The South Jasper Jays jumped out to an early lead in the opening game of the Western Canada Junior AAA Baseball Championships in Weyburn Friday morning, and defensively held strong, as they went on to beat the Brandon Marlins by a final of 5-0.

The Jays opened the game with two quick runs in the first inning, finding gaps in the defense, while Brandon’s starting pitcher, Mitchell Lyall struggled with his control in the early going. The pinpoint accuracy of the batters was also key, with a small ball game that was able to extend the lead to 5-0 by the third inning.

South Jasper’s starting pitcher Carl Renner made it into the third inning before surrendering a hit, when Marlins’ shortstop Dylan Haney got on board with a double to left field. That would be one of only four hits surrendered for the whole game as he went the distance.

The Marlins, had their third pitcher on the mound by the fourth inning, as they looked for a way to keep the potent offense of the Jays at bay. Aaron Pugh was able to do that for two innings of work, but the damage had already been done.

The Marlins will be back in action Friday evening, when they take on the host Weyburn A’s. South Jasper plays the Pembina Valley Orioles at 4:00 p.m. Friday.