The Gerard Oubre Memorial Tournament: Senior Brandon Briuglio “Exceptional” on the Mound

Catcher Josh Schmidt has the ball in his glove and stands his ground as this Chief runner tries to extend a triple into a home run. It was an unwise attempt as Schmidt put the mighty tag on him, an easy out call for the home plate umpire.

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It could be just a coincidence, but the cool front that barreled through metro New Orleans Friday night might also have resuscitated the Blue Jays, snapping them out of a mid-March reverie during which they suffered three losses in four games at John Ryan Stadium.

All was well, however, on Saturday, March 19, when the Jays hosted the Chiefs of West Ouachita in Game 3 of The Gerard Oubre Memorial Tournament. Jesuit clicked smoothly on all three cylinders: pitching, hitting, and fielding. The win was number 12 for the Blue Jays against four losses.

Brandon Briuglio pitched a complete game allowing one run on two hits. He struck out five Chiefs to improve his record to 4-0.

Senior right-hander Brandon Briuglio traded his usual gig at second base to become a moundsman with pinpoint control. Briggs pitched a complete game, allowing two hits and one run (scored in the third inning). He walked one Chief and struck out five. The win improved his pitching record for the season to 4-0.

“I thought Brandon did an exceptional job on the mound,” said Coach Joey Latino. “He threw a ton of strikes and let his defense play behind him, which they did.”

There were a couple of miscues defensively, but several spectacular plays overshadowed the mistakes. “Connor (Maginnis) made an unbelievable catch in foul territory and Nick (Ray) made several good plays at shortstop,” said Coach Latino. “We executed a perfect relay throw to the plate to nab a potential run there.”

Coach Latino also was pleased to hear the pings of his players’ bats. The Jays saw four different pitchers for the Chiefs and hit all of them. Jesuit’s 10 hits were spread out among eight players. Outfielders Stephen Sepcich and Austin North each hit a single and a double. Connor Maginnis carved out a triple to center field. In addition to Ray and Briuglio each hitting a single, first baseman Jake Licciardi and catcher Josh Schmidt had base hits. The Jays posted pairs of runs in innings two, five, and six.

“We had timely hitting,” said Coach Latino. “I told the guys when all three of those phases are in place, we can compete with anybody, but we need to make sure we stay consistent.”

The final game of the Oubre Tourney is scheduled Sunday, March 20. The Jays will bus over to Hahnville High School in Boutte to play Central Lafourche at 1 p.m.

The Jays open district play on Tuesday, March 22 against John Curtis. The game is scheduled to be played at Mike Miley Playground (6716 West Metairie Avenue) with first pitch at 7 p.m.

Right fielder Connor Maginnis makes a spectacular diving catch of a foul ball for a big out.

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