Simcoe Giants Juniors Capture OBA Championship in Listowel

The Simcoe Giants Juniors capped off a remarkable weekend in Listowel by bringing home the OBA Championship, showcasing explosive bats, clutch pitching, and total team commitment across every game. From the opening matchup to the final out of the championship, the Giants proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

Strong Start

The Giants opened against the Kincardine Cardinals and wasted no time putting their offense on display. Alex Auld sparked the lineup with a pair of hits and heads-up base running, while Jeryn Shortt launched a home run to center field to give Simcoe an early boost. Trevor Nunn added a double and steady defense at first base, and Dylan Courrier drove in runs with timely swings. On the mound, Auld set the tone with strikeouts and poise, helping Simcoe secure a convincing 15–5 victory.

Momentum carried into Game 2 against the Port Lambton Pirates, where Shawn Knelsen dominated on the mound, striking out hitters and keeping the Pirates off balance in a 14–0 shutout. The offense erupted again with multi-hit efforts from Nunn and Auld, while Shortt delivered a towering home run. Jonah Blad and Aidan Littler chipped in key hits, and Travis Lamb added a strong defensive showing behind the plate.

Game 3 against Creemore proved to be one of the weekend’s most dramatic moments. Trailing late, the Giants clawed their way back with clutch hits from Knelsen and Courrier before Auld’s late-game single drove in the go-ahead runs. MacGregor Lawrence and Littler handled pressure situations on the mound, striking out batters to seal the 6–5 comeback win and punch Simcoe’s ticket to the semifinals.

Semifinal Thriller

In the semifinal against the Clinton Colts, Simcoe’s bats exploded for 13 runs, highlighted by Auld’s home run and a string of RBI hits from Shortt, Courrier, and Littler. The Giants built a commanding 13–0 lead, but the Colts battled back with a late surge to make things tight. Simcoe’s defense held firm, with Nunn making key plays at first base and Knelsen recording big strikeouts to preserve the 13–11 victory and send the Giants into the championship final.

Championship Glory

Facing Port Lambton once more in the final, Simcoe came out swinging. Nunn singled to lead things off, and Knelsen, Shortt, and Blad all delivered early RBIs. Shortt added the exclamation point with a two-home-run performance, including a grand slam that broke the game wide open. Auld and Courrier added multi-hit efforts, while Lawrence and Littler provided steady support on the bases and in the field.

On the mound, Shortt was locked in, striking out batters and limiting the Pirates’ opportunities. The Giants never looked back, cruising to a 12–1 victory to claim the OBA Championship in dominant fashion.

A True Team Effort

While the offense grabbed plenty of headlines, it was the contributions across the roster that made the difference. Lamb’s steady catching, Blad’s ability to deliver in big spots, and the defensive work of Littler and Lawrence ensured the Giants had no weak links. Every player played a part in securing the title.

The OBA Championship was a fitting reward for a group that combined talent with teamwork, and the Simcoe Giants Juniors left Listowel as deserving champions.

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