Jays come up big in busy week at home and away

June 24, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

Even a back-to-back-to-back schedule can’t stop the Aurora Jays AA men’s baseball team, winners of all three of their games last week.

Following a couple of rare losses at the beginning of the month, the Jays bats have once again taken control of any and all games, first taking it to the Nobleton Cornhuskers on Thursday.

With the Huskers still desperately searching for a win this NDBL season, Jays leading hitter Ian Rettie hit his league-leading fifth home run of the season, while going three-for-four in a 13-hit, 10-run onslaught.

Brad Crosby, a staple for the Jays both on the mound and at the plate in recent years, had a hit in all four at-bats while scoring two of his own.
Rob Spencer continued to contribute solidly on the mound, giving up only two hits through four innings while striking out four.

Wednesday’s make-up game with the Orangeville Giants had the Jays in Aurora for the second time in two nights, instead at Stewart Burnett Park across town.

The home-field advantage still shone through, as the offensive-minded Jays had a great heads-up play in the second inning. A single by Phil Hache led to him taking second base standing after a failed-pick off, followed by a nicely-hit single from Stephen Vallee. Looking to stop at third, Hache took advantage of an absent-minded catcher not watching the plate, scoring the Jays first run of the game and giving the Giants a taste of what they can do.

After giving up a run in the first, Andrew Bukovec settled in nicely, going three-up, three-down in the top of the second and top of the third.

More Jays offence followed in the bottom of the third, with Chris Rettie hitting a double to the fence right down the centre, followed by almost an identical hit triple from Chris Fafalios to score him.

Another great piece of base-running came one walk later when Fafalios stole home on a double steal.

Crosby and Ted Beadle also hit doubles in the game, with the home team eventually taking a 7 – 4 win.

Bukovec had a solid outing, giving up four runs over six innings of work before being relieved by Zach Wiseman for the seventh.

Thursday’s win on the road in Midland was almost blown, after the Jays took a commanding 7 – 0 lead in the top of the third. The Indians were able to bring the score back to 8 – 6, but were met by a great closing effort by Crosby who shut them out in the final two innings.

Following press-time, the Jays are on the road for both of their matchups this week, heading to Lisle Friday to take on the Astros before meeting the Barrie Angels on Sunday.

For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.ndbl.ca.