Following the 2023 Toronto Maple Leafs baseball season.


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Late Summer Blues: The Toronto Maple Leafs' 2016 Postseason Recap

Leafs' August Run Thrills the Pits... Team Falls Four Games Short of Another Title... Bright Future Demands Eyeblack.






Stepability.  Grindertude.

These are not actual words, but they well describe the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club, which took its fans on a rollicking romp through the 2016 Intercounty Baseball postseason.

It was an unexpected trip.  All summer long on the parched slopes of Christie Pits, we watched the Leafs play.  They would win one, then lose one. Win another, and then lose another. Inconsistency was their only constant.

Turns out they were biding their time, and they turned that bounce-back approach into a winning formula for the playoffs.  

The postseason Leafs – who stepped it up and played each game like grinders – they were there all along, hidden in plain sight like the Zodiac Killer.  I see you, Ted Cruz.

During their playoff run through August and September, they knocked out two higher-ranked teams and played for the league championship. Most impressive about that is that the club lost several players as the postseason got under way. Players departed for college or for other reasons, leaving the bench and the bullpen both short.

Marek Deska was one of four pitchers who carried the burden of starting, relieving and closing out games.

“We just took it one game at a time and did our best to give our team a chance to win,” he said. “Many of us were pitching on short rest which was frustrating at times, but we managed and pulled off a pretty good playoff run.”

The best part of the run was that each game had a different hero.

“Everybody had to step up,” said Leafs first baseman Jon Waltenbury.

Toronto faced the Brantford Red Sox in the quarterfinals.

The Sox sought revenge after being eliminated by the Leafs in the 2015 playoffs. This year’s quarterfinal went the full seven games and dragged on for over two weeks because of rain delays.  Deska credited the rainouts for saving his arm and those of his fellow starters, Justin Cicatello, Brett van Pelt and Mike Wagner.

Game seven in Brantford was a low-scoring nailbiter. The Leafs came back to win 4-2 in 10 innings. Designated hitter Sean Mattson drove in the winning run that sent the Leafs to the semifinals.

Toronto’s semifinal opponents were the London Majors, the league’s top ranked team.

The Majors won the first two games of the series, and it looked as if they would enjoy a calm, dignified procession to the championship.

“London was a grind,” Deska said. “The driving and getting home late took a toll on the entire team.”

The Leafs grabbed a late win in game three, won a wild game four, and battled the Majors all the way to another game seven.

“It was brutal,” said Leafs third baseman Johnathan Solazzo. “Being down 2-0 right off the start with all the drama that happened… but the way we won game seven and to be a part of that [left me] speechless.”

The drama Solazzo referred to was an incident he was involved in during game four at Christie Pits. Midway through the game, a London baserunner slid hard into Solazzo at third. Both players jumped up and stood eye to eye, challenging one another. Words were exchanged, which led to shoving, and both teams spilled out onto the field. No punches were thrown, but the Majors claimed that a racial slur was directed toward one of their players during the skirmish.

The game was delayed for an hour as London protested the incident. They eventually returned to the field and the Leafs won that heated affair.

The series came down to a deciding match on the road. There, it was outfielder Grant Tamane’s turn to play the hero. Tamane hit a game-winning home run in the ninth inning to stun London and punch Toronto’s ticket to the championship series.

In the finals, Toronto faced the league’s two-time defending champions, the Barrie Baycats. 

The Leafs battled hard, but they fell short. The Baycats were able to score late in four straight games, and they swept the Leafs for their third straight title.

It was Toronto’s first championship series appearance since 2007, and the team continues on an upwards trajectory.

Could they win it all next year?

Solazzo:

“Each year we’re getting better and better and making it one more step closer to winning the championship.  I think the biggest thing we’re missing is arms – maybe one more starter and fill up that bullpen with shut down guys and we’ll be fine. We have the rest going for us.”

Waltenbury:

“We just need a few more arms to even out the workload on our staff, and we’ve got to be tighter on D.”

Deska:

“We’ve got the right mix of guys and the right mindset. Even though Barrie beat us in four games, we had an opportunity to win every single one of those games.”

The 2016 Leafs came within four games of winning another title. Fans can take heart over the coming winter that those four wins – and a championship – might be within reach next year.


The Maple Leafs will return in May 2017 for their 49th season of baseball at Christie Pits.


 

Sunday, September 4, 2016

IBL Championship Game 4: Leafs Swept Away, Season Ends

Game 4: Barrie Baycats at Toronto Maple Leafs - September 4, 2016

Baycats win 7-5 (win series 4-0)





Those Barrie Baycats are champeens of the IBL again, after knocking out the Toronto Maple Leafs in four.

Another closely fought battle saw the 'Cats take Game 4 by a 7-5 score to sweep the 2016 Championship Series. 

In each of the series' four games, Barrie proved themselves to be just that much better, and they are deserving champions. Winners of three titles in a row, they are the league's newest dynasty.

The game today was a continuation of the pattern set in the previous three. Toronto fell behind early but refused to roll over. Tooth and nail, they scratched out enough runs to even the score. Barrie then delivered a decisive blow in the later innings and held on for the win. All four games played out in the same manner.

As he did in Game 1, Jordan Castaldo hit a game-winning home run, this time off of Mike Wagner in the seventh. Oppo Taco to left, damme!

Barrie starter Emilis Guerrero went the distance, throwing 126 pitches for the complete game win. Toronto starter Brett van Pelt dueled with him for six innings before turning it over to Wagner.

Guerrero succeeded in silencing Toronto's Four Batsmen of the Apocalypse: Jon Waltenbury, Justin Marra, Sean Mattson and Johnathan Solazzo. They failed to drive in a single run despite racking up eight hits between them.

Dan Marra was the offensive motor for the Leafs today, hitting three RBI singles in three different innings. In between, Connor Lewis hit his first home run of the postseason -- a solo blast -- and he also singled in a run.

It was not enough to overcome Barrie's knack for the timely RBI.

When the Baycats recorded the final out of the game, they raced together for the traditional pileup in the infield grass, followed by a congratulatory handshake line with the Leafs before the presentation of the legendary Dominico Trophy.

Toronto fans will be able to look back on a season that stretched into the first week of September -- something that hasn't happened in a while. 

When it was all over today, everyone on the Christie hillside showed their appreciation for this Leafs team with a long ovation. The players walked out to the infield prior to the trophy presentation in order to show their appreciation back. For a few glowing seconds, neither side wanted to let go.


Game Recap:


The Leafs' amazing postseason run of 2016 came to an end on the first Sunday in September at Christie Pits.

To get one more sunny afternoon of baseball was a nice gift from this memorable club, and the hillside crowd grew in size over the first several innings. A vocal contingent of fans from Barrie was also on hand in anticipation of a championship-clinching win.

Brett van Pelt was on the mound for the Tronnos, versus Emilis Guerrero for Barrie.

Both starters faced the minimum in the scoreless 1st inning, and they followed that up with a scoreless 2nd.

In the top of the 3rd, left fielder Joey Guaragna drew a walk off van Pelt to start the inning. Centerfielder Glennn Jackson singled to advance him to second. A single by rightfielder Ryan Spataro then drove him in, while moving Jackson to third. Catcher Kyle DeGrace was up next, and he hit one to second baseman Dan Marra who played it for an error. That allowed Jackson to score and make it 2-0 Baycats through the first three innings.

In the bottom of the 4th, the Leafs put a run on the board. Third baseman Johnathan Solazzo reached first on an error by first baseman Jordan Castaldo, much to Castaldo's protest. DH Sean Mattson then doubled off of Guerrero, moving Solazzo to third. A single by Dan Marra drove in Solazzo to make it 2-1 Baycats through four.

The V-Necks tied it in the 5th on a solo home run over the left field fence by centerfielder Connor Lewis. 2-2 through five.

More scoring in the 6th. Pow! A solo home run by Castaldo. Pow! A solo home run by DH Kyle Nichols. 4-2 Baycats midway through the 6th.

Solazzo and Mattson singled off Guerrero to start the bottom of the inning. Dan Marra then singled in Solazzo again. A single by Lewis drove in Mattson and the score was tied 4-4 through six innings of play.

The fatal blow was delivered in the top of the 7th. Mike Wagner relieved van Pelt to start the inning. He gave up a single to shortstop Branfy Infante, who was then eliminated at second on a fielder's choice by Jackson. With Spataro at the plate, Jackson stole second. Spataro then flew out to leftfielder Grant Tamane. DeGrace then had a long at bat against Wagner, which included a pitch that he fouled off his leg, requiring a painful pause. He eventually singled in Jackson, bringing Castaldo back to the plate. Pow! Castaldo hit his second home run of the game, a two-run opposite field shot that made it 7-4 Baycats midway through the 7th.

As they have throughout this roller coaster postseason, the Leafs immediately battled back. Justin Marra hit a single, as did Mattson. Dan Marra then hit his third RBI single of the game to drive in his brother. 7-5 Baycats through seven.

It had been a fast moving game, and that trend continued in the 8th as both Guerrero and Wagner pitched 1-2-3 innings.

The Leafs were suddenly down to their final three outs. First baseman Jon Waltenbury was called out on strikes to start the inning. All afternoon, both clubs had been vocal in their displeasure with the umpiring of the game. Waltenbury took a moment to share a few choice words with the home plate umpire before returning to the bench. Justin Marra was up next, and he singled. Solazzo singled behind him. Mattson then struck out swinging, bringing Dan Marra to the plate again with a runner in scoring position. Marra was finally foiled as he hit one to center, where Jackson recorded the final out to end the game 7-5 and clinch the championship for the Barrie Baycats.


Barrie 7-9-2
Toronto 5-16-1

W - Guerrero (4-1, 2.02)
L - Wagner (4-1, 4.33)


BOXSCORE


Congratulations to the Barrie Baycats, 2016 IBL Champions.

A final round of fist bumps and thanks to all of the Toronto Maple Leafs for a memorable summer. I spent more time with you guys in the past month than I have with my own family.

See you next spring, you maniacs.
























































IBL Championship Game 3: Smash and Grab

Game 3: Toronto Maple Leafs at Barrie Baycats - September 3, 2016

Baycats win 11-6





The ball seemed to stay in the air forever.

Hit off the bat of Kevin Atkinson, it soared up and over the left side of the infield.

Grant Tamane got a bead on it as it flew through the cool September air. A jam-packed ballpark looked on as Tamane tracked back further and further.

After what felt like hours, he ran out of real estate. The ball cleared the fence and dipped out of sight behind the outfield greenery at Coates Stadium. Tamane turned, grasped the fence and cast his head downward.

Another game-changing eighth inning home run. Another smash and grab win by the Barrie Baycats.

It's the way this series has gone so far.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have battled the two-time IBL champs every inning of every game in this championship series, but the Baycats have kept finding a way to win it late.

Atkinson's homer broke a tie game and put his team on course for an 11-6 victory in Game 3 of the IBL Championship series. 

Justin Cicatello suffered the loss after going seven plus innings, giving up ten runs (six earned) while striking out five and walking six.

Johnathan Solazzo and Connor Lewis each hit clutch doubles to put runs on the board for Toronto. Solazzo had three RBIs on the night and Dan Marra also drove in a run. Lewis and Jon Waltenbury each had a pair of hits, and the Leafs scattered four more up and down the lineup.

Reliever Adam Hawes (above) has been a beneficiary of the Baycats' late rallies in the first three games of this series, chalking up two wins and a save to his name.

The Leafs must now dig out of an 0-3 hole if they hope to win the title. It has been done before, in fact very recently. The last IBL team to blow a three-game advantage and lose a championship series was these same Barrie Baycats in 2013.


Game Recap:


A cool early September night greeted fans at Coates Stadium for Game 3 of the IBL Championship Series between the Barrie Baycats and Toronto Maple Leafs. Adam Rowe made the start for the home side against Justin Cicatello for the visitors.

After a quick couple of innings that saw only one hit go on the board, both teams put runs on the board in the 3rd.

Rightfielder Brendan Keys hit a single off Rowe in the top of the 3rd. He was followed by centerfielder Connor Lewis who also singled. Leftfielder Grant Tamane then hit a screaming liner to second baseman Jeff Cowan. With Lewis on the basepaths, Cowan snapped a throw to first, but it sailed wide for an error. Both baserunners were awarded two bases, moving Lewis to third and Keys scored first run of the game. 1-0 Leafs midway through three.

In the bottom of the same inning, centerfielder Glenn Jackson was hit by a Cicatello pitch. Rightfielder Ryan Spataro then walked, and catcher Kyle DeGrace reached on a sac bunt that Cicatello threw for an error. Bases loaded. That brought first baseman Jordan Castaldo to the plate, and he singled in Jackson to tie the game. It was 1-1 after three.

Barrie took the lead in the bottom of the 4th. Leftfielder Joey Guaragna singled, then moved to second on a ground out by shortstop Branfy Infante. He scored on a triple by Spataro and it was 2-1 Baycats through four.

The bottom of the 5th saw the 'Cats extend their lead. Castaldo led off with a walk. Third baseman Kevin Atkinson reached first on an error by second baseman Dan Marra. DH Kyle Nichols then drove them both home with a double. Cowan was up next, and he was hit in the thigh by a pitch. Guaragna then singled to load the bases for Barrie with no outs. Infante singled to drive in Nichols. Jackson then hit into a double play that allowed Cowan to score. That made it 6-1 Baycats after five innings.

As they have this entire postseason, the Leafs battled right back. Tamane got things going in the top of the 6th with a walk. First baseman Jon Waltenbury singled next. Catcher Justin Marra flew out to short, and then DH Sean Mattson then reached first on a fielder's choice. That moved Tamane to third and Waltenbury to second. Third baseman Johnathan Solazzo then cleared the bases with a 3-run double. Solazzo would also score when Dan Marra hit a single. Just like that, it was a 6-5 ballgame after six.

Jaspreet Shergill relieved Rowe and pitched a scoreless 7th, as did Cicatello.

Toronto tied the game in the top of the 8th. After Shergill walked Dan Marra, Lewis hit a double to drive him in. Adam Hawes completed the inning for Shergill but it was now a 6-6 tie midway through the 8th.

In the bottom of the 8th, DeGrace reached first on an error by Solazzo. Castaldo then singled, bringing Atkinson to the plate. He then belted a Cicatello pitch over the fence in left for a three-run home run. After a walk to Nichols, Cicatello was relieved by Adam Garner. After a single by Cowan, a double by Jackson drove in two more runs and give the Baycats an 11-6 lead heading to the top of the 9th.

Justin Marra led off the 9th with a single, but that would be all as Rowe shut down the Leafs for his second win of the series and an 11-6 FINAL for Barrie.


Toronto 6-8-4
Barrie 11-13-1

W - Hawes (2-0, 2.16)
L - Cicatello (1-2, 4.50)


BOXSCORE


The series continues with Game 4 on Sunday afternoon, September 4 at Christie Pits.