Go BCC Blue Jays!: Blue Jays equal to the Challenge

The Blue Jays found themselves in a barn-burner with the Cubs, Sunday, September 22, at Avenel Park. Both teams pitched well, played good defense, and kept the opposing bats silent for most of the afternoon.

This was an intense game that wasn't decided until the very end. The final score was Blue Jays 5, Cubs 2.

September 22 Game Report

Sam Berman provided the late game heroics on the mound and at the plate. Sam pitched to five batters in the fifth and sixth innings... and struck out all of them. With the score tied in the top of the sixth, Sam led off the inning with a line drive triple to the gap in right center. He later scored what would ultimately prove to be the winning run. Sam also knocked a single and scored a run in the fourth.

Jake Lang continues to turn in solid all-around play week after week. In Sunday's game, Jake belted a base hit through the left side of the infield in the top of the third inning, walked in the fifth, and delivered a solid at-bat that ended with an infield grounder in the sixth. Defensively, Jake excelled at 1st base, catching a pop-up that squelched a rally in the bottom of the fourth.

Chris Pernie played a important role in the Blue Jays' sixth inning rally. With the bases loaded, he worked the count full, fouled off a good pitch, and then drew a walk that drove in the game-tying run. Chris also knocked a fly ball to the left side of the infield in the top of the third. Defensively, he played good baseball at 2nd base and in the outfield.

Jack Raymond's under-the-radar defensive play prevented a run from scoring in the bottom of the fourth inning. With one on and one out, Jack inhaled a well hit ball in right field and hit the cut-off man with a perfect throw. Both runners were subsequently stranded. Offensively, Jack drew a walk that loaded the bases and led to a run in the top of the fifth.

Rayan Nair continues to get on base at an impressive clip. He singled in the fourth and sixth innings, keeping his on-base percentage at a cool .667. He also scored a run. Rayan didn't see much action in the field thanks to the strikeout stuff of the Blue Jays' pitching staff. He spent most of the afternoon playing at shortstop and in center field.

Max Ferguson enjoyed a day of firsts on Sunday. Above, he dons the gears and takes his initial turn at catcher as a member of the Blue Jays. Max looked nothing like a beginner on the pitching rubber in the bottom of the third, retiring the side in order, striking out two batters, and notching an infield assist. Offensively, Max smashed a double to right field to key the sixth inning rally, scored a run, and collected two RBIs.

Ethan Yu provides a steady bat in the third spot in the order, getting on base in two-thirds of his at-bats this season. He improved that number in Sunday's game, knocking a single to the left side in the first inning and drawing walks in the fourth and the sixth. Ethan pitched his way out of a jam in the bottom of the fourth, ending the frame with a bases-loaded strikeout, one of his three Ks in an inning and a third of work.

Charlie Knowles is a force with the glove and the bat. Playing at 1st base, he caught a throw from the pitcher to record an infield assist that ended the bottom half of the third inning. Offensively, Charlie's fourth inning fly ball over second base was good for a fielder's choice and drove in the Blue Jays' first run of the game.

John Wyatt continues to throw strikes and produce solid results on the mound. He worked the first two innings of Sunday's game, allowed just one run on three hits, walked two and struck out six. John's 2.31 WHIP ranks near the top of the Blue Jays' leader board. Offensively, he drew a walk in the top of the sixth, raising his on-base percentage to .667.

Jaden Smith enjoyed an opportunity to get out from under the catcher's mask and patrol the infield from the shortstop position. He did a good job backing up the pitcher on throws back from the catcher. Jaden also turned in solid work behind the dish in the third and fourth innings.

Gavin Ferguson followed up an excellent practice with another good effort in Sunday's game. Defensively, he played at 2nd base and in the outfield. Offensively, Gavin demonstrated renewed aggression, taking some vicious hacks in two trips to the plate.

George Roggie sent two more balls soaring over the outfielders' heads in the game with the Cubs. George's 2-for-2 day included two doubles, a walk, a run scored and an RBI. George has accumulated four extra-base hits in the last two games, raising his team leading slugging percentage to 1.714.

Following an intense battle, the blue and red clad warriors exchanged congratulations and salutations for a fun and competitive game.

Difference Makers

Tom Yu assisted with pre-game batting practice, coached at 1st base, warmed up pitchers, kept track of equipment, and snapped off a few photos.

Aside from that, he enjoyed a relaxing and uneventful afternoon.

Brian Ferguson protected cars during pre-game batting practice, coached at 3rd base, warmed up pitchers, and discovered just how nerve-wracking it can be when your son is on the mound.

Chris Pernie handled score keeping duties. He didn't have quite as much material to work with this week, but he executed the task flawlessly.

Derrick Raymond served as bench coach and did a fine job getting the batters ready to go and the fielders in their proper positions. He also risked getting poison ivy while retrieving baseballs from the woods during pre-game batting practice. Way to take one for the team, Derrick!

Andrew Lang lent his glove and his person in order to keep baseballs out of parked cars during pre-game batting practice. Undoubtedly, his efforts are appreciated by parents and insurance adjusters.

Fred Knowles was seemingly at a loss when we took his photo. He didn't have an official job this week. But the Blue Jays' bats came to life when Fred arrived at the game, so here he is!

Dileep Nair kept Clark on the playground and out of the parking lot for a half hour, allowing Sarah enough time to take a few extra photos. He might have worked harder than anyone.

Thanks, Dileep!

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