The Blue Jays inspired wide grins throughout their season opener with the Nationals Sunday, April 7, at Fleming Park. Together, they stared down an early deficit, continued to play hard, and enjoyed a well deserved reward at the end.
This team is really getting a grip on kid-pitch baseball! The final score was Blue Jays 11, Nationals 9.
April 7 Game Report
The Blue Jays appreciate their catchers, the hardest working players in baseball. Ever the team player, John Wyatt turned in a fantastic performance behind the plate in the first and second innings. Offensively, John drew a walk and scored a run in the bottom of the third. He then fielded a grounder at 2nd base and threw to first for a key put-out in the top of the fifth.
Jaden Smith was a dynamo at catcher in the third and fourth innings. He made difficult stops look routine and nearly threw out a base runner on an attempted steal at 3rd base. Jaden added infield assists at 2nd base in the first and second innings. As usual, he gave the Blue Jays quality production from the lead-off spot in the batting order, knocking a single, getting hit by a pitch, grounding into a fielder's choice, and scoring a run.
Charlie Knowles exhibited toughness and a sure glove behind the plate in the fifth inning. A highly versatile ball player, Charlie also collected an infield assist at 1st base in the third inning. His efficient day at the plate included a single, a walk, a run scored and an RBI.
Chris Pernie highlighted his Blue Jays debut by jump-starting the defense in the third inning. First, he snagged a sharp grounder and threw to 1st base for the inning's first out. He then caught a high fly ball to end the frame. Offensively, Chris put the ball in play in his first trip to the plate and then drew a walk and scored a run to contribute to a big rally in the third inning.
Jack Raymond came through for his team with a timely hit in the bottom of the second inning. His hot grounder to left field drove in two runs. Jack demonstrated a keen batting eye in the third, drawing a walk and prolonging the rally that put the Blue Jays back in contention. Defensively, Jack did a fine job backing up throws in the outfield.
Jake Lang wins the Hard Luck Hitter of the Game award. In his first trip to the plate, Jake's ground ball shot up the middle was nabbed by the pitcher. He was then robbed of a sure base hit when his high liner was flagged in short left field by the Nationals' outstanding shortstop. If Jake continues to swing the bat this way, then his luck is sure to change. Defensively, he turned in a fine performance at 3rd base.
The courageous Ethan Yu took the mound as the Blue Jays' first-ever starting pitcher. He battled admirably and threw lots of strikes throughout two innings of work. Ethan struck out two batters and fielded his position well, stabbing a grounder and throwing to 1st base for an out. Offensively, Ethan drew a walk and scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth.
Rayan Nair was sublime in every facet of his Blue Jays' debut. Offensively, his 3-for-3 afternoon included two doubles, a walk-off game winning home run, two runs scored, and four RBI. He struck out three batters in two innings on the mound. For good measure, he added an infield assist, a fly ball out behind the mound, and a running catch at shortstop on a high fly ball to short left field. Wow!
Sam Berman always finds a way to be in the middle of the action. Sunday's game was no exception. Sam accepted the closer role and pitched a shutout inning in the fifth that included a strikeout. He also collected an infield assist at shortstop in the fourth inning. Offensively, Sam drew a walk in the second and then belted a lead-off double double and scored a run in the bottom of the third.
Gavin Ferguson demonstrated confidence at the plate and focus in the field. He prevented at least two runs from scoring when he gathered well hit balls in left field and hit the cut-off man perfectly, holding the batters to singles on excellent hits. Offensively, Gavin demonstrated patience, laying off the high pitches, drawing two walks, and scoring a run. Strangely, Gavin has not yet had an official at-bat, but he does have an RBI. One of his walks drove in a run!
Dylan Edwards is another Blue Jay whose next at-bat will be his first. He, too, drew walks in both trips to the plate in Sunday's game. He scored a run in the second inning rally that energized his team. Dylan also played heads-up baseball in right field in the early innings, stopping good hits and hitting the cut-off man to hold the runners to singles.
Jeremy Robertson made an outstanding play on a bouncer to center field in the top of the third inning. He quickly returned the ball to the infield and held the runner at 1st base. Jeremy's approach at the plate was outstanding. He swung for the fences when the pitches were good and kept his bat back on those that were not so good. Jeremy drew a walk, scored a run, and collected an RBI in the bottom of the second.
George Roggie's continued eligibility to play for the Blue Jays was welcome news. He marked the occasion throughout Sunday's game with a typically productive effort. George contributed infield assists at 1st base in the second and fifth innings. His 2-for-2 day at the plate included two well hit singles and two RBI.
The Blue Jays deserved to celebrate after coming back from an eight-run deficit. Only one player can hit the game winner, but it takes an entire team to make it possible!
A Great Start!
Congratulations to our opponents, the Nationals, an excellent team that we will see again this season.
Thanks to Coach Tom Yu for, well, everything. He coached first base, helped set up the field, warmed up pitchers, and undoubtedly completed additional tasks that went unnoticed.
The Blue Jays made sure that Dileep Nair had plenty to do in his Blue Jays' debut. He coached 3rd base and helped remove the bases and pitching rubber from the field. Welcome, Dileep!
Afterward, the Blue Jays eagerly hit the road to get front row seats for the coach's post-game speech!
Well, perhaps not. They might have wanted the cupcakes that John Wyatt brought to share with his teammates.
In any case, the refreshments were well deserved. This was indeed a sweet way to start the season!
Coach Steve
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