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JUAN DOLIO - The Canadian Junior National Team is back in the Dominican Republic for its annual Professional Academy Camp, taking place from May 12–20. The yearly trip serves as a key part of the Junior National Team development pathway, providing athletes with valuable experience in a professional baseball environment as the program continue preparations for the 2026 MLB Draft League tour next month.

The nine-day camp features 11 games against Dominican Summer League affiliates of the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Junior National Team 7-3 San Diego Padres DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team took command early and earned a 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres DSL squad on their last game of the Dominican Pro Academy Camp.

After falling behind on a solo home run in the bottom of the first, the Juniors answered quickly in the second. Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) was hit by a pitch before Cohen Miller (Calgary, AB) delivered the big swing, launching a two-run home run to left field to give Canada a 2–1 lead.

Canada added to the advantage in the fifth when Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON) reached on an error, moved around the bases, and scored on a RBI groundout from Miller. The Juniors kept applying pressure in the sixth, loading the bases before Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, ON) worked a walk to bring home Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) and make it 4–1.

The Padres got one back in the seventh, but Canada responded again late adding a run in the eight and two more in the ninth to reach our 7-3 final.

On the mound, Calum Andersen (Calgary, AB) opened the game for Canada and recorded three strikeouts through the early innings. Gabe Fink (Edmonton, AB) followed in relief before Ethan Reason (Stouffville, ON) and Will Zielinski (Victoria, BC) helped close things out, with Zielinski striking out two over the final two innings.

(J.Jacob, C.Miller, W.Zielinski)

Junior National Team 5-7 New York Mets DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team mounted a late comeback but fell 7–5 to the New York Mets DSL squad during Dominican Professional Academy Camp action.

After falling behind early, the Juniors chipped away throughout the second half of the game, highlighted by a two-run seventh inning. Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) worked a walk and later scored on a groundout from Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON), while Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) came home moments later on a triple from Cohen Miller (Calgary, AB) to cut the deficit to 7–3.

Canada continued to pressure the Mets in the ninth inning. Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, ON) and Armitage opened the frame with back-to-back singles before Jacob delivered an RBI single to center field to score Chung. Maxime Blain (Repentigny, QC) later brought home Armitage on a fielder’s choice as the Juniors closed within two runs before the comeback fell short.

Miller led the offence with a triple and a single, while Armitage reached base twice with a single and a walk. Jacob added a hit and two RBIs while Aiden Kilshaw (Saskatoon, SK) added a hit, a walk, and a run scored.

Cole Dorland (Langley, BC) started the game on the mound for the Canadians, allowing only two hits and punching out one in the opening three frames of the ballgame. Oscar Leah (Maple Ridge, BC) and Noah Powell (Toronto, ON) each struck out two over two and two third innings of relief to close out the ballgame.

Defensively, Canada turned in several strong moments, including Kilshaw throwing out a runner attempting to steal in the third inning and Ellis firing a strike to Miller at third base to erase a runner in the ninth.

The Juniors will play their final Dominican Professional Academy Camp game tomorrow against the San Diego Padres in San Cristobal.

(C.Miller, A.Kilshaw, C.Dorland, K.Armitage)

Junior National team 3-6 Houston Astros DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team battled late but fell 6–3 to the Houston Astros DSL squad during game two of doubleheader action at the Dominican Professional Academy Camp.

Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON) sparked the rally with a single before Maxime Blain (Repentigny, QC) and Aidan Kilshaw (London, ON) worked walks to load the bases. Wild pitches brought home Jacob and Blain before Noah McIntosh (Dartmouth, NS) lifted a sacrifice fly to score Kilshaw and cut the deficit to 6–3.

On the mound, Desmond Tregaskis (Delta, BC) started for the Juniors and struck out three over three innings. Sam Davis (Beaumont, AB) followed with a strong relief outing, recording five strikeouts across three innings of work. Austin Blair (Victoria, BC) tossed a scoreless frame, striking out one to close out the ballgame.

The Canadians will rest up and gear up for the New York Mets DSL squad on Tuesday morning.

(N.McIntosh, S.Davis, J.Jacob)

Junior National Team 8-9 San Francisco Giants DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team battled through a back-and-forth contest against the San Francisco Giants DSL squad, ultimately falling 9–8 after a late push during Dominican Professional Academy Camp action.

Maxime Blain (Repentigny, QC) delivered one of Canada’s biggest swings of the game in the second inning, driving a two-run triple to left field to score Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) and Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON) and give the Juniors an early 2–1 lead. Sam Ellis (La Peche, QC) helped extend the advantage in the third, reaching with a single before coming around to score on a sacrifice fly from Austin Blair (Victoria, BC).

After the Giants tied the game in the bottom of the third, Canada answered again in the fourth when Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON) came through with a 2-out RBI single that gave the Juniors a 4-3 lead. Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) delivered the big blow in the ballgame for the Canucks, launching a two-run home run after Robert Omidi was hit by a pitch to pull Canada even again at 6–6.

The Juniors continued to battle late, responding to another Giants rally with two runs in the seventh. Cohen Miller (Calgary, AB) and Aidan Kilshaw (Saskatoon, SK) delivered back-to-back doubles that tied the game at 8–8.

On the mound, Josh Mills (Leduc, AB) started for Canada and struck out five over three innings of work, while Damarcus Rideout-Carter (Brampton, ON) and Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, ON) followed in relief. 

The Giants pushed across the deciding run in the bottom of the seventh, but Canada’s late-inning response highlighted the group’s competitiveness as Dominican Professional Academy Camp continues.

(M.Blain, Z.MacDonald, J.Pereira)

Junior National Team 2-6 Los Angeles Dodgers DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team battled the Los Angeles Dodgers DSL squad in another competitive matchup during Dominican Professional Academy Camp action, showing resilience on the mound and manufacturing runs late in the contest.

Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) led the Canadian offence with a 1-for-3 performance, including a sixth-inning single that helped spark a two-run frame. Maxime Blain (Repentigny, QC) added the only other hit over a 1-for-2 day at the plate for the Canadians.

On the mound, Max Nantais-Vlahovich (Mississauga, ON) turned in a strong start, striking out seven over three scoreless innings. Logan Cummins (Mississauga, ON) followed with a solid relief appearance that included a pair of strikeouts, while Ethan Reason (Stouffville, ON) added another strong outing out of the bullpen, punhing one ticket and picking off a runner in the eighth inning. Defensively, catcher Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) threw out three runners attempting to steal in the ballgame.

The Junior National Team program will practice on Sunday, before facing off with San Francisco Giants DSL squad to close out the two-game mini series of the camp.

(M.Nanthais-Valahovich, M.Blain, K.Armitage)

Junior National Team 7-3 Toronto Blue Jays DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team put together one of its strongest all-around performances of Dominican Professional Academy Camp, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays DSL squad 7–3 behind timely hitting and dominant pitching.

Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) led the offensive charge with a pair of doubles, including a bases-clearing three-run double during a five-run third inning that gave Canada control of the game. Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, AB) continued his productive camp collecting a hit and scoring two runs, while Robert Omidi (Mississauga, ON) finished his day with a perfect 1-for-1 performance at the dish, adding a pair of walks and a run scored. Noah McIntosh (Dartmouth, NS) was a spark at the bottom of the lineup with a hit and a run scored. Aiden Kilshaw (Saskatoon, SK) and Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) were hitless in the ballgame but chipped in with productive at bats combining for three RBIs in the victory. 

On the mound, Calum Andersen (Calgary, AB) delivered an impressive start, striking out five over four innings of work while allowing just two runs, only one of them earned. Cohen Miller (Calgary, AB) followed with a strong relief appearance before Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, ON) closed out the game, striking out three over one and one third scoreless innings.

With the victory the Canadians improve their record to 2-4 in the Dominican Pro Academy Camp, as they will continue their tour and face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

(R.Omidi, C.Andersen, K.Armitage)

Junior National Team 2-20 Milwaukee Brewers DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team continued Dominican Professional Academy Camp action against the Milwaukee Brewers DSL squad. Despite the final score, the Canadians continued to gain valuable experience against professional competition while showing flashes offensively throughout the contest.

Robert Omidi (Mississauga, ON) highlighted the offensive effort with a solo home run in the sixth inning and later added a walk. Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, AB) collected a pair of hits, including a bunt single while also reaching base via hit-by-pitch. Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON) added a hit and stolen base, while Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) reached base and scored during an eighth inning rally that also featured an RBI groundout by Sam Ellis (La Pêche, QC).

On the mound, Cole Dorland (Langley, BC) struck out two over two and two third innings of work, while Oscar Leah (Maple Ridge, BC) and Noah Powell (Toronto, ON) combined for relief appearances later in the game.

The Juniors will try to bounce back as they make their way to the Toronto Blue Jays DR Academy for game two of doubleheader action on Friday.

(Milwaukee Brewers DR Complex)

Junior National Team 4-9 Pittsburgh Pirates DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team battled back late but ultimately fell 9–4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates DSL squad during Dominican Professional Academy Camp action on Thursday.

Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, AB) continues to deliver at the top of the Canadian lineup, picking up a hit and scoring a run. Ramsey Chung (Mississauga, ON) collected a double and later scored over his 1-for-3 performance at the plate. Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, BC) delivered a clutch RBI single in the seventh, Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) added a run-scoring groundout, and Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) chipped in with an RBI single as the Juniors cut into the deficit late.

On the mound, Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC) struck out two over two innings in his start. Will Zielinski (Victoria, BC) followed with a strong relief outing, striking out three while also picking off a runner in the fifth inning. Gabe Fink (Edmonton, AB) added five punch outs over the final two innings of work.

The Juniors will continue Dominican Professional Academy Camp play tomorrow with doubleheader action against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays DSL squads.

(R.Chung, G.Fink, R.Whiteford)

Junior National Team 6-5 Boston Red Sox DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team held on despite a late push by the Boston Red Sox DSL squad, collecting their first win of the Dominican Professional Academy Camp 6–5 to close out the doubleheader action on Wednesday. 

The first inning magic continues for the Canadians as Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) paced the offence with a two-run triple gain the early lead. Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, AB) continued his productive camp, reaching base multiple times, scoring twice, and adding a hit-by-pitch and stolen base. Taye Thierman (Calgary, AB) delivered the decisive blows in the game with a clutch double and RBI single over his 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Aiden Kilshaw (Saskatoon, SK) chipped in with a 1-for-2 performance with a walk and a run scored in a strong offensive show for the Canadians. 

On the mound, Desmond Tregaskis (Delta, BC) turned in a strong start, striking out three over three perfect innings to open up the ballgame. Sam Davis (Beaumont, AB) followed with several key outs in relief, highlighted by a pair of strikeouts and two pickoffs in his Junior National Team debut. Austin Blair (Victoria, BC) closed the game and struck out two over the final two innings to secure the first victory for the Canadians in the camp.

The Juniors will continue Dominican Professional Academy Camp play tomorrow with single game action as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates DSL.

(Z.MacDonald, D.Tregaskis, T.Thierman)

Junior National Team 5-10 Miami Marlins DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team showed plenty of offensive firepower despite dropping a 10–5 decision to the Miami Marlins DSL squad during the first game of doubleheader action at the Dominican Professional Academy Camp.

Robert Omidi (Mississauga, ON) continued his strong start to camp, launching another two-run home run in the opening inning before later adding a  pair of walks and a run scored. Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, AB) turned in another productive performance at the top of the lineup for the Canadians, collecting a double, single, and RBI while scoring once. Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, AB) delivered the biggest hit of the late comeback push with a two-run single in the seventh inning to make it 7-5 at the time.

On the mound, Josh Mills (Leduc, AB) struck out five over three innings in his start, highlighted by a scoreless second inning where the left hander struck out the side. Damarcus Rideout-Carter (Brampton, ON) punched six tickets of his own over two and one third innings of relief. 

The Juniors will head down the road to the Boston Red Sox DR Baseball Academy for the second game of the doubleheader.

(R.Omidi, J.Mills, Z.MacDonald)

Junior National Team 3-8 San Francisco Giants DSL

The Canadian Junior National Team opened its Dominican Professional Academy Camp with an 8–3 setback against the San Francisco Giants DSL squad, showing resilience late while receiving strong performances from several newcomers and returning contributors.

Robert Omidi (Mississauga, ON) provided the early spark for the Canadians, launching a two-run home run in the opening inning to give the Juniors an early lead. Omidi later added a double to finish with a pair of extra-base hits, while Jalen Jacob (Maple, ON) collected two hits and scored a run. Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, BC) drove in the last run of the ballgame for the Canadians with a with a single in the seventh inning.

On the mound, Max Nantais-Vlahovich (Mississauga, ON) got the start and struck out three over three innings of work. Logan Cummins (Mississauga, ON) followed in relief before Ethan Reason (Stouffville, ON) turned in an impressive outing to close the game. The left-hander retired all six batters he faced while striking out five across two scoreless innings.

The Juniors will continue Dominican Professional Academy Camp action tomorrow as they return to the field for doubleheader action against the Miami Marlins and the Boston Red Sox DSL squads.

(R.Omidi, J.Jacob, E.Reason)