Aurora Jays force Game Five after Sunday win

September 18, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Jeff Doner

With their backs against the wall and the threat of an abrupt end to their season looming, the Aurora Blue Jays senior men’s baseball team dug deep to collect a 6 – 3 win over the Bolton Brewers and force a game five in the North Dufferin Baseball League championships on Sunday.

The story of the game was Ian Rettie, who pitched a complete game gem for the Jays, allowing only three runs on five hits through seven.

Rettie wasn’t just throwing fire from the mound, but also held a hot bat. Rettie went three for four and cracked a three-run triple in the third inning that helped the Jays turn a 2 – 1 deficit into a 5 – 2 lead.

From that point on, Rettie made sure the potent Bolton offence was held at bay to give his team a shot at playing another game.

“Personally, I felt very comfortable at the plate,” Rettie said. “I was seeing the ball well and right now I don’t feel like any pitcher can beat me. On the mound, I didn’t have my best stuff, but I battled, threw strikes and the defence came up big.”

Jay’s outfielder Mike Keon praised the clutch play of his long-time teammate in game four.

“Rettie came up big,” he said. “He had the big hit and shut one of the best hitting teams down. He’s our best player and he showed why with his game four performance.”

After rolling out an injury depleted lineup last week, the Jays got a couple of their regulars back, but are still battling through some tough injuries.

Kevin Buck was one of those returning players and filled the leadoff spot that was left vacant after shortstop Chris Bloom went down with a hamstring injury last week in game three. Buck drew a walk, was beaned, added a hit and also scored a run for the Jays.

Knowing what they are up against in the Brewers, Rettie said his team needs to do more of the same in game five.

“To get back in the series, we need to continue to play great defence and we need to get better offensively in key situations. We left too many runners on base in the first four games,” he said.

“We played a very solid defensive game, holding that team there to only three runs is an accomplishment and will give us a great shot at winning every time.”

Game five will be played in Bolton Thursday night at 7.30 p.m.

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