The Etobicoke Rangers ran the table on the weekend as they catpured the 2022 COBA Major Baseball League Playoff Title at the 9th Line Sports Complex in Mississauga. They Rangers went a perfect 4-0 as they won the title for the first time since 2018.

The Rangers started off their weekend with a hard fought 11-8 victory over the Oakville A's. The Rangers were up 8-0 early in this one and had to hold off a hard pressing A's team who fought back to tie the game 8-8 before succumbing to the Rangers in the late innings.

Steve Ryan picked up the win in relief of starter Mike Asta. Daniel Murphy led the way for Etobicoke at the plate going 3-for-4 with a triple, a pair of runs, three RBIs and two stolen bases. Ryan Panas was also 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three runs scored while Alex Thrower was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs an RBI and two stolen bases. 

In their second round robin game, the Rangers were able to break open a tight 2-2 game with a pair of runs in the 5th inning to win pver the Brampton Royals by a score of 4-2. Andrew Hyde started and got the win for Etobicoke while young lefty James Graham came in to throw the last two innings and mop up the save.

Murphy, once again, was the offensive leader for the Rangers going 4-for-4 with a run, an RBI and a stolen. Kyle Bowers (RBI), Alex Thrower, Mark Capone and Dan Franceschetti each had a hit as well in the game. Panas cahsed in a run with a sac fly as well. 

In the semis, the Rangers were able to easily over come the Erindale Cardinals by a score of 11-1. Justin Tiechman went the distance for Etobicoke tossed six innings and allowing a run on just five hits while walking one and striking out six Cardinal batters. 

Michael Ferracuti led the way for the Rangers going 2-for-2 with a triple, a walk, two runs and a pair of RBIs. Dan Franceschetti and Tony Tedesco both went deep for Etobicoke as well helping them to the mercy shortened win. Capone (2 RBI), Murphy (RBI) and Bowers had the other hits to spark the Etobicoke offense. 

In the final the Rangers met up with the Milton Red Sox who had defeated the Oakville A's in the other semi-final by a score of 4-0. This game was tight all the way through but it was Etobicoke emerging with a 6-3 victory in the end. Max Skoropadsky drew the mound assingment this game and threw four innings allowing three runs (all earned). James Graham relieved him picking up the win withg three clean innings allowing only a hit and had three strikeouts giving him a win and a save for the weekend. 

Offensively, the Rangers were led by a trio of veterans in Mark Capone, Ryan Panas and Daniel Murphy. Panas was 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and three RBI. Capone was also 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs, two RBIs and a stolen base while Murphy was also 2-for-3 with an HBP, a run, an RBI and a stolen base.Michael Ferracuti, Alex Thrower and Dan Franceschetti had the other hits for the Rangers. 

A big congratulations goes out to John Ferracuti, Bill "Bounce" Thompson and the whole Etobicoke coaching staff and players on an excellent season and a COBA Major League Playoff Title. A big thank you also goes to Glenn Turner, Greg Cranker and all of the other players and league execs who helped make the playoff weekend and the season run without any major issues. 

With the close of the 2022 COBA Major Baseball League season, I would like to once again thank everyone for following along throughout the course of the season. It is always great to see so many people taking an interest in the league and Sr AAA Men's Baseball acorss the province. I truly hope you hve all enjpyed the coverage again this season. It was great to have a full summer of baseball back and thriving. Until 2023, I wish you all the best and please stay safe.