Banner Season: Regional victors turn their attention to title hopes at OUA baseball finale

Graphic on blue background feature photo of a Toronto Varsity Blues baseball player on the left side, and the OUA Baseball Championship logo and date (Oct. 11 - Oct. 12) on the right
c/o Jasmine Andrew
October 10, 2024

Burlington, Ont. – Tickets have been punched and title hopes are in full swing for the final four squads hitting the diamond at this weekend’s 2024 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Baseball Championship. An undefeated regional event ensured the reigning champion and host Toronto Varsity Blues would have a chance to defend their title,  while fellow qualifier victors – Queen’s Gaels (East), Brock Badgers (West), and Waterloo Warriors (Far West) – will look to take home the coveted two wins of their own to hoist the Jason Guindon Trophy this weekend in Ajax, Ont.

EVENT DETAILS

When: October 11 to October 12, 2024
Where: Ajax Sportsplex (Audley Baseball Diamonds)
Participating Schools: Brock Badgers, Queen’s Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues (host), Waterloo Warriors
Scoring/Results: HERE
Defending Champions: Toronto Varsity Blues

ATHLETES TO WATCH

Kevin Angers, Toronto Varsity Blues | One of last year’s co-most valuable pitchers, Angers is no stranger to big games on the mound, with his latest top-tier outing coming to open Toronto’s regional qualifier efforts. His 7-inning performance saw him surrender just three hits, while striking out 13 in the Blues 6-0 win. He was similarly dominant in last year’s semifinal start, giving up just a single run with 11 strikeouts in 7.2 innings, and if he can be equally effective at the Ajax Sportsplex this weekend, the Blues will be well-positioned to collect their third title in four years.

Cole Carpenter, Brock Badgers | As a graduating senior and team leader, Carpenter stands as one of Brock’s most potent offensive threats. Anchoring the Brock lineup in the clean-up spot, the St. Catharines, Ont. local chipped in throughout the West Qualifier and helped Brock secure their spot in the finale. Such contributions are nothing new for Carpenter, who also parlayed a productive start to the year – including an early season grand slam -  into a Brock athlete of the week nod. A stabilizing force in the locker room and a big target at first base, Carpenter will be hoping to wrap up his OUA tenure with a title.

Cody Hagerman, Waterloo Warriors | A consistent threat at the plate, Hagerman drives the Waterloo offence in countless ways. With a keen ability to put bat on ball, not to mention the potent power he possesses, the Whitby, Ont. native stuffed the stat sheet for the black and gold during the 2024 coach-driven slate. The reigning Waterloo athlete of the week’s knack for getting on base and driving in runs should help the Warriors wreak havoc offensively this weekend, much like he did for his squad at the Far West Qualifier just a few days prior.

Carson Hepburn, Waterloo Warriors | Hepburn was nearly untouchable on the mound for Waterloo in 2024. His stingy ERA and miniscule opponents’ batting average made him tough to face all year, and he will look to maintain his perfect win-loss record at this weekend’s festivities. He was lights out in a complete-game showing against Western at the Far West Qualifier last weekend, surrendering just four hits and an unearned run while striking out eight, and another performance of that calibre might just help his team end their second straight championship appearance in winning fashion.

Charlie Hughes, Brock Badgers | A second-year hurler for the Badgers, Hughes exudes confidence and a steely demeanor on the mound. As a true competitor with an impressive pitching arsenal that kept hitters at bay across his nearly 24 innings pitched in 2024, the Bond Head, Ont. product wants the ball in every high-stakes game – much like in the sensational six-inning outing he delivered in the regional finale last weekend against Guelph (4H, 2R, 0ER).

Max Lanoue, Queen’s Gaels | After a pair of strong starts from Queen’s pitchers to kick off last weekend’s festivities, Lanoue put the cherry on top of the East Qualifier victory with a sparkling complete-game in the decisive matchup. The second-year pitcher from Oakville, Ont. stymied the Ravens over nine innings, striking out 12 while giving up just three hits and one run. Tanoue and the Tricolour’s terrific pitching corps being in fine form will go a long way for their banner season aspirations, especially with a semifinal against Toronto on deck.

Max Yuen, Queen’s Gaels | One of the captains of this year’s Gaels team, Yuen is among the conference’s premier shortstops. Proficient on both sides of the ball, the nursing major from Vancouver, B.C. is also no stranger to the banner season stage, having been a part of the Tricolour’s triumph in 2022. He continues to use that big game experience to lift the Gaels’ championship aspirations this season, including a multi-hit performance in the East Qualifier opener last weekend, and will be eyeing a second OUA title in his senior season.

Owen Taylor, Toronto Varsity Blues | A co-MVP from last year’s OUA finale, Taylor is once again at the forefront of the title-hopeful Toronto team. The senior outfielder impacted last year’s banner season result in several ways – including at the plate and on the mound – and his team-leading seven RBI in last weekend’s qualifier proved he is once again in fine form heading into the team’s semifinal tilt with Brock.

BURNING QUESTIONS

  1. A mainstay at the OUA Baseball Championship, can the defending champion Blues extend their late season winning streak and bring home back-to-back banners?
  2. After clinching their championship spot from the competition OUA West Qualifier, can the Brock Badgers finish the job this weekend against their fellow top teams?
  3. Runners up a year ago in an extra-innings thriller, can the Waterloo Warriors turn that valuable championship experience into their first banner in program history?
  4. After a string of stingy starts in the East Qualifier, can the Gaels’ pitchers continue to dominate on the mound at the championship?

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“We have been saying this all season long – if we keep things simple and execute a clean game on both offence and defence, we’ll be a very tough team to beat. Clinching the competitive OUA West filled us with a lot of pride and excitement, but we quickly reminded ourselves that the job is not done. In a short tournament, every team will bring their best, and we anticipate a very high level of play this weekend.” – Marc LePage, Head Coach, Brock Badgers

“Queen’s baseball is great people, great places, great team, a great time.” – Matty McDonald, Student-Athlete, Queen’s Gaels

“I’m very proud of our guys for being able to get back to the final four, and I hope this year we take our experience from years past and win it all. Not just for the guys on the roster this year, but everyone who has been a part of this program over the last several seasons.” – Nolan Misa, Student-Athletes, Waterloo Warriors