Aurora Jays’ winning streak hits six games

June 28, 2017 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

Over a month has passed since the last time the AA Aurora Jays last saw a loss.
They have left a trail of wins and postponements in their dust during the current six-game winning streak, as well as wins in ten of their last eleven.
“It feels like the most complete lineup we’ve had in a number of years,” said player manager Rob Wilson.
Their most recent victory came on Sunday when the sun shone on Mansfield after a week’s break, facing a Cubs lineup going the other way in the standings.
Aurora was able to take a 4 – 1 lead after falling behind 1 – 0, before the Mansfield bats took hold and brought a 6 – 5 lead into the top of the seventh inning.
Aaron Giroux, the first batter up in the inning, was hit by the first pitch he saw before Chris Fafalios reached base on a single.
Thomas D’Andrade then laid down a bunt to advance both runners, while Brad Crosby brought them both home by hitting one to the fence.
“In the last few weeks Crosby’s approach has looked more like his league-leading (on-base-percentage) last year,” said Wilson. “He’s a big part of our lineup, so to see him coming around is a great sign for us.
“In baseball it’s rare to set up a plan four batters deep and have it come through, so it was a fantastic sign to see all four guys do their job. Especially given the irregular schedule with all the rain.
“We could have asked Fafalios to bunt and play for the tie, but we put faith in our guys and they got it done when it mattered.”
Chris Rettie cashed in Crosby as an insurance run before the inning was over, earning an 8 – 6 victory.
Veteran Andrew Bukovec went five innings on the mound, before handing the ball to Zach Wiseman and eventually Lehmkuhl who earned the final two outs.
Next up for the Jays is a meeting with the Midland Indians (4-6-2) at Tiffin Park on Thursday.
They return home on Tuesday to host the league-leading Orangeville Giants at Lambert Willson Park.
Lineups were also announced last week for the annual All-Star game held in Midland, with Giroux, Fafalios, Lehmkuhl, and Ian Rettie getting the call for the Jays.
The All-Star game goes the second weekend in July at Tiffin Park.
For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.ndbl.ca.