KANATA— A triennium of frustration came to an end last night, as the Barons finally earned their first-ever win over the SweatSox, coming from behind to take the 2025 season opener 9-7 in front of a frosty crowd at Kinsmen Field.
The long-awaited Barons victory snapped a 10-game losing streak against the SweatSox and marked a new chapter in the rivalry — one that Barons Manager James Cloutier called “a long time coming.”
“We’ve been chasing this one for years,” Cloutier said after the game. “It wasn’t always pretty, but tonight we battled, we kept grinding, and we got the big outs when we needed them. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”
The Barons trailed 4–1 after four innings before mounting a late-game surge, scoring seven runs over the final three frames to complete the comeback. Their bullpen held the line, and a key defensive play in the sixth proved to be the game’s turning point…
With the SweatSox down one and the bases juiced, the reigning Tier 3 MVP Eric White stepped into the batter’s box with a chance to reclaim the lead. Instead, he grounded into an inning-ending fielder’s choice, extinguishing the rally and igniting the Barons’ dugout.
“That was the biggest out of our season so far — no question,” Cloutier said. “White’s a real tough out in that spot, but we executed. That was the moment we knew we had a real shot.”
Barons starter Josh Primeau kept the team in it through four innings before turning things over to the bullpen duo of Griffen Courtice and Josh Van Noort, who combined to shut down the Sox the rest of the way. “We got out-Josh’d 2-to-1 tonight,” SweatSox Manager Cory Bond quipped post-game. “And it damn well showed.”
Despite the loss, the SweatSox had their share of bright spots. Kent Johnston earned 2004 A&W Kamloops International Baseball Game MVP honours with a 2-for-4 effort, including two RBI and a meaningless solo blast in the seventh inning that cut the Barons’ lead to three.
Eric White and Phil Leduc also recorded two-hit games, while I, Shaun Keay reached base twice, including a hit-by-pitch to the dome in my emotional return to the lineup after a season-ending elbow injury last year.
“We had our moments,” said Bond. “We were one swing away from taking that game back, but credit to the Barons — they stuck with it. We’re not happy with the result, but there’s a lot to build on here.”
On the mound, Josh Ramage went the distance for the SweatSox, throwing a seven-inning complete game. He gave up eight hits and five walks while striking out three in the losing effort. After the game, Ramage was blunt about his performance and the team’s response behind him: “I was good enough to win — that’s not the issue,” he said. “Now the rest of the team’s gotta pick it up. Simple as that.”
Defensively, the SweatSox flashed some mid-season form. Cory Bond, who pulled double duty as both Manager and Relief First Baseman, made three key putouts in the seventh inning, exactly when the sun was “being a little bitch.” Shoutout to my sunglasses for saving the day, and RFB’s face, and the first base coach’s face, and probably the first base ump’s face too. You’re welcome.
Eric White also shone bright, anchoring the infield at shortstop all game long, tallying eight assists and two putouts to earn an Honourable Mention on D.
However, the win may come at a cost for the Barons. According to the never-wrong NCBL Waiver Tracker, the Barons fielded three players who had not signed the required league waivers, a violation that carries a $300 fine. When asked about the looming penalty, Cloutier only smiled and said, “I guess we paid for that win one way or another.”
While the SweatSox will look to bounce back tomorrow night against the Bats, the Barons walk away with a monkey off their back — and perhaps, the first real sign that this season might be different.
“This wasn’t the start we wanted,” Bond said. “But it’s a long season, not as long as it should be with only 22 games now, but we’ve got the pieces — we just need to put it together. We’ll be ready. Maybe.”
Final SweatSox vs Barons Notes/Thoughts:
- The smart guys always skip game 1.
- Eric was not hit by a car before the game.
- Trevor finally ditched the bases bag for some wheels.
- That was an all-time infield warmup, luckily Josh couldn’t see from the bullpen.
- New dad Eric was so tired after the game, he forgot his wife and kid in the “Shape formerly known as” Circle. He eventually came back for them.
- Door Handle is Cop code for Knob.
- The more clothes he wears, the worse Trevor is.
- In Craig’s cooler were original Coors Light Originals.
- Credit to Phil for knowing his limits and having a DD on standby.
- If you wear the A&W at an A&W, you get a free root beer, except on Friday’s.
- Kent needs to order a black belt, while continuing to wear a red belt, to keep the HR streak alive.
- Andrew is confused on how the Murdock works. Is he new here?
- Mike is getting his $400 worth, one questionable beer at a time.
- There is indeed a baseball diamond at the D-Bunk. Who knew?!?
- Andrew got a new bat, but has a few questions.
- Kent had some leftover ribs delivered to the parking lot. None were shared. And nobody knows who brought it.
- The glove on the head is a classic move while errors are happening.
- I could’ve easily gotten out of that triple-parked car situation.
This blog post is dedicated to one of our most loyal readers, Bini Kanungo — your unwavering support, page views, and passion for amateur baseball journalism do not go unnoticed. This one’s for you, Bini.