Strong pitching pushes New Blue past Red in Canadian Futures Showcase opener

The 2026 Canadian Futures Showcase is officially underway at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in beautiful British Columbia. Home to the Vancouver Canadians, the stadium is welcoming 150 of Canada’s brightest baseball prospects from all corners of the country to compete in a four-day showing.

Events got underway Thursday with Scout Day before the competition officially began with the Team New Blue shutting out Team Red 5-0.

Will Zielinski (Victoria, B.C.) opened the game on the mound for New Blue, which was closed out scoreless by an impressive catch from shortstop Will Henzi (Victoria, B.C.)

The bottom of the first began with Jackson Becker (Nepean, Ont.) pitching for Red. William Henderson (Mississauga, Ont.) led off by getting to second on an error. He later came around to score the first run of the showcase thanks to a pair of subsequent hits from teammates Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) and Zach Macdonald (Lacombe, AB).

After Zielinski pitched another flawless inning, New Blue captured another run when Juan Cruz (Mississauga, Ont.) drove in Henzi for the game’s second run.

Neither team scored in the third, then New Blue added to their lead when De Santis reached base on a fielding error, plating Cruz.

New Blue finished out their scoring in the fifth inning as Hudson Harding (Calgary, Alta.) scored on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and Henzi scored on a sacrifice fly from Cruz.

The trio of Zielinski, Marshall Schwoob (Hamilton, Ont.) and Brydon White (Surrey, B.C.) combined to allow just one hit while striking out eight batters.

Following their victory, Henzi spoke to the excitement felt in the dugout. Admitting to some first game nerves, Henzi noted the importance of prioritizing the process at hand and staying present.

“I want to focus on making the memories here, not just where this might get me […] We get to meet people from all over the country that we wouldn't get to meet otherwise.”

He went on to mention the good feeling he had about their team and the belief that they have a lot to offer, “Everybody has worked hard and is just a good guy.” After securing the win, they’re in no rush to switch gears, Henzi plans to, “go out there, have fun, and play free.”

Team New Blue is back in action at 9 a.m. Friday against Team Gray, where they will look to add another game to the win column.

Abbey Neufeld
UBC Journalism

Back-and-forth affair leads to 5-5 tie between Royal and Navy

By: Joe McFarland (Alberta Dugout Stories)

No lead was seemingly safe as Team Royal and Team Navy finished off Day 1 of the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase playing to a 5-5 draw.

Royal got out to the early lead thanks to a two-run single from Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.) in the top of the first inning, plating Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) and Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.).

They added to their 2-0 lead in the second inning when Dayne Liske (Red Deer, Alta.) scampered home when a Charles-Etienne Drewitt (La Prairie, Que.) pitch got by catcher Justin Blouin (Montreal, Que.).

In the top of the third, Toby Wilding (Vancouver, B.C.) doubled in Jacob and it felt like Royal was in cruise control.

However, back-to-back bases-loaded walks by Riley Wolbeck (Leduc, Alta.) and Braylon Stern (Delaware, Ont.) cut Navy’s deficit in half in the fourth.

Blouin then got some revenge for the earlier passed ball when he hammered a bases-loaded double to right-centre field to give his squad the lead.

With their backs against the wall, Royal fought back in the top of the seventh inning, working the bases loaded for Ira Rootman, who hit a high fly ball to centre field, allowing Ludovic Therriault (Sherbrooke, Que.) to trot in from third to cap off the scoring.

Rootman says it was a hard-fought game which allowed everyone to get acclimated to what the showcase is all about.

“My biggest goal for this tournament was just to play hard and with energy,” said the California native, who was born in Toronto. “Stepping into this one, it’s a new environment and I’m just going to have fun with my friends and just prove what I have.”

On the mound, Drewitt, Major MacNeil (Angus, Ont.) and Simon Rae-Labarre (Quebec, Que.) combined to allow five runs on five hits, seven walks and 14 strikeouts for Navy, while Richard Marshall (Whitby, Ont.), Callum Dickie (Oro-Medante, Ont.) and Matis Trahan (Mercier, Que.) gave up five runs on four hits and 10 walks while striking out six for Royal.

Royal will face Teams Black (12 p.m. PT) and New Blue (6 p.m. PT) on Friday, while Navy takes on Red (3 p.m. PT).

Nikkel’s blasts puts stamp on New Blue’s gritty Day 2 victory over Grey early

By: Darius Fuladi

VANCOUVER - Early action on Day 2 of the 2026 Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase saw Team New Blue secure a tough fought 3-1 win over Team Grey.

Leadoff hitter Will Henderson (Mississauga, Ont.) showed off some serious speed, stealing his way to third after reaching first on a hit-by-pitch. With the runner 90 feet from scoring, Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) drove one opposite into left field for the RBI single to put New Blue up by one early.

Grey quickly responded in the bottom of the first when Arnold Ohanian (Laval, Que.) tied the game with a liner to left field, scoring Sam Ellis (La Peche, Que.) from second.

New Blue kept threatening in the top of the second. With runners in scoring position, Hudson Harding (Calgary, Alta.) grounded out to second to bring Hudson Nikkel (Stanley, Man.) home, making it 2-1 New Blue.

After three innings of scoreless ball, Nikkel hammered the first home run of the tournament in the top of the sixth inning to seal the game for New Blue. He took home Player of the Game honours, finishing two-for-three and adding a stolen base.

“I was just trying to be on time for the fastball, get my first hit of the tournament and just ran into one there, and you just got to be grateful for stuff like that,” said Nikkel about his big play.

Nikkel says Team New Blue is hoping to continue to build on the momentum of winning their first two games of the tournament.

“We're just going to keep it rolling, keep the spirits high. I think we got a lot of chemistry in the dugout, and I think that leads to good plays on the field.”

New Blue pitchers Tyson Dyck (Calgary, Alta.), Brody McCready (Brantford, Ont.) and MacDonald gave up just one hit and one walk each. Dyck and McCready combined for eight strikeouts over five innings.

Team Grey wouldn’t go down without a fight though. With two outs in the bottom of the 7th, they threatened to tie the game with Alekk Biasone (Québec, Que.) on third and Alex McGrath (St. John’s, N.L.) as the potential tying run at the plate. But MacDonald stepped in to pitch and earned the save after McGrath flied out to Nikkel in right field.

In their next games, New Blue will face Team Royal (6 p.m. PT) and Team Grey will face Team Black (9 p.m. PT) Friday.

Dynamic pitching earns Team Royal the win over Team Black

By: Noah Peckham (BCIT)

Team Royal earned a well-pitched win in day two of the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver, B.C.

After tying Team Navy 5-5 on the opening day, Team Royal defeated Team Black 4-3. Team Black was playing their first game of the tournament.

Team Royal’s Ethan Reason (Stouffville, Ont.) had a strong start, striking out three of the first four batters he saw in the top of the first. Team Royal carried that momentum into the second inning as they led off with a walk from Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.), followed by a single by Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) Whiteford and Batiste were then able to steal second and third base.

With two runners in scoring position, Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) hit deep fly ball that was tracked down at the warning track, scoring one run and advancing another runner to third. The inning ended with a ground out from Will White (Perth, Ont.).

Team Black cracked Reason in the second inning, Noah Stanley (Blakefield, Ont.) walked, stole second and then scored on an RBI double from Theo Lima (Whitby, Ont.).

Team Black’s starting pitcher Logan Cummins (Mississauga, Ont.) found his groove in the bottom of the second inning. After giving up a lead-off walk, he struck out the next three batters. The game was locked at 1-1 after two.

Reason found his arm again after giving up a single to the first batter in the top of the third; he then struck out the next three batters in a row. He ended his day with seven strikeouts in three innings.

“It felt pretty good honestly, (it was my) first time pitching at the Canadian Futures Showcase. It was a really good experience – I loved it a lot,” said Reason. “I want to showcase the velo and the accuracy with the strikes and get the curveball in there for the strike outs.”

Bode Lynch (Maple Ridge, B.C.) came in to pitch for Team Royal in the top of the fourth. He gave up a double to Jerome Fortier (Beauharnois, Que.), who later scored on a bases-load walk to Lima.

Team Royal took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth when Alexander Wallace (Oakville, Ont.) singled in Toronto-born Ira Rootman (Los Angeles, CA). Wallace later scored on a single from Toby Wilding (Vancouver, B.C.)

The two teams traded runs again in the fifth inning, then the pitchers duel resumed when Jake Trask struck out the side in the top of the sixth for Team Royal.

Tanner Wiens (Niagara Falls, Ont.) countered with a strikeout and two popouts in the sixth, then both pitchers shut the door in the seventh, preserving the Royal victory.

“It feels great (to win). I think as a team we got closer today, we want to use the momentum of this win going into the next game,” said Reason

Team Royal’s next game is Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. against Team Navy and Team Black looks to bounce back in their game against Team New Blue at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19.

Bats get hot for Team Red in big win over Team Navy

By Robbie Parker

Offense was the order of the day in Friday’s third game at the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase as Team Red doubled up Team Navy 8-4.

Navy actually scored the game’s first run in the top of the first inning, as Ethan Renaud (Okotoks, Alta.) scampered home on a throwing error by third baseman Ben Laughlin (Ottawa, Ont.)

Team Red took a 2-1 lead in the second after an RBI single from Maxime Lamarre (Terrabonne, Que.) drove in Lucas Carroll (Calgary, Alta.) and Nathan Bailey (Edmonton, Alta.) hit a sacrifice fly.

Defense and pitching took over in the third and fourth as the score remained 2-1 going into the fifth inning.

Offensive momentum seemed to turn for both teams in the fifth inning as Navy’s Larson Accardo (Gilbert, AZ.) hit a bloop double into shallow left field as the sun was shining strong. A hard-hit single by Nathan Zaretzky (King City, Ont.), and a wild pitch by Caleb Dupuis (Georgetown, Ont.) allowed Accardo to score. Victor Lauziere (Greenfield Park, Que.) then hit a line-drive double to allow Zaretsky to score, giving Navy a 3-2 lead.

Team Red took the lead back fast as, in the bottom of the fifth, Joshua Holden (Mount Albert, Ont.) hit a two-run, stand-up double after a walk and wild pitch put two on base. The double was almost immediately followed up by back-to-back RBI singles by Jackson Becker and Victor Cauchon as Team Red took a 6-3 lead going into the sixth.

The two teams exchanged runs in the sixth inning. Renaud scored Navy’s fourth run, and Carroll picked up Red’s seventh run. Team Red tallied one more in the seventh to make it an 8-4 final.

“We showed well today and we’re hoping to just keep doing that for the next two days,” said Holden, who was named the Player of the Game after going 2-for-3 while driving in two. He also stated what he wants to accomplish this weekend, “Just keep putting together good at-bats, keep having team success.”

Red’s starting pitcher, left-hander Johann Sternberg (Toronto, Ont.), went three innings with five strikeouts, surrendering one walk and one hit. The starting pitcher for Team Navy was right hander Lucien Kovalcik (Burlington, Ont.), who also went three innings finishing with four strikeouts and two earned runs.

Both teams are back in action on Saturday. Red faces Black (12 p.m. PT) while Navy faces Grey immediately after (3 p.m. PT).

Quack does damage, Henderson goes deep in big New Blue victory

By: Avery Grainger, UBC Journalism

Both Royal and New Blue entered Friday night’s matchup with plenty of confidence, energy, and competitive intensity into the sunny evening at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Both were coming off wins earlier in the day and were hungry for more, but it was New Blue who took home a big 7-2 triumph.

The first and second innings finished scoreless, with Will Henderson (Mississauga, Ont.) ripping a triple to centre as the notable play in the bottom of the first. Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) walked and stole second shortly after, but three strikeouts by Gabe Fink (Edmonton, Alta.) stranded both runners in scoring position.

In the second, New Blue managed a one-out single from Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.), as the crowd continued to wait for the game’s first run.

Royal finally broke through in the third. Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.) reached base and advanced into scoring position before scoring on Eimel Segura’s (Gatineau, QC.) RBI single to centre. New Blue threatened in the bottom half, with Henderson stealing both second and third, but Royal preserved its 1-0 lead.

Things changed in the fourth. Hudson Nikkel (Stanley, MB) singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, and then scored on Caleb Quack’s (Breslau, Ont.) RBI double to centre, tying the game at 1.

Royal regained the lead in the fifth when Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.) doubled and scored on Liske’s RBI single to right. New Blue answered immediately, as Juan Cruz (Mississauga, Ont.) walked, stole second and third, then scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2. Henderson also reached scoring position, but Royal escaped without further damage.

Royal was held scoreless in the sixth despite a one-out single from Grady Jones (Chesterville, Ont.). New Blue then broke the game open in the bottom half. In as a pinch-hitter, Will Zielinski (Victoria, B.C.) was hit by a pitch then stole second and third, while Hudel walked and also advanced into scoring position. Quack drove both runners home with a two-run double to centre, giving New Blue a 4–2 lead.

Royal went down in order in the seventh, and New Blue added three more runs in the bottom half.

Cruz was hit by a pitch, stole both second and third, then scored when Henderson launched a two-run inside-the-park home run to right-centre. Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) later walked and came around on Zielinski’s RBI single, extending New Blue’s lead to 7–2.

Quack said he was looking to “do some damage” in the game, and that is certainly what happened. Named Player of the Game, he says he was proud of his performance this evening, but doesn’t want to stop here. “Obviously Royal is a stacked team, but we trusted in what we could do, and battled.”

New Blue plays Black tomorrow at 6 p.m. PT, while Royal faces Navy at 9 a.m. PT.

A near pitcher-perfect performance under the lights gives Team Black their first win

By: Abbey Neufeld

After both suffering losses earlier in the day, Team Black and Team Grey faced off under the lights for a late-night showdown resulting in Team Black’s first win (4-1) of the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase – a 4-1 triumph.

It was also a unique contest in that the winning team was also no-hit by their opposition.

Black scored first with a run from Ryland Peters (Lantzville, B.C.) following an error from third baseman Sawyer Gelling (Victoria, B.C.) Clark Heimbecker (Guelph, Ont.) also crossed the plate on the play. After a walk and a stolen base, Jackson Rouse (Toronto, Ont.) ran in to close out a statement opening inning 3-0.

Grey was quick to strike back in the top of the second with a run from Tanner Morris (Sudbury, Ont.) Pitcher Max Covriga (Markham, Ont.) then struck out three consecutive hitters to hold Black’s lead to two after the second inning.

Following a balk from pitcher Lucas St-Laurent (Montreal, Que.) late in the bottom of the third, Theo Lima (Whitby, Ont.) was able to walk home adding another run to Team Black’s 4-1 lead.

Heading into the fourth, pitcher Aiden MacLellan (Milton, Ont.) replaced St-Laurent, who suffered a shoulder injury on an errant pickoff throw from his catcher in the third. Two strikeouts from MacLellan and a groundout closed out a scoreless inning.

Peyton Markwood (Puslinch, Ont.) took his place on the mound to open the fifth and pitched a perfect inning, sending Black back on offense. Despite runners on second and third, the inning ended with no changes to the scoreboard thanks to a well-timed strikeout from MacLellan.

Markwood and MacLellan were again impressive for their respective teams in the sixth, with the Black hurler striking out three more batters while his Grey counterpart got out of a slight jam to register his three outs.

Rouse then got the ball for Black and struck out the side, before Mac Warawa (Calgary, Alta.) countered for Grey, walking two and striking out two before the game was called with the score remaining 4-1.

In all, the Team Grey pitching quartet of Covriga, St-Laurent, MacLellan and Warawa combined on the no-hitter while walking 10 and striking out 13. The Team Black combination of Noah Corrente (Squamish, B.C.), Jack Bello (Richmond, B.C.), Markwood and Rouse allowed just two hits while walking eight and striking out 15.

Markwood noted major differences in Black’s two performances on the day including temperature and daylight, “It’s dark out […] I like to spin the curveball and if guys can’t see the spin because its dark out, I like to use that to my advantage.” In his two innings pitched, Markwood struck out six of the eight batters he faced and walked one – earning the title of Player of the Game.

“We’re just going to keep rolling with what we got; we’ve got one shot, one outing and I know these guys are going to go give it their best on the field,” he said.

Team Black will look to build on the win in their next game against Royal (12 p.m. PT) and New Blue (6 p.m. PT) on Saturday. Meantime, Team Grey will try to get back into the win column with games against Navy (3 p.m. PT) and Red (9 p.m. PT).

Liske leads Royal to high-scoring win over Navy on Day 4 of the Canadian Futures Showcase

By: Sarah Westwood / Avery Grainger (UBC)

The long ball was on the Saturday morning breakfast order at the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

A total of four home runs, including two by Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.), put power on display in Team Royal’s 10-5 win over Team Navy.

Both teams came into the contest at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium hoping to make amends for Friday night losses.

The scoring started in the second inning when Hunter Bartha (Beamsville, Ont.) scored from third on a balk to give Navy the 1-0 lead.

Team Royal came back in a big way in the bottom of the third when Oscar Leah (Maple Ridge, B.C.) tripled to score Toby Wilding (Vancouver, B.C.) Leah later scored on a sacrifice fly from Gabriel Lehouillier (Levis, Que.)

Navy responded in the top of the fourth when Ethan Renaud (Okotoks, Alta.) doubled and Jake Madill (Nanaimo, B.C.) hit a two-run homer. Brooks Froese (Red Deer, Alta.) then singled and Bartha launched another two-run shot, making it 5–2.

Royal began its comeback when Mikey Batiste doubled and scored on RaphaelBesancon's (Boucherville, Que.) RBI single. They then loaded the bases, and Oscar Leah drew a walk to force home another run, cutting Navy's lead to 5-4.

The momentum stalled in the fifth inning as neither side managed to score.

The sixth inning became the turning point of the game. Liske homered to right to tie the game 5–5. Ludovic Therriault (Sherbrooke, Q.C.) and Grady Jones (Chesterville, Ont.) then singled, and Toby Wilding's (Vancouver, BC.) groundout scored Therriault to put Royal ahead.

Oscar Leah (Maple Ridge, B.C.), walked before Lehouillier ripped a two-run double to centre, scoring Jones and Leah to give Royal an 8–5 lead.

Royal delivered the final blow in the seventh. Mikey Batiste (Mississauga, Ont.) walked and stole second before Liske launched his second homer of the game, to extend Royal’s lead to 10–5.

Liske, who is committed to Southwest Tennessee Community College, was named the Player of the Game. He says he draws inspiration from Canada’s team – the Toronto Blue Jays – and his favourite player, Ernie Clement.

He says his game philosophy is straightforward: “I like to stick to my approach, and just try and play the best game I can.”

Team Navy has one more game left at the showcase, a 3 p.m. PT matchup with Team Grey, while Team Royal will await the rest of the day’s results to see if they have earned a spot in Sunday’s championship.

Team Black prevails 3-2 in a third-game thriller vs. Team Red

By: Abbey Neufeld (UBC Journalism)

Fresh off a late-night victory on Friday, Team Black kept their momentum going early Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over Team Red at the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

Colton Lewis (Newmarket, Ont.) got things underway for Team Red with a perfectly pitched inning, setting the tone for what was to come.

Lucas Sproule (Collingwood, Ont.) took the mound for Team Black in the bottom of the first - no doubt looking to replicate the stellar pitching from his teammates the night before.

The two battled through two scoreless innings before a pivotal top of the third for Team Black.

Jerome Fortier (Beauharnois, Que.) hit a leadoff single and advanced to second soon after when Jake Anderson (Toronto, Ont.) walked. Shortstop Dixon Briggs (Whitby, Ont.) also managed to secure a spot on first base courtesy of a fielder’s choice – loading the bases for Team Black. The big play came from Noah Stanley (Lakefield, Ont.), who lined a single into right field, allowing both Fortier and Anderson to cross home plate. Briggs scored shortly after on a ground out from AJ Rusticus (Dorchester, Ont.), solidifying a 3-0 lead for Black.

Pitcher Josh Deloise (Edmonton, Alta.) checked into the game for Red in the fourth inning, where he combined with shortstop Maxime Lamarre (Terrabonne, Que.) and first baseman Colin Miller (Whitby, Ont.) for a standout double play. Noah Corrente (Squamish, B.C.) tripled on an impressive line drive to right field before a groundout from Xavier Lampshire (Lampshire, Alta.) ended the inning.

Lamarre combined with Miller for yet another double play in the fifth with help from second baseman Nathan Bailey (Edmonton, Alta.)

For Team Black, Dante Dewey (Victoria, B.C.) tossed two scoreless innings before handing the ball over to Jeremy Trembley (Montreal, Que.), who registered two strikeouts, a wild pitch and a hit batter to load the bases for Red. Pinch-hitter Zachary Lepine (Candiac, Que.) took full advantage of the opportunity with a two-run single scoring both Jackson Becker (Nepean, Ont.) and Hayden Payne (Brockville, Ont.)

Ryland Peters (Lantzville, Ont.) was brought out of the bullpen to keep the Team Red bats at bay and, along with some steady defense, was able to hold onto the lead.

The Red pitching duo of Daloise and Nate Hallihan (Frederickton, N.B.) also kept Black from scoring, finishing out the 3-2 defensive stalemate.

Following the game, Stanley about the team’s performance and what comes next.

“It’s been a great weekend, a lot of ups and downs […] I feel like we’ve improved a lot. Last night getting a no-hit and today, coming right back.” he said, “The mentality [today] was definitely more grit but, control what we can control and do what we can, and the outcome is going to be the outcome.”

Team Black is back in action tonight (6 p.m. PT) against undefeated Team New Blue, followed by Team Red taking the field against Team Grey (9 p.m. PT).

Team Grey holds onto victory during offensive battle with Team Navy

By: Tyler Bereskin (BCIT Journalism)

A fierce offensive game took place between Team Grey and Team Navy during day three of the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

Team Grey was able to hold on to a narrow 10-9 win due to consistent offensive production throughout the game.

Team Grey wasted no time coming out of the dugout to start this one. Sebastian Stillo (Oakville, Ont.) put the first run on the board with a double to left field driving in Mac Warawa (Lacombe, Alta.)

The momentum only continued to slide in Team Grey's favour as Sam Ellis (Ottawa, Ont.), Alex McGrath (St John's, NL.), and Carter Celerian (Brampton, Ont.) all drove in runs giving Team Grey an early 4-0 lead.

Team Navy attempted a rally of their own and loaded the bases in the bottom of the first. However, a strong Team Grey defense was able to withstand the pressure and keep the lead secure.

Team Grey added to its lead in the second. Warawa drove an RBI single into right field, then Arnold Ohanian (Laval, Que.) followed up that effort with a double, driving in two runs, increasing Team Grey's lead to 7-0.

During the bottom of the second, Team Navy found a glimmer of hope when Riley Wolbeck (Leduc, Alta.) launched a line drive to centre field for a double, sending Victor Lauziere (Greenfield park, Que.) in to score.

The bats kept connecting for Team Navy when Parker Call's (Peterborough, Ont.) base hit turned into a double due to a defensive error while Wolbeck crossed home.

Jake Carriere (Abbotsford, B.C.) added an RBI single to cut Grey’s lead to 7-4.

Grey had an answer in the top of the third as Ellis kicked off the inning in chaotic fashion, escaping a near rundown with a nifty move to dodge the tag and secure the double.

McGrath then sent a liner to centre field, sending Ellis home and increasing Grey's lead to 8-4.

Solid defensive performances from both teams left the fourth inning scoreless. However, Team Navy relief pitcher Jake Lamb (Beamsville, Ont.) walked three batters during the top of the fifth to load the bases. A double play with one out ended the threat.

Navy carried their newfound momentum into the bottom of the fifth. Braylon Stern (Delaware, Ont.) and Justin Blouin (Montreal, Que.) each drove in a run, making it an 8-6 game.

During the top of the sixth, Grey’s Felix Chown (East York, Ont.) made it 9-6 with a ground ball that sent Sawyer Gelling (Victoria, B.C.) charging home.

Navy answered later that inning on a sacrifice fly from Wolbeck allowing Bartha to reach home to come within two.

An RBI single from Stillo increased Grey’s lead to 10-7 in the seventh before Navy tried for one last stand in the final stanza with Ethan Renaud (Okotoks, Alta.) and Bartha driving in runs.

However, the game was called by the umpires on account of Grey pitcher Alex McGrath (St. John’s, Nfld.) hitting the maximum pitch count.

"Yeah, we got the win," said Sam Ellis, who was named Player of the Game.

"It's our first win. We hit well and played some decent defense. So, I'm happy about it."

Team Grey and Team Navy have both played their final games of the round robin phase. The two teams to play for the Canadian Futures Showcase championship will be announced Saturday night.

Team New Blue continues offensive surge in win over Team Black

By: Noah Peckham (BCIT)

Team New Blue remains undefeated in the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase as they took down Team Black 9-5 Saturday evening.

New Blue opened the scoring in the top of the first with an RBI double from Ray Zweep (North Vancouver, B.C.), scoring Will Henderson (Mississauga, Ont.), who led off and was walked by Team Black starting pitcher Gabriel Lavoie (Mascouche, Que.) and then stole second. A ground out from Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) advanced Zweep to third, then a wild pitch from Lavoie scored him.

Team Black answered right back as Jake Andersen (Toronto, Ont.) walked and then scored on a hard-hit double to the left field warning track from Ryland Peters (Lantzville, B.C.). Theo Lima (Whitby, Ont.) advanced Peters to third on a grounder, then Daril Rodriguez (Red Deer, Alta.) hit a single just over the head of the New Blue shortstop, scoring Lima.

The first inning ended tied at two.

New Blue went scoreless in the second inning, while Black was able to take the edge. After being walked, Black’s Noah Stanley (Lakefield, Ont.) was able to steal second and third, and was brought home on a single by Trace Pettit (Dorchester, Ont.).

Heading into the top of third down 3-2, New Blue was able to take a commanding lead. Zweep hit a single to right field scoring one run to get things started. MacDonald then hit a double along the right field foul line which scored two more. Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) then followed that up with an RBI double of his own.

Heading into the bottom of third down 6-3, Team Black was barely able to answer back. Andersen stole second and later advanced to third before scoring on a wild pitch from New Blue’s starting pitcher Harlan Chervatin (Pender Island, B.C.).

That was all the response Team Black had as the game headed into the fourth 6-4 for New Blue.

After a scoreless fourth, a MacDonald single got things started for New Blue in the top of fifth. He then stole both second and third, then he and Will Zielinski (Victoria, B.C.) were driven home by a Will Henzi (Victoria, B.C.) single.

“Just staying on the heater once I get it and then also putting myself into the best counts I can,” said MacDonald on his performance.

Team Black was not able to gain any momentum in the bottom of the fifth as Team New Blue’s pitcher Connor Brown (Oakville, Ont.) struck out two and kept his team’s authoritative lead intact.

The two teams traded runs in the bottom of the sixth and top of the seventh, then New Blue pitcher Marshall Moore (Chilliwack, B.C.) shut the door in the final half-inning, striking out two.

Team New Blue is undefeated so far and is looking ahead to the championship game on Sept. 20 at 11 a.m.

“This team’s been rolling pretty good so far, so I don’t think we really have to change a whole lot,” said MacDonald about Sunday’s final.

Team Black finished the round robin with a 2-2 record.

Team Red closes out round-robin with big win over Team Grey

By: Abigael Salisbury (BCIT Journalism)

The lights shined bright on Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium as the final game of the night saw Team Red strike early and often in an 11-3 win over Team Grey at the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

The offense started slow as neither team registered a run in the first inning.

Things changed in the second when Zachary Lepine (Candiac, Ont.) worked a four-pitch walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Colin Miller (Whitby, Ont.) walked, then Maxime Lamarre (Terrebonne, Que.) doubled to left, scoring Lepine. Beau Marshall (Peterborough, Ont.) walked to load the bases and Nathan Bailey (Edmonton, Alta.) sent a double to right field to cash in two more runs, giving Red the early 3-0 lead.

The Grey bats couldn’t get going while Red kept charging in the third inning.

Victor Cauchon (Montreal, Que.) was plunked by Grey pitcher Korbin Greaves (Ajax, Ont.) which seemingly lit a fire under him to steal second base. Cauchon came around to score the game’s fourth run when Ethan Borovilos (Etobicoke, Ont.) doubled to left field. Borovilos stole third then came in to score on a balk. Then with Hayden Payne (Brockville, Ont.) standing on second, Lepine hit a groundball that got through the centrefielder. Payne scored but Lepine was thrown out at home trying to stretch his triple into an inside-the-park home run.

Red kept on coming, adding another run in the fourth when Colin Miller (Brooklin, Ont.) trotted home on a balk.

Team Grey finally got on the scoresheet in the bottom of the fourth when Jonathan Dada (Oakville, Ont.) crossed the plate on a Sebastian Stillo (Oakville, Ont.) sacrifice fly.

Up 7-1 in the top of the fifth, Red added two more runs when William Nolet (Saint-Gilles, Que.) hit a deep line drive over the centrefielder’s head, turning it into and inside-the-park home run which also scored Borovilos.

Nolet admits he was surprised by the hit. “Honestly … I thought the ball was going to be over the scoreboard, so it’s a little bit of a surprise but I’m happy.”

Red made it a 10-1 ball game in the sixth, and Grey tried to claw their way back into it as

Team Grey started to gain their footing by the bottom of the six as Noah Glenn (Queensville, Ont.) hit an RBI single then later scored when Alex McGrath (St. John’s, Nfld.) was issued a bases-loaded walk.

Red capped off the scoring in the final stanza when Lapine hammered an RBI double off the wall in deep left-centre field.

The game was the last of the round-robin at the Canadian Futures Showcase. Sunday will see the Home Run Derby start at 9 a.m. PT while the championship game between Team New Blue and Team Royal will begin at 11 a.m. PT.

New Blue caps off perfect tournament with dominant championship victory

By: Darius Fuladi (BCIT Journalism)

As morning rolled into afternoon Sunday, Team New Blue were crowned champions of the 2026 Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase.

New Blue came into the championship as the last undefeated team in the tournament and continued their winning ways by cruising to a 6-1 victory over Team Royal.

Baserunning was the difference in this matchup. Speedster Will Henderson (Mississauga, Ont.) set in the bottom of the first, drawing a leadoff walk, stealing second and advancing to third on a groundout by Hudson Harding (Calgary, Alta.). He then scored on a wild pitch to put New Blue up by one.

New Blue kept the pressure on in the bottom of the second. After being walked, Galen Hudel (Waterloo, Ont.) swiped two more bags and scored when Gino De Santis (Chatham, Ont.) singled up the middle to make it 2-0.

Hudel says the teamwork New Blue displayed throughout the tournament came fast and by design.

“I think it was surprising, especially in a showcase like this where, you know, everyone's supposed to be doing it for the individual, but everyone wanted to do it for the guy beside them … that was kind of our motto throughout the whole week is do it for the guy beside you.”

Royal threatened in the top of the third. Oscar Leah (Maple Ridge, B.C.) reached on a walk, before Raphael Besançon (Boucherville, Que.) sent a fly ball that dropped in left field to advance Leah to third. With runners at the corners, a would-be sac fly by Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.) made its way to center field. But Leah started his run early and New Blue got the force out at third to end the inning.

Before the game, Liske was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He finished with five hits including two home runs.

The big blows for Royal came in the third and fourth innings. New Blue tacked on a pair of runs in each inning through stolen bases by Juan Cruz (Mississauga, Ont.) and Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) followed by clutch base hits from Hudson Nikkel (Stanley, Man.) and Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.). New Blue finished the game with six stolen bases.

“After we put that first game together … I was like, yeah, there's no doubt in my mind that we're getting to the final game or going to raise the trophy,” said MacDonald about the team’s chemistry.

The tournament’s Home Run Derby Champion Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) would score the only run for Royal in the top of the seventh. On the next play, MacDonald snagged a ground ball and stepped on first base for the final out to close out this year’s showcase.

New Blue starting pitcher Gabe Fink (Edmonton, Alta.), who allowed no hits, a walk and struck out one in his one inning of work, says having his name on the championship trophy is special.

“That means a lot. They’ve got all the names of everyone that's ever won on there, so it's going to be cool to have my name on there.”

New Blue finished the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase with a 5-0 record.

Described as a ‘warrior’ and a ‘gamer’, Liske crowned Canadian Futures Showcase Tournament MVP

By Aanya Oswal-Monteiro and Sam Quattrocchi

Focused and composed, Dayne Liske (Drayton Valley, Alta.) stepped up to the plate in a big way throughout the Blue Jays Academy Canadian Futures Showcase. In an event featuring the best high school players from across the country, eyes remained glued on the young left-handed batsman.

Across the four-day tournament, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound infielder put on a stunning display of talent, passion and skill for fans and players alike.

But when his name boomed over the loudspeakers at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium in sunny Vancouver on Sunday, signalling that he had been named Tournament MVP, he was the one who was stunned.

“It sounds pretty cool. Didn’t think I’d be here,” Liske said.

In a perfect example of “show, don’t tell,” the player let his game speak for itself.

Tournament Action

Through the highs and lows of the tournament, the team’s camaraderie and love for the game was undeniable.

“We all had a good time, we all just got along and tried to have fun,” Liske said, when asked what stood out about his team.

Team Royal’s No. 20 remained a consistent force. It all started on the first night of the showcase, when he hammered a 2-2 pitch into the right field grass for a triple against Team Navy. He would then score on a passed ball.

He went hitless in Royal’s first game on Friday, but the Albertan bounced back in the day’s second game, picking up two singles, a run scored and a run batted in during a 7-2 loss to New Blue.

Liske returned the next morning determined and ready to deliver. Stepping up to the plate as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning against Navy, he walloped the ball over the right field fence with a crack that reverberated through the stadium. Tie game.

Miraculously, he did it again an inning later. The slugger smashed the ball into a definitive arc over the wall, aiding his team to the 10-5 victory. It came as no surprise when he was named the Player of the Game.

Even after being named MVP, Liske was making a difference. In the championship game Sunday afternoon, he let his glove do the talking. As an example, he caught a routine foul ball pop-up in the sixth inning and zipped a quick throw to first, doubling up a runner who had wandered too far from the base.

Despite his team losing in the final to New Blue, Liske’s spirits remained high.

“We got second, that’s always good,” he said “I’m happy with how I played.”

The Gulls Prep star has been described as a “warrior,” a “gamer,” and an “in for the big moment” kind of guy – and his eyes are now set firmly on the horizon. After graduating in 2026, he’s ready to take the next step in his baseball journey: Southwest Tennessee Community College.

“It gives me a lot of confidence,” Liske says about this experience and his MVP win. “(It) means a lot, not a lot of kids get to do it, so looking back on it one day you’ll think it was special.”