The Mineola Yellowjackets have seen enough of Como-Pickton hurler Tucker LeCroy. The right-hander struck out 13 hitters as he tossed a one-hit, 2-0, shutout, in Mineola last Friday.  

LeCroy had command of those three critical pitching elements: location, movement/velocity and timing. Throwing into a healthy wind certainly aided the pitchers on the day, but that does not detract from the excellent performance of LeCroy. 

For want of an extra base hit, the game could have been a decisive win by either side. Como-Pickton put ten runners on base and Mineola eight. But pitching ruled the day. Como-Pickton did just enough to take advantage and earn the win.

The Eagles logged an unearned run in the first. A base-on-balls and a Yellowjacket throwing error put a runner on third. The runner scored on a fielder’s choice ground ball. 

In the fourth, Como-Pickton earned the win. With a runner on second base, an Eagle batsman lifted a ball just inside the right-field foul line. Although Mineola gunned the hitter down as he tried to stretch the hit into a double, the run had crossed the plate.  

And that was a wrap for offense on the day. 

This game was instructive on base running. Each team saw a runner trapped and put out in a rundown. Mineola was also gunned down on a late-game delayed steal and had a double-play turned on them in the sixth. 

There was also some notable defensive work. Great individual plays were offered by second baseman Preston Haskins who made a nice play on a line drive in the second and first baseman Ty Burch who went a long way to make an over-the-shoulder catch on a ball in foul territory.

In one of the finer points of the game, Matthew Ballew’s textbook stretch at first base ensured an out in the fourth.

Ballew finished the game at first after pitching three innings. He was relieved by Haskins who threw two innings. Burch came in for the last six outs.  

The next chance to catch the Jackets at home is Friday as they host Mt. Vernon. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.