In the opening round of the LHSAA Division I select regional playoffs, the baseball team swept the Alexandria Trojans, 4–0 on Friday and 8–0 on Saturday at John Ryan Stadium to advance to the state quarterfinals. The Blue Jays (24–10) will travel this weekend for a best-of-three series against No. 4 St. Thomas More (24–7).

Friday’s victory began in the bottom of the first inning when senior Tyler Sciambra single drove in the first run. Senior Connor Donnelly silenced the Trojans from the mound over seven innings, allowing six hits, walking none, and striking out five. Junior Michael Brothers led off the lineup with two hits in four at-bats, and Sciambra finished with two RBIs. Jesuit turned one double play and committed no errors; its airtight defense provided crucial support to the pitchers and helped preserve both shutouts.

Saturday’s offense provided early support with two-out RBI singles by seniors Harry Leche and Ryan Saunders in the third inning. In the sixth, four more runs pushed the lead to 6–0: junior Marshal Serio delivered a sacrifice fly, and sophomore Jackson Dugan capped the inning with a three-run inside-the-park home run. On the mound, senior Jake Moreci scattered seven hits over seven shutout innings, striking out five and walking none.

Alexandria threatened in the sixth, loading the bases with no outs, but Moreci retired the next three hitters—via strikeout, fly out, and a grounder to Sciambra at first, who backhanded the throw on a hop. In the seventh, second baseman junior Derek Delatte fielded a grounder for the final out, preserving the shutout.

“Sitting in the dugout, you saw all four years flash in front of you,” Moreci said. “And then you finally get to end your career at home with a win.” Coach Kenny Goodlett praised Moreci as “always been a bulldog. He fills up the zone and trusts his defense. Good pitching makes it easy for everyone else.”

Jesuit’s undefeated performance in the opening series sets the stage for a road trip to St. Thomas More this weekend. Game 1 will be played Friday, May 2 at St. Thomas More at 6:00 p.m.  Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m.  The “if necessary” Game 3 would follow at 4:00 p.m.  Admission for Game 1 is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Admission for Game 2 & 3 is $15 for adults and $8 for students. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online.