Baseball rallies to sweep Colts to end home stand

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

ETOBICOKE – Following a heated game on Saturday against the Sheridan Bruins, the Hawks (4-0, 1st OCAA) kept the temperature high despite a chilly Sunday in Etobicoke - sweeping the Centennial Colts (0-2) in their twin bill at Connorvale Park. Dylan White was lights-out in the first game, going three-for-three with three RBIs, while Callum Blue dominated on the bump in game two, recording five strikeouts while only allowing one run through 5.1 innings.

Game One (Humber 12, Centennial 11)

The Hawks were again back in the arms of their home crowd at Connorvale Park. Following a rainy but victorious Saturday against Sheridan, Humber was ready to take on the galloping Centennial Colts. The Hawks knew they were in for a challenge, as Humber won last season's OCAA Championship game quarter-final by only one run against Centennial.

Starter Ryan Brodie knew the importance of starting red-hot for the Hawks on the mound. The fourth-year righty would allow no runs in the opening frame to send Humber on offence. In the bottom of the first, after doubling to deep left field and reaching third on a wild pitch, Mississauga native Jack St. Louis would score the first run of the day and his third of the weekend to put the Hawks on the scoreboard. 

The Colts were able to capitalize on multiple Humber miscues in the second inning, scoring five runs to take the lead. Freshman Owen Marshall would come in relief to make his Humber debut, allowing two runs over two innings before shutting the door with back-to-back strikeouts in the top of the third as the Hawks trailed the Colts 7-1.

Humber would add two runs in the home half of the inning, with Xavier Whittle and Justin Groves recording an RBI single each.

The Colts would add four more runs in the fourth inning, jumping out to an eight-run lead. The Hawks, undeterred, still had enough gas in the tank for a push, cutting the lead down to one and tying the game up after Dylan White's RBI double in the bottom of the sixth. Coach Troy Black would then go to his bench and pinch-hit Caleb Eguren, who would come up clutch to give the lead for Humber for the first time since the first inning. Eguren would switch spots with White, hitting a double to the right centre gap to give the Hawks the lead, 12-11.

Mark Rizzotto would shut the door in the seventh inning, earning his first career save as the Hawks completed the comeback.

Two-sport athlete Noah Garner was exceptional in relief, allowing two hits in 2.2 innings without surrendering a run.

Game Two (Humber 5, Centennial 1)

After a challenging first game, the Hawks returned for part two of the twin bill. Second-year righty Callum Blue got the nod and made quick work of the lineup to bring out the offence. Humber would mimic their performance from game one, scoring first in the game – on wild pitches – and leaving the frame with a 2-0 lead.

Blue would keep up the momentum from the first inning, with a one-two-three inning in the second. Humber would tack on another in the home half, when Issac Duva drove in Justin Groves from the third base.

Blue, an Oakville native, continued to cruise in the fourth frame, allowing no hits, allowing his offence to add on two more runs with RBI singles from Jack St. Louis and Justin Groves, giving the Hawks a 5-0 lead.

The Colts added one run in the top of the fifth, but Ryan Greco came in relief in the following inning to slam the door shut and lock the Colts in their stables, helping Humber win, 5-1.

Justin Groves was named the Player of the Game, going four-for-five at the dish, scoring three runs and recording three RBIs in the twin bill.

Humber Highlights

• The Hawks improve to 9-1 all-time against Centennial.
• Dylan White's three RBI's equal his career-best, dating back to Sept. 20, 2023.
• Callum Blue's five strikeouts equal his career-best, dating back to Oct. 20 of last season.
• Through four games, Charlie Towers sits first in the conference with three stolen bases.
• The Hawks start 4-0 to begin the season for the first time since the 2021 season.

What's Next?

The Hawks will now gear up and head to Ajax to face the Seneca Sting (0-0) on Friday, Sept. 13. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 5 p.m.