The postponement of Giants-Golden Marlins at New Scotland meant that the 2014 CDMSBL 45 Division began with the Black Sox and Blue Jays at Satellite Field. The teams last met in the 2013 playoffs, when the 9-seed Blue Jays managed a minor upset over the 8-seed Black Sox in three games. Seven months later, on a cool overcast morning, the Blue Jays earned a solid team win, handling the Black Sox 16-4 in six innings. John Weber threw a strong game for the Jays, backed by solid defense and bolstered by good run support.
The Blue Jays spread four runs over the first two innings, but the Black Sox pulled even in the top of the third, behind multiple deep drives by their lefty power hitters, including one long home run that cleared the right field dropoff on the fly (if the fence had been up, 1 or 2 others might have cleared it). But Weber then shut the door on Black Sox hitters, while the Blue Jays lineup stayed hot.
Blue Jays production came from throughout the lineup, mixing a couple doubles with a lot of singles. It was a strong team effort, but I have to mention Wayne Newcomb and Tom Bradley, both team newcomers, that made key contributions both at the plate and in the field.
Kudos to League and Division leaders who got the field in playable shape.
Next week the Blue Jays head to New Scotland to get their first look at the Warriors.
Those fine gentlemen that did the work on the field to make it playable were John Reel and John Kalinski. No small coincidence they are both in the Hall of Fame!
Solid game by the Blue Jays, porous game by the Black Sox. It is great to get the 2014 season underway. Strong hitting, pitching and fielding displayed by Blue Jays. Dave Booker with a homerun blast to right and Joe Hauser with a couple of knocks were highlights for Sox. Congrats Blue Jays.
