St. John's Amateur Baseball

** Senior Playoff Recap**
Series B – (2) Holy Cross Crusaders Vs (3) Attain Physiotherapy Feildians
Game 1 – Wednesday, Sept 2,

Feildians – 3
Holy Cross – 8
HC lead series 1-0

Cross Bats Explosive in Series Opener

The Crusaders and double blues took advantage of quick game between the Knights and Shamrocks, allowing them for a longer warm up before the opener to their series. In between the sprints, the throws, the swings and the laughter and strategic conversations, there is playoff atmosphere of the SJABA. For anyone that has played in it, you what it feels like. The feeling that each game brings with it a new beginning and the potential for anything. The way the sun begins to set with the conclusion of the workday, almost signaling the start of something special. Having the opportunity to soak this in is a gift, and the reward for great play and sacrifice is another day to do it again.

Feildians were coming into this series confident in their ability and ready to compete in the playoffs again. Holy Cross were going to be a challenge for sure, but they had both beaten and tied Holy Cross this year for a 1-1-1 record, so they had the ability. The veteran core had been the foundation of their success, with Walchuck, Flood, Walsh, Humber and Hearn leading the way. For Holy Cross, they came into the playoffs not as dominant as in recent years, but that had more to do with maturity than them slowing down. The Crusaders had done a great job in giving their young talent opportunities in a time of mild turnover. The team was more than good enough to take on this transition as they still had their talented core. While the regular season wasn’t an 18-0 record, they were building something while also waiting until the playoffs to go full throttle. The double blues sent Tyler Walchuck to the mound, while Holy Cross countered with veteran Sean Janes.

Janes would start the game off with a strike out, before scattering a Kevin Cashin single and letting the Cross offence go to work. Jacob Reid would walk to lead off the bottom and promptly steal second base. Walchuck would pick up a strikeout but the pitch was in the dirt, forcing the catcher to make a throw to first to retire the runner, and allowing Reid to get to third. He’d score the very next pitch on a Nick Evans sac fly to right for a 1-0 Cross lead. Feildians would respond quickly, with Aaron Flood, Humber and Hearn rattling off three straight singles to tie the game up 1-1. Two batters later, Ryan Harnett would drive in Hearn on a hard ground ball through the left side of the infield to put Feildians up 2-1.

Janes was able to cut the bleeding off at two runs and the Cross offence came to his help in a big way in the second. With one out and runners on first and second, Jacob McGrath would drive a loud double to the gap in right center to plate Ethan Power and Chris Edwards for a 3-2 Cross lead. Jacob Reid would extend the lead to 4-2 on a sac fly and after a Darcy Cribb walk and Nick Evan double, Evan Reid would make it a 6-2 game on a single to left.

Fired up by the offence, Janes went out in the third and sat the blues down in order and let the Cross offence go back to work. With two on and one out (AGAIN), Jacob McGrath picked up another RBI, knocking in Jacob Gillis on a single to left to make the score 7-2. Feildians would go on to pick up a third run on Cashin’s second hit of the game, but Cross would hold on for a 8-3 Game 1 win.

Cross only out hit Feildians 12-10 in this game, but only 3 of Feildians 10 hits came with runners in scoring position. Cross’s opportunities came through stringing multiple hits together while mixing in extra base hits as well (banging out two 2B’s).

Game 2 goes Monday Sept 7th 6PM at St. Pat’s Ball Park.

🚨🚨Junior Playoffs🚨🚨
(2) Generals vs (3) Shamrocks
Game 1 - 8:30 pm Thursday, Sept 3
Series tied 0-0

The stage is set for the 2026 post season in the SJABA Junior League. The final playoff seeding is as follows:

1. Metro Property Mgmt Knights
2. HJ Bartlett Electric Generals
3. McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks
4. Holy Cross Crusaders

The SJABA playoff format features two best-of-five Semi Final series, with 1st seed playing 4th, and 2nd playing 3rd. The winner of each Semi Final series advances to the final which is also a best-of-five. The Knights will take on the Holy Cross in a rematch of the 2024 Finals, while the Generals will take on Shamrocks. During the season, the first two seeds were occupied by the Knights and Generals all year, but the final two playoff spots were earned in the last week of the season as the Shamrocks and Holy Cross were part of very tight 5-team race for these last two spots – In a way, they’ve been playing playoff baseball for the last two weeks. The Knights are the defending SJABA Junior Champions and have won the Championship in three of the last four seasons. The Generals, Shamrocks and Holy Cross are all looking to take the crown this year.

HJ Barlett Electric Generals Vs McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks
It’s a rematch of last year’s Semi Final Series with a trip to the Finals on the line. In 2025, the Generals managed to make a sweep of the green and gold before clashing with the Knights in the final series. This year’s Gens team was very similar to last year’s, featuring a potent offense, but it also featured more depth on the mound, with Liam Woodman growing in his role, and an increased contribution from Evan Critch. The team knocked in the third most runs in the regular season with 129 and finished with the leagues second best run differential (runs scored, less runs against) of 7. The offense was lead by Hudson White (19 hits, .442 average) and Nick Smith (15 hits, .441 average), with solid support from Sam Power, Josh Walker and Aaron Ball (15 ,13 and 12 hits respectively).

On the mound, Critch and Liam Ryan carried the heavy water. Critch picked up 2 wins punching 28.1 innings maintaining a 3.50 ERA and punching out 28 batters for ~1K/IP average. Liam Ryan would pick up a pair of wins as well, throwing 24 inning and fanning 20. Ryan Loveless and Tyler Romaine also threw big innings during the year and will see bigger roles this postseason with the departure of Laim Woodman for post-secondary. Matching their pitching intensity with gritty at bats, the Generals look to leverage their 2025 playoff victory and general playoff experience against the green and gold.

As per Head Coach Keith Ball

Are you missing any pieces going in?

The Generals are going in to the playoffs missing a couple of players that have helped contribute to our success during the regular season. Hudson White, Liam Woodman, Ryan George and Kieran Cutler are all returning to school to continue their college and university careers.

Any big defining moment during the season?

I wouldn’t say the Generals have had many big defining moments during the season. We’ve been pretty steady all season long and have tried to keep the same drive, compete, and intensity from game to game. Clinching our playoff spot a couple of weeks before the season ended was nice.

What do you think is your greatest strength?

Our greatest strength is our depth. We have a strong core group of players that are a mix of experienced veterans and talented young players that can all play multiple positions. We also have guys we can plug into our lineup to fill gaps and add strength depending on matchups and game situations. We are a high IQ team on both sides of the ball.

Thoughts on Shamrocks and how to approach them?

This is our second year in a row facing the Shamrocks in the first round of the playoffs. We expect a tough, long series as they have a talented group of players and coaches who are looking to take the next step. We are ready for the challenge and look forward to an exciting series.

For the Shamrocks, it was a tough road just to make the third seed, but they relish it for their second chance at the Gens. The Shamrocks had an up-and-down season but managed to pull it together down the stretch, beating a number of teams out to make the playoffs, so in a way, they’ve been in playoff mode for a while now, which they will try to use to their advantage. They scored 130 runs during the regular season, but gave up a league worst 147 runs. While these stats don’t necessarily impress, they also aren’t reflective of their more recent play. In the month of August, the Shamrocks went 4-2-1, with this stretch featuring an 11-11 tie against the Gens, but also an 11-1 loss.

Offensively, Michael Riley lead the way for the green and gold, batting .389 with 21 hits. He was supported by the likes of Cam Penton (18 hits, .316), Jared Devereaux (18 hits .290), Ryan Symonds (15 hits, .273) Ben Hiscock (14 hits, .438) and Luke Druken (11 hits .367). The Shamrock offense played solid down the stretch and is very momentum based. It is imperative that the Shamrock hitters find their grove AT THE SAME TIME. Too often this team has had players hitting well, while other players fall into a slump and, if this happens, the Shamrocks offence will not be effective. If the names above can find the page in the same game, they will create difficulty for the Generals through their aggressive base running.

On the mound, they look to get big innings from their ace Luke Druken, as well as contributing innings from a number of support arms including Carter Kieley, Jackson Pardy and Ryan Symonds, as well as rookies Carson Hobbs and Jack Davis. If Shamrocks can take a lead late into the game, they can turn to their closer Dale Cooney who has looked nearly unhittable at times, throwing straight gas by hitters. This team has the ability to play greater than the sum of their parts and, if they can get the offense started early, this may be the launch pad the Shamrocks need to make it a memorable season.

As per Head Coach Alex Curtis:

Are you missing any pieces going in?

The shams come in missing a few guys, Tanner butt and josh Cadigan are gone to school, Rhoan Dillon is away on work term. As big as these loses are, our team prides itself on next man up.
Any big defining moment during the season?
After a very rough July month, the shams showed a lot of grit to rattle off 3 straight wins to end our season and clinch the playoffs. This was a big moment for our team to battle some adversity and come through it playing our best ball at the perfect time of year.

What do you think is your greatest strength?

This year it has by far been our offense, 1-9 our lineup chains
together quality ABs and keeps the ball rolling to the next guy. We have got clutch hitting throughout our lineup all year long and will need that to continue now.

Thoughts on Generals and how to approach them?

The Generals are a team I have a lot of respect for, they are well coached and play a good brand of baseball. After losing to them in the first round last year, we have an extra chip on our shoulder to try and avenge that loss this year. I think this could be a high scoring series, with our bats hopefully shining through and making the difference. As long as we play our best, I believe we have what it takes to beat anybody in the league

🚨🚨Junior Playoffs🚨🚨
(1) Knights vs (4) Holy Cross
Game 1 - 6:00 pm Thursday, Sept 3
Series tied 0-0

The stage is set for the 2026 post season in the SJABA Junior League. The final playoff seeding is as follows:

1. Metro Property Mgmt Knights
2. HJ Bartlett Electric Generals
3. McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks
4. Holy Cross Crusaders

The SJABA playoff format features two best-of-five Semi Final series, with 1st seed playing 4th, and 2nd playing 3rd. The winner of each Semi Final series advances to the final which is also a best-of-five. The Knights will take on the Holy Cross in a rematch of the 2024 Finals, while the Generals will take on Shamrocks. During the season, the first two seeds were occupied by the Knights and Generals all year, but the final two playoff spots were earned in the last week of the season as the Shamrocks and Holy Cross were part of very tight 5-team race for these last two spots – In a way, they’ve been playing playoff baseball for the last two weeks. The Knights are the defending SJABA Junior Champions and have won the Championship in three of the last four seasons. The Generals, Shamrocks and Holy Cross are all looking to take the crown this year.

Metro Property Mgmt Knights Vs Holy Cross Crusaders
The Knights enter the 2026 playoffs as the first seed after another very successful season. The Knights scored a league-best 140 runs en route to their 12 win season, while yielding a league best (fewest) 104 runs. They are lead by core which features the likes of Cam Pennell, Logan Broderick, Braedy Walsh, Luke Martin and Noah Hill, who have been at the helm of the dynasty for the past number of years. In more recent years, they’ve added as assortment of talent, especially on the mound where their depth is arguably second to none. Over the years, the Knights accrued a number of draft picks through trades etc, allowing them to layer their team strongly to avoid years of great drop-off. It’s truly impressive the amount of success they’ve been able to maintain for so long, considering the challenges of turnover and commitment in coaching a Junior team.

This team just keeps getting better – as players like Jayden James, Nick Purcell and Daniel Reelis all saw increased roles this year, and brought their skill to meet that opportunity. Rookies Sam Murray, Nate Benoit, Ben Haggerty, Hudson Hull produced as well, in an environment where there was less pressure that allowed them to grow from their experiences more freely. While the team is currently battling in both the Senior and Junior playoffs, it looks like their youth will mitigate any wear and tear.

As per Head Coach Greg Williams:

Are you missing any pieces going in?

Everyone is there. We have an incredible core of veteran players who know what it takes to win and a strong group of new players to support them. Going into the playoffs we are feeling confident, we have a great mix of solid hitting and strong pitching and the hope is that will continue in September.

Any big defining moment during the season?

Not really one big moment, more so positive trends. With players like Cameron Pennell, Braedy Walsh, Logan Broderick, Luke Martin and Noah Hill leading the way we feel like we have a chance every game. These guys know how to get the job done and I am just happy to be along for the ride.

What do you think is your greatest strength?

Tough to pick a greatest strength because we have been pretty balanced this year with everyone contributing at the plate and solid pitching performances. I would say our team leadership and level of compete is our strongest attribute. Also, just the overall buy in from everyone - players and coaches. A big thank you to the Assistant coaches that stepped up in my absence. Colin Pennell did a fantastic job steering the ship back to the playoffs.

Thoughts on Holy Cross and how to approach them?

Holy Cross are a good team and will be a tough first round opponent. They have a core of players who beat us in the finals in 2024, so they also know how to win and they are well coached. I think it will be a good series.

For Holy Cross, it was a wild season. After starting the season with a 10-0 win over the Gonzaga Vikings, Cross would go on to drop 5 straight games as the team was reeling entering the Junior Club Tournament. This is where switch got flipped. Holy Cross would play great baseball in the mid season tournament, making it to the semi finals where they took on – surprise – the Metro Property Mgmt Knights (the eventual tournament winners). The Knights managed to easily take the Game 10-1, benefiting greatly from their pitching depth. Although Cross didn’t walk away with the title, the Club Tournament is what the doctor ordered as they would go 7-4-1 to close out the year, clinching a playoff spot along the way.

While the Knights may benefit from their depth, Holy Cross benefits greatly from its key players. Darcy Cribb finished the regular season with 22 hits batting .361. Ethan Power had 19 hits with a .333 average. James Piercy batted .458 with 22 hits. Owen Barrington had a breakout season, banging out 24 hits and batting .400, and Jacob McGrath had 20 hits batting .312. The offense can be scary good, especially when it has momentum, as the Cross hitters feed off of each other.

On the mound they’re flanked by two left-handed pitchers, as James Piercy and Brayden Mole not only give hitters a rough time, but also create chaos for baserunners with their move to first base. Supporting the lefties are Ethan Power, Sean Cole, Simon Roberts and rookie Luke Hudson who has done a great job providing much-needed innings. Holy Cross is a solid hitting team that is very momentum-based, and they can play much better than their regular season record when they hit their stride. While the Knights have demonstrated that they are the class of the Junior league, they need to be weary not to take Cross lightly in a short series.

As per Head Coach Justin Kelly:

Are you missing any pieces going in?

Most of our roster is in place and any everyone is ready to do what is needed.

Any big defining moment during the season?

The Jr Club was the defining moment for us. Was a wake up call to this group that if we want it bad enough we can get it

What do you think is your greatest strength?

Lots of depth, both arms and bats

Thoughts on Knights and how to approach them?

Knights are the team to beat in this league right now. They consistently finish at the top of the standings in the regular season and have multiple championships over the last 4 or 5 years. It will be a good test for our squad.

**Senior Playoff Recap**
Series A – (1) McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks Vs. (4) Metro Property Mgmt Knights

Game1 - Wednesday, Sept 2
Knights – 0
Shamrocks - 1

SHM lead series 1-0

Knights bow to King; Noseworthy tagged with tough-luck loss

There was more than a trace of Fall in the air, as the September sun began to set over St. Pat’s Field. Game 1 of the 1st vs 4th Semi Final was approaching with mounting anticipation for both teams, each with a different mindset. For the Shamrocks it was the first game of the road to the Threepeat. They weren’t nervous – they were anxious. The typical practice swings, catch and pacing in front of the dugout before the umpires came onto the field and Ryan Garland yelled for the lineups. They’ve been here more than once, but a good start was important and they were ready. The Knights came to the field ready for a battle they knew would be challenging to say the least. Taking on the two-time defending champions, they weren’t nervous either – just quietly determined. They had grown since last year – a series where they managed to take a game from the green and gold. They had more depth on the mound this year than they did last year and the hitting had matured too. Graham Noseworthy was going to give them a game today – they could feel it after the incredible season he had. The Shamrocks knew what Noseworthy could do, so they countered with Graham King in what turned out to be a fantastic baseball game.

The Knights managed to pick up two hits in the first off of King, as Braedy Walsh and Cam Pennell would both single, but King would pitch around it getting Luke Martin to ground out with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Noseworthy would keep the Knights fired up though going three up three down in the bottom, picking up 2 K’s along the way. King would strand Noah Hill walk in the second, but Noseworthy was keeping the pressure on the Shamrocks, going clean again in the second. Logan Broderick would double to start the third but King would retire the next three Knights in order and, in the bottom, Luke Druken would single and on a steal of second, he would come all the way around to score on a throw that went to CF and got by the outfielders for a 1-0 Shamrock lead. Remember that run.

With a lead to work with, it was King’s turn to go clean, sitting down the Knights in order in the 4th, but Noseworthy would blank them in return. The two stud arms went back and forth scattering base runners all the way until the bottom of the 7th. King, who threw 124 pitches on the day, would retire the first two batters with Mattie Murphy warming in the pen. Zach Noseworthy would battle with two outs to work his way on base but, with the go ahead run at the plate, King would pick up a massive strikeout to end the game, preserve the shutout, and give the green and gold a 1-0 series lead.

How about the pitching and defense in this one:

Graham King – 7IP, 4H, 0R, 0ER, 2BB, 5K’s
Graham Noseworthy – 6IP, 3H, 1R, 0ER, 2BB, 3K’s

Infield and outfield for both sides playing excellent defense. If this is a sign of the series ahead, this is one that you do not want to miss!

THE ROAD TO THE SJABA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS THURSDAY!

The 2026 SJABA Junior regular season is in the books, and the Junior Playoffs get underway Thursday night!

Two best-of-five semifinal series are set:

Game 1 – Thursday, September 3rd

⚾️ 6:00 PM
#1 Metro Property Management Junior Knights vs. Holy Cross Junior Crusaders

⚾️ 8:30 PM
#2 HJ Bartlett Electric Junior Generals vs. #3 McNivens Pub and Eatery Junior Shamrocks

📍 St. Pat’s Ball Park

After an extremely competitive regular season with plenty of parity, it all comes down to this. Four teams. Two semifinal series. Two spots in the Junior Championship Final.

Come down to St. Pat’s and catch some playoff baseball as the chase for the 2026 SJABA Junior Championship begins! 🏆

See you at the park!

📲 Can’t make it to St. Pat’s? Follow every pitch live on GameChanger — link in bio 🔗

THE ROAD TO THE SJABA CHAMPIONSHIP!

The 2026 SJABA Senior regular season is in the books, and the Senior Playoffs get underway Wednesday night!

Two best-of-five semifinal series are set:

Game 1 – Wednesday, September 2nd

⚾️ 6:00 PM
#1 McNivens Pub and Eatery Shamrocks vs. #4 Metro Property Management Knights

⚾️ 8:30 PM
#2 Holy Cross Crusaders vs. #3 Attain Physiotherapy & Sport Performance Feildians

📍 St. Pat’s Ball Park

After a competitive regular season, it all comes down to this. Four teams. Two semifinal series. Two spots in the Senior Championship Final.

Come down to St. Pat’s and catch some playoff baseball as the chase for the 2026 SJABA Senior Championship begins! 🏆

See you at the park!

📲 Can’t make it to St. Pat’s? Follow every pitch live on GameChanger — link in bio 🔗

🚨🚨Senior Playoffs🚨🚨
(1) Shamrocks vs (4) Knights
Game 1 - 6:00 pm Wednesday, Sept 2
Series tied 0-0

The stage is set for the 2026 post season in the SJABA Senior League. The final playoff seeding is as follows:

1. McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks
2. Holy Cross Crusaders
3. Attain Physiotherapy Feildians
4. Metro Property Mgmt Knights

The SJABA playoff format features two best-of-five Semi Final series, with 1st seed playing 4th, and 2nd playing 3rd. The winner of each Semi Final series advances to the final which is also a best-of-five. The Shamrocks will take on the Knights for the second year in a row, while Holy Cross will take on Feildians. While Shamrocks and Holy Cross occupied the top two spots during the regular season, Feildians and Knights fought with Storm for the 3rd and 4th seeds down the stretch. Feildians and Knights played some of their best baseball to close out the year, making for what should be a very competitive playoff picture.

Shamrocks Vs Knights:

The 1st vs 4th Semi Final is a repeat of last year’s and features the defending Champion McNiven’s Pub Shamrocks and the Metro Property Mgmt Knights. The Shamrocks are looking for a third straight Championship this post-season and have been the pull-away 1st place team since overtaking Holy Cross mid way through the year. The Knights competed in a three-team race for one of the final two playoff spots and managed to defeat the Generals in their final game to clinch the 4th seed. The Shamrocks won the season series 3-0 and had two lop-sided victories along the way. The season is long, however, and sometimes that just how the games lineup. After losing 20-5 to the Shamrocks on Aug 8th, the Knights won their final four games to clinch a playoff spot, so they are coming in with momentum.

Looking at these two teams and the matchup, it looks like a younger team playing the older more experienced version of itself. The Knights core is young and talented and currently pull double duty playing Junior (and leading the league) as well as competing with the best in Senior. There was a time when the go to players on the green and gold did the same. It’s growth, and it can’t be sped up – it’s the reps that build foundation, understanding and the ability to adapt and persevere. The Knights have a healthy strong culture, with talented players that just consider themselves one of many. Their energy and chemistry is palpable and anyone that wears their jersey loves it. The Shamrocks have a brotherhood built on tradition and accountability. Everyone knows their place and everyone has a job. Pitching, defense and timely hitting. The consistencies are there and the Knights, who have formed a dynasty in Junior, and with a number of players aging out and moving to Senior fulltime next year, find themselves not competing in bonus playoffs, but competing against their skill-wise peers at the highest level– and succeeding. The playoffs are a new beginning and momentum is everything in a short series. The Knights have grown from last year and they look to make it a long series. The Shamrocks look as poised as ever – near bulletproof in the regular season. The playoffs are their playground, and they look to make it a quick one.

The Shamrocks enter the post season having scored a league best 167 runs and allowing a league best (fewest) 69 runs, en route to their 16-2 regular season record. Their offense, which has not typically been their identity, has been explosive. Scott Stockley .389 and Steven Abbott .447 both finished with 21 hit, while Dylan MacKenzie had 20 hits on a .408 average. Add in big contributions from Parker Gulliver, Josh Langmead and Redmond Hunt and “enough” runs hasn’t really been an issue this year.

On the mound, Mattie Murphy had another 40 inning season with a 5-1 record and a 2.35 ERA, while Jaxson Gulliver didn’t lose a game, posting 7 wins with a 1.89 ERA. The two have been supported in the absence of Graham King by Luke Druken, Mike Molloy and Greg Barry.

As per Head Coach Sean Gulliver:

Any missing any pieces?
We’re down a few bodies. Mike D**e tore his Achilles in June and done for the season, Graham back to BC for school/ Reddy teaching in Labrador/ Molloy in RNC training in PEI/ Davey Penney hasn’t played since game 1- high ankle sprain , hopeful to be available in the playoffs. He’s a key cog to our success. These absences/ injuries has created opportunities for others who have stepped up and played well including 3-4 jrs. Some big losses but we lean on our depth as we have all season long.

Was there a big defining moment during the season?
No single moment, just consistent play. We’ve had a great season ,16-2, been consistent all year in all areas led by our starting pitching and a rock solid defense. Jaxson was 7-0 I believe and Mattie Murphy wasn’t far behind.

What is your greatest strength?
Our strengths are our pitching and defence, ex*****on and we try and play the game with a high IQ. Our approach will be simple…..try and score at least one more run than them each game.

Outlook against Knights
Knights are a good young team with some quality young arms. Has the makings of a good series. I expect our experience could play in our favor however we have to go play. I like our chances if we play to our ability.

The Knights clinched the final playoff seed Friday night with their win over the Generals. They played great baseball down the stretch to beat out the Storm for the final playoff spot. During the season, the Knights demonstrated the offense that has helped establish their dominance in the Junior league. They drove in the second most runs in the league (120) while allowing the most of all four playoff teams (110). Nick Williams who missed all of last post season due to injury bounced back this year to bat .426 with 20 hits. Jack McCarthy hit a scorching .459 with 17 hits, with Braedy Walsh hitting .425 and Luke Martin hitting .432. Sprinkle in big moments from Noah Hill and returnee Zach Noseworthy, and support that with the like of Liam Bavis and Cam Pennell, and this young offense looks formidable.

Pitching is very interesting for this team, as some of their best arms are also competing in the Junior playoffs, and are impacted by pitch count. McCarthy, Graham Noseworthy, Cam Pennell and Jack Anstey will have to balance all of this, if they’re going to support Zach Reid, Jacob Skiffington and Jack Baggs. Reid was a beast in the regular season throwing 35.2 innings, while Skiffington bounced back from injury last year to throw 23.2. The Knights have swing and miss stuff and can likely balance all of this with the Junior playoffs.

As per Head Coach Michael Clarke:

Are you missing any pieces going in?

I don’t think we’re missing any major pieces going into the playoffs. We have a strong young core that has continued to develop throughout the season, and with the addition of last years Canada Games players as well as the return of Nick Williams and Zack Noseworthy, we are a completely different team than the one that made playoffs last year.

Any big defining moment during the season?

I think the biggest defining moment has been the way our young core has come together and continued to grow throughout the season. We’ve had different players step up at different times with special shout out to Noah Hill who has really stepped up this season and has shown that he can contribute at this level. Having young players like Noah continuing to emerge is a big part of what makes this team exciting.

The experience our players gained through the season, especially in close games and against strong competition, has prepared us for this point. We’ve learned how to stay composed, compete through every inning, and trust the guy beside us. That growth as a team has been one of the biggest defining parts of our season.

What do you think is your greatest strength?

Without a doubt, I think our greatest strength this season has been our bats which have very much come alive in the big games against some of the leagues best pitchers. Our lineup from top to bottom has shown up in the big moments and we have a group of players who are hungry to improve on last year’s outcome. They bring a lot of energy and confidence, but they also have the ability to make adjustments when things aren’t going our way.

I think that combination can be difficult for opponents to deal with. We’re not just relying on one aspect of our game. We have pitching, hitting, defense and athleticism throughout the entire team.

Thoughts on Shamrocks and how to approach them?

The Shamrocks are a very good team and we know exactly what kind of challenge they present. They’re aggressive, play a small-ball run-and-gun style, and they put pressure on you from the first pitch.

Our approach has to be to stay with them from every pitch. We can’t give them extra opportunities or allow them to dictate the pace of the game. We need to make them earn everything, execute our pitches, play clean defense and be ready for their aggressive style on the bases.

At the end of the day, we respect what the Shamrocks bring, but we’re confident in what we bring as well. If we stay composed and match their intensity from the first inning to the last, I think we give ourselves a great chance to come out on top.