The Blue Jays upheld their tradition of producing fantastic Mothers Day performances in their game with the Cubs (Orange) Sunday, May 12, at Fleming Park.
Despite the cancellation of Saturday's practice, these guys proved they were ready to play. The final score was Blue Jays 11, Cubs 6.
May 12 Game Report
Jake Lang was outstanding in the field and at the plate. He made three excellent stops at 3rd base in the middle innings and delivered good throws to 1st on very close plays. Offensively, Jake knocked two solid singles, reached on a fielder's choice, scored a run, and generated two RBI.
John Wyatt has proven to be a consistent strike-thrower on the mound. In Sunday's game, he recorded two strikeouts, did not issue a walk, and collected two infield assists in two innings of work. John was a beast with the bat, producing a 3-for-3 day that included two blasts to the outfield, a run scored, and three RBI.
Sam Berman ripped an RBI double, his fourth two-base hit of the season, in the fourth inning. He also reached base in the first when he was hit by a pitch. Sam executed two huge plays at shortstop to collect infield assists in the bottom of the third. In the fifth and final inning, he alertly covered 2nd base and caught a throw from the 1st baseman to complete a double-play that stifled a potential rally.
Chris Pernie is a human vacuum at 2nd base. He inhaled a grounder in the first inning and delivered an accurate throw to get the runner at 1st. Chris participated in a big rally in the top of the third, drawing a walk and rounding the bases to score a run.
Jaden Smith saw his first action of the season at 3rd base and did not disappoint. He demonstrated excellent footwork and a sound glove every time he covered the bag. Jaden always gives the Blue Jays good production at the top of the batting order. In Sunday's game, he drew a walk in the first, knocked a single in the fourth, and scored two runs to increase his team-leading season total to seven.
Taking a turn at catcher in the third and fourth innings, Rayan Nair unleashed cannonade on stolen base attempts at 2nd base. His darts drew praise from the umpire! Rayan also made a huge play at shortstop in the second inning. With two outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, he nabbed a grounder and fired a strike that narrowly beat the runner at 1st base. Offensively, Rayan belted two singles, reached on a fielder's choice, scored a run, and added an RBI.
Dylan Edwards treated everyone to a herculean effort in left field in the fifth inning. He tracked a sinking line drive, dove to the ground, and very nearly made a spectacular catch. Even more impressively, he did not give up on the play and instead got back on his feet and returned the ball to the infield, holding the runner to a double. That same runner was then thrown out on the very next play. Offensively, Dylan drew a walk in the third inning, scored a run, and produced an RBI.
Gavin Ferguson continued to swing the bat aggressively and judiciously in the game with the Cubs. His fifth inning at-bat was particularly impressive. Gavin fouled off multiple strikes, forced the pitcher to continue to work, and eventually earned his second walk of the day. He also scored a run. Defensively, Gavin alertly stopped an errant throw in right field and immediately returned the ball to 2nd base to hold the runner. His quick thinking and sound execution enabled the Blue Jays to eventually throw that runner out.
Ethan Yu persevered on the mound through two successful innings of relief. His three strikeouts included back-to-back Ks to escape a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the fourth. A consistent offensive threat, Ethan pounded a single in the 1st, walked in the third, and scored two runs. He is the team co-leader with nine hits this season.
Charlie Knowles was his reliable self at 1st base in the first two innings, assisting on all four of the team's put-outs on balls in play. Another strike-thrower in the pitching stable, Charlie faced the minimum three batters in the fifth inning and recorded a strikeout to end the game. Offensively, Charlie chipped in with a single, two walks, a run scored and an RBI. For the season, he sports a perfect 1.000 Balls in Play percentage.
Jack Raymond forced the opposing pitchers to work hard, fouling off multiple good pitches in his three at-bats. Defensively, Jack demonstrated excellent awareness in right field, backing up throws to 1st base and 2nd base. His contributions might not show up on the stat sheet, but they were important and appreciated.
A model of offensive consistency, George Roggie produced a 3-for-3 batting line that included three ground ball singles and two RBI. Always a reliable glove man, George recorded three infield assists and two unassisted put-outs at 1st base. In the game's final inning, George caught a high fly ball and immediately delivered a throw to 2nd base to double-up the runner that had not tagged up. Earlier, he teamed with Sam Berman in a rundown that completed an out and, more importantly, earned the entire team a trip to the ice cream parlor in the near future!
Dads pitch In!
Coach Tom Yu was one of the many Blue Jays dads who worked hard on Mothers Day. He coached 1st base, assisted with warm-ups, and aided in equipment logistics.
Dileep Nair had to make a quick trip home to retrieve a forgotten mitt. Have we not all been there? Fortunately, he made it back to the field just in time to take his position in the 3rd base coaching box.
Chris Pernie kept everybody organized on the bench and helped the coach with the gear after the game.
Steve Berman has proven to be an excellent addition to the game day staff. His score keeping is clear, concise, accurate, and, most importantly, easy for the coach to understand.
Moms!
Thanks to all of the moms who spent part of their Mothers Day at the baseball field. Lisa Lang enjoyed watching Jake in a breakout performance.
Aimee Smith is always there to help Jaden at the practices and games.
Susan Reich, George Roggie's grandmother, is a big fan and a frequent visitor on game days.
We did not get a picture of Dottie Vilardo, Charlie's mom. But she was in attendance, so we'll let Charlie stand in for her here.
Kristina Wyatt, John's mom, came to the game but had to leave before we could get her picture. We have no doubt that she enjoyed watching John's two fantastic innings of pitching.
Natasha Nair enjoyed watching Rayan play a superb game. She also helped Sarah take the pictures. Thank you, Natasha!
Diane Edwards, Dylan's mom, is highly dedicated to youth sports. Whether it's baseball, soccer, or softball, she's always there to help.
Eileen Raymond, Jack's mom, was all smiles on Mothers Day.
Audrey Sugimura, Gavin's mom, took in the game and generously gave Sarah a beautiful card to commemorate the day. Thanks, Audrey!
Sarah Roggie took the pictures. For some reason, she always seems to get quite a few good ones of this guy.
Great game, Blue Jays, and Happy Mothers Day!
Let's have another great weekend of baseball next week.
Coach Steve
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