Noah naylz three Alberta runners in no-hit win

C Noah Naylor (Mississauga, Ont. Ontario Blue Jays) threw out three Alberta Red base runners as thrhee Ontario Black pitchers tossed a combined no hitter. Photo: Jay Blue.

By J.P. Antonacci
Canadian Baseball Network

Ontario Black catcher Noah Naylor did his best Russell Martin impression Saturday night at Rogers Centre, throwing out three of four Alberta base runners – including Clayton Keyes, the fastest runner at Tournament 12 – to snuff out any hopes Alberta had of scoring its first run of the tournament.

“His release, just the way he gets rid of the ball, is as advanced as anyone I’ve seen at this level,” said Ontario Black coach Chris Robinson.

Robinson, a former professional catcher and national team veteran, said Naylor moves behind the plate “like a good infielder turning a double play.”

Ontario Black 4, Alberta Red 0

Naylor, a highly-rated 16-year-old from Mississauga, didn’t have the big hit he was looking for in Ontario Black’s 4-0 win, stranding five base runners in his three at-bats. 

But the Ontario Blue Jays catcher helped right-hander Griffin Hassall overcome a shaky start by throwing out Alberta’s Jacob Bouzide in the first, though Keyes slid in safely later that inning as Naylor’s throw went wide.

Naylor had his revenge, throwing out Bouzide and Keyes in succession in the top of the fourth. 

“It’s good for our pitchers to know they can take an extra split-second with their delivery” since Naylor is so quick to the plate,” Robinson said.

Each runner who attempted a steal had reached via the walk. The Alberta squad was trying to manufacture runs on the base paths since they have mustered one hit over their first three games.

“I might have still put on the stop sign there,” Robinson said with a smile.

On the mound for Ontario Black, Griffin Hassall, Mitch Stemerdink and Alex Jones combined to strike out 13 over seven no-hit innings. 

Shortstop Adam Hall continued his torrid Tournament 12 performance, reaching base on a hit and walk while driving in Rashad Collymore’s leadoff triple in the first and adding his sixth stolen base in three games.

So feared is Hall’s speed that he twice took advantage of throwing errors to take an extra base. He went first to third on an errant pickoff attempt by Alberta Red starter Adam Macko in the first inning, and scooted to third on an overthrow by catcher Cole Jackson in the third. 

Hall scored in both innings.

Ontario Black coach Adam Stern praised Hall’s aggressive style of play.

“Guys like that, you want them to play without boundaries,” Stern said. “Over time, you’re going to have to contain them, but you want them to just go.” 

Stern added that Hall is adept at reading game situations and understands when to rein in his speed and when to let loose.

“He knows if he needs to steal a base, he’s stealing a base,” Stern said. 

Alberta first baseman Matthew Coutney made a highlight reel-worthy play in the bottom of the second, running a long way into foul territory to snare a popup off the bat of Antonio Cruz just shy of the first row of seats.

Ontario Black takes on Quebec Blue Sunday at 9 a.m., while Alberta Red will try to salvage their tournament at 11:30 a.m. against Atlantic Maroon.