The second annual Hometown Baseball game drew a crowd of more than 400 fans, including families, alumni and longtime supporters as they cheered on the Brock Badgers at George Taylor Field on Sunday.
The Badgers defeated the visiting Ontario Blue Jays 13-7 at George Taylor Field on Sunday.
"We want to show the community that we're there for them," said head coach Marc LePage. "This kind of crowd gives our players a lot of energy. With all the kids cheering them on it makes for a pretty special day for us. It's a good vibe."
Former Badgers and Toronto Blue Jay prospect Shaun Valeriote (BSM '13) and current Jays' prospect Alex Nolan threw out the ceremonial first pitch to the joy of fans as they also took part in a barbecue, face painting and family zone with games for kids.
After the game, kids had the opportunity to run the bases as players dished out high fives and photo opportunities with Boomer the mascot.
"This game means a lot to Brock because we're reaching out to the community," said Brock Sports Associate Director Emily Allan. "Watching those kids run the bases sums it all up. It's just so heartwarming to see the guys lining the field and cheering on the kids."
The Badgers filled up the scoreboard early with 12 runs in the first two innings before the Blue Jays scored their first run in the fifth, and added four runs in the seventh.
Starting pitcher Brandon Underhill struck out six batters and allowed only one hit over three innings.
Tyler Giancos blasted two hits for three RBI while hitting at the top of the order. He also contributed two runs.
Bryan Sanford tallied two RBI, while Ryan Bench, Alex Emerson and Matt Casburn each drove in a run. David Polson notched two hits, and Matt Foster and Nate Laird each registered a hit.
Yuto Abukawa struck out five Blue Jays in one and 2/3Â innings while Ben Tiw, Jacob Underwood and Duncan Payne combined for five strikeouts.
The baseball team is now 6-5 as they look forward to traveling to New York to face Genesee Community College (Sept. 28) and Canisius College (Sept. 29) in Buffalo this weekend.
