Future looks bright despite loss in championship finals

Photo by: Laura Burnside

MARYSVILLE, NB (OCT.22.2017) –

It was a disappointing finish to a heady drive for the Carleton Ravens Baseball club on a cool Sunday night at Royals Field in Marysville, New Brunswick. The Ravens lost for the 7th consecutive time this season to the McGill Redmen who went on to defeat the Ravens 10-1 in the championship game of the 2017 UBaseball national finals.

After going up 1-0 early the Ravens could not hold the Redmen who put up 6 runs in the 5th inning, putting the game out of reach and capturing their fourth consecutive championship.

Despite the loss, the team showed significant progress this season and there are a number of returning players who’s presence bodes well for the future of the program.

Four of these returning players were recognized with tournament honours. Rookie first basemen Ty Burnside was named to the all-tournament team alongside brother Ryan Burnside in the DH position and third baseman Mike Heffer. Each contributed key hits during the tournament to make Carleton baseball the number two team in the country.

The top pitcher of the tournament was Carleton’s second-year starter Alex Lajeunesse who came back from an injury to pitch an electric 1-0 win over Concordia. He appeared again in the final and once again pitched well for the Ravens. It is no surprise that optimism runs high for the future of the team.

“We have a really good group of returning players” said coach Robidoux, “I know the guys are disappointed but we have a lot to look forward to next year. The rotation will be strong and when you have pitching you always have a chance to win.”

McGill was considered the undeniable favourite as they defeated their opponents in one-sided affairs, notching a 4-0 record going into the finals and 25-0 in league play going back to last season. The more the tournament progressed, however, the more likely it was that Carleton would face McGill in the finals.

“They exceeded expectations” added team President George Rigakos, “they should be proud of how far they have come.”

The Ravens do not end their season here as plans are already underway for a Florida trip to match up against US college competition in February.