Go BCC Blue Jays!: Blue Jays remain cool in sizzling Rematch

On a sweltering day for fans, coaches and players, the Blue Jays remained cool and turned in a fantastic performance in their rematch with the Pirates on Sunday, June 11, at Tilden Middle School.

Rather than warm up, the Blue Jays met in the shade and recalled the Fielder's Pledge that everyone took at practice on Friday - know what you will do before the ball is hit!

The pitcher was hot!

The coaches were hot!

The players were really hot!

This was a good day to play sound defense, take care of business on the field, and return to the bench to seek shade and cold water!

June 11 Game Report

Dominic Delgado was a cool customer at the plate, ripping three fantastic hits from the fifth spot in the order. Dominic's hearty swing produced a highlight-reel base hit to right field in the bottom of the second inning.

After working hard on situational analysis at practice, Dominic took another step forward in the mental aspects of the game. Playing at left pitcher's helper, he keenly positioned himself either forward or back depending on the batter's size and history. At 3rd base, Dominic worked on determining when to pursue the ball and when to cover the bag.

Clark Roggie's bat heated up along with the weather. Above, Clark appears confident in the batter's box - and with good reason. He needed a total of only six pitches to smash three line drives up the middle!

Paying attention at practice paid huge dividends for Clark in Sunday's game. Playing at 2nd base, Clark knew that a runner at 1st base meant that he had a force out opportunity. After gathering a hot grounder up the middle, Clark calmly stepped on the base to execute the unassisted put-out.

Milen Hukmani continued to drive in runs at a blistering pace in the rematch with the Pirates. In the bottom half of the first inning, Milen belted a bouncer that didn't stop rolling until it reached left field. He followed up with a solid base hit to the shortstop in the bottom of the third.

A dependable fielder at any spot, Milen took advantage of an opportunity to play multiple infield positions in Sunday's game. After completing put-outs at 1st base in two consecutive games, he again played well at his primary position. Milen also took effective turns at left pitcher's helper and at 3rd base.

Noah Solovey grinded out another excellent performance from the number three spot in the batting order. Above, Noah keeps his eyes squarely on the ball and unleashes a swing that would send the ball up the middle for a base hit.

Noah's ready position on defense ranks among the best. Here, he prepares to track down well hit baseballs at the right pitcher's helper position. Working to learn the nuances of the game, Noah tried setting up in different locations at each position he played.

Niara Gupta gives the Blue Jays everything they need from a leadoff hitter. Requiring few pitches to make solid contact, Niara knocked three stout base hits to the middle of the field. We know that she would be happier to get the same results while using her green bat. That day is certainly coming soon!

Niara was very busy at 2nd base in the top of the third inning. The Pirates tended to hit the ball up the middle early and often. Niara proved to be up to the task, snagging grounders that were close to the bag and backing off and covering 2nd when the ball was fielded by a teammate.

Lila Schruefer likes to keep the opposition guessing when she's in the batter's box. Above, Lila smiles at 3rd base after knocking a hard bouncer to the left. In the second inning, Lila went the other way, surprising the pitcher's helper with a grounder to the right. She then pounded a grounder up the middle in her final at-bat.

Lila weathered the heat impressively in the field, chasing down a ground ball at left shortstop in the top of the third inning. She also played heads-up baseball at right shortstop and in center field.

Adam Farber drew praise from the opposing coaches for his big swing at the plate. When Adam makes contact, it's time to put away the good china! Adam blasted one ball to left field and another to 3rd base.

Adam used his brain and his glove to complete an unassisted put-out in the top of the third inning. Playing at 3rd base, he snared a bouncing ball, noticed that the runner at second was approaching, and realized that he did not have a force-out opportunity. Adam alertly reached out and tagged the runner with the ball to complete the play. That was outstanding!