Woodstock Wins, Jays Lose

Saturday, 26 April 2014 21:11

Woodstock's David Hilderley, (left of centre) is honoured before Saturday's game alongside Mayor Pat Sobeski, Jays SS Jonathan Diaz and Woodstock Special Event Manager Brad Janssen.

Another Woodstock Day at Rogers Centre is highlighted by a wild contest between the Red Sox and Blue Jays.

TORONTO -- Woodstock Day at the Rogers Centre featured another great turn out with roughly 1,200 fans from the city, many of which made the trip on one of 17 buses provided.

There was plenty of Friendly City content before the game, with Woodstock's own Dave Hilderley honoured as a community champion, a recognition which surprised even him just a week before the game.

"I had no idea and I was completely surprised earlier this week when I found out. I certainly am honoured and thrilled to be here. It's an amazing event to have Woodstock Day and have 1,200 people here participating and showing the spirit of Woodstock."

Hilderley also received his very own customized jersey from the club emblazoned with his name and the number "14" on the back presented to him by Blue Jay shortstop Jonathan Diaz alongside Woodstock Mayor Pat Sobeski and Communication and Special Event Manager for City of Woodstock, Brad Janssen.

Also before Saturday's game, students from Woodstock Christian School sang both the American and Canadian National Anthem.

Thirteen year old Christian Nyp, no stranger to the ball diamond in Woodstock threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Christian says he started practicing his throw once he learned he'd be doing the honour.

"Well I just went out in the back yard, started playing catch kind of measured out how far it was going to be and then started throwing."

Moments after the pitch, Nyp gave his own assessment on whether or not his practice paid off.

"It was okay, I could have done better, but it was pretty good, I didn't throw it over the back of the backstop."

Nyp's pitching was likely better than Blue Jays starting pitcher Brandon Morrow walking eight Boston batters, while somehow finding a way to leave the game in the third inning with a 3-1 lead without giving up a hit. The Jays eventually lost 7-6.

Morrow lasted two and two-thirds innings, giving up 4 earned runs, walking 8 and striking out only one to end up with the loss.

Boston's Clay Buchholz picked up the win behind catcher A.J. Pierzynski's eighth career grand slam and another home run by third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

The Blue Jays got solo home runs from Juan Francisco and José Bautista.

Saturday's game lasted 3:23 and paid attendance at Rogers Centre was 40,322.