Jays Bite Bulldogs with a 3-2 Walkoff Win

Posted March 17, 2016 / Last updated March 18, 2016

Austin North, the Jays’ Reliable DH, Hits Two Doubles and Drives in All Three Jesuit Runs

Designated hitter Austin North hits this pitch for a double in the third inning to score Brandon Briuglio from second base. North had two doubles and accounted for all three RBIs.

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For the Blue Jays, it all came down to the last inning, the finale, the bottom of the seventh to be precise.

With their Wednesday evening game against the Lutcher Bulldogs tied, 2-2, the Jays had a final window of opportunity to do something big that would negate extra innings. Second baseman Brandon Briuglio, who already singled twice in earlier innings, was the leadoff batter. He roped one down the right field line for a leadoff double. Hunt Conroy was sent to second base as a courtesy runner for Brigs.

Matt Miceli, Jesuit’s starting pitcher, relaxes in the dugout after nearby lightning cleared the field and delayed the game for 45 minutes.

The Bulldogs’ pitcher faced Hayden Fuentes, who drew a walk. Next up was outfielder Stephen Sepcich, whose bunt burped in front of the plate. The Bulldogs’ catcher quickly picked it up and threw to third base where Conroy, speedy as he is, was forced out. Two Jays still on base: Fuentes on second, Sepcich on first.

Austin North, Jesuit’s designated hitter who had already notched two RBIs, put some aluminum on the third pitch. Reliable as he’s ever been, North blasted the ball deep into the left center gap. The walkoff double scored Fuentes from second base and lifted the Blue Jays to a 3-2 walkoff win over the Bulldogs.

“We did just enough to win,” said Coach Joey Latino. “I’m very proud of these boys. It’s been a difficult grind, but they’ve handled it extremely well.”

The Jays cycled through three pitchers. Starting on the mound was Matt Miceli, a senior right hander who threw two complete innings. Miceli gave up both of Lutcher’s runs (only one was earned) on four hits. He walked two batters. Miceli was relieved by junior right hander Chris Beebe, who pitched four complete innings, allowing three hits, walking two batters, and striking out two Bulldogs. Sophomore southpaw Lee Blosser took over the mound in the top of the seventh, giving up a single and striking out a batter, in the process earning the win.

Jake Licciardi draws ball four and skips off to first base.

The Jays and the Bulldogs started playing a few minutes before the designated first pitch time of 5 p.m. because dark clouds were on the horizon. The teams no sooner finished the first inning, with Lutcher leading 1-0, when lightning forced the players off the field and into the dugout. The game was delayed for about 45 minutes until the threat passed.

The Jays are 11-1 and will welcome Byrd High of Shreveport on Thursday, March 17, at John Ryan Stadium with first pitch at 5 p.m. The game marks the start of the Gerard Oubre Memorial Tournament for the Jays and the Yellow Jackets. On Friday, March 18, the Oubre Tourney continues as Jesuit hosts Zachary at the Ryan with a starting time of 5 p.m. Jesuit will play the final two games of the tournament at the Hahnville High baseball field on Saturday, March 19. The Jays meet Central Lafourche at 8:30 a.m., then West Ouachita at 11 a.m.