In a match-up that many in the lower mainland were watching mainly due to the fact if the Mariners went on to win they might have to plan a road trip south to Seattle catching the action with the Mariners playing the Jays.

Dreams do come true and when and if you get a chance to catch a game you have to remember that a big part of the Jay’s organization is the Vancouver Canadians team who are a farm team to the Jay’s.

Now you’ll have the chance to take in some electric ball and could possibly be a part of history in the marking.

If you weren’t able to catch the action as the Tigers took their game plan to Seattle in a winner take all against the Mariners in a contest that was played in front of 47,025 fans who for the most part spent the night standing. 

The Tigers weren’t going down without a fight in a contest that saw the game played till the early hours of the morning in Detroit that had the fans cheering from a distance.

The Mariners pushed the game in a contest that was a must win considering that they haven’t played in for more than two decades.

The win saw them pull out the win over the Tigers in 15 rounds with Mariners Manager Dan Wilson called the squad to earn a 3-2 walk-off win advancing to Toronto against the Blue Jays.

In a contest that went the distance and then some it’ll be interesting to see how they will manage the pitching rotation which has to be tired being pushed to the limit.

Going the extra mile and beyond they somehow managed to get everyone to buy into the concept of winning with contributions from everyone ranging from players on the bench, pitchers or relievers.

The game itself saw the largest lead by either team leading by only one run which was the longest elimination game in postseason MLB history.

We can only imagine the conversation in the club house prior to the first pitch with both clubs knowing that it was a winner take all and advance.

Simply put – there is no such thing as losing having a long hard look at yourself with everyone playing for each other with no free rides.

The Tigers started Tarik Skubal who according to some in the baseball world who just might be the best MLB left-handed pitcher in the game but interesting that he started four games and the Tigers have lost them all.

A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager pulled Skubal after the sixth inning that saw the Mariners score in the seventh on Leo Rivas’s RBI single that knotted the game until its dramatic conclusion. 

When he was asked he mentioned that it was an “Easy decision” after 99 pitches continuing to tell the media “After the fifth, I checked in on him, how he was doing physically and emotionally, and we both knew that he had one left. You know, he emptied his tank and obviously was emotional coming off the mound, and I think that signals exactly where we were in the game. He gave us everything he could.”

It’ll be interesting to know the status of Bryan Woo, Seattle’s Right-Hander, who was left off the ALDS roster apparently due to pectoral inflammation. He did throw in the bullpen Friday and could return knowing that he was the club’s best starter in the regular season who led their rotation with 4.3 wins, 2.94 ERA over 186.2 innings.  

Seattle used three starting pitchers in Friday’s win with Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert both entering in relief which leaves Bryce Miller, who started Wednesday, to take the mound on only three days’ rest.

He (Miller) threw 55 pitches in Game 4 and allowed two runs and four hits in only 4 1/3 innings.

Should he return it’ll be a rematch of the 2022 AL Wild Card Series that saw the Mariners complete a two-game sweep overcoming an 8-1 deficit in Game 2 which is something the Jays want to forget.

Following their 3-2 win the team stayed in Seattle before heading to Toronto which could lead to a late Saturday arrival against the Blue Jays.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson mentioned “Our guys will be ready and we’ll get there tonight, get some rest, and we’ll be ready to go.”

For the first time since 2001 and fourth time overall the Mariners will play in the American League Championship Series, against the Toronto Blue Jays with the seven-game series and the first pitch Sunday night in Toronto at Rogers Centre.

Seattle is starting Bryce Miller while the Jays are starting Kevin Gausman and regardless of who you cheer for it’s going to be exceptional ball!!!

The post Mariners Marathon 15th Inning Win first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Of course our dealings are mainly with the media relations/play by play person who is Tyler Zickle is in his fifth season with the C’s and eighth within the Toronto Blue Jays organization in addition to his 11th in Minor League Baseball.

Prior to joining the C’s he was the Director of Promotions & Entertainment and Radio Broadcaster for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. 

Having spent three seasons in Manchester, he was instrumental for the entire in-game presentation and promotions departments while traveling throughout the Eastern League in addition to calling ‘Cats games. 

In 2018 he worked alongside current Jays skipper John Schneider having the luxury to spend time with pro players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio and Jordan Romano.

It all started in 2014 as a communications intern for the Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm in the California League. He made his professional baseball radio debut with the Storm in 2015 and went behind the mic in the middle innings of road games.

Over his time in Vancouver he has been a welcome addition to the team but prior to Tyler we have the privilege to work with good friend Rob Fai who is now the Director of Sales and Marketing.

As with all organizations any media request must go through the media department and we are fortunate to have a strong working relationship with the C’s.

This past weekend I had friends in from Finland as their son attends and plays with the Delta Hockey Academy and since the team had a day off I asked Tyler if he could arrange a pair of passes for the game.

DID NOT KNOW!!!!

I for one clearly DID NOT KNOW and as I like to mention it to you and listed under “WHO KNEW”??? 

Pesäpallo (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈpesæˌpɑlːo]; lit. ’nest ball’; Swedish: Boboll colloquially known in Finnish as pesis and also referred to as Finnish baseball) is a fast-moving bat-and-ball sport that is often referred to as the national sport of Finland.

The basic idea of pesäpallo is similar to that of baseball: the offense tries to score by hitting the ball successfully and running through the bases, while the defense tries to put the batter and runners out. 

One of the most important differences between pesäpallo and baseball is that the ball is pitched vertically, which makes hitting the ball, as well as controlling the power and direction of the hit, much easier.

They had never seen let alone been to a ball game and for them this was something new and  exciting which they enjoyed from the drive in to going through the gates.

You couldn’t have picked a better day for a game on a hot, muggy 31 degree day with a sell-out crowd on hand.

Thanks to Tyler for the press release but most of all “thanks’ for the passes.

The C’s managed to get another strong start with a pair of home runs along with a strong start from MLB #6 Blue Jays prospect Gage Stanifer who carried the C’s to a 4-3 win over the Tri-City Dust Devils – farm team for the LA.

The first home run was in the bottom of the fourth with a man on and no outs that saw Carter Cunningham hammer his 14^th of the season making it 2-0 for the C’s.

Tri-City tied it with a two-out homer in the top of the fifth that saw  the C’s take the lead in the bottom of the sixth. 

Edward Duran led off with a go-ahead solo which was his first as a Canadian followed when Jay Harry doubled that set up a single from Matt Scannell singled  making it 4-2.

Stanifer’s (21 year-old) went six innings for his third straight start allowing two hits – a single and a homer in the fifth – while issuing one walk and striking out eight.

Nate LaRue and Julio Ortiz each worked a scoreless inning of relief before Aaron Munson (S, 3) found himself in some hot water in the ninth. 

He struck out the first man he faced but hit the next batter before giving up consecutive singles that scored a run. 

The righty induced a pop up in the next at-bat then threw a wild pitch that allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to advance into scoring position. 

Munson would escape the jam thanks to a ground ball that kicked off his cleat and redirected to shortstop Arjun Nimmala, who gloved it quickly and fired to first to end the game with the C’s on top 4-3.

Seven of nine starters reached base and six had a hit. Cunningham, Duran and Harry each finished with two knocks apiece. 

With the win, the C’s take five of six from the Dust Devils to close out their season series with the Angels affiliate and are 10-2 in their last 12 games. 

Thanks to a loss by first place Eugene today, the Canadians are now in second place and seven games back of the top spot with 12 games remaining.

Vancouver will enjoy an off day and start their final road series of the season Tuesday (August 26th) in Hillsboro at 6:35 p.m.

The post Finish Friends First Game – Thoroughly Entertained first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Friday’s Nooners game was attended by lots of youngsters from the Vancouver Boys and Girls Club in the area who weren’t short of being loud who came to cheer on the C’s.

While some might question or think why would any group have a ball game on their agenda but one might simply ask “why not” as they were apparently using this day as a wrap-up to a summer full of fun.

I did find it ironic that the group sitting directly in front of me at the top of the bleachers directly behind home plate were from Tsawwassen who operate near Winskill Park so naturally we spoke.

To no real surprise the stands were packed as expected on a Friday Nooners which takes in a wide variety of fans of all ages.

The game ended up on a two-hit shutout 4-0 win against the Tri-City Dust Devils (LAA) that was credited to both Silvano Hechavarria and Juanmi Vasquez.

The press release is from Tyler Zickle play by play for the C’s.

Enjoy the read and make plans to attend one of the upcoming games as the season is slowly coming to a close.

Hechavarria (W, 2-0) was fantastic from the first pitch. He retired the side in order in the first, stranded a one-out walk in the second, escaped the third after a lead-off double then went 1-2-3 in the fourth before the C’s got to Tri-City starter Chris Cortez in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Arjun Nimmala and Carter Cunningham singled to put runners at the corners with no outs and a double play in the next at-bat made it 1-0 Vancouver.

Staked to a one-run advantage, Hechavarria – MLB Pipeline’s #26 Blue Jays prospect – would retire the next seven hitters before a one-out single in the seventh, but he responded with his fourth K of the day against what would be his last batter. His final line: 6.2 IP / 0 R / 2 H / 1 BB / 4 K.

Vasquez (S, 1) turned in 2.1 perfect innings of relief to close it out and secure at least a series split with the Dust Devils this week.

While the lone run proved to be enough, Jay Harry added a two-out, two-RBI double in the sixth and Sean Keys clubbed his team-high 15^th homer of the year in the eighth to put the game away for good.

All nine starters reached base and six had a hit. Keys led the way with two knocks while Harry’s two RBI paced the offence.

As you can see in the photo below construction is still on-going and won’t officially be finished but will be ready for the opening day at the start of the 2026 season.

If you have (and I hope you have) attended games in the past this was the picnic area but is being renovated with the club house on the bottom and the top will be a restaurant (so we were told) for fans to take in the game.

Things are progressing rather well so if and when you attend a C’s game be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to your fellow fans!

It’s going to be quite the facility once completed.

The series continues tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Jackson Wentworth toes the slab for the C’s opposite #3 Angels prospect Ryan Johnson.

Catch the action on the C’s Broadcast Network: Bally Sports Live and Sportsnet 650.

All photos credit to Mark Steffens – fotoguy.org

The post Newcomers HECHAVARRIA, VASQUEZ PITCH SHUTOUT WIN first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The Canadians are seven games back of the first place Emeralds in the second half standings, effectively eight games if you consider that Eugene holds the tiebreaker over Vancouver.

With 33 games left on the schedule, the C’s will look to catch fire while hoping that the Giants affiliate cools off.

After taking home Northwest League Pitcher of the Week honours after striking out nine across 5.1 innings, Javen Coleman continued his dominant pitching on Thursday night.

 Although he allowed a run, he punched out four batters across two innings to earn his first save of the season. FITTING IN NICELY: After smashing two home runs in his C’s debut on Wednesday night – including one in his first plate appearance – Alexis Hernandez added two more hits and a walk in his second game with Vancouver. 

After working nine offensive walks in last night’s game, the Canadians now have 520 walks on the season, the most in all of high-A. Among Northwest League leaders, the Canadians have four players amongst the top ten: Je’Von Ward (64, 1st), Sean Keys (60, 2nd), Eddie Micheletti (55, 6th), and Carter Cunningham (54, tied for 7th)

The Canadians wrapped up July with a 14-11 record that included several excellent individual efforts that saw Fernando Perez pitch his best baseball to date managing a 1.45 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts against 4 walks in 18.2 July innings. 

Carter Cunningham had his best month with a .856 OPS including five home runs and 14 free passes. 

Cutter Coffey led the C’s in July with 29 hits, 15 runs scored, and 18 RBI producing an .868 OPS in 24 games. 

Edinson Batista (RH) gets the ball for the Canadians as he makes his 6th start and 24th overall appearances noting that the last time he allowed three earned runs across 3.2 innings at home against Eugene. 

The following game saw top Blue Jays prospect Arjun Nimmala along with excellent work from the pitching helped the C’s pull out a 4-1 win at Gesa Stadium noting that the C’s led from the opening pitch. 

Vancouver led wire-to-wire. A lead-off walk in the top of the first and a Cutter Coffey single in the next at-bat put runners at the corners with no outs before a double play plated the game’s first run. 

The C’s return home for a a six-game series with the Hillsboro Hops that saw the C’s drop the game in a match that was like playing on a sponge that saw them give the Hops a 10-7 win despite a late rally that saw them bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth.

A three-hit game from top Jays prospect Arjun Nimmala as well as strong pitching helped the Cs manage a 4-1 win over Tri-City at Gesa Stadium. 

Trailing 10-4 after eight and a half that saw three straight walks the bases only to have Alexis Hernandez drive in a run with a sacrifice fly followed by a single. 

Looking back we had a chat with Rob Fai in 2015 who was the Play by Play broadcaster and we were asked to reflect back on the interview. Enjoy!

The Hops went up by seven only to have Vancouver spoil the shutout when Cutter Coffey hammered his ninth homer of the year beginning the home half of the fifth only to have the Hops get that run back in the top of the sixth.

The teams traded two-run frames between the bottom of the seventh and the top of the eighth with Carter Cunningham doubled home one of the two C’s scores. 

All nine starters reached base and six had a hit. Sean Keys and Harry both walked four times for eight of the 13 free passes issued to the Canadians in the game that saw Edward Duran being the lone C’s hitter with multiple hits. 

Tonight’s game is set for a 7:05 first pitch with the C’s dropping two in a row are looking at getting back in the win column tonight.

The post C’s August Start – Impressive Crowds first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Anyone who has had a chance to take in games played at Scotia Bank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium this year have their sights set on the C’s managing to pull off the 2025 Championship which currently seems within reach.

The hot and humid weather clearly does not deter fans from taking in any game such as I did this past Friday that saw them hammer Spokane with their eighth straight win with a 15-0 win in a mid-day game in front of just over 5,000 boisterous fans. 

The winning continues that saw them make history Sunday afternoon as they pulled off a 3-2 win over the Spokane Indians [COL] in front yet another sellout crowd. 

The win is their 10^th consecutive victory and 18^th in the last 20 games for the hottest team in North America. 

It’s interesting to know that they matched a winning streak record for a third time in the last four years and with yesterday’s win the C’s now own the longest winning streak since the franchise began at the turn of the century. 

Sunday’s game saw them trailing 1-0 after Spokane hit a solo homer in the third, but never say never as they managed a push back in the fourth tying the game. 

Aaron Parker led off with a double then advanced to third after two walks, which set up a game-tying sacrifice fly from Je’Von Ward.

Vancouver took the lead for good in the fifth. Sean Keys worked a one-out free pass then raced home on a Cutter Coffey RBI double to make it 2-1.

MLB Pipeline’s #9 Blue Jays prospect Khal Stephen (W, 3-0) made his fifth High-A start and turned in five strong innings in which he gave up one run on three hits, walked one and K’ed two over 71 pitches. 

He was followed by Pat Gallagher (H, 4), who gutted out two scoreless frames despite not having his trademark command and control.

He scattered a hit and three walks with three strikeouts while stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base in both of his innings.

Parker hammered a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, which proved to be the winning run. Leading 3-1 to start the top of the ninth, the C’s survived a lead-off homer in the inning as JJ Sanchez (S, 1) put a bow on his six-out save with three consecutive outs after the long ball.

 Despite collecting just three hits in the game, all three factored into the final result. It was the seventh time in 27 games this year where Vancouver came out on top despite getting outhit by their opponent.

With the win, the Canadians are now 35-28 and maintain sole possession of first place in the Northwest League first half standings. 

As of press time second place Everett the farm team for Seattle was leading 4-0 in the fourth inning against Tri-City [LAA]. 

Vancouver’s magic number which is a combination of C’s wins and Everett losses is currently three, though third place Hillsboro is also still in contention; they’re two games back of first. 

Should Everett lose tonight, they would be tied with the Hops for second place and find themselves two games behind the C’s with three to play. If the Frogs win, they will remain one game back of first. 

The Canadians own the tiebreaker over Hillsboro, but Everett has the tiebreaker over Vancouver.

After an off day tomorrow, the Canadians travel to Eugene to take on the Emeralds [SF] in a six-game series starting Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m. 

The first three games of the series are the final three games of the first half. 

Catch all the action on Sportsnet 650 and stay up to date with the playoff race via CanadiansBaseball.com and @vancanadians on social.

Thanks to Tyler Zickle for the press release!!

The post HISTORIC 10TH STRAIGHT WIN HANDS C’S SERIES SWEEP first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The upgrades that have been completed are impressive and once finished it’ll be a “state of the art” diamond in the league.

For those planning on attending, arrive early as parking is still a work in progress and we all knew that the upgrades would take time to complete.

Once inside you’ll notice that the lobby is virtually the same with no changes to speak of but once in the stands you’ll notice that the teams are in the same dugouts as in the past.

From the first base line you’ll notice that the picnic area is now a ‘pit” which will eventually be the clubhouse that will feature  the training room for the Canadians.

The third base side of the diamond is still the same dugout for the C’s but deep in left field behind the porch you’ll notice that the bullpen has changed so rather than one for the home team you’ll see two.

This area has expanded to include a bullpen for both teams with the visitors directly in front of the porch while the C’s have a new state-of-the-art area for the pitchers.

The outfield wall is much higher which will create havoc for the outfielders to make some miraculous game winning catches.

Overall the facility once completed will be able to attract more fans considering that the area beside the porch is still being worked on, so we’ll see what the plans are for that area.

To the  surprise of many the opening week of  ball proved to be exceptional for both the team as well as the weather which was different from past seasons that saw torrential rain flood the infield.

Not only did the grounds crew have the infield looking so pristine they were working even through the media walk through mid-day which saw a different opening media day from what we have seen in the past.

The C’s are on the road and return next Tuesday April 29th to kick-off yet another exciting week of ball against Hillsboro for a six game series so make plans to attend and catch some exciting C’s ball.

Key’s to Remember:

Let’s not forget that the C’s announce they have signed a 10-year Professional Development License with Major League Baseball to be the Toronto Blue Jays High-A Affiliate.

The change in classification for the Canadians baseball will be played in the newly formed High-A West League. 

The six-team league will include the Eugene Emeralds (San Francisco Giants), Everett AquaSox (Seattle Mariners), Hillsboro Hops (Arizona Diamondbacks), Tri-City Dust Devils (Los Angeles Angels), and Spokane Indians (Colorado Rockies).

The Canadians have been promoted to full season which will see the C’s schedule increase from 76 to 132 regular season games, in a typical season. 

As a result of the higher level, there will be higher level of baseball played at Nat Bailey Stadium from April to early September. 

The post Changes To The Home Of The C’s first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

If you’re from the lower mainland you know that there have been several players who advance their career to the major league making their way through the minor league’s in the area.

We could name them but it might take a while but for Delta fans you know that James Paxton as well as Jeff Francis are only two with possibly more looking to make and take the next step to the Major League.

If we reflect on the overall season for the Vancouver Canadians we know that when you attend any game you’ll be entertained with future MLB players.

While the C’s are currently in the off-season it’s never too late to make plans to grab season tickets for the upcoming 2025 season.

We received the following press release from C’s Broadcaster Tyler Zickel and wanted to share but note that the C’s have 66 home dates as part of the 132 Northwest League Schedule.

And before you ask – YES SPORTSWAVE WILL AGAIN BE COVERING THE C’S IN 2025!!

Grab your tickets early!!

The Canadians return to action for the 2025 season on Friday, April 4 at Tri-City and kick-off their home schedule on Tuesday, April 15 against Spokane to begin their 14^th season as the High-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Like in 2024, all C’s home games Tuesday through Thursday will begin at 7:05 p.m. From April to June, Friday through Sunday games start at 1:05 p.m. Saturday start times switch to 7:05 p.m. from July through September. 

Much of the campaign’s first month is spent on the road. The C’s play nine games in ten days between April 4 and April 13 then return to Vancouver for their first of only eight April games at The Nat. 

As the weather improves in May, so do the number of home dates for the Canadians; they play a season-high 15 times on Ontario Street that month.

13 of 25 June games and 12 of 24 July contests are at Rogers Field at The Nat before the C’s spend the majority of August on the road.

The only six September games on the docket are all at home as well, including the season finale on Sunday, September 7.

Vancouver will play Hillsboro (30), Tri-City (27), Spokane (27), Eugene (24) and Everett (24) over the course of the Northwest League season. 

The Hops (18) and the AquaSox (15) will visit The Nat the most next year.

For tickets and more information throughout the offseason, visit CanadiansBaseball.com or call 604-872-5232.

The post C’S UNVEIL 2025 SCHEDULE first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Normally when a team plays a “midweek” game it’s hard to get a full house considering it’s a school night for families with young children, but regardless the C’s did manage to attract just over 3,000 cheering on the home  team.

Knowing that this would be the last home game not just of the 2024 season when everyone returns next spring it’ll be a different looking stadium with changes being made in the off-season.

As far as what they will be; everyone is being vert “tight lipped” as to what it will look like but considering that the picnic area has been fenced off we are hearing that that area will be the new clubhouse area for the team, but we’ll know when we see it.

Considering the pressure was on not just the C’s but mainly Brent Lavallee there was no doubt that he had the players focused as to how to approach the game knowing that the remainder of the series would be played in Spokane.

The final game at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium this year ended as it should: with the Vancouver Canadians celebrating a 4-3 win over the Spokane Indians to even the Northwest League Championship Series at one game each.

The Indians used a two-out homer from Kyle Karros to grab a 1-0 in the first that saw the C’s tie the score in the second that saw Jay Harry get a lead off with a walk, then stole second scoring on a two-out single from Jacob Sharp.

Starter Juaron Watts-Brown turned in one of his finest outings this year that saw him strike out 10 Indians over his first five frames, holding Spokane off the scoreboard until the sixth, when they got to him for the go-ahead run from a double, a ground out and a wild pitch. 

He was pulled after recording two outs that brought JJ Sanchez (W, 1-0) to get the final out of the inning.

Down by 2-1, Vancouver started to rally that would give them the lead that saw Harry and Cutter Coffey single to start the frame, putting men at the corners for Brennan Orf who hammered the first-pitch ground ball over the first base bag into right field corner scoring both runners. 

The play saw him round first and collided with Spokane first baseman Jose Cordova that saw him fall to the ground and while the runs counted, 

Orf was ruled at fault and forced to stay at first instead of reaching second eventually stranding him at third base bringing the inning to an enc.to end 

Sanchez retired all three batters he faced before Geison Urbaez (H, 1) got the final man of the seventh. 

The C’s got a much needed insurance run in the home half when Je’Von Ward walked, Harry singled and Coffey cashed in with an RBI hit making it 4-2 for the home squad.

The Indians got to Urbaez for a run in the eighth that saw him strand the would-be tying run on base to preserve the 4-3 lead before Bo Bonds (S, 1) worked around a two-out single in the ninth to secure the win and even the series 1-1.

After a travel day on Thursday, the series shifts to Spokane Friday night for Game 3 at the Patterson Baseball Complex on the campus of Gonzaga University; Avista Stadium is currently under construction. Kendry Rojas takes the ball opposite Victor Juarez.

 First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. and can be heard on Sportsnet 650.

The post C’s Even Series first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.