FanFest festivities concluded with an intra-squad game. Pitching earned the spotlight, limiting the offense to seven hits and two runs

Fanfest 2026 concluded with an 8 1/2-inning intra-squad scrimmage instead of the traditional alumni game, which has historically marked the end of the preseason. MLB concerns prompted this format change. For most fans, seeing former players take the field one last time was not the highlight of the evening; instead, they enjoyed their first look at this year’s team in action. Having followed the team throughout fall and spring preseason games, I observed tonight a well-coordinated team both on the mound and in the field. The pitching was outstanding, and the defensive plays were impeccable. It was as if a switch had been flipped, illuminating their performance. The pitching was so dominant that it limited the offense to just seven hits, two runs, and 25 strikeouts. Everything came together seamlessly tonight, showcasing a refreshed team in both pitching and defense.

The format mirrored that of the fall preseason World Series, where the team was divided into two squads: Team Green and Team Orange. I believe JD appointed who went where, unlike the fall classic, where players chose their squads. Rob Evans started for Team Orange, and Lazaro Collera for Green. Both pitched five innings. After tonight’s scrimmage, Rob likely secured the Sunday rotation spot, while Lazaro remains a strong contender for midweek.

Rob encountered a baserunner in the first two innings, with leadoff singles by Michael Torres in the first and Blylan West in the second. He ended both innings with a 4-6-3 double play. In the third and fourth innings, he shifted into strikeout mode, recording two strikeouts in each frame. In the fifth, it appeared that Team Orange might have an opportunity to score, with Derek Williams leading off with a single and then stealing second. However, Mason Greenhouse, playing right field, made a remarkable catch, sacrificing his body to save the play. Rob completed his rotation by shutting down an offense that had been highly active until tonight.

Lazaro pitching for Green was initially challenged when Jake Ogden led off with a double, scoring on an RBI single by Alex Sosa. After conceding a run in the first inning, Lazaro settled down over the next three innings, striking out four batters—two per inning—and allowing only one walk, with no additional hits or runs. In the fifth inning, after striking out the first two batters, Mason Greenhouse drew a walk, stole second base, and Jake responded with an RBI single, breaking Lazaro’s streak of four consecutive strikeouts. Overall, Lazaro delivered a solid performance with six strikeouts, which should improve his standing on JD’s pitching chart and make him a strong candidate for midweek. Tonight’s remaining pitchers each threw one inning apiece. There would be no further scoring from either team, as each pitcher was dominant against a revitalized offense that seemed to have fizzled tonight. The only hit Green was able to hit off of Lodeck, Durso, and Lofgren came in the 8th off of Lofgren with Donavan Jeffrey recording a two-out double, only left stranded on second with Brixton striking out Gabiel Milano. Team Orange of Drummond, Fernandez, and Peralta also did not give up a hit, striking out a combined seven and walking three. A remarkable night for the BP. Ryan Bilka, our closer, really closed the door on Green in the 9th, striking out all three batters-Watkins, Gary, and Torres—in quick order.