Rain thwarts home games, but Jays move into second place league tie

June 19, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Jeff Doner

The Jays only hit the diamond for one game this past week after yet another rain-out Tuesday, but managed to improve their win streak to six games by dominating the Angus Black Sox 12 – 1 on Sunday night.

The Jays got to the Black Sox often and early, tagging their starting pitcher for five runs in the first inning.

“We had the bats turn up on Sunday and that has kind of been the trend over the last six games or so that we’ve been on a bit of a streak here,” said player coach Rob Wilson. “The guys are more comfortable going deeper into counts and they’re really getting a good look at a pitcher before instead of just going out there and hacking right away. The approach has been way better. Guys were waiting for their pitch and waiting for the mistake by the pitcher or taking their own opportunity and getting a piece of the ball.”

Andrew Bukovec started for the Jays and pitched an effective four innings, before the dependable Zach Wiseman came in to relieve Bukovec and close out the game. The two pitchers limited the opposition to one run, two hits and nine strikeouts.

“I think the main story last night was our pitching,” said Wilson. “We haven’t had a whole lot of opportunity to get Andrew Bukovec into the games, but last night he started for us and pitched really well and then Zach Wiseman can in to relieve for us and as he always does just shut the door – he is our lefty specialist – Andrew being a hard throwing righty and Zach a left handed junkballer, they’re really effective when they go back to back.”
Having been short a few players for Sunday’s game, centre fielder Ryan Lewis was moved to second base to fill a hole and played well.

“I will say that last night he made several great plays,” said Wilson. “He was challenged and they weren’t making it easy on him. He really kind of propelled us into that rhythm to get our bats going.”

Chris Rettie went hitless, but managed to score three runs and is amongst the league leaders in that stat.

The win gave improved their season record to 8 – 3 and moved them into a four-way tie for second place in the North Dufferin League standings with New Lowell, Orillia and Ivy. The Bolton Brewers still have a comfortable first place hold.

The Jays will get right back at it this week against Mansfield on Wednesday night. The Jays home games are every Tuesday night at Lambert Wilson Park in Aurora.

You can find the Jays schedule at www.ndbl.ca.