Ayles goes the distance in Badgers 1-0 victory

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University baseball team defeated the Ontario Terriers by the score of 1-0 in their opening game of the 2011 Labour Day Classic.

Badgers starting pitcher Justin Ayles (Brampton, Ont.) pitched seven complete innings for his first victory of the season.

"Ayles, who had a great freshman season in 2010, continued to impress throwing a complete game shutout in his first start," said head coach Jeff Lounsbury.

Sophomore Shaun Valeriote (Guelph, Ont.) scored the winning run, with two out in the bottom of the 7th, on a single by senior Matt Kissell (Whitby, Ont.). Valeriote, the 2010 OUA Top Hitter and CIBA All-Canadian, continued where he left off last year by going 4-for-4. Kissel collected two hits, while freshman Koddi Quick (Leamington, Ont.) added a double in the victory.

"Kissel had a really big hit when it counted," said Lounsbury. "Our best players did what they had to do and this was a great start to the season. The Terriers were a very talented team and both pitchers we faced are Major League Baseball draft prospects."

The Badger will now take on the St. Clair College Saints in a 7 p.m. start at Community Park Friday night.