Brandon Metivier is back for his final season with the Silver Knights, one he didn't expect to have happe. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – When the Nashua Silver Knights won their final game at home of the 2025 season, Brandon Metivier was emotional.

He looked out at the Holman Stadium field and was positive he had thrown his final pitch at the ballpark he grew up playing in – especially for Bishop Guertin High School — and loving.

You see, the Bishop Guertin alum was planning on using his final year of college eligibility at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky. and that would be it for the Futures League.

But that never happened, as he was surprisingly redshirted, and Metivier called the Knights to see if they could use him for a Silver season No. 4.

So Friday night at Lowell’s LeLacheur Park he threw the first inning of official game work likely since that night at Holman last August.

“A lot of stuff,” Metivier said when asked what had changed. “A lot of off the field stuff, on the field stuff with the school, so I decided it would be a redshirt year. Go get my Masters, do it all again.

“When I texted Cam (Silver Knights general manager Cam Cook) that I was eligible for the year, he welcomed me back with open arms and I appreciate everything that he’s done for me over the four years.

“Guarino (Knights manager Nick) has been awesome. He’s welcomed me back with open arms and hopefully I get the same role I did last year, being able to come in and end games.”

For the first time in his Knights career last season, Metivier had a key role out of the bullpen, either setting up or closing. What was the difference?

“The confidence,” he said. “The confidence was there, from top to bottom. The coaching staff confidence in me, being able to run me out there every single day, my teammates having my back when I went out there, knowing that game was over.”

Metivier will not return to Bellimore, and instead entered the transfer portal.

“I should have a school very soon,” he said, noting he’ll get either a MBA or a Masters in administration.

Not knowing his future beyond the summer right now isn’t hard for the former Cardinal.

“I think it’s more fun because it feels lie you’re in high school again,” he said of ! the recruiting aspect of the portal. “You feel wanted. It’s the fun of it. You get chased. I’m having fun with it. All the coaches I’ve had talks with, I’ve listened to every single one, from D1 to NAIA. Just listening. I love talking. It’s a learning opportunity for me.”

Metivier is fully healthy, and worked out with a few professional independent ballplayers as he wasn’t with Bellimore’s team any longer in the spring.

“I had a great opportunity to pitch against them and learn, and grow, and I think I did that,” he said, “and I think I’m going to come back even better.”

RIVIER-KNIGHTS JERSEY AUCTION

Nashua’s Rivier University is sponsoring the Knights two Education Day games, the second one set for this Wednesday morning at 10:30 vs.New Britain.

The Knights are wearing new custom Rivier/Silver Knight jerseys for Wednesday, and after the game those will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the Rivier University Fund. The college uses that fund to help expand scholarship opportunities and enhance academic and athletic programs.

To bid on the custom uniforms, visit the Silver Knights’ auction website.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Besides the Wednesday game, the Silver Knights are back in action tonight at 6:03 p.m. vs.Lowell at Holman Stadium. It will be Nashua’s third consecutive game vs. the Spinners, who go into it still seeking their first ever FCBL win.

Lowell (0-4) was beaten 9-3 by Westfield before, 1,881 fans at LeLacheur on Sunday.

The Knights are home again on Tuesday vs. Vermont, then after the morning game Wednesday they make their first visit to Vermont Thursday night before coming home for their first Friday Firewworks Night at Holman vs. Worcester…

Lowell’s pitcher isn’t known, but Nashua tonight will likely send lefty Lucas Collins from University of Dayton….

Nashua’s Connor Smith was the team’s first “Prime Cut Player of the Week” (sponsored by the national roast beef chain Arby’s), as he hit .444 with three doubles, four RBIs and an OBP of .500.