Ravens headed to knock stage at Canadian Baseball Championship

Photo and video by: Laura Burnside

FREDERICTON (Oct.20.2017) –

The Carleton University Ravens are headed to the semi-final round of the CCBA National Championships after finishing 2-1 in the group stage of the tournament. Carleton came out strong and dropped a close game that came down to the final out against host University of New Brunswick 11-10. Here’s how the Ravens have punched their card to the elimination round.

Game 1: Carleton 10 – Acadia 1

In Game 1 Carleton faced the Acadia Axemen in what was a close game until the 5th inning when Carleton exploded for 7 runs on the back of two homer runs by brothers Ty and Ryan Burnside. The Ravens led throughout the game after Mike Heffer started the scoring with a three-run home run of his own in the first inning. Starter Troy Clarke pitched a complete game, striking out 5 batters and scattering 6 hits for the complete game victory. Ty Burnside was awarded player of the game on the back of his hitting and a spectacular defensive play at first base.

Game 2: Carleton 1 – Concordia 0

2016 team rookie of the year Alex Lajeunesse pitched a gem in Game 2 against Northern Conference rival Concordia University, a team that the Ravens beat in the Conference playoffs only a few weeks ago. Lajeunesse was brilliant in his return from an arm injury which had him sidelined since September 20th. He picked an opportune time to return as the Ravens rode his arm to victory against the Stingers who could only muster 2 hits and struck out 10 times. Manny Restrepo scored the Ravens only run when Heffer hit him home with a double in the 5th. Lajeunesse was awarded player of the game.

Game 3: Carleton 10 – UNB 11

In what may have been the game of the tournament thus far, the Ravens fell behind the University of New Brunswick Cougars 10-2 before storming back late to cut the lead to 11-10 and loading the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning. Manny Restrepo, Ryan Burnside and Ethan Diamandas had multiple hits games and drove in runs, including a three-run home run by Ryan Burnside in the 6th inning.

The Ravens now await the winner of a tie breaker game this evening to find out who they play tomorrow at 2pm. The game will be broadcast live on the Bell TV1 system.