Power Hitting by the Jays Makes the Wolves Howl

Posted February 26, 2016 / Last updated March 1, 2016

Blue Jays Draw Inspiration from Nick Ray’s Solo Homer in the First Inning

Nick Ray is congratulated by coaches and teammates as he returns to the dugout following a leadoff home run in the first inning of Jesuit’s season opener on Thursday, Feb. 25. Mason Mayfield, with a towel draped over his neck, is all smiles because he was on his way to pitching a complete game.

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A leadoff home run in the first inning by Jesuit shortstop Nick Ray fueled the adrenaline already pulsing in his teammates as the Blue Jays officially opened their 2016 season on Thursday, Feb. 25, with an 8-1 rout over St. Paul’s of Covington in the WGNO Classic.

Mason Mayfield allowed five hits and one unearned run, while striking out four Wolves. The win gives him a 1-0 record on the mound.

Ray’s solo home run over the left fence at RBI Field (formerly Wesley Barrow Stadium), along with doubles by second baseman Brandon Briuglio and designated hitter Austin North, propelled the Jays to jump out to a 4-0 lead after the first inning. Jesuit added a run in the second inning, two more in the fourth, and a final run in the sixth inning.

In pitching a complete seven inning game, Mason Mayfield allowed five hits and one unearned run. The senior right-hander struck out four batters in notching his first win.

Defensively, the Jays played an error-free game and they swung their bats with gusto, producing a total of 10 hits. In addition to his home run, Ray, a strapping junior at 6’2” and 200 pounds, had a double and a triple. Seniors Briuglio and North each accounted for a double and a single. Senior third baseman Hayden Fuentes had an RBI double, and senior first baseman Jake Licciardi and junior outfielder Mack Miller each singled.

The Jays take their 1-0 record to Zephyr Stadium on Friday, Feb. 26, for Game 2 of the WGNO Classic against Riverside (LaPlace). First pitch is 7 p.m.