The start of the Ontario baseball season wasn’t what the team had expected coming off an exceptional 2018 campaign that ended with a spot in the Division II Elite Eight. Early struggles have since evolved into clutch performances as the Warriors prepare for the postseason, however, and the team feels as though they’ve found their stride just in time for a playoff push.

 

Much like a season ago, when Ontario started the year at 0-3 before running off 25 consecutive victories on their way to the regional finals, the team was again humbled by stout competition during a holiday trip to Myrtle Beach and would be challenged again against top programs from Northwest Ohio. Gaining on-field experience against elite competitors prepared the Warriors for a late-season surge, though, that resulted in an unlikely defense of their league championship.

 

Ontario needed some help during the last week of the regular season to gain a share of the MOAC crown, but got the necessary breaks to stay in the mix. The Warriors also handled their own business by closing the year with a 4-game win streak that included a walk-off win in extra innings against Galion to claim a piece of the conference title.

 

With some building momentum fueling 6th-seeded Ontario as they prepare for a sectional championship showdown at #5 Shelby, the team says confidence is riding high as the postseason approaches. The Warriors understand how difficult it can be to beat the Whippets on their home field, having lost there 8-1 early in the season, but believe they will be ready for the challenge.