And rightfully so.

That trio played key roles in the team’s 15-10 Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League victory over Elmira, which put it into sole possession of first place in the West Division, percentage points in front of Batavia.

But the Tarp Skunks, who have won four in a row and eight of their last 10, might not find themselves in such a favorable spot if it weren’t for a local teenager who has yet to step foot on a college campus.

Catcher Branston Lindquist, a Jamestown native who graduated from St. Mary’s of Lancaster in June, has seen significant time behind the plate during the Tarp Skunks’ red-hot July, leaving Jagoda thrilled.

Steve Garvey, left, presents a photograph to Ray Lindquist at Wednesday’s tent party prior to Jamestown’s PGCBL game against Elmira. The photo of Lindquist was in recognition of his long career as a baseball umpire in the area and his dedication to the Falconer Little League. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

“He’s been phenomenal … for us,” he said. “He played his last high school game late on a Saturday night and moved into the dorms (at Jamestown Community College) after midnight. We got to Batavia the next day and there were no plans to play him, but there were some situations that came up and next thing you know he’s thrown right into the fire.”

In 20 games, Lindquist is batting .290; has collected nine hits, including two doubles and a triple; driven in five runs; scored seven more; and walked seven times.

“I’d say he’s answered the call,” Jagoda said. “I think he’s done what he’s capable of. I think what’s impressive is the work he’s put in offensively over the last several years has come a long way.”

The offensive output by the rest of the lineup continues to impress.

McGuire (double, three RBIs) and Ben Slanker (RBI) both collected two hits, Justin Bremner drilled a three-run home run in a six-run second inning and Niko Frizell added a solo shot in the seventh inning in a game that Jamestown led 11-0 after three innings.

“It’s a deep lineup,” Jagoda said. “Obviously, we’ve been cracking it all year. … They’re really starting to string some things together. It’s been a good display, especially as of late.”

The Pioneers (21-18-1) scored five runs in both the fifth and eighth innings to make things mildly interesting, but Brown struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the win.

TJ Gramesty led Elmira with three hits — all triples — and two RBIs; Benjamin Rhode added two hits and two RBIs; Aidan Grabowski drove in two runs; Vincent Favata had an RBI triple; and Cooper Smith and Kam Levesque (RBI) both had doubles.

Jamestown is off today and will conclude its regular-season home schedule on Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Niagara. The Tarp Skunks travel to Niagara on Sunday and play their final regular-season game on Saturday at Batavia. Jamestown is now 27-13 (.675) on the season compared to 27-13-1 (.671) for Batavia, which lost to Niagara Falls (27-16, .628) 9-7 last night.

“Obviously it’s always good to play good baseball late in the season and down the stretch,” Jagoda said. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us with three regular-season games left.”

NOTES: Bolla started and worked 3 â…” scoreless innings and Daniel Thomas, one of five Jamestown relievers, got the win to raise his record to 3-0. … Elmira starter Garrett Rochon (2-4), one of six Pioneers’ pitchers, took the loss. … Recent Jamestown roster addition and Salamanca native Harley Hoag scored a run and had two assists at second base in his third game in a Tarp Skunks’ uniform. … Dunkirk native Phillip Messina is also on the roster and Frewsburg native Mason Eckman is helping out as a bullpen catcher. … The attendance was 649. … Before the game, a tent party for members of the village of Falconer was held. Ray Lindquist, Branston’s grandfather, longtime baseball umpire and “Mr. Everything” in Falconer Little League for decades, was interviewed by Greg Peterson. Ray Lindquist also threw out the first pitch to his son, Ben, who is Branston’s father.