October 8th, 2013 vs. McMaster Marauders (DH)
Set-Up....................................Sept 28th @ Waterloo @ 5:30 & 8:30
Season Series......................Brock Leads (3-0)
Last Meeting..........................Brock (W) 10-0 Final Score (Sept 8th, 2013)
 
OUA STANDINGS:
1.) Western Mustangs (13-4)
2.) Guelph Gryphons (14-5)
3.) Brock Badgers (14-5)
4.) Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (11-7)
5.) Waterloo Warriors (10-9)
6.) Toronto Varsity Blues (8-10)
7.) Queens Gaels (5-13)
8.) McMaster Marauders (5-14)
9.) Ryerson Rams (2-15)
 
Dominant Stretch:
Badgers ace Justin Ayles may have started the season with a couple of average starts, but has torn it up over his last 3 appearances. Ayles has now 3 consecutive complete-games allowing just 1 run over 21 innings pitched with 16 K's and just 6 walks. Ayles recent dominance will be key for the Badgers as they enter the home stretch of the schedule.

Home Stretch:
There are just 5 games remaining in the OUA season and the Badgers have some crucial games that will have serious implications in the OUA standings. Luckily for Brock, all 5 games will take place here in St.Catharines at George Taylor Field, giving the Badgers a comfortable home stand to end the season. Here's a look at the remaining games on the schedule:

October 8th, McMaster @ Brock (5:30 PM)
October 8th, McMaster @ Brock (8:30 PM)
October 11th, Ryerson @ Brock (4:00 PM)
October 12th, Ryerson @ Brock (1:00 PM)
October 12th, Ryerson @ Brock (4:00 PM)
 
Patience at the plate:
Brock has drawn 98 walks in the OUA this season, 2nd only to Laurier's 108. Capitalizing on those chances has been a different story, as Brock ranks only 5th in the league in Total Runs scored with 116. If the Badgers can find a way to leave less men on base, an already potent offense and outstanding pitching staff could put Brock in a very favorable spot.
 
Pitching, Pitching, Pitching:
Coming into this season, many expected Brock's pitching staff to be the anchor for the team after the loss of several big hitters last season. Brock has allowed the 2nd fewest amount of runs in the league this season, just 43 runs in 137 innings pitched. Brock ranks 2nd in strikeouts with 108, and is tied for 1st with just 54 walks allowed. Most notably, the Badgers starting rotation has 3 more complete games than any other team in the league, which allows for the bullpen to stay rested game to game and gives Brock a huge advantage. Brock's WHIP (walks & hits per Inning Pitched) sits 1st in the league at just 1.18.  
 
Heart of the Lineup:
The Badgers lineup has been anchored by the performance by Phil Steer, Ben Kirby, Ricky Ferri, and James Roffey so far this season. Steer (.370 .AVG), Kirby (.310 .AVG) Ferri (.328 .AVG) and Roffey (.321 AVG) are all swinging hot bats and continue to be a source of reliable hitting for the Badgers. The 4 players have also combined to steal 29 bases this season. Kirby, normally the team's starting 2B has been limited as the teams designated hitter due to an injury to his throwing arm, but he has managed to keep the bat alive. Steer and Ferri have provided Gold Glove caliber defense all season.
 
Wounds are Healing:
Brock will look to stay healthy heading into the playoffs, and they may just get some re-enforcements soon. LHP Daniel Veres suffered a dislocated shoulder last month and has been restricted to a sling for most of the time. Veres began throwing again last week and if deemed healthy enough by Doctors and Team Trainers, Veres could re-join the team for the playoffs and play a huge factor as pitching depth has historically been what helps teams win during the OUA playoffs.  

McMaster Player to Watch:
OF Travis Flint has had a very successful Sophomore season for the Marauders, posting a .394 AVG in his 66 at-bats this season while recording 12 stolen bases. Flint has been the Marauders most consistent producer in the line-up this season, and his speed on the base-paths mean he always remains a threat in some form.

There is no word yet on who will be starting on the mound for the Marauders in Game's 1 or 2, but McMaster ace Kyle Angelow could take the mound for the Marauders on Tuesday. Angelow has recorded 27 K's in his 41.2 IP posting a 2-5 record with a 4.75 ERA. The overall line may not be that intimidating, but Angelow has been known to dominate and with so few games left, could make the Badgers pay in the standings with a strong performance.