Go BCC Blue Jays!: Blue Jays show grit in a Grinder

Perseverance paid off for the Blue Jays after a long afternoon of hard work Sunday, October 14, at Tilden Middle School.

Charlie Knowles, Jeremy Robertson, Jack Raymond, Gavin Ferguson, Ethan Yu, Dylan Yoon, Sam Berman, Dylan Edwards, Jaden Smith, Jake Lang, Braden Poon and George Roggie demonstrated impressive resolve.

In a game that tested attention spans as much as baseball skills, the Blue Jays came through with timely hitting and shutdown defense when they needed it most.

The final score was Blue Jays 19, Wizards 15.

October 14 Game Report

Jaden Smith was a spark plug on offense and defense. He collected singles in the first, fourth, and fifth innings, reached on a fielder's choice in the second, scored two runs and delivered two RBI. He recorded an unassisted put-out and an infield assist at 2nd base in the third inning and added another assist to complete the second out of the game's final frame.

Above, Dylan Yoon sprints for home to score one of his two runs. His flawless 3-for-3 day included doubles in the first and third innings, a single in the fourth, and two RBI. Dylan continued to make good stops on ground balls at pitcher's helper.

Braden Poon was busy in the field at shortstop in the second and fourth innings, but he did most of his damage at the plate. His 4-for-4 afternoon included a double in the first inning, singles in the third, fourth and fifth, and two RBI. Braden also tied for team honors with three runs scored.

Dylan Edwards conducted some serious business with the bat. Above, he prepares to uncork a double down the right field line in the third inning. Dylan added a single in the second, scored a run, and tied for team honors with three RBI. He also did his customarily solid job defensively at 2nd base and at catcher.

Gavin Ferguson gave his team the lead for good when he crossed home plate to score a run in the top of the fifth inning. Gavin treated the Blue Jays to a terrific offensive display, knocking a double to left field in the second inning and another extra-base hit to right field in the fifth. He also collected two RBI and played solid defense at pitcher's helper.

Jack Raymond put a beating on the baseball throughout the afternoon. Jack belted a single to left field in the fourth inning, a single to right field in the deciding rally in the fifth, reached on a fielder's choice in the second, scored two runs and added an RBI. Defensively, Jack executed an unassisted put-out at 3rd base in the bottom of the second.

Jake Lang is a model of offensive consistency. One of six Blue Jays that sports a perfect 1.000 BIP (balls in play) percentage, Jake converted contact into production in the game with the Wizards. He collected singles in the third and fifth innings, reached on a fielder's choice in the second, scored two runs and notched an RBI. Defensively, Jake contributed a huge infield assist when he fielded a grounder at 3rd base and threw to 2nd for a force out in the third inning.

You know you're having a great season when your batting average goes down after a fantastic 3-for-4 performance. That's exactly what happened to Ethan Yu. He collected singles in the third, fourth and fifth innings, reached on a fielder's choice in the first, scored a team high three runs, and added an RBI. Ethan is now hitting .833 (10 for 12) after four games this season. He also did an excellent job defensively at 3rd base and at catcher.

Jeremy Robertson contributed to the hit parade with a single to left field in the second inning. He then followed it up with an infield single in the third. Jeremy also drove in a run and did a fine job in the field at pitcher's helper and at catcher.

Charlie Knowles provided a key hit that extended the game-winning rally in the top of the fifth. His line drive single through the hole on the left side drove in a run. He would later score a run of his own. Charlie also contributed an out in the field, nabbing a grounder and stepping on the bag at 1st base in the second inning.

Sam Berman patrolled the left side of the Blue Jays' infield with great efficiency. He scooped a grounder and fired to 1st base for an out in the bottom of the first inning. Later, he caught a throw at 2nd base for a key force out in the fifth. Offensively, Sam bounced a single to left field in the top of the first and reached on a fielder's choice in the fourth.

George Roggie was productive on both sides of the ball. He fielded a bouncer on one hop and stepped on the bag at 1st base to notch the first out of the final inning. He caught a throw from the shortstop to complete an assisted put-out at 1st in the first inning. Offensively, George belted a double to right field in the third and a single in the fifth, scored two runs and checked in with three RBI.

The Blue Jays concluded this grueling contest by congratulating the Wizards, a very patient team that presented a unique set of challenges.

MVPs

Coach Tom Yu worked overtime this week to advise a parade of base runners at 1st base.

Coach Derrick Raymond enjoyed getting to know the players a bit better before sending them home from 3rd base.

Trista Robertson kept the trains running on time along the Blue Jays' bench.

Scorekeeper Susan Poon worked feverishly to keep up with the action. Fortunately, she got an assist from her husband, Torsdon.

Connie and James Yoon provided the postgame snacks and drinks.

Who knew that five innings of machine-pitch baseball could take two full hours? These guys were hungry!

One of the great things about this group is that each family pitches in where and when it can. Above, Diane Edwards helps Dylan suit up for his tour at catcher.

Two More!