Thane McDaniel pitched six strong innings and Charley Peyla came on in relief in the seventh as the Junction City Blue Jays picked up a 3-2 win over Garden City in game one of the season opening doubleheader at Rathert Field on Friday.

Garden City won the nightcap 8-6, with the Blue Jays bringing the potential tying run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh.

Bobby Khoury had a big day at the plate for Junction City with a single, double and triple in the doubleheader, while Christien Ozores went 4-4 in game two with three singles and a double.

Drew Biery, Blue Jay head coach, commented on McDaniel’s pitching performance in game one. “Thane did a great job. He came out and competed, and that’s all we can ask for our guys come out and giving us the best you’ve got.”   Biery noted the Blue Jays were a little flat early in the game. “By him pumping strikes and and keeping us in the ballgame it was only a one-run game and we’re were able to come back and take the lead.”

The Blue Jays begin the season 1-1.