Metros Collect Two Wins in COBA Major Action
By Dan Estey
The Niagara Metros had a very busy week this week as they had three scheduled games on the docket. Their fist game of the week saw them travel to Mississauga to take on the Erindale Cardinals at the Ninth Line. The teams made it into the 4th inning with the Metros leading 5-2 when the skies opened up making the field unplayable and washing the game out. The game has now been re-scheduled for Sunday, June 28th @ Erindale Cardinal Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00pm.

Wednesday, the Niagara crew traveled to Nelson Park to take on the Burlington Brants. The Metros had revenge on their minds as the Brants knocked them out of the playoffs last season and came out swinging as they took this game by a score of 13-2. The game was called after 8 innings because of the league mercy rule. Niagara was full value for the win as the smashed out 19 hits in the game. Four Metros hitters had three hits led by veteran Jonathan Paul who was 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Phil Steer (3 for 5, RBI), Anthony Vacca. (3 for 5, RBI) and Dave Davidson (3 for 5, RBI) all also had three hit games while Ricky Ferri (2 for 5, RBI) and Jordan Grant (2 for 5, RBI) collected two hits each. Chris Anderi, Jono Marcheterre (RBI), and new comer Ryan Laird (3 RBIs) rounded out the offense. Brandon Ellingham drew the start on the hill for Niagara. The rookie threw three innings in his first COBA Major start giving up no runs on 2 hits. He walked four batters while striking out two. Noah Anderson was next in and collected the win going three innings. He allowed two runs (both earned) while walking three and striking out two Burlington batters. Brandon Beattie finished up throwing the last two innings allowing only a single hit while striking out two.

On Thursday, the Metros returned home to take on the revamped Oakville A’s at George Taylor Field. The red hot Niagara bats kept rolling in this game as they won by a score of 11-3. The offense was led by Steer who was 3 for 4 with a double, triple and an RBI. Taylor Anderson also collected three hits going 3 for 4 with a run scored while Grant was 3 for 5 as well. Ferri (2 for 4, 4 Runs) and Paul (2 for 4, Double, 2 RBIs) collected two hits a piece. Another Metros rookie, Alex Tufts, drew the start on the mound. He threw three innings allowing one run (earned) on six hits. He allowed no walks while striking out two batters. Brian Kusey, back after a year off, followed him to the mound collecting the win. He threw three innings allowing two runs (both earned) on six hits. He walked two Oakville batters while striking out one. Justin Ayles finished up the last three innings collecting the save. He gave up no runs on one hit. He walked three while striking out three.

For his week, Niagara Metros’ Phil Steer was named the COBA Major League Player of the Week. He went 6 for 9 at the plate in 11 plate appearances. He had 4 singles, a double, and a triple. He collected an RBI while scoring six times and stealing three bases.

Monday, May 11th
Erindale Cardinal Field – Niagara Metros vs. Erindale Cardinals PPD 

Oakville Park
Mississauga SW Twins vs. Oakville A’s PPD

Tuesday 

Clarkson Park     Runs    Hits    Errors
Milton Red Sox (0-2)    1    4    0
Mississauga SW Twins (3-0)    11    12    1
Winning Pitcher – Billy Hurley. Losing Pitcher – Liam Tennant

Wednesday 
Nelson Park (8 Innings)    Runs    Hits    Errors
Niagara Metros (1-1)    13    19    0
Burlington Brants (1-1)    2    5    3
Winning Pitcher – Noah Anderson. Losing Pitcher – Cam Ryerson

Thursday 
George Taylor Field    Runs    Hits    Errors
Oakville A’s (1-2)    3    13    2
Niagara Metros (2-1)    11    15    0
Winning Pitcher – Brian Kusey. Losing Pitcher – Marc Walton
Save – Justin Ayles
HR – Niagara: Chris Anderi

Dave Dash Park    Runs    Hits    Errors
Erindale Cardinals (1-2)    5    4    1
Brampton Royals (1-1)    7    10    0
Winning Pitcher – Brandon Habibi. Losing Pitcher – Andrew Mullin
Save – Joe Ferreira
HR – Brampton: Joe Ferreira.

Friday
Connorvale Park Runs    Hits    Errors
Milton Red Sox (0-3)    3    3    6
Etobicoke Rangers (2-1)    13    9    1
Winning Pitcher – Adam McBride. Losing Pitcher – Jeremy MacDonald
HR – Etobicoke: Julian Johnson.