OSHAWA, Ont. - For the first time since 2014, the Durham College Lords will play host to the OCAA Men's Baseball Championship.

The two-day tournament, which features the top four teams in Ontario, will take place Oct. 19-20, 2018 at Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium in Oshawa.

"We are excited to host the OCAA championship again in Oshawa," said Durham College athletic director Ken Babcock. "Ontario continues to be leaders at the collegiate level across the country, so fans can expect to see some fantastic baseball over the two days of play at Kinsmen Stadium."

Although the Lords haven't hosted the provincial championship in four years, over the past two seasons Durham College hosted the Canadian College Baseball National Championship. Prior to the 2014 OCAA championship and national events in 2016 and 2017, the Lords also hosted the 2009 CIBA National Baseball Championship.

This fall, the Lords hope getting back to home field will be key in their success as they won silver the last time they played host. Durham lost 6-4 to the St. Clair Saints in the final.

Since the incorporation of OCAA men's baseball in 2013, St. Clair has won all five championships.

"Every season it's a battle to get back on the podium and next season will be no different as each college has continued to add some outstanding athletes," said Babcock. "As host we're hoping that we will be not only be able to win another OCAA baseball medal, but be in championship contention and hopefully end the Saints title streak."

A benefit to this year's student-athletes will be the brand-new lighting upgrade installed at Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium. The musco LED stadium lighting system has been installed since the 2017 OCAA season.

Training camp for the Lords opens on August 20 at Kinsmen Civic Memorial Stadium in Oshawa, followed by the preseason and the start of the OCAA regular season in September.

Source: Durham Lords

Photo Credit: Allan Fournier