Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

WORLAND - The Big Horn Basin Blue Jays broke even Thursday as they opened the Senior Babe Ruth State Tournament at Newell Sargent Park.

Opening the tournament with a doubleheader, the Blue Jays lost a tight contest against Casper, 5-3, in their first game. Then to finish off their double-header they routed Lander 12-4.

Against Lander, the Blue Jays used their gloves, bats and smart base running to secure the win.

Coy Larkins set the tone defensively for how the game would be played with an unassisted double play to close out the top of the first inning, by catching popfly in the infield then tagging out the Lander runner who failed to tag up.

The Blue Jays offense got going in the bottom of the second. Zade Larkins led the inning off with a single. Zade Larkins successfully stole second then was able to advance to third off a passed ball. With patience at the plate Pete Douzenis drew a walk then stole second on a passed ball, which also allowed for Zade Larkins to score the game's first run. Douzenis was able to score moments later off a Robert Cardenas single. Cardenas stole second, then third due to a passed ball. Brad Lyman was at the plate next and hit a groundout to the Lander second baseman, but Cardenas was able to score.

The Blue Jays ended the inning scoring three runs to hold a 3-0 lead. In the top of the third, the team's defense held strong again, allowing Lander only one baserunner, which was due to an error, and quickly put the inning away before that runner could get into scoring position.

At the top of the third the Blue Jays put together an impressive two-out rally. Coy Larkins got the inning rolling with a double, then stole third. Batting next was Zade Larkins who advanced to first after being hit by a pitch, then quickly stole second. Coy Larkins was able to score on another passed ball, while Zade Larkins move to third. The Blue Jays were then able to load the bases on a Douzenis walk and Jake Maksin reaching base on a fielder's error. The next Blue Jay batter, Cardenas, took advantage of the prime opportunity for his team, hitting a single to shallow left field. Zade Larkins, Douzenis and Maksin all scored to push the lead to 7-0.

From that point on the Blue Jays would control the game as the rolled to their 12-4 victory.

With two games remaining for the tournament the Blue Jays need to finish strong in order to be among the top four teams. Only the top four teams will play on Sunday, the fourth- and third-placed teams in the standings will battle it out for third at 9 a.m. Following that game the first and second placed teams will go against one another for the championship.

The Blue Jays will play their final game of pool play on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Their game Friday vs. Belle Fourche was still in progress at time of press.