The Niagara Metros have one last practice this evening (Thursday 6:00) and then it's off to London for the 2010 Ontario Senior "A" Elimination Championships.  This year's event is unprecedented, as there are 26 teams vying to become Ontario Champions, and represent the province at Senior Nationals in Nova Scotia, in August.  This year the task to advance is even harder than in past marathons, as the team that wins must be victorious in a minimum of 8 games.

The Metros have their work cut out for them right off the hop, as they meet the defending two-time Ontario Champions, the Windsor Stars, in Game 1.  The game will take place at Emslie Field in St. Thomas, Friday night at 8:00.  The Stars have represented Ontario at Nationals four of the past five years, and are loaded with pitching, making them the number 1 ranked team going into the tournament.  The Metros also have a lot of pitching, but are ranked 10th (out of 26), probably based on their past record at the event.  The Metros have never won the tourney, and haven't made the semi-finals since 2003. 

They are confident that they can compete this year, however, and plan to ride their strong pitching (including Game 1 starter Dustin Turner), and a young but talented offense as far as they can.  The Metros will take on either Strathroy or Peterborough in Game 2 (two teams that the Metros have never played) on Saturday morning, at Norm Aldridge Field in London.  After that it's a crap-shoot, but one thing is certain...the Niagara club is playing good ball right now, and will give it their best on the weekend.  Best of luck, guys.

For all of the up-to-date Elimination Tourney scores, as well as Park Directions, and Hotel Information, click this link!


METROMANIA, AND WEBSITE UPDATES

In all of the Elimination Tourney, and busy Metros league play, we overlooked the recent Metromania Summer Bash.  As an annual highlight to the season, Manager Kerry Hedden and his wife Sandi, open up their home and invite the team over for a blowout prior to the Elims.  This year's event was last Saturday, and once again, it was top-notch!  Although being a little more sedate (in terms of attendance), it was nonetheless, a great night.  The highlight was Dustin Turner winning his 4th straight Belly-Flop Championship, defeating eager but unequipped competitors Andrew Sorochan, Evan Baglieri, and Matt Spillman.  Thanks to all 4 guys for a great show.  By the way, we posted a few pictures from the event on our website.  Just click "Photo Album" and scroll to the bottom.

We also updated our season statistics recently.  Our Batting, Fielding and Pitching stats now include all games played to July 26th (the two tournaments, as well as our 23 league games to this point).  Just click on "Standings / Stats" and find the links towards the bottom of the page.

The annual Johnson Division - Andrews Division C.O.M.B.L. All-Star game took place this past Sunday, as well.  The Andrews Division (the other guys) emerged with a 10-3 verdict in the 2010 classic.  Metros Joe Roach, Matt Spillman, Evan Baglieri, T.J. Tavender, and Dave Davidson all played very well, with Roach collecting an RBI double in the game, as well as finishing in a tie for 2nd in the HR derby (won by Erindale's Kevin Treichel).  In addition Tavender tossed a scoreless, hitless inning out of the Johnson Division bullpen.  It was a great day, for all of the participants...and the Johnson coaching staff (Kerry Hedden, Mark Walters, and George Moore) want to, once again, thank all of the players (from all of the teams) who took time out of their Sunday to attend.  It's very much appreciated!  

Finally, following the Elimination weekend, we are into August, and the "home stretch" of our season.  But there is still lots of ball to play, including our five remaining league games.  That will be followed by our C.O.M.B.L. Playoffs, beginning the weekend of August 20th, and wrapping up on August 29th.  First up on the schedule, the Metros take on the Mississauga Twins next Thursday, August 5th...7:30 at Community Park.  Then two days later, on Saturday August 7th, the Twins make a return visit to Community, to make up a potponed game from July 8th.  The special starting time for that one is 2:30...that's 2:30 Saturday afternoon, at Community Park.  Hope to see you there.   

Rookie Evan Baglieri hit a 7th inning Grand Slam HR, and Matt Spillman made 4 unbelievable plays at SS, to lead the Niagara Metros past the Oakville A's 7-5 last night in Oakville.  The Metros held a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the 6th, but Oakville put up 4 runs to take a 5-2 lead.  However in the 7th, after Niagara had 2 out and nobody on base, they combined an A's error with 3 walks before Baglieri's bomb...giving them a 7-5 lead they would not relinquish.  Oakville outhit Niagara 11-7, but the Metros took advantage of 3 A's errors, and used Spillman's remarkable play at SS to save at least 3 runs.

In an effort to save pitching for this weekend's Elimination Tournament in London, the Metros used 6 pitchers in the game...all relievers.  And they responded with an outstanding effort in keeping the hard-hitting A's off balance.  Chris Magarian started and went 2 innings, allowing a run on 4 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 2.  Brandon Beattie went 2 innings as well, and he gave up no runs and just 1 hit with 2 K's.  Paul Somerville, in his best outing of the season, struck out the side in the 5th, before giving way to Chris Pickles, who picked up the win.  Pickles, however, was nicked for 4 runs on 5 hits, while striking out 1.  Jonathan Paul pitched the 7th and 8th innings, and allowed no runs, 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 2.  Finally Dave Davidson pitched the 9th inning and allowed no runs or hits while striking out 2, for his 5th save of the season.

Offensively, Baglieri added a single to his Grand Slam, for a 2-hit and 4 RBI night.  The Grand Slam was Niagara's third of the season, (Dave Davidson and Dan Proctor have the others), breaking their All-time team record of 2, set in 2000.  Davidson hit a pair of doubles for the Metros, while Joe Roach singled, drew 2 walks, stole a base, scored 2 runs, and drove in another.  Dustin Wiley had a single and an RBI, while Tim Collins added a single and Mike Czerwieniec chipped in with an RBI.  Jeff Jarockis singled and homered for Oakville.

With the win, the Metros improve to 13-10 on the season, good for 2nd place in the Johnson Division, while Oakville drops to 13-7-1, maintaining a half-game lead in the Andrews Division.  Next up for Niagara is a practice this Thursday night, in preparation for the Elims on Friday.  We'll be posting a pre-tourney report right here, later in the week.    

The Niagara Metros and Erindale Cardinals put on a great exhibition of baseball last night at Community Park, as the Metros emerged with a 5-2 victory.  The two teams combined for just 1 error, and the pitching was outstanding...with the two teams allowing just 4 walks in the 2 hour and 20 minute game.  Niagara took a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning, before the Cardinals tied it in the 4th.  It stayed that way until the 7th, when the Metros scored a run to take a 2-1 lead, before adding 3 8th-inning runs.

The winning pitcher was T.J. Tavender who improved to 2-1, in relief of starter Dustin Turner.  Between them, they allowed just 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10.  Tavender completed a 3-inning relief stint, as he allowed 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 6.  Turner tossed the first 6 innings, and allowed one run on 2 hits.  He walked 1 and struck out 4.  Dan Estey took a tough loss, as he went the distance for Erindale.

The Metros' 18 year-old SS Matt Spillman had a highlight reel game, making 6 flawless plays in the field, and adding 4 hits (in 4 AB's), a walk, a run and 2 stolen bases.  Dave Davidson added a double and 2 singles, while Jonathan Paul collected 3 singles and an RBI.  Tim Collins had a pair of hits and an RBI, while Steve Baldinelli added an RBI single.  Andrew Sorochan singled, while Jono Marcheterre and Joe Roach contributed RBI Sac Flys.  Jay Woodford had an RBI single for the Cardinals.

The win improves Niagara's mark to 12-10 on the season, while Erindale drops to 9-12-1.  As mentioned in an earlier report, the C.O.M.B.L. All-Star game takes place in Burlington on Sunday, and then Niagara travels to Oakville on Monday, to take on the A's in their final tune-up prior to the Elimination Tourney in London on the long weekend.  More on that, next week.     

The Glanbrook Grizzlies came into Community Park last night, and came from behind to knock off the homestanding Niagara Metros by the score of 10-6.  The win gives Glanbrook a 4-0 season sweep of Niagara over the 2010 regular year.  Niagara carried a 4-2 lead into the 6th inning, but control problems in the Metros bullpen, combined with some badly-timed fielding miscues led to 8 Grizz runs over the last 4 innings.

Metros starter Jason Ermers pitched very well in his first game back after taking a month off with an injury.  He pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits.  He walked 4 and struck out 6 in picking up the "no decision".  Steve Baldinelli came in next, and as mentioned, he had trouble finding the zone.  Baldi went 1 1/3 innings and took the loss, allowing 4 runs on just 1 hit, but 4 walks led to his downfall.  Chris Magarian relieved him, and allowed his first earned run of the season.  In his 1 2/3 innings, Chris allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walking 0 and striking out 1.  Paul Somerville pitched the 9th, and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 1.

Offensively, the Metros collected 8 hits with Joe Roach and Geoff Strong leading the way.  Both men doubled and singled.  Dave Davidson hit a 2-run double, while Andrew Sorochan also drove in 2 runs with a single.  Tim Collins collected the other 2 RBI's with a single and a Sac Fly, while Matt Spillman added a single to the totals.  Mike Grilli had a 2-run single for the Grizz.

With the win, the Johnson Division leading Grizzlies improve to 14-6 on the season, while the second place Metros drop to 11-10, 3 1/2 games back.  Next up for Niagara is another home game this evening at Community Park, as the Erindale Cardinals come to town for a 7:30 start. 

On Sunday, The Central Ontario Major Baseball League will play it's annual Johnson Division versus Andrews Division All Star game.  The game will be played at Burlington's Nelson Park and will begin at 12:00 noon with a HR derby, before the game at 1:00.  Niagara will be represented by 5 well-deserving All-Stars...Catcher Evan Baglieri, OF Joe Roach, Inf. Matt Spillman, and Pitchers Dustin Turner and T.J. Tavender.  Congrats, guys.   

This past weekend, the Lakeside Lizards (hosts of the 2010 Senior Elimination Tournament) got approval of their tentative schedule for this year's Ontario "A" Championship Tournament.  As you know, the event takes place at 5 different locations in and around London, and will be held next weekend...July 30 to August 2nd.  We have the schedule and all of the information to pass on to you.

The 26-team event begins at 2:30 on Friday afternoon at the 5 venues (Emslie Field in St. Thomas; Pulham Field, formerly L.D.B.A. Park in London; the Byron Rec complex, in Byron; Norm Aldridge Park, in London; and Labatt Park, in London).  Games will continue throughout the weekend at these 5 parks, until the tourney wraps up on Monday afternoon, with the Championship final.  

The Metros will play their first game against the Windsor Stars at 8:00 P.M. Friday evening in St. Thomas..at Emslie Field.  The second game would be either 9:00 AM at Norm Aldridge Park (in the event of a first game loss), or 11:30 at Aldridge (with a first game win).  In either case they would play the winner or loser of the Peterborough - Strathroy matchup.  We also know that there would be a second game on Saturday, should they win one of the first two games...although there are 3 different starting time scenarios possible, for the 2nd Saturday game.

The host Lakeside club has set up a "2010 Elimination Tournament Website" with all of the pertinent information already posted.  On the front page you'll find the entire schedule, and a "Location" link with maps and directions to all of the parks being used in the tourney.  The link to this website is: 
http://www.eteamz.com/senioroba2010/ .



OTHER STUFF...

The Metros, after getting a few days off, get back at it with a stretch of 3 games in 5 days, beginning tomorrow night.  The Glanbrook Grizzlies will be at Community Park, to supply the opposition for the Metros' regular Thursday night home game.  Then on Friday, the Erindale Cardinals come to town for the makeup of an earlier rained out game at Community.  First pitch for both games is 7:30.  Niagara wraps up the stretch with a Monday night road game against the A's in Oakville.

The C.O.M.B.L. All-Star game is also this weekend!  The annual Johnson Division versus Andrews Division affair is scheduled to take place at Burlington's Nelson Park.  The festivities include a HR derby beginning at noon, followed by the game itself at 1:00 PM.  The Metros coaching staff of manager Kerry Hedden and Mark Walters will be in charge of the Johnson Division club, based on the Metros' 2009 Divsion title.  The team will also be sending 4 players to the game, but are not yet ready to announce who those players are.  Stay tuned!

What else can you cram into a single weekend?  How about the Metros' annual summer blowout...Metromania 2010!  Manager Kerry Hedden and his wife Sandi have, once again, opened up their house for the summer event.  The highlight as always, is the 2010 Belly Flop competition, and will answer the question "Can anybody knock off Dustin Turner for the crown"?  The "less than plump" Turner has won three straight titles, but with the advent of 11 new players on the Metros club this season, surely someone will be able to take the crown away...

Finally, we wrap up by telling you that we have a new "Baseball Film Feature" on the website.  It is a special "David Letterman Top 10" that appearned on the CBS network show in early June, and it features 21 year-old pitching pheenom, Stephen Strasburg.  The topic?  The Top 10 things you didn't know about Stephen Strasburg...  It's great stuff.  Just scroll to the bottom of the page, and press "play". 

The Niagara Metros went to Mississauga this past weekend to participate in the 2010 "Hap" Walters Invitational Tournament, and over the course of the event they played 20 very good innings of baseball.  But when you play at the "A" level, you need to play 21 very good innings to advance.  The Metros made 2 errors (of only 3 committed during the tournament) and botched a rundown play in the 3rd inning of their game versus the Oshawa Royals...handing the Royals 4 unearned runs and a 4-3 victory.  The Royals ended up with a 3-0 record as a result, and the Metros were on the outside looking in, at 2-1.

The tourney started well for Niagara as they earned a 2-1 victory over leaguemates, the Brampton Battlecats.  Dustin Turner was in total control in earning the victory on the mound, tossing 4 2/3 perfect innings en route to a 6 inning two-hitter.  Turner gave up the 1 earned run, after allowing the two hits, and 2 walks, while striking out 8.  Chris Magarian allowed one walk in his inning of work, to pick up the save.

Niagara managed 6 hits, with Mike Czerwieniec leading the way collecting a pair of singles, a stolen base, and a run.  Dave Davidson added a double, while singles went to Matt Spillman, Joe Roach, and Jono Marcheterre.  Roach and Evan Baglieri pick up the RBI's.

In the fateful Game 2 versus Oshawa, Niagara scored a run in each of the first 3 innings to carry a 3-0 advantage before the nightmare bottom of the 3rd led to a 4-3 Oshawa win.  The game was marred by 3 separate rain delays, making it very tough on the players of both teams to remain focused...and it eventually forced Metros' starting pitcher Mike Czerwieniec from the game.  Czerwieniec was the hard-luck loser, after allowing 4 runs (all unearned), and 5 hits, over his 4 innings of work.  He walked none and struck out 6.  T.J. Tavender kept the Metros close with 2 perfect innings of relief, striking out 1.

Niagara collected 8 hits in this one, with Evan Baglieri accounting for 2 of them along with an RBI.  Dustin Wiley hit an RBI double, while Joe Roach added another double to the totals.  Matt Spillman, Dave Davidson, Geoff Strong, and Jonathan Paul added singles, while Garrett Fisher drove in a run with a Sac Fly.

Having split their first 2 games, Niagara were aware that Oshawa had won the right to advance to the Playoff round of the tourney, making their third game, versus the Whitby Canadians, academic.  But the Metros finished the tourney with an excellent performance, downing the Canadians 2-0.

Metros' starting pitcher Geoff Strong gave the club 5 very good innings, allowing no runs and just 2 hits.  He walked 3 and struck out 3.  Chris Magarian earned the win, on the strength of a 1 walk 6th inning, before Dave Davidson pitched the 7th, and struck out the side, to earn the save.

Evan Baglieri hit a long home run to lead the Metros' 6-hit attack, while Dustin Wiley, Mike Czerwieniec, Matt Spillman, Joe Roach, and Jono Marcheterre all added singles.  Steve Baldinelli walked twice and stole a base. 

The tournament wrapped up on Sunday afternoon.  After Division winners Oshawa knocked off the Erindale Cardinals 8-0 in one semi-final, and the Windsor Stars defeated Markham 10-1 in the other, the Royals and Stars played an outstanding Championship game.  Oshawa led 2-0 after the first, but Windsor came back and opened up a 5-2 lead after 6.  Undaunted, the Royals scored 2 runs in the 7th, and left the tying and winning runs on base, when the final out was recorded.  The Stars, with their 5-4 victory, became the first 2-time winners of the Hap Walters Tourney, in it's 8 year history. 

As for the Metros, they get a few days rest before getting back at it on Thursday night, when the Glanbrook Grizzlies come to town for a 7:30 game at Community Park.  Then, they return to Community on Friday night, as the Erindale Cardinals come to Niagara for the make up of an earlier rained out game.  As always, the first pitch for that one is 7:30. 

The Niagara Metros are making the drive to the other side of the lake this weekend, as the 2010 HAP Walters Tournament gets underway in Mississauga.  As you'll recall, this tournament was the "crown jewel" of the Metros seasons in past years, as they hosted the tournament for the first 7 years of it's existence.  However, an unfortunate series of events led to their loss of Alex MacKenzie Park for the 2010 event, and with only 2 remaining parks available, it was impossible to run a tournament in St. Catharines.

However, Greg Cranker of the Erindale Cardinals (along with other members of the C.O.M.B.L. board of directors) felt the tournament was too important to not continue.  So, he and the board picked up the "baton" and ran with it, using the two parks at 9th Line, Clarkson Park, and Etobicoke's Connorvale Park as the sites for this year's event.  The South diamond at 9th Line, better known as Erindale Cardinal Field will be the tournament headquarters.  C.O.M.B.L. rep David Huctwith will act as convenor for the tourney.

The tournament promises to be very well played and hotly contested, with 16 of the best Senior teams from across the province competing.  The Metros find themselves in the "Dave Dash Division" competing against the Brampton Battlecats (COMBL), Whitby Canadians (GTBL), and Oshawa Royals (GTBL).  Niagara will face the Battlecats (6-12 in league play) tonight at 6:00 at Clarkson Park.  Then tomorrow, they'll return to Clarkson to take on the 2007 Ontario Champion Oshawa (10-7-1) club at 12:30, before completing the doubleheader at 3:00, versus (9-13) Whitby.  The Metros (at 11-9 in league play) are starting Dustin Turner in game 1 versus Brampton.

The rest of the divisions (with the club's current league record)look like this:

Ray Pomfret Division: Milton Red Sox, COMBL (6-9-1); Oakville A's, COMBL (11-5-1); Newmarket Hawks, GTBL (13-6); and Windsor Stars, Can-Am (18-10). 

Barrie Salt Division: Burlington Brants, COMBL (7-13); Erindale Cardinals, COMBL (8-10-1); Lakeside Lizards, SWBL (11-5); Peterborough RiverDogs, EOBA (9-3).

Bill Graham Division: Etobicoke Rangers, COMBL (8-10); Leaside Leafs, GTBL (11-5-3); Markham Pioneers, EOBA (14-10); Windsor Athletics, Can-Am (7-20).

As you can see, the tourney should be a great test for every team and should be wide open.  Each division winner (after the round-robin) will compete on Sunday at the 9th Line complex.  The two semi-finals will go simultaneously at 11:00, with the final scheduled for 2:00. 

Good luck, Niagara!


METROS' STATISTICS UPDATED TO JULY 13TH

By the way, we have done another update to the Metros statistics.  This one brings us right up to date, entering the Hap Walters.  Just click on "Standings / Stats" and scroll to the bottom of the page, where you'll find the links. 

The Niagara Metros came close to tying two long-standing offensive records at Erindale Cardinal Field last night, as they hammered the Milton Red Sox 22-3.  The 22 runs was one short of their all-time mark of 23 (set in 1986), while their 24 hits was one shy of the all-time record of 25 (set in 1997).  The Metros also collected 7 extra-base hits including 3 HR's...2 from the bat of Joe Roach.

In an effort to preserve pitching for this weekend's "Hap" Walters Tourney, the Metros used three pitchers in the 7-inning mercy shortened contest.  Dustin Turner made his first start since June 17th (after dealing with minor medical issues) and responded with a nice outing.  He went 3 innings and allowed 1 run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3.  Chris Magarian followed Turner to the mound and picked up the win.  In his 2 innings, Magarian allowed 1 unearned run on 3 hits.  He walked none and struck out 2.  T.J. Tavender finished up, going the final 2 innings.  He allowed an unearned run on 2 hits, walking none and striking out 1.  Scott McTrach, the first of 4 Milton hurlers, took the loss.

As mentioned, Joe Roach had a big night at the plate for Niagara with a pair of HR's and a double for 5 RBI's.  Dustin Wiley doubled and singled 3 times adding 4 RBI's, while Mike Czerwieniec collected 4 singles and 5 RBI's.  Dan Proctor clubbed a Grand Slam HR and a single, while Matt Spillman collected 3 singles and an RBI.  Dave Davidson doubled and singled for an RBI, Jonathan Paul collected a pair of singles and an RBI, and Garrett Fisher added an RBI double.  Chris Pickles, Andrew Sorochan, and Jono Marcheterre rounded out the offense with a single each.  Sean Mathe doubled and singled for Milton.

The Metros, with the win, move to 11-9 on the season, putting them to within 3 games of the 1st place Glanbrook Grizzlies in the Johnson Division.  Milton drops to 6-9-1.  As mentioned, next up for the Metros is the prestigious "Hap" Walters Tournament on the weekend.  This year (after 7 seasons of hosting the tourney in St. Catharines) it moves to Mississauga and Etobicoke, and with 16 of the best Senior "A" teams in Ontario, it promises to provide a great weekend of baseball.  Niagara is entered in the "Dave Dash Division" and will meet Brampton, Oshawa, and Whitby in their 3-game round-robin.  Check back on Friday for a look at the tournament in more detail.    

It was another busy Sunday for the Niagara Metros, as the locals went into Etobicoke for their annual doubleheader in the "Big Smoke".  And when the dust had settled they came out of the day with a split, winning the first game 6-0, before dropping a 6-4 decision in the night cap.

The first game was the "Geoff Strong Show", as the young righthander went the distance, on a 4-hit shutout.  It was his second complete game shutout on the season.  Strong was in total control for most of the game, although he did have to pitch out of a bases loaded jam in the 2nd inning, to preserve the "zero".  As mentioned he allowed just 4 hits, while walking 4 and striking out 5, en route to winning his 4th game of the year.  The 22-year-old also aided his own cause, collecting a double and a single at the plate.

In addition to Strong's heroics, Dan Proctor and Evan Baglieri also doubled and singled with Proctor adding 2 RBI's and "Bags" adding one.  Joe Roach collected a pair of singles and an RBI, while Dave Davidson hit his team-leading 3rd HR, a 2-run shot in the 3rd inning.  Jono Marcheterre and Andrew Sorochan rounded out Niagara's 10-hit attack.

Game 2 turned out to be a strange affair, as the skies filled with thunder, lightning and rain, forcing a 55 minute rain delay in the 3rd inning, with the Metros leading 1-0.  After the storm cleared out the game continued, but both starters, Kevin Breitner for Etobicoke and Mike Czerwieniec for Niagara were done.  Czerwieniec had been cruising along with a 3-hit shutout until the rains came. 

Then the Metros lost another pitcher when reliever Chris Magarian (who hadn't allowed a baserunner) came up with an arm injury, and was forced from the game after pitching an inning.  Enter rookie lefty Paul Somerville, and the wheels came off the Metros' wagon.  Somerville took the loss, tossing 2 1/3 innings and allowing all 6 runs (4 earned) on 3 hits and 4 walks.  Brandon Beattie closed out the game allowing a hit and a walk in his inning of work.  

The Metros, despite all of the setbacks, made a game of it in the 7th inning.  After trailing 6-1 after 6, the team rallied for 3 runs against Rangers' closer Mark Eccleton, leaving the tying runs on base.  Evan Baglieri led the way with a pair of hits and an RBI while Dan Proctor added a 2-run double.  Joe Roach, Brandon Beattie and Andrew Sorochan added the other hits, with Geoff Strong picking up an RBI.  A.J. Iafrate doubled and singled for the Rangers.

The spilt leaves the Metros record at 10-9 good for second place in the Johnson Division, 3 games back of the Glanbrook Grizzlies.  The Rangers move to 7-10, and remain in 4th place in the Andrews Division of the C.O.M.B.L.  Niagara gets right back on the QEW again on Tuesday, as they travel to Mississauga's Erindale Cardinal Field, to take on the Milton Red Sox, in a make up game from a rainout in May.  There will be no regular Thursday night home game this week, as the Metros will be practising in preparation for the "Hap" Walters Memorial Tourney taking place on the weekend.  More information on that, later in the week.   

The Niagara Metros went into Connorvale Park on Sunday, and came out with a doubleheader spilt, with the Etobicoke Rangers.  The Metros won game 1, behind Geoff Strong, 6-0...before losing in game 2 by a score of 6-4.  Unfortunately, we are unable to give you all the details of the two games at this time, but will have everything posted on this site by Tuesday.  Please check back then.  Thank you.

The Mississauga Twins have asked the Niagara Metros for a postponement of tonight's (July 8) game at Community Park, due to a serious sudden illness involving someone close to the team.  Without going into too much detail, the Twins would not be able to put a team on the field for this evening, and have asked for the postponement...and the Metros granted this request.  Long story short, there is no game tonight at Community Park.  We'll let you know when the makeup date is set.

In the meantime, the Metros will use the park time for a practice, in preparation for their 7-inning doubleheader on Sunday in Etobicoke.  Game time of the first pitch at Connorvale Park is noon.


OTHER WEBSITE UPDATES

While we've got you, we might as well let you know about the website updates at metrosbaseball.ca.  First of all, we have posted a new Baseball Feature Film, at the bottom of this home page.  It is a hillarious 5 minute clip featuring the Seattle Mariners award-winning Promotional commercials...and the blooper package that was assembled while the team was producing them.  The commercials are very clever, and the bloopers are priceless.  Just scroll to the bottom of this page and press "Play".

Also, we've posted some new pictures from our recent mid-season games, on our "Photo Album".  We have a little montage featuring Mike Czerwieniec, and his step-by-step approach to pitching entitled "Pitching 101".  We've also added a few new action shots from our games against Burlington, and Brampton from earlier in the week.  Just click on "Photo Album" and scroll to the bottom.

Talk to you after the doubleheader in Etobicoke...until then have a good weekend. 

Over one of the hottest stretches of days in a long time, the Niagara Metros found themselves playing 3 times...and after dropping a day-night doubleheader on Sunday, they managed to pick up a much-needed win on Monday evening in St. Catharines.  The Metros clubbed the Brampton Battlecats 15-7 at Community Park, after dropping a 12-7 decision to the Burlington Brants, and a 7-5 verdict to the Glanbrook Grizzlies, on the road, Sunday.

In Monday's victory, Niagara pounded out a season-high 19 hits, en route to their win over Brampton.  Joe Roach, Dave Davidson, and Tim Collins led the way, collecting 4 hits each.  Roach clubbed a HR and 3 singles for 3 RBI's, while Davidson and Collins hit a double and 3 singles, for 3 RBI's each.  Mike Czerwieniec had a nice night as well, collecting a double, single, 2 walks and 3 RBI's.  Evan Baglieri had a pair of singles and 4 runs scored, while Jono Marcheterre and Steve Baldinelli added an RBI single each.  Dan Proctor singled to round out the attack.  Vic Speciale led Brampton with a triple and 2 singles.

Geoff Strong bent, but didn't break in picking up his 3rd win of the season for Niagara on the mound.  After getting nicked for 4 runs and 7 hits in the first two innings, the young righthander settled down and pitched fine ball, going 7 innings.  All told, he allowed 6 runs on 9 hits, while walking 3 and striking out 7.  Paul Somerville tossed the final two innings, allowing an unearned run on 2 hits.  He walked none and struck out 2.  Joe Nonis, the 2nd of 4 Battlecats pitchers, took the loss.

On Sunday, the Metros found themselves in Burlington without a regular starting pitcher (due to injuries and holidays).  So, the team pressed three seldom-used youngsters into service on the mound.  All three accorded themselves well, giving the team a chance to win...but in the end the Brants emerged with a 12-7 victory.  Dan Proctor started and went 3 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 3 hits while walking 5 and striking out 7.  Lefty Brandon Beattie made his first appearance of the season following Proctor, and ended up taking the loss.  He went 3 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 3.  Chris Pickles finished up and went 2 innings, giving up 4 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits...walking 1 and striking out 2.  Niagara made just 2 errors in the game, but they came at very inopportune times, leading to 4 unearned Brants runs.

Offensively, the Metros' 13-hit attack was led by Andrew Sorochan, who homered, doubled, and singled, driving in a pair of runs.  Garret Fisher doubled and singled for 2 RBI's, while Joe Roach and Jonathan Paul added a pair of singles each.  Dustin Wiley added a 2-run HR, and Jono Marcheterre, Evan Baglieri, and Tim Collins all singled.  The big Burlington hit was a 3-run homer by John Amendola.

The Sunday evening game in Hamilton, saw the Metros take a 4-1 6th-inning lead, only to have Glanbrook score 6 runs in the bottom half of the inning, to seal the game 7-5.  And once again, Niagara's defense let them down in the fateful 6th, as they committed 2 errors that led to 4 unearned Grizzlies' runs.  Despite that, the Metros managed to load the bases with nobody out in the 9th inning, but were unable to score after a terriffic relief performance by Mike Grilli to nail down the Grizz win.

T.J. Tavender took a tough loss on the mound for Niagara, as he was victimized by some shoddy defense...but created some headaches of his own by walking 4 in his 6 innings of work.  He allowed 9 hits and 7 runs (3 earned), while striking out 5.  Jonathan Paul pitched very effectively in relief, working 3 innings, and allowing no runs and just 1 hit.  He walked 2 and struck out 5.  Andrew Page picked up the win for Glanbrook.

Niagara's 8-hit attack was led by Steve Baldinelli in this one, as "Baldi" homered and doubled to drive in a pair of runs.  Evan Baglieri hit a triple, and Mike Czerwieniec added a double.  Chris Pickles, Tim Collins and Dustin Wiley all added singles, with Pickles and Collins picking up RBI's.  Kevin Walsh collected a double and 2 singles for the Grizzlies.

So, after the dust settled from the whirlwind 3 games, Niagara finds itself with a record of 9-8 in C.O.M.B.L. action.  That's good enough for 2nd place in the Johnson Division, but they now trail the Glanbrook club by 4 games.  Next up for the Metros is a Thursday night home game against the very tough Mississauga Twins, before taking to the road on Sunday for a doubleheader in Etobicoke.  That Thursday night home game, as always, will be played at Community Park beginning at 7:30.   

The Niagara Metros spent about 6 hours in the scorching sun yesterday, and came out with nothing to show for it.  They played an afternoon game in Burlington, dropping a 12-7 decision to the Brants.  Niagara then got in their cars and drove to Hamilton for another 9-inning game against the Glanbrook Grizzlies.  Although they made it closer, the result was the same...a 7-5 loss to the Grizzlies.  And there is no rest for the weary, as the Metros return home tonight for a 7:30 game at Community Park versus the Brampton Battlecats.

We'll be out of town on Monday, so we won't be able to give you all the details of the two Sunday games.  So, check back here on Tuesday, for a three-game report (including the Monday night home game), and standings update.  Till then have a great Monday, and we'll see you at Community Park at 7:30. 

Just before we leave to go to our Sunday marathon (day-night doubleheader in Burlington and Hamilton), we thought we'd let you know that the Metros' statistics have been updated to include all of our most recent games.  We'll continue to update the stats every couple of weeks or so, until the end of the season.  Just click on "Standings / Stats" to check out the July 1st edition.

The Niagara Metros scored 7 runs in the 8th inning and another in the 9th, to erase a 4-1 Burlington lead, en route to handing the Brants a 9-6 loss last night in Burlington.  In what started out as a pitching duel between Burlington ace Craig Hawkins, and Metros' lefty Mike Czerwieniec (making his first start of the season), the score was 1-1 through 5 innings.  But the Brants scored 2 in the 6th and another in the 7th to take the 4-1 lead, before Niagara's late-inning heroics.

The big hit was a Dave Davidson 3-run HR that tied the game in the 7th, before they added 4 more runs on a 2-run double by Evan Baglieri, and a 2-run homer by Joe Roach.  Jonathan Paul added yet another HR in the 9th to add to Niagara's 13-hit attack.  Baglieri added a pair of singles to his night's output, while Paul added a double to his HR.  Dan Proctor and Andrew Sorochan collected a double and a single each, while Chris Pickles (whose key hit started the Niagara rally), and Tim Collins added singles.  Joe Kirby had a double and 2 singles for Burlington.

The Metros' winning pitcher was Steve Baldinelli, who pitched 4 innings of relief.  As mentioned, starter Mike Czerwieniec was very effective for the Metros going 4 innings.  He allowed a run on just 2 hits, while walking 0 and striking out 3.  Baldinelli gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, but struggled with his control walking 6.  He struck out 5.  Jonathan Paul pitched the final inning, allowing an unearned run on 2 hits, with 1 strikeout.  C.J. Cabrero, the 2nd of 4 Burlington pitchers, took the loss.

The win improves Niagara's record to 8-6 in C.O.M.B.L. action, good for 2nd place in the Johnson Division, while the Brants drop to 4-9.  The Metros get a couple of days to rest up before a busy Canada Day weekend day-night doubleheader on Sunday.  They travel to Burlington to face the Brants once again (in a make up game from an earlier rainout), at Nelson Park, beginning at 1:00.  Then they travel up the hill in Hamilton to Bernie Arbour Stadium, to face the 1st Place Glanbrook Grizzlies in a 7:30 start.  On Monday, the Metros return home for a meeting with the Brampton Battlecats at Community Park.  As always, first pitch for that one is 7:30.