the Sox to 1 run on 1 hit through 5.  The final line for the veteran righthander: 6 innings, 6 hits, 6 runs, 0 walks, and 5 strikeouts...dropping his record to 2-2 on the season.  Adam Sheerer picked up the win, going the distance.

Offensively, St. Catharines got a towering HR, and a double (for 2 RBI's) from Andrew Sorochan, while Rocco Spano doubled in two more runs.  Brad Namtzu and Dan Estey also doubled, while Kevin Benjamin chipped in with a single.

In game 2, the Metros sent young lefty relief specialist, Chris Magarian to the mound for his 1st start with the team, and he responded with an outstanding performance.  Magarian went 5 innings, and allowed 5 hits and 3 runs, keeping his teammates in the game.  He walked 1, and struck out 3, in taking his 2nd loss of the season.  Brad Namtzu, making a rare mound appearance, allowed the final run (unearned) on 1 hit, in his inning of work.  Adam Ahearn pitched the complete game for the Red Sox, to claim the victory.

Nick Mazzorato homered and singled to lead Milton at the plate, as St. Catharines outhit the Sox 7-6.  Rocco Spano homered for St. Catharines, while Magarian helped his own cause with a pair of singles.  Aaron Butler added an RBI double, while Namtzu, and Andrew Sorochan also chipped in with doubles.  Tim Collins singled, to round out the attack.

The two wins improves Milton's record to 14-12, good for second place in the Johnson Division.  In fact, they narrowed the gap between them and the 1st place Metros to 2 1/2 games, as St. Catharines dropped to 16-9.  And there is not much rest on the horizon for the locals.  They return to Community Park on Monday night, for a 7:30 game against the Dundas Chiefs.  Then, after a Wednesday night game versus the Oakville A's (at Erindale Cardinal Field), they return home on Thursday for another game against the Dundas Chiefs. 

That Thursday will be a special night for the Metros, as they unveil their 25th Anniversary All-Star team, prior to the first pitch.  We'll outline all the festivities, including the 7:15 player introductions, later in the week.  Hope to see everyone there!

The St. Catharines Metros waited until the last possible minute last night, before getting a couple of big hits to score the tying and winning runs, in a 4-3 decision over the Oakville A's, at Community Park.  The Metros' (who were trailing 3-2 entering the final at bats) started with a lead-off walk to Aaron Butler, a sacrifice by Tim Collins, and a groundout by Jonathan Paul, moving Butler to 3rd base.  Then Joe Roach singled to tie the game at 3, before Rocco Spano hit a double into the left-center gap to score Roach all the way from 1st base, with the winning run.  St. Catharines were "full value" for the win, as they outhit Oakville 11-4, but 3 Metros errors led to 2 unearned runs, and 9 stranded baserunners gave the A's the 3-2 lead they enjoyed going into the 9th.

The game featured a real pitching duel between the A's Gord Robertson, and the Metros' Steve Baldinelli.  Baldinelli, was brilliant for St. Catharines, going 7 2/3 innings and allowing 3 runs (just 1 earned) on 3 hits.  He walked 4 and struck out 8.  Ian Horner came in and pitched out a bases-loaded jam in the 8th, to earn the win.  Horner went 1 1/3 innings and allowed 1 hit, while striking out 2.  The Oakville's Robertson went 8 innings, and allowed 2 runs on 9 hits, before being relieved by Andrew Kotulak.  Kotulak took the loss, allowing the two 9th-inning runs, on 2 hits.

Spano added a single to go with his game-winning double, to lead St. Catharines at the plate, while Justin Czorny added a pair of singles, fo his 6th straight multiple hit game.  Jonathan Paul added an RBI triple, while Tim Collins chipped in with a double and an RBI.  Aaron Butler also doubled, while Andrew Sorochan, Brad Namtzu, and Kevin Benjamin added singles.  Every player in the Metros lineup had at least 1 hit.

The win puts the Metros' record at 16-7, moving them 4 full games ahead of the Milton Red Sox' mark of 12-11 in the Johnson Division, while the A's drop to 14-9 on the season.  And speaking of the Red Sox, they are the next opponent for St. Catharines, as the Metros travel to Milton for a doubleheader on Saturday.  They then return home on Monday, for a makeup game with the Dundas Chiefs.  Game time at Community Park, is 7:30. 

By the way, next Thursday, the Metros have a big night planned at the "yard", as they will unveil their 25th Anniversary All-Star team.  Many of the former players, who made the team, will be in attendence, as the team recognizes their excellent contribution over the 25-year history of the club.  That's next Thursday, prior to their game against Dundas, at Community Park.  Festivities get underway at about 7:15.

The St. Catharines Metros returned to the rigors of the Central Ontario Major Baseball League in fine style, last night at Community Park, as they dumped the league-leading Erindale Cardinals 8-1.  The Metros caught Erindale in a "post-elimination tourney hangover", but were full measure for the win, as they outhit the Cards 7-4, played errorless baseball, and took advantage of 15 walks issued by the visitors.  The win results in a 4-0 sweep by the Metros over Erindale, on the season.

Dan Estey was brilliant on the mound for St. Catharines.  The righthander was the first Metros pitcher to go the 9-inning distance this season, and was not scored on until the top of the 9th, when he allowed 2 of the 4 hits against him.  His final line: 9 innings 4 hits, 1 run, 5 walks and 7 strikeouts...to improve to 2-1 on the season.  The loser was starter, Jay Woodford for Erindale.

St. Catharines scored 6 runs in the 1st inning, as they took advantage of 7 walks, and collected 3 singles.  It stayed that way until the 6th, when they added 2 more, as they combined a well-timed single with 4 walks.  Justin Czorny continued his red-hot hitting, as he collected a double and a single to drive in 2 Metros' runs.  Andrew Sorochan had 2 hits and 2 RBI's, while Steve Baldinelli added an RBI single.  Brad Namtzu and Jonathan Paul collected singles while Jono Marcheterre and Paul chipped in with RBI's.

St. Catharines improves to 15-7 on the season, while Erindale drops to 20-8, leaving a 2-game gap between the 1st and 2nd place teams, in the overall C.O.M.B.L. standings.  The Metros still hold their 3 1/2 game lead in the Johnson Division, over the Milton Red Sox.  Their is no rest on the horizon for the locals, as they are right back in action tonight.  The Oakville A's come to town for a 7:30 game at Community Park.  The team then hits the road for a doubleheader on Saturday, when they travel to Milton, to take on the Red Sox.  First pitch is 12 noon, in that one.    

Going into the event as one of the pre-tournament favourites, the St. Catharines Metros failed to win even one game, at the 2009 Ontario Senior Elimination Tournament in London, Ontario.  The Metros were shocked by the Martingove White Sox 9-3 in game 1 on Friday night, before dropping a tough 4-2 decision on Saturday morning to the Oshawa Royals.

In game 1, the Metros did not have any facet of their game working...as the pitching staff allowed 9 runs (7 earned), the defense committed 2 errors (leading to 2 unearned runs), and the offense collected just 7 scattered hits.  The White Sox, who were "full value" for the win, scored 4 in the 1st, and 2 in the 2nd to make it 6-0, before the Metros scored 3 times in the 4th, to narrow the gap to 3.  But Martingrove scored another in the bottom of the 4th, and 2 more in the 5th to salt the game away.

T.J. Tavender, in his first off-colour start of the season, suffered the loss on the mound for St. Catharines.  He went just 1 2/3 innings, and allowed 6 runs (4 earned), on 4 hits, and 4 walks.  He struck out 2.  Ian Horner followed, and pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 2.  Dan Estey finished up, going 1 2/3, and allowed 1 hit and 1 walk...striking out 1.  Ryan Donnely got the win for the White Sox.

At the plate, the Metros were led by Steve Baldinelli and Justin Czorny.  "Baldi" drove in all 3 Metros runs with a 3-run HR, while adding a single to his totals.  Czorny doubled and singled, while Joe Roach, Tim Collins, and Brad Namtzu rounded out the offense with a single each.  Steve Correia tripled and singled to lead Martingrove.

At 0-1, and facing a "do or die" situation, the Metros found themselves up against the powerful Oshawa Royals (who had lost their 1st-round game to Leaside) in game 2.  St. Catharines sent Dustin Turner to the mound and Dustin responded with a great start.  In fact, the Metros led the game 2-0 going into the bottom of the 6th.  But Oshawa combined an RBI single with 3 walks, a hit batter, and an error, to score 4 times...and steal the game 4-2.

Turner was tagged with the loss, going 5 2/3 innings.  He was charged with the 4 runs (3 earned), on just 3 hits.  He walked 4 and struck out 5.  Eric DeBoer tossed the final 1 1/3 innings, allowing 0 runs, 0 hits, and 1 walk, while striking out 1.  Jordan Prosper pitched the complete game for Oshawa, to pick up the win.

The Metros were only able to muster 5 hits in this one, and once again, it was Steve Baldinelli and Justin Czorny leading the way.  Baldinelli collected his 2nd home run of the weekend (a 2-run shot) and a single, to account for all the Metros runs.  Czorny meanwhile, had two more hits (to give him 4 in the two games).  Brad Namtzu added a single.  

The tournament final came down to the defending champion Windsor Stars (who had lost 1 game) and the Leaside Leafs (who went into the final undefeated).  Having to win twice, the Stars did just that...1-0 in the first game, and 6-1 in the Championship.  It was the Stars' 3rd Elimination title in the last 4 seasons.

For the Metros, the next two weeks will be busy ones, as they have 11 games scheduled.  The insanity begins on Wednesday evening in St. Catharines, with the Erindale Cardinals coming to town.  Then on Thursday, the Oakville A's pay a visit to Community Park - before St. Catharines travels to Milton on Saturday for a doubleheader.  Those two home games, as usual, will begin at 7:30.