The Interlake Blue Jays season is over. The squad lost a best-of-three series against St. Boniface Legionaires in the first round of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League playoffs.

Blue Jays head coach Dave Meyers says they played really well in Game 1, winning 10-6, but the momentum shifted heavily in Game 2 after a 20-1 loss. Game 3 was a nailbiter, however; the Legionaires defence came to play as St. Boniface walked off the diamond with a 3-1 victory.

Despite how it ended, Meyers is still proud of what was accomplished this season.

"It was a good year all the way around. We improved so much," says Meyers. "There were so many games that were so close. We ended up 10-14 but could've easily been 14-10, with how many games were that close. You make a little mistake here or there, and it costs you."

With this season marking just the second one with Meyers at the helm, he believes they have laid a great foundation.

"Next year, we should be really strong. We're only going to lose one guy from this year's team. That's a good thing," Meyers continues. "I have a bunch of young guys that'll come up and fit right in. I think our team will be even stronger because the younger guys will be there the whole year, rather than on and off."

Meyers is glad he was able to give these players a taste of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League. He says these players knowing what to expect at the start of next season should be a huge benefit.

"There are some good pitchers in AAA but these guys (in the MJBL) are a little more refined. They don't throw the ball down the middle of the plate. They throw it to a spot on the plate. That makes it a little bit harder. As these guys pick up on that, they just get better. The three (U18 players) that were with us this year are ready for that."

The head coach is very thankful for the local fan support in Stonewall.

"It's kind of the same group of between 30 and 50 people that come out to watch our games. They definitely help the guys. They like trying to impress the fans. I hope they also think we're on the right track. As far as I'm concerned when you go from winning two games to winning ten, things have to be getting better."

The St. Boniface Legionaires and the Elmwood Giants will face off in the league finals. Game 1 goes down on Monday.

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