HOLYOKE — Everything was clicking for the Valley Blue Sox on Thursday night, and their bats evidently made the trip with them to Danbury.

The Blue Sox erupted for a baker’s dozen in runs, overwhelming the Westerners 13-3 in seven innings to get back to .500 and a share of first place in the NECBL’s West Division.

Valley recorded 12 hits from eight different players on Thursday, including a huge 4-for-5 night from Andrew Estrella, who hit a home run, tallied two RBIs and scored four runs in the win. Jonathan Hogart ripped a double and notched three RBIs as well as the two continue their hot stretch of play.

On the bump was Mike Jensen in what was his first start of the season. He looked right at home as a starter despite typically coming out of the pen, as Jensen tossed four scoreless innings – giving up just one hit and surrendering zero walks on five strikeouts. The Westerners had no answer for him on Thursday. Jax Traeger came on in relief, throwing the final three innings where he gave up three runs and five hits with two strikeouts.

The Blue Sox were back at it Friday night at Martha’s Vineyard, visiting the Sharks before a day off on Saturday.

At 14-14, Valley sits in a first place tie with the Bristol Blues, a team it plays four more times before the season is over – including the regular season finale on July 30 at MacKenzie Stadium in Holyoke.

Four players are currently batting over .300 (min. 15 at bats) for the Blue Sox. Their offense has come alive this week; they’ve scored eight runs or more in their last four contests.

Michael O’Conor leads the way at .333 and his team-high 30 hits and eight doubles have given Valley a reliable bat to lean on this year. O’Conor also has four home runs, good for second on the team. Logan Hugo is a contact machine, his 28 hits back that up, and Hogart’s power has prompted teams to pitch around him this summer. Hogart has 23 hits and leads the team with six home runs and 22 RBIs.

Granby native and current UMass baseball player Michael Toth has accumulated nine hits, eight RBIs and 12 runs this year. The catcher has appeared in 18 games.

On the flip side, the Blue Sox have gotten strong outings from their pitching so far this season. Gregory Shaw has been lights out in his five starts this year, posting a 0.39 ERA in 22 2/3 innings pitched. The UConn product has given up one run on 15 punch outs in that span, posting a 2-0 record with three no decisions.

David Case leads the team with 32 strikeouts, and had a stretch in a start this year where he struck out seven consecutive batters. Case earned a NECBL Pitcher of the Week award in late June. He’s appeared in five games and has a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA.

Out of the pen, Will Newell has been a threat, striking out 28 batters in 18 1/3 total innings. He’s appeared in seven games in 2024.

Including Friday night, the Blue Sox have 14 regular season tilts remaining, with postseason play beginning in early August.