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VIU Mariners begin the college baseball season this weekend

Mar 24, 2017 | 12:27 PM

NANAIMO — With the World Baseball Classic wrapping up this week and major league spring training in full swing – ball season has arrived.
 
The CCBC schedule begins for the VIU Mariners this weekend with two home double headers against the Prairie Baseball Academy Saturday and Sunday.
 
The Mariners have previously played as the VI Baseball Institute but will now have stronger ties to Vancouver Island University.
 
Coach Jordan Blundell says the team has a good working relationship with the athletic department, and with VIU as
their governing body.
 
“We’re always looking to try to improve that relationship,” Blundell said. “We chip in whenever we can around campus, and likewise they’ve stepped up and shown us some more support as we’ve been around for awhile. We are now VIU baseball so things are moving in the right direction.”
 
Blundell has high expectations for the program which won the CCBC championship in 2010.
 
“I’m in my twelfth year, and over the eleven years we generally do play our best baseball in the second half and in the month of May.”
 
In the past there have been Mariners players who have gone on to US bigger colleges or other pro baseball opportunities.
 
Blundell says there’s a chance some of his current players could move on to higher levels as well, including his starting pitcher for game one of the season.
 
“Our ace Austin Gurr has really developed over the last three years. He came in as a freshman and threw at the back end of games and was our closer. We transitioned him last year into starting and relieving, and this year he’s really taken charge and been a leader. We’re really proud of where he’s gotten to on the mound,” Blundell said.
 
The university baseball season is condensed with 32 games in a short span.
 
May 6 is the final game of the regular season for VIU and then the championship tournament for the six team league starts the following week.  
 
The season opening games start Saturday at 12 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. at Serauxmen Stadium.
 
 
Weekend Sports

 

BCPBL (Exhibition)
 
Pirates vs Calgary – 12 p.m. & 3 p.m. Lambrick Park (Victoria)
Pirates @ Victoria – 12 p.m. & 3 p.m. Laritz Park (Victoria)
 
VISL
Nanaimo United FC vs Gorge FC – 4 p.m. Merle Logan Field
 
International Blind Bowls Association World Championships (South Africa)
Nanaimo’s Gus Thorne plays host South Africa on Saturday