Metros hoping to surprise at Elimination Tournament

The Niagara Metros head into the Ontario Elimination Tournament as underdogs this season.

“We couldn’t be happier about it,” Metros general manager Jon Marcheterre said.

“Due to an up and down regular season so far, we have really flown under the radar. Though we sit in first place in our division, we are just over .500 and really haven’t put together the regular season wins we are accustomed to.”

Despite their inconsistent season to date, Marcheterre insists the Metros aren’t heading to Windsor simply to make an appearance.

“Our approach to the season has not wavered. The most important weekend of the season is the Ontario Elimination Tournament and everything we do is in preparation for that challenge,” he said.

“We have had good showings in the two tournaments we have played in (quarter finalist in the London Lakeside Tournament and semifinalist in the Hap Walters Memorial Tournament).

“Our goal has been to peak at the right time and I believe that we are as close to doing that as we have been in the last few years. Our recent history has been to storm through June and July, enter the tournament as a top-ranked team and subsequently run out of gas.

“This year, the bats and the pitching are coming around and clicking as we are entering the weekend.”

The tournament features the top senior teams in the province.

It is also notoriously difficult to win.

“This tournament is said to be the toughest tournament in the country and arguably more challenging than the national tournament that you gain a birth to by winning,” Marcheterre said.

“You need to win seven games in four days to be successful. It is a marathon like no other in amateur baseball. It will take our entire roster to win it all, and we have a great group of guys and skills this season that I believe will bring the right ingredients to the mix.”

Marcheterre is counting on veterans Dave Davidson, Evan Baglieri, Jonathan Paul, Ricky

This tournament is said to be the toughest tournament in the country and arguably more challenging than the national tournament that you gain a birth to by winning.” Metros general manager Jon Marcheterre

Ferri and Jordan Grant to lead the way.

“We need them to demonstrate to our young guys what it takes at this stage,” he said.

The Metros will also need help from rookies Will Nitransky, Matt Casburn and Taylor McVey.

On the mound, the team is led by starters Geoff Strong, Justin Ayles, newcomer Dylan Perego and closer Dan Proctor.

“We will be looking for big contributions from all our pitchers, especially Brandon Beattie and rookie lefties Tyler Wood and Ryan Bench,” Marcheterre added.

The Metros open Friday when they play the Ilderton Red Army at 4:30 p.m. in Woodslee. The rest of the tournament is in Windsor and Tecumseh.

“It will come down to the little things that we have stressed all season long, limiting the opponents to three hits an inning, scratching out runs when necessary and piling on when we can,” manager Kerry Hedden said.

Pitching coach and former pro Brian Essery is confident in his crew of hurlers.

“This is the toughest tournament in the country, and to win it you need to be prepared at all times to step in and contribute. Our pitchers need to be ready regardless of their role because we will do everything to win each game,” he said.

Fans can follow the action on Twitter @NiagaraMetros.

Diamond notes: Good pickup by Toronto adding Melvin (Don’t Call Me B.J.) Upton. Now that he is a Blue Jay, wonder if he will go back to being called B.J.? ... Looking forward to heading to Cooperstown in the next week or so. Haven’t been in a decade. so it’s long overdue.