U18 AA Canucks Defeat Athletics 10 - 0 in Mercy Rule Finish

By Robert Thomas

Sunday was a big day for the Moose Jaw U18 AA Canucks as they defeated the Regina Athletics 10 - 0.

The Canucks started off their powerhouse day by scoring four runs at the bottom of the first inning.

Led by a strong defence the Canucks came to the quick start when the first three batters scored runs.

Add in another run by Tryton Legare later in the order and the Canucks were up 4 - 0 their strongest start of the season.

Ryan Duncan pitched a strong five innings for the Canucks - MJ Independent photo

On the mound Sunday afternoon was Ryan Duncan who pitched his best game so far of the 2025 campaign.

Duncan - who has had four great outings in as many games - has been a major factor in the team’s recent upswing.

In the third inning Duncan would record three strikeouts to retire the side just as the A’s were looking for momentum.

In the fourth inning the pitcher would throw a final strikeout with two runners on to shutdown the biggest threat by the A’s.

The Canucks would in turn return to the bats scoring two more runs at their turn at the plate.

The bottom of the fifth inning would once again see the Canucks bats come alive as they scored four runs invoking the 10 run mercy win.

At the time of the win there were no outs against the Canucks.

Canucks base runner Ronan Tonge comes into third base - MJ Independent photo

“It was a good game. They looked like a real ball team today. It was nice to see,” Canucks head coach Zach Klyne said in the post game interview.

As of late the Canucks have been hot playing their baseball of the season.

Klyne said he didn’t think the Canucks would wrap it up in five innings.

“Our bats were hot. You never know with us,” he said.

Asked about Duncan’s play Klyne said “he’s been a dominant player.”

“We know he’s good. We needed a game to show up for us and he really showed up.”

Another Canucks player that stood out with a good game was Van Sinclair, Klyne said.

Restoring communications as a team was key to the Canucks strong showing the coach said.

“Everybody played hard. It was an entire team effort. They communicated well today. We’ve had problems in the past communicating between the infield and the outfield. They talked as a team. They played as a team,” Klyne said.

Canucks batter Russell MacDonald is fooled at the plate - MJ Independent photo

“I knew I could pitch like that. I was actually waiting to do it,” Ryan Duncan said in the post game interview.

Asked for his recent success (“been on a tear”) in the last three or four outings Duncan attributed it to school being out and the ability to focus on baseball.

“I was told to throw heat. I threw a couple of curveballs and it just worked out I guess.”

Duncan is hoping for continued strong team play in Assiniboia on Canada Day will be the start to send the Canucks into the top tier (top 10 teams) in the provincial playoffs.

It’s part of an optimistic attitude that is starting to engulf the Canucks.