The McMaster Marauders men's baseball team are bound for the OUA Championship today at the Ajax Sportsplex, where they will take on the Carleton Ravens at 1:45pm.
McMaster defeated the Brock Badgers 9-4 in the Regional final on Oct. 10 at Oakes Park in Niagara Falls, securing their spot in the Championship.
In a three-team tournament, the Marauders also battled it out with the Guelph Gryphons in a game that took an unexpected and terrifying turn. Two McMaster players, Mark Zanette and Nicholas Velocci, collided in the outfield and emergency vehicles were called out. However, slick conditions due to rain had the Marauders and Gryphons teaming up together to push the ambulance from the field in a true display of camaraderie
Despite the incidents in the game against Guelph, the men in maroon were able to pull through and will be in the semifinals this weekend.
McMaster and Carleton will be joined by the Toronto Varsity Blues and Western Mustangs in the semis. With no bronze medal game due to field conditions, the gold-medal game will follow, taking place at 7pm.
OUA Baseball Championship | Fan Guide | Scores/Results
Details:
McMaster Marauders vs. Carleton Ravens
Date: Sunday, Oct. 17 @ 1:45pm
Location: Ajax Sportsplex
McMaster Marauders
Regional Qualifiers Record: 2-2-0
Streak: Won two
Carleton Ravens
Regional Qualifiers Record: 3-0-0
Streak: Won four
History:
In 2019, McMaster met the Laurier Golden Hawks in the OUA semifinals but were unable to come away with a win — Laurier went on the win the championship for the second year in a row. Now, the Marauders have made it to the semis again, but this time, Laurier is not a contender.
The only time McMaster has won a championship was in 2008, but the Marauders have remained contenders, making it to the semifinals on multiple occasions and proving that they have what it takes to hoist the banner.
Players to watch for:
McMaster
Nik Motruk - A veteran player, Motruk will be a major asset for the Marauders in the semifinals. The slugger was awarded the OUA co-MVP and the league's top hitter award in 2019, and he's been no stranger at the plate this season.
Julian Tymochko - With three years of OUA championship experience Tymochko combines skill and leadership, making him a well-rounded candidate to keep your eye on. In the 2019 Championship tournament, the starting pitcher through a complete game against Laurentian, letting up only three hits.
Carleton
Max Johnston - Rookie catcher, Johnston has started his OUA career off strong, particularly with his offensive style at the plate. Johnston replaced Ryan Burnside this season, who was named as the 2019 OUA co-MVP, alongside McMaster's Motruk.
David Legault - A talented veteran, Legault has covered multiple areas of the diamond defensively throughout his career, including both infield and outfield, alongside his pitching duties.
