The University of Toronto Varsity Blues baseball team claimed their third straight OUA championship on Saturday (Oct. 11), defeating the Carleton Ravens 11-3 in the gold medal game at Jack Couch Park.

Along with completing the three-peat, the victory marked a fourth championship in five seasons and ninth provincial banner for the Blues dating back to 2001.

"This one feels incredibly special," said Varsity Blues head coach Andrew Needles following the victory. "Winning a championship is always tough, but to do it three years in a row takes something extra. It's a real testament to the culture our team has built. Every year the roster changes a bit, but the commitment, work ethic, and belief in each other have stayed constant."

Facing off against a red-hot Carleton offence, the Blues were able to stifle the Ravens thanks in large part to first-year pitcher Matthew Clark. The Scarborough, Ont., native was dealing on Saturday striking out eight batters across seven innings. Clarke conceded just six hits and one walk, allowing only three earned runs to the high-powered Ravens. Most impressive was his ability to rebound after the early inning runs, retiring the side in both the fifth and sixth innings. Fifth-year pitcher Patrick Stasyszyn appeared in relief to close out the final two innings, limiting the Ravens to just one hit while adding two more strikeouts.

"Both Ethan [Kwong] who pitched in our semifinal and Matthew [Clarke] today showed incredible poise under pressure," added Needles. "Ethan is a fierce competitor and leader on the team. And Matthew — a first-year rookie — stepped up in the championship game and gave us seven outstanding innings, which is remarkable for someone in his first OUA season. They both trusted their stuff, trusted the defence behind them, and competed with confidence. It was a pleasure to watch."

Meanwhile, the Blues offence has been a strength all season long. In the gold medal game Toronto converted 15 hits, five Carleton errors and three stolen bases into the 11 runs scored. Delivering a highlight of the game in the bottom of the third, second-year outfielder Diego Fuentes sent a long-distance shot over the fence for a two-run home run, lifting the Blues from a 2-2 tie into the lead. Rolling with the momentum into the fourth, fourth-year infielder Kirk Gibson would add another two runs courtesy a short looping shot into right field for a two RBI single.

Crossing the plate for the Blues consistently was third-year catcher Matthew Fischer and fourth-year outfielder Sam Aslanowicz who each tallied three runs. Fischer drove Ravens pitchers crazy all game long, drawing two walks and adding a hit through five plate appearances. As for Aslanowicz, the veteran of all three Blues championship teams recorded three singles and a walk to put himself into scoring position throughout the nine-inning contest.

Following the immediate celebrations on the field, Needles was quick to recognize all that went into the complete team effort.

"I just want to give full credit to the players, coaches and our support staff. Every guy on this roster contributed in some way, whether it was on the field or in the dugout. Our coaches are amazing and are unified in our approach. Out support staff is incredible and kept all the players mentally and physically prepared throughout the season. This championship isn't about one weekend — it's about months of hard work, trust, and belief. I couldn't be prouder of how this team represented the University of Toronto."

The Blues will next shift their attention to the national stage as they get set to travel to Montreal next week for the Canadian National University Championship. Toronto will open the double-elimination tournament with a showdown versus the Montreal Carabins on Thursday, Oct. 16. First pitch from the Claude Robillard Sports Complex is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
 

OUA Baseball Championship Major Award Winners
Most Valuable Player		Thomas Fournier	INF	Carleton Ravens
Most Valuable Pitcher		Nathan Van Putten	P	Carleton Ravens
Most Valuable Hitter		Diego Fuentes	P/OF	Toronto Varsity Blues
Rookie of the Year		Matthew Clarke	P	Toronto Varsity Blues
Coach of the Year		Andrew Needles		Toronto Varsity Blues
OUA All-Stars
Name		Position	School
Gavin Taylor		Catcher	Brock Badgers
Rhys Jenkyn		1B - INF/OF	Waterloo Warriors
Jaden Leeder		2B	Brock Badgers
Spenser Ross		SS	Toronto Varsity Blues
Thomas Fournier		3B	Carleton Ravens
Diego Fuentes		Outfield	Toronto Varsity Blues
Andy Sahadeo		Outfield	Carleton Ravens
Adam Leatherland		Outfield	Waterloo Warriors
Jordan Cruz		DH - 1B/P	Carleton Ravens
Nathan Van Putten		Starting Pitcher	Carleton Ravens
Carson Hepburn		Relief Pitcher	Waterloo Warriors