That is teams have no room for error.
Seven teams are playing a six-game regular season, but just the top four will play a medal game. The top two teams will meet for the provincial championship while the third- and fourth-teams will clash in the bronze-medal game.
“A bad inning or two could make the difference between a chance to play in a medal game or not,” said PEISAA senior baseball commissioner Walter MacEwen, who added he hopes the league continues to grow in future years.
Mid-season report
Here is a mid-season report on all seven teams as provided by the league:
Three Oaks Axemen (3-0)
The Axemen were undoubtedly the front-runners heading into the season, and so far have played up to their potential, scoring 27 runs and not allowing one.
With the likes of Matt Barlow, Jayden MacLean and others, the Axemen are a complete team with strong pitching, defence and hitting.
Bluefield Bobcats (2-1)
The Bobcats are as strong as any team in the PEISAA league.
Led pitching-wise by Brodie Koughan, Hunter McQuaid and Patrick Gallant, Bluefield has the tools.
If they can defeat both Kinkora and Morell on Friday night, they may be on their way to the gold-medal game.
Kinkora Blazers (2-1)
Kinkora is a young team with a handful of players who played in the P.E.I. Midget Baseball League during the summer.
The Blazers certainly have talent, but after a surprising 4-1 loss to Rural on Tuesday night the question is do they have the experience to compete in and win crucial games ahead.
Charlottetown Rural Raiders (2-2)
The Rural Raiders have a large squad, and their bats and defence are suspect.
Nevertheless, pitcher Mackenzie Pinet has been fantastic, and the Raiders exhibit a never-say-die attitude.
Rural is a scrappy team that should not be underestimated.
Morell Marlins (1-2)
Take away a couple of sloppy innings, the Marlins could be 3-0 now instead of 1-2.
With a small but dedicated squad, Morell has decent pitching and hitting, but have struggled defensively.
Morell cannot be ruled out, but they have to play much better defence in upcoming games to have any chance to play for a medal.
Montague Vikings (1-2)
Montague has played strong opponents in their first three games, and it appears a lack of depth is hurting them.
That being said, the Vikings are capable of upcoming wins, especially versus Rural and rival Morell. Montague will make difficult opponents for all the remaining teams they face.
Colonel Gray Colonels (0-3)
Despite having the talents of John Arsenault and the Hood brothers, Colonel Gray has suffered from a lack of confidence and the ability to bear down under pressure.
They are more than capable of beating almost any team, but the Colonels need to start playing to their potential.
Remaining Schedule
PEISAA senior
baseball schedule:
Friday, Sept. 26
6 p.m. – Bluefield vs. Morell (Memorial Field, Charlottetown).
8 p.m. – Bluefield vs. Kinkora (Memorial Field, Charlottetown).
6 p.m. – Three Oaks vs. Colonel Gray (Legends Field, Summerside).
Saturday, Sept. 27
10 a.m. – Three Oaks vs. Morell (Legends Field, Summerside); Montague vs. Charlottetown Rural (Church Field, Morell).
Noon – Kinkora vs. Colonel Gray (Legends Field, Summerside); Bluefield vs. Montague (Church Field, Morell).
Tuesday, Sept. 30
5:30 p.m. – Colonel Gray vs. Charlottetown Rural (Memorial Field, Charlottetown).
7 p.m. – Kinkora vs. Three Oaks (Legends Field, Summerside).
7 p.m. – Morell vs. Montague (Church Field, Morell).
Tuesday, Oct. 7
6 p.m. – Bronze-medal game (Church Field, Morell).
8 p.m. – Gold-medal game (Church Field, Morell).
