18U Nationals open their season with the Cardinals

Reed Bowles looks on from home plate during the action against the Hamilton Cardinals at Stratford National Stadium on May 4.

On May 4, the Stratford 18U Nationals opened their regular season against the Hamilton Cardinals at National Stadium.

The Nationals fell 15-1 to the Cardinals in six innings, with the game concluding under the league’s “mercy rule.” Starting pitcher Ethan Priestap allowed two runs over three innings, recording five strikeouts, four hits and three walks. Relievers Owen Brooks, Daniel Hovius and Logan MacMillan gave up 12 runs over the next three innings. Alex Everett scored Stratford’s only run in the fourth inning, offering a highlight in an otherwise difficult opener.

Head coach Mud Grasby noted this was the team’s first game and first outdoor experience, encouraging players to stay positive. He explained that while winning provincials is the ultimate goal, the main focus is player development, team improvement and ensuring players enjoy the season.

“You can't expect much. It's a long season. First time we've been outdoors, things happen. Just got to get the kids to keep their heads up. That's about it,” Grasby said.

“… Realistically, the expectations are just to watch the kids improve their ball team. Have some fun and win as many games as you can.”

This year’s roster is made up mostly of players from the 2025 15U squad, which reached the 15U Tier-2 Inter County Baseball Association (ICBA) playoffs final. Last season, the 18U team narrowly lost to Guelph in the Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) 18U A finals at National Stadium, earning a silver medal and placing sixth at the 18U Tier-1 playoffs.

Stratford will play 24 regular-season games in the ICBA Tier-1 18U Division. The Nationals will play against Simcoe, Woodstock, Waterloo, Hamilton, Cambridge, Ancaster, Caledonia, Guelph and two teams from Kitchener. Tournament dates and the ICBA playoffs are yet to be determined.

Stratford heads to Cambridge for their first road game of the season against the Cubs on May 7, followed by a home game back at the National Stadium against the Ancaster Angels on May 11, with the game time set for 7:30 p.m.