The Blue Jays continued to struggle through spring training with another loss today at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-4. This loss is the 4th in the last 5 games making their overall spring training record 5-11. This also leaves Toronto in last place in the Grapefruit League tied with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
In todays game it seemed to be the hitting that was the problem because Toronto could only put together 3 hits, 1 of which was a 2 run shot from right-fielder Alex Rios in the 3rd. The Blue Jays actually had the lead the entire game despite their 3 hits, but gave it up when Tampa put together a 5 run 8th inning led by Evan Longoria’s 2 run shot off Jeremy Accardo.
Closer B.J. Ryan was given the start and had a fairly productive inning of work giving up no hits and striking out 2. It was righty Jesse Litsch who seemed to have a hard time against Ray hitters going 4.2 innings giving up 7 hits, 3 runs (all of which were earned) and he walked 2. The problem is that he wasn’t the only one who had problems facing Tampa hitters. Brian Tallet came in to do some relief work in the 8th and was punished only making it .2 innings. In that small amount of time he allowed 3 hits, 4 runs (all of which were earned), a blown save, and he received the loss.
Hopefully Toronto will get things together for opening day which is less then 2 weeks away. Good thing none of these games count and that they don’t really matter. Plus, there are still 12 more games left in spring ball for the Jay’s to get their act together… I expect that they will.
