The University of Toronto Varsity Blues baseball team split a doubleheader with the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday, October 3 at Scarborough Campus.

The Blues won the first game 3-2 with a dramatic three-run seventh inning, however came up short in the second game, losing 4-0.

Toronto got off to a rocky start, committing three errors in the first two innings. Pat Janssen (Toronto) saved a Guelph score by gunning down a runner at home plate with a huge throw from right field in the first inning, however the Gryphons scored two runs in the top of the second to take the lead.

Still down 2-0 heading to the bottom of the seventh, the Blues rally started with a walk to Khalil Sheriff (Scarborough, Ont.) and James McNeill (Toronto) reaching base on a Guelph error. Veteran catcher Jeremy Hopkins (Toronto) hit a single up the middle to bring the Blues to within one.

With one out and runners on second and third, the Blues tied the game on a successful squeeze bunt by first-year standout Josh Jakymyc (Toronto). With the winning run just 90 feet away, the Gyphons elected to intentionally walk David Fallico (Toronto) and found themselves up against fourth-year veteran Jamie Lekas (Toronto). Lekas made no mistake, drilling the ball over the left fielder's head to complete the seventh-inning comeback.

Ryan Donnelly was able to shake off the two unearned runs in the second inning and pitched an outstanding ball game. The Toronto native scattered six hits, while striking out four.

The second game of the day featured an outstanding pitching match-up as the Blues Mike Fortuna (Hamilton, Ont.) went toe-to-toe with Guelph ace Adam Reynolds.

The keys to this contest were missed opportunities. The Blues left nine men on base, including five in scoring position. U of T’s best chance to get on the board came in the third inning when the bases were loaded with no one out but Reynolds was able to preserve the shutout with a strike out and an induced double play.

The Gryphons broke open the scoreless draw with a four-run sixth inning off the hard-luck losing pitcher Fortuna.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow (Oct. 4) as they take on the first-place Western Mustangs at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.