The Jays put together back-to-back wins this weekend with a win over the Pirates on Saturday and another on Sunday vs. the Twins bringing their spring training record to 7-11 and putting them in 17th place in the Grapefruit league.
The Saturday game had Toronto matching up against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home. Jays Ace Roy Halladay gave a great performance going 5 innings, giving up 4 hits, no runs, and striking out 4, bringing his ERA down to 2.57. Toronto relievers also had a good outing combining for 4 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, and 3 K’s.
Batters had their success as well putting together 10 hits, 1 of which was a homer from non-roster invitee 1st basemen Chip Cannon in the 8th off righty Brian Rogers. Matt Stairs also had a pretty good game going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI, and Vernon Wells played well too going 1-for-3 with 1 run scored. Toronto also had 6 different hitters hit a double keeping runners constantly on base. Two-baggers came from Rios, Overbay, Rolen, Stairs, Johnson, and Kratz. This was a solid outing for both pitchers and hitters, and a solid win, final score 4-1.
Sundays game had Toronto away facing the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, Florida. This game had a little bit more offense involved but the same result, a win. Starter Dustin McGowan took the mound for the Jays and had an ‘okay’ showing going 5 innings deep giving up 7 hits, 3 runs, and he struck out 4. The relievers were the ones that really looked good going a combined 4 innings giving up 1 hit, no runs, walked 2, and struck out 3. This performance by the bullpen makes two games, back-to-back, where they really played well. Something manager John Gibbons should be really excited about because it seems to be perfect timing with the season less the 2 weeks away.
Hitters shined in this one also getting 8 runs on 14 hits. The hits include 4 doubles and a triple from infielder John Tolisano. Catcher Brian Jeroloman, a non-roster invitee, had a superb game going 3-for-4 including a double, with 2 RBI, a run scored, and he walked once. Shortstop John McDonald hit perfectly in the game going 3-for-3 with 1 RBI and a run scored. This was another solid showing for the Jays, both offensively and defensively, Final score 8-3. Its good to see them get things together as we near opening day.
