In a remarkable display of perseverance and determination, the Ottawa Nepean Canucks 10U team pulled off a dramatic 10-9 victory over the Montreal Titans 11U. Despite facing a more experienced and older team, the Canucks showcased their resilience and teamwork to clinch an unforgettable win.

Canucks Offense Shines in Crucial Moments

The Canucks struck early in the game, setting the tone from the start. Nico Dipasquale opened the scoring with a sharp single to center field, driving in Simon Ellis and giving Ottawa a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Moments later, Hudson MacDonell and Max McDonald worked their way onto the bases, setting up Vinson Principe to bring in another run with a well-placed single, extending the lead to 2-0. The Canucks’ aggressive baserunning saw them push the advantage to 4-0 by the end of the first inning.

Though the Titans rallied to even the score in the bottom of the second, the Canucks refused to let up. In the top of the fourth inning, Morgan Dunmore delivered a key single that brought Max McDonald home, tying the game at 7-7. Corben Lawson followed up with a walk, loading the bases and setting the stage for a wild sequence of steals that saw M Dunmore score the go-ahead run on a daring steal of home, giving the Canucks an 8-7 lead.

Defensive Grit and Pitching Brilliance

On the mound, Simon Ellis turned in a standout performance for the Canucks, consistently shutting down the Titans’ offense in key situations. Ellis recorded multiple strikeouts throughout the game, including a crucial one against the Titans’ heavy hitters in the third and fourth innings. His ability to pitch under pressure was a game-changer, especially when facing older and more powerful batters.

Adrian Agius and Lane Woods anchored the infield defense, making sharp plays to prevent runners from advancing. In the fourth inning, Agius and Ellis combined to limit the Titans’ scoring opportunities with timely outs, and the Canucks’ defense worked together to keep the game within reach, preventing the Titans from pulling away.

A Game-Winning Rally in the Fifth Inning

The game’s defining moment came in the top of the fifth inning. With the score tied 8-8, the Canucks turned to their offense. Nico Dipasquale came up clutch with a two-run double, sending both Jaxon Price and Adrian Agius across the plate, giving Ottawa a 10-8 lead. Though the Titans managed to add one more run in the bottom of the inning, Ellis struck out the final batter to secure the victory.

Canucks Overcome Adversity

Facing an older and more physically dominant team could have been intimidating, but the Canucks’ heart and hustle made all the difference. They executed key plays both offensively and defensively, demonstrating that they could go toe-to-toe with the Titans’ more experienced players.

The Titans’ attempt to mount a comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning was cut short when Ellis induced a fly out to center fielder Owen Bois, and Max McDonald made a critical groundout at third base to end the game.

Key Performers

• Simon Ellis (Ottawa Nepean Canucks): 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, pitched a standout performance with multiple strikeouts.

• Nico Dipasquale (Ottawa Nepean Canucks): 2-for-4, 1 double, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored.

• Max McDonald (Ottawa Nepean Canucks): 1-for-2, 2 runs scored, clutch defense.

• Vinson Principe (Ottawa Nepean Canucks): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored.

Final Thoughts

The Ottawa Nepean Canucks 10U team proved that they can compete with older competition, pulling off a thrilling 10-9 victory against the Montreal Titans 11U. Their composure and execution in high-pressure moments were the keys to their success. The Canucks demonstrated incredible teamwork, confidence, and resilience—qualities that will serve them well as they continue their season.