Mom says Go Blue Jays!

The Blue Jays delivered a sterling performance on a beautiful Mothers' Day afternoon Sunday, May 11, at Lynnbrook Park.

Moms at the ballpark had much to cheer.

Yes, these guys were good!

The final score was Blue Jays 11, Phillies 3.

May 11 Game Report

Cole Hughes elevated his all-around game to a level approaching total dominance.  His line shot to right field in the bottom of the third inning went for a 2-run home run and completely changed the tone of the game.  Two innings later, he showed off a torque curve that would make Enzo Ferrari jealous.  After lining another missile to right, and despite what turned out to be an inconsequential obstruction, Cole high-tailed it to 3rd base for a 2-run triple.  At catcher, he shot from the crouch like a cannonball, snapped up a swinging bunt, and fired a perfect throw to 1st base to complete the out.  This guy was a human highlight reel.

Andre Schnider stabilized the back end of the Blue Jays' bullpen in a scoreless fifth inning.  An excellent fielder on the mound, he grabbed consecutive come-backers and flipped to first base for the first two outs of the inning.  Andre kept the opposing bats quiet, allowing no runs on just one hit and no walks.  He chipped in offensively with a solid first inning single that extended the rally that gave the Blue Jays a welcome early lead.

Derek Sappenfield's bat came alive in a big way in the bottom of the third.  His well placed liner to right field fell for a two-run single, a clutch hit with two strikes that added to the Blue Jays' lead.  Derek followed up his big hit with a key defensive stop that ended a potential rally in the top of the fourth.  With two outs and the bases loaded, Derek aggressively charged a grounder at 2nd base, made a smooth pickup, and delivered a good throw to 1st base just in time to get the out and end the inning.

Sam Berman battled his way through the first two innings on the mound, making big pitches when he had to and putting his team in good position for the rest of the game.  Sam allowed just one run on no hits and struck out six.  His defensive highlight stifled another potential rally in the top of the fifth.  Playing at shortstop, Sam tracked down a bloop to shallow left field and made a spectacular diving catch to end the frame.  He chipped in offensively with a walk and a run scored in the bottom of the first.

Xander Yu's fielding skills make him his own best friend whenever he takes the mound.  His pitching line in Sunday's game included just two runs allowed on no hits in two innings, but the real story was his work with the glove.  He recorded the first out of the third inning when he darted from the mound to catch a sinking pop-up along the 3rd baseline.  He made quick work of the inning when he nabbed a come-backer and fired to 1st base for a throw 'em out, tag 'em out double play.  Then, in the top of the fourth, Xander converted yet another hard grounder into an out.  Offensively, his 2-for-2 day included a walk and a run scored.

Most teams run automatically whenever the ball gets by the catcher.  That's why it's important to have a sure-handed backstop like Will Dash behind the plate.  Will continued his habit of blocking balls in the dirt and preventing stolen bases.  He also played well at 2nd base in the third inning.  Offensively, Will put together two quality at-bats, fouling off good pitches and holding back on balls out of the zone.  He walked twice, scored a run, and raised his on base percentage to .625.

Jack Raymond loves to hit, but he didn't see many pitches to his liking in his first trip to the plate.  His cerebral second inning at-bat resulted in a walk, his third of the season.  Defensively, Jack was a model of preparation in right field, following the coach's instructions and shading toward either center field or the 1st baseline, making adjustments for each opposing batter.

The Blue Jays were glad to have Eli Kroskin back in the fold for the game with the Phillies.  Arriving early and ready to play, Eli worked on his swing in pregame warm-ups and continued to show progress between the lines.  He gets our Hard Luck Hitter of the Game award for his well hit grounder up the middle in the bottom of the second.  The Phillies' pitcher made an excellent play, robbing Eli of a clean base hit.  A versatile player in the field, Eli put in good work at 2nd base, 3rd base, and center field.

Gavin Ferguson demonstrated an aggressive style of play in Sunday's game.  Above, he sizes up a pitch before ripping a grounder up the middle in the second inning.  Gavin reached on a fielder's choice, stole two bases, and scored his third run of the season.  Defensively, he positioned himself well and played heads-up baseball in left field and right field.

Michael Hardie is a threat to do something big every time he steps into the batter's box.  He keyed the Blue Jays' first inning rally with a line drive base hit to left field.  Michael chipped in with another hit in the second inning, scored a run, and collected two RBIs.  His .778 slugging percentage ranks third on the team.  Defensively, Michael played solid baseball at 2nd base and in the outfield.

Jake Lang is racking up productive at-bats at a brisk rate.  His first inning ground ball up the middle was good for a fielder's choice and his seventh RBI of the season.  Jake fouled off two good pitches before drawing a walk and eventually scoring a run in the bottom of the fifth.  A key cog in the Blue Jays' defensive rotation, Jake again played well at 1st base, 3rd base and left field.

George Roggie was primed for a big day following his 2-run double in the bottom of the first.  Unfortunately, he then developed a magnetic attraction to the baseball.  In the third inning, George became the Blue Jays' first player this season to be hit by a pitch in a BCC game.  Then, in the fifth inning, he was hit again!  A steadying force on the right side of the infield, George assisted on six put-outs and executed an unassisted tag-out at 1st base.

After the game, the Blue Jays congratulated the Phillies, an excellent team that plays the game the right way.

Support Staff

As always, the brain trust was a well oiled machine.

Steve Berman kept score, noting that the Blue Jays cranked out nine hits and allowed just two.

Derrick Raymond again did an excellent job sending runners on their way from 1st base.

Brian Ferguson coached at 3rd base, assisted with warm-ups, and provided keen observations and useful suggestions throughout the game.

Hi, Mom!

But this day was all about Moms and their sons.

Lisa Lang and Diana Lee enjoyed the combined exploits of Jake and Xander.

Nicole Fradette Berman is Sam's biggest fan.

Judging from this picture of Julie and Eli, the Kroskin household does not lack for smiles.

Jake Lang joined his mom for an in-game photo.

Xander Yu's grandmother is awesome!  She does not miss a game, even on Mothers' Day.

Cole Hughes makes his mother, Erika Martin, very proud.

Eileen Raymond enjoyed watching Jack from the hilltop.

Isabelle Schnider was accompanied by a fair portion of Team Schnider.

We suspect that the chief umpire was texting with his mother between innings.

Yes, umpires have mothers, too.

Great game, Blue Jays!

Thanks for making Mothers' Day so much fun!

Steve Roggie